Noteworthy conferences in April�and others just beginning their planning

We all remember Ol’ Blue Eyes singing about “April In Paris”—fat lot he knew! Not a single one of these important April conferences happens in Paris. Time to change your tune, Frank (albeit posthumously)!

* The Boao Forum for Asia Annual Conference (April 9 – 11; Boao, China), often called “the Davos of Asia,” will this year have a theme of Green Recovery: Asia’s Realistic Choice for Sustainable Growth. Conference supports the organization’s mission of being “the most prestigious and premier forum for leaders in government, business, and academia in Asia and other continents to share visions on the most pressing issues in this dynamic region and the world at large.” Read more at: www.boaoforum.com/Html/AC2010/rcEN.asp

* The Boston College Center for Corporate Citizenship’s International Corporate Citizenship Conference (April 11 – 13; Boston) is described as “the place where corporate professionals, academics and corporate citizenship leaders create dynamic, streaming conversation by sharing stories about their successes and missteps.” General topic areas of focus include: “How can corporate citizenship accelerate the growth of new opportunities”; and “What are best practices in corporate citizenship during a recession.” Read more at: www.bcccc.net/index.cfm?pageId=2142

* Fortune’s Brainstorm: Green (April 12 – 14; Dana Point, CA) has a theme of How Can Business Profitably Help Solve the World’s Biggest Environmental Problems? and a program focus on “the opportunities, risks, and impact of environmental issues on business and economyProgram examines such topics as sustaining green business models in economic hard times; myths and realities of green buildings; and pros and cons of water privatization. Sessions are highly interactive and moderated by Fortune editors and writers.  Read more at: www.fortuneconferences.com/brainstormgreen

* The Skoll Foundation World Forum on Social Entrepreneurship (April 14 – 16; Oxford) is described as an “annual convening of the world’s leading social entrepreneurs, academics, economists, funders and policy-makers who, collectively, are working to accelerate positive change in global health and environmental issues, poverty, water scarcity, conflict and more.” Recent topics have included “Religion, Social Entrepreneurship and Philanthropy”; “Powerful Women—Shifting the Status Quo”; and “Communities Empowered Through Individual Transformation.” Read more at: www.skollworldforum.com

* Global Initiatives’ Business for the Environment (B4E) Global Summit (April 21 – 23; Seoul, South Korea) has a theme of Powering Growth for the Global Green Economy and is self-described as “the world’s leading international conference for dialogue and business-driven action for the environment.” Event focuses on “the most urgent environmental challenges facing the world today,” examining such sustainability-related topics as resource efficiency, renewable energies, new business models and climate policy and strategies. Read more at: www.b4esummit.com

* The Milken Institute’s Global Conference (April 26 – 28; Los Angeles) will bring together “some of the world’s top firms, organizations, universities and governments” to discuss the factors impacting the world’s economies, financial markets, and societies.  Program focuses on the major global and national economic, financial, business, technological, and policy issues. Read more at: www.milkeninstitute.org/events/events.taf?function=detail&cat=GC&id=274&eventID=GC10

* The Social Venture Network’s Spring Member Gathering (April 29 – May 2; Stevenson, WA) convenes to “discuss ways in which [members] can collaborate to produce sustainable economic opportunities—locally, nationally, and globally.” Recent topics have included “Strategies for Expanding Impact”; “Next Generation of Community Development”; and “Broadening Sustainability Efforts.” Read more at: http://svn.org/index.cfm?pageId=996

Noteworthy conferences beginning agenda planning this month

* The SharedXpertise Media organizers will begin planning the agenda for their CRO (Corporate Responsibility Officer) Summit/Fall (November 3 – 4; Chicago) in early April.  The event aims to provide corporate responsibility professionals with the opportunity to examine various issues and updates within their field. Although the majority of speakers are selected proactively by conference organizers, speaker/topic suggestions are accepted.   

* Economist Conference Group will begin solidifying the agenda for its Global Agenda (November 4 – 5; London) in early April. The invitation-only event is described as “a private gathering in which business leaders, senior policymakers, and influential thinkers from economics and academia gather to consider the business and economic issues of the day.” Theme will again be Where Next for Economics, Politics and Business?

* The Maeil Business Newspaper’s World Knowledge Forum is self-described as “Asia’s most prominent knowledge festival.” Event focuses on the “search for the 21st Century wealth creation equation,” addressing such topics as the impact of fund capitalism; US policy toward North Korea; innovation as a factor in corporate growth; building global brand leadership; and creation of online distribution channels. April kicks off the agenda planning process for this event. The tentative theme for the event is Preparing for the New Decade: Asia Momentum, G20 Leadership and Road Map for New World Order.