ESG & Sustainability Controllers Conference 2026
About this event
Date: 15-17 September 2026
Location: UCLA Anderson School of Management, Los Angeles, California
As sustainability reporting and disclosure requirements expand—and sustainability data becomes inextricably linked to corporate strategy—the most valuable assets a Controller can have are practical tools for success and a network of peers facing similar challenges.
A4S and the Center for Impact at UCLA Anderson are delighted to announce a new conference specifically for the ESG and Sustainability Controller community. Designed to move past theory, this forum focuses on sharing real-world hurdles and best practices. Participants will gain the insights necessary to navigate the current sustainability landscape more effectively while deepening relationships within this unique professional community.
Learning outcomes
By the end of this conference, participants will be able to:
- Optimize Organizational Structures: Benchmark team hierarchies and data ownership models to streamline your department’s footprint and ESG governance.
- Enhance Materiality Assessments: Improve your materiality assessment process by incorporating new techniques and approaches to double materiality.
- Implement Robust Data Controls: Share implementation hurdles to identify common pitfalls and improve the quality and auditability of sustainability data.
- Strategize Executive Communications: Master peer-driven techniques to effectively translate ESG risks for Boards and Audit Committees.
- Construct Quantitative Financial Models: Build auditable models that translate sustainability targets into specific CAPEX, OPEX, and asset valuation impacts.
High-level agenda
Sept 15 — Tentative Schedule (subject to change) |
|
Time |
Session |
9:00 – 10:00 AM |
Welcome and kick-off |
10:00 – 10:45 AM |
Meeting investor needs with effective global disclosure |
11:00 – 12:00 PM |
Managing legal risk |
12:00 – 1:00 PM |
Lunch |
1:30 – 1:45 PM |
Increasing harmonization among standards and frameworks |
1:45 – 3:15 PM |
Breakouts (see below) |
3:30 – 5:00 PM |
Breakouts (see below) |
7:00 PM |
Conference Dinner in Westwood |
Sept 16 — Tentative Schedule |
|
Time |
Session |
9:00 – 10:00 AM |
The Current State of Disclosure |
10:00 – 11:00 PM |
Closing the Sustainability Valuations Gap |
11:00 – 12:15 PM |
AI in ESG Controllership |
12:15 – 12:45 PM |
Lunch |
12:45 – 2:30 PM |
Breakouts (see below) |
3:30 – 5:30 PM |
Sony Pictures Studios – Private Tour |
6:00 PM |
Dinner |
Sept 17 — Tentative Schedule |
|
Time |
Session |
9:00 – 10:30 AM |
GHG Accounting Updates |
10:30 – 12:00 PM |
Solutions Showcase |
Breakout Session Topics – Tentative
EU Taxonomy: Understanding the requirements and setting a strategy for success
Accounting Updates, including audit expectations and internal training
Future-proofing the ESG Controllership Function: Approaches to centralized reporting and governance
Double materiality: Best practices and when to refresh
Climate risk modelling and financial statement effects
CPE credits
This program is designed to meet NASBA requirements for CPE credit in Business Management & Organization.
Sponsorship
Sponsorship opportunities available. Please click the link and contact brad.sparks@a4s.org to learn more.
Express Your Interest
The conference is by invitation-only to ensure an intimate, high-impact networking environment.