Selling Sustainability:
Driving Consumer Demand and Behavior
December Member Meeting
December 4th, 2025
In-Person & Virtual Registration
Hosted by: Capgemini
79 5th Avenue, New York, NY 10003
Meeting Overview
Join the SB Member community for learning, collaboration, and hands-on strategy-building focused on one of our key business challenges: selling sustainability and driving consumer demand and behavior change.
We’ll explore how brands can authentically communicate their sustainability commitments and inspire consumers to choose products and services that create value for business, people, and the planet. Gain practical tools and methodologies for translating purpose into preference — learning through community connection and co-creation how to tell compelling stories, design meaningful customer experiences, and activate internal teams to make sustainability a core driver of growth.
Together, we’ll examine what’s working, what’s next, and how to move from awareness to action to build stronger brands through the power of customer connection.
This SB Member-exclusive gathering is part of our Member Meeting series, intended to create a safe and productive space for discussion, raise shared obstacles and insights, and enable the co-creation of solutions that drive progress for all.
Agenda
Wednesday, December 3rd, 2025
5:00-7:00pm - Member Cocktail Reception - hosted by Co:Collective (details below)
Thursday, December 4th, 2025
8:00-8:50am - Member Networking and Breakfast
Start your day with fresh introductions, meaningful re-connections and inspiration for sustainable conversation throughout the meeting.
8:50-9:00am - Welcome
Kick off the SB Member Meeting with Sustainable Brands CEO and Founder KoAnn Skrzyniarz and Capgemini Global Executive Vice President Sol Salinas as they welcome sustainability leaders from our SB Member Network.
9:00-9:30am - Research Recap and Table Discussion: The Competencies of Effective Sustainability Leadership
As the sustainability landscape becomes more complex and fast-moving, the leaders shaping its future must bring a new mix of skills, mindsets and influence. In this insights share-out and table discussion, Pam Alabaster will share insights from the recent SB leadership research study to spark conversation around the competencies that define effective sustainability leadership today, from systems thinking and stakeholder empathy to strategic communication and innovation in times of uncertainty.
Participants will engage in a discussion to reflect on their own leadership strengths, explore emerging skill gaps across teams and sectors, and exchange ideas on how to cultivate the next generation of sustainability leaders equipped to drive transformation across business, people and the planet.
9:30-10:15am - Roundtable: Net Positive: How Courageous Companies Thrive by Giving More Than They Take
Is the world better because your business exists? Net Positive is about ensuring the answer is a resounding, "Yes."
This panel discussion, led by the Industry Net Positive Advisory Panel and Capgemini speakers Sol Salinas and Franco Amalfi, will introduce a comprehensive framework and maturity model to help organizations assess their readiness and accelerate their net-positive journey. Join us to explore actionable strategies that drive lasting environmental and business value - transforming your organization into a leader in the net-positive movement.
10:15-10:45am - Meditation Break
10:45-11:00am - Networking Programming Break
11:00am-Noon - Panel: Understanding the Sustainability-Driven Consumer
This panel discussion, featuringKiran Uppalapati of Amazon, Tensie Whelan of NYU Stern and Madeline Smith from Warner Music Group will explore the latest trends and understandings around shifting consumer choice, including retailer data and market research that demonstrates how sustainability is driving growth and shaping purchase behavior - including evidence that consumers who switch to sustainable products are more likely to become long-term loyal customers. Learn to identify the drivers that matter most - including merchandising and messaging strategies that create impact.
Noon-1:00pm - Member Lunch and Programming Break
1:00-2:00pm - Workshop: Storytelling and Brand Communication Frameworks for Today: Poking the Bear and Hugging the Bear
Explore how to craft stories that resonate and inspire. Join Freya Williams of Revolt to discuss best practices for transparency, authenticity and impact communication that inspires action rather than fatigue, and discover how leading brands are strengthening brand preference and market share through messaging that connects.
Participants will gain a fresh perspective on how to communicate sustainability with clarity, confidence, and resonance.
2:00-3:00pm - Workshop: Reframing the Language of Sustainability for Today's Moment
How we talk about sustainability profoundly shapes how people understand, value, and act on it. In this discussion, Tony Calandro will explore the power of language in driving cultural and behavioral change. Drawing from his latest work on reframing sustainability narratives, participants will examine how familiar terms, like "ESG," "net zero" or even "sustainability" itself - land differently across audiences, and how reframing can unlock new levels of engagement, understanding, and trust.
Together, we will explore communication strategies that bridge divides, reduce polarization, and connects sustainability to what people care out most: their families, communities, and shared future. The discussion will also set up a hands-on exercise for those interested in reframing techniques in their brand storytelling and stakeholder engagement.
3:00-3:30pm - Networking Programming break
3:30-4:00pm - Executive Reflection and Closing Conversations
We are thrilled to welcome the following speakers:
- Sol Salinas, Capgemini
- Franco Amalfi, Capgemini
- Pam Alabaster, Columbia University
- Freya Williams, Revolt / Anthesis
- Tony Calandro, Purposeful Strategies
- Tensie Whelan, NYU Stern
- Kiran Uppalapati, Amazon
Stay tuned for more speakers!
Who should attend
Sustainable Brands curates Member-exclusive experiences for our network to help guide their journeys toward becoming truly sustainable brands. This meeting is available to the SB Member community networks only.
We encourage brand leaders across innovation, growth, brand voice and values, internal engagement and transformation, as well as consumer communications and marketing to join this interdisciplinary dialogue.
*All SB Member Meetings operate under the Chatham House Rule.
Bring A Guest
Do you have a colleague at another company who would make a great addition to the SB Member Network? If so, we welcome you to bring them as a guest to this Member meeting. There are limited guest seats available so please contact us today to learn more about how to extend this exciting offer. Contact us at engage@sustainablebrands.com for details.
Member-Exclusive In-person Social Hour Gathering:
Wednesday,12/3 - 5:00-7:00pm
Join dozens of fellow SB Member Brands and Solution Providers for our exclusive in-person evening event:
Hosted by CoCollective - join us on their 28th floor roofdeck with amazing views of the city and the opportunity to kickoff our SB Member Network time together.
275 7th Avenue, 28th Floor, New York, NY 10011
Building entrance details to be sent to attendees directly
Travel details
SB has secured a rate with the 6 Columbus Central Park Hotel
308 West 58th Street (btw. 8th and 9th Avenues) New York, NY 10019
This rate is only available through November 8th.
Other hotel options close to the Capgemini office:
Hyatt - Union Square - 134 4th Avenue, New York, NY 10003
Hilton - Fashion District - 152 West 26th Street, New York, NY 10001
Fairfield Inn - Chelsea - 116 West 28th Street, New York, NY 10001
Registration details:
Registration is now closed.
If you would like to register, please reach out to your account director for availability.