Check-In & Networking Coffee Hour
Location: Hula Lobby
Time: 8:00 am - 9:00 am
Complimentary coffee and tea will be available in the lobby, courtesy of Brio Coffeeworks, from 8:00 - 9:00 am! After 9:00 am you will still have the opportunity to purchase delicious lattes and more from Brio Coffeeworks throughout the day!
Welcoming Remarks & Toward an Equitable, Sustainable & Prosperous Economy: A Keynote Conversation with Vermont Leaders
Location: Reef Room
Time: 9:00 am - 10:15 am
How do we build an equitable, sustainable, and prosperous economy? It’s the future many of us aspire to, but how can it be achieved? Hear from public, private, and nonprofit leaders about their visions for Vermont and how they are embracing innovation, momentum, and togetherness to reimagine broken systems and create economic resilience. This “Keynote Conversation” will explore bridging differences and divides, empowering leadership in all Vermonters, and standing -- courageously -- by our values.
Moderator:
Ari Weitzman, Managing Editor, Tangle News
Speakers:
Sascha Mayer, Cofounder, Chief Experience Officer, Mamava
Mike Pieciak, State Treasurer, State of Vermont
Tinotenda Charles Rutanhira, Executive Director, Business Development and Co-Founder, The Vermont Professionals of Color Network
BIPOC Affinity Space
Location: In the room to the left of the Reef Room
Time: 10:00 am - 4:00 pm
Enjoy refreshments and a mental break in an affinity space hosted by the Vermont Professionals of Color Network for those who identify as Black, Indigenous, or a Person of Color. Follow signs from the lobby!
Networking Break
Location: Hula Lobby
Time: 10:15 am - 10:30 am
Visit the exhibitor hall, make new connections, catch up with colleagues, and grab a cup of coffee! You won't want to miss the graphic recording of the Keynote Conversation by Iceberg Consulting, located in the central lobby!
Pay a visit to The Coco Bar to enjoy a FREE coconut, complete with a straw and ready to enjoy! You will also have a chance to connect with Prince Awhaitey as he shares his training and knowledge about the nutritional benefits of the coconut and how nutrition can help you to achieve your goals!
POP Fusion LLC creates custom gourmet lollipops for all occasions. We can cater unique confections for customers or constituents and garnish your guests with some flavorful favors. Have the best swag in your bag with POP Fusion gourmet lollipops!
Curious about our flavor fusions? Visit www.PopFusionLLC.com
BLOCK 1 | 10:30 AM – 12:15 PM
Delivering on Our Commitments: DEI & Sustainability in This Moment
Location: Reef Room
Time: 10:30 am - 11:45 am
In early 2025 federal actions sent a ripple through the business sector. The loss of federal contracts and grants – and the threat of litigation – compelled some companies to eliminate, downsize, or go silent on their Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) and Environmental, Social, Governance (ESG) efforts. Yet this wasn’t the beginning of a backpedal across corporate America. In the past year, iconic brands from Meta to Walmart had already rolled back DEI initiatives, and while many of us agree that “corporate DEI” is broken and the impact of these initiatives hasn’t matched the intent, reversing our commitments to DEI feels unacceptable. In parallel, companies with sustainability commitments, often referred to as “ESG”, have experienced similar pushback. Even iconic sustainability-focused companies are facing opposition from shareholders and contending with concerns about how stakeholders – including the media – will react. Join this conversation to hear how brave business leaders are standing their ground internally and externally, delivering on their commitments, and leveraging this moment to strengthen their brand and use it for good.
Moderator:
Srinivas Venugopal, Academic Director, Sustainable Innovation MBA Program, UVM Grossman School of Business
Speakers:
Kelly Combs, Brand Manager - Innovation & Sustainability, New Chapter
Caroline Corrente, Owner, Haymaker Bun Company
Margot Phillips, Director of JEDI, Burton
Liz Schlegel, Executive Director, The Alchemist Foundation
Location: Isthmus Room
Time: 10:45 am - 12:00 pm
In addition to direct funding for farmers, small businesses, and climate disaster response, a large proportion of Vermont's state budget is reliant on federal funding. From trade to Medicaid, decisions in Washington have a direct impact on Vermont’s economy and people. As Vermont wraps up the 2025 legislative session, join this conversation with state and federal leaders to understand the impacts that federal decisions can (and are) having on Vermont’s businesses and budget, and action steps you can take to strengthen your organization’s position in the face of any headwinds.
Moderator:
Steph Yu, Executive Director, Public Assets Institute
Speakers:
Ryan Christiansen, President & Head Distiller, Caledonia Spirits, Inc.
Fauna Hurley, Business Liaison, Office of Senator Peter Welch
Morgan Nichols, Community Liaison and Constituent Services Representative, Office of Representative Becca Balint
James Paradissis, Outreach Representative, Office of Senator Bernie Sanders
From D.C. to Montpelier: How Federal Decisions Impact Vermont
Connecting with Purpose: A Low-Pressure Networking Experience hosted by UVM SI-MBA and Social Tinkering
Location: Sunset Room
Time: 10:45 am - 12:00 pm
Do you find networking intimidating? You’re not alone! This session is designed for all personality types and levels of networking experience to ensure a welcoming, low-pressure environment. Come make meaningful connections with VBSR members, community leaders, business professionals, UVM SI-MBA students, and more at this structured networking session. No awkward small talk – just real connections with people who care about making an impact.
Facilitator:
Jeanette Langston, Founding Director, Social Tinkering
Lunch Break
Time: 11:45 am - 12:45 pm
For those who pre-purchased a lunch ticket, you will be treated to a delicious buffet from Preppi Market and Eatery, now located in Hula’s café space! The menu includes:
• Chicken Tikka Masala (GF)
• Chickpea Tikka Masala (Vegan, GF)
• Fragrant Basmati Rice (Vegan, GF)
• Indian Summer Salad (Vegan, GF)
• Green Salad (Vegan, GF)
If you do not purchase lunch in advance, you're welcome to buy from Preppi Market and Eatery's grab-and-go cold case, which includes prepared meals, wraps, and charcuterie snack packs. You're also welcome to bring your own lunch or checkout the Micro Mobile Kitchen cart on the outdoor patio!
Visit The Coco Bar cart among the exhibitor tables to get a free coconut, or the Pop Fusion display for gourmet lollipops as supplies last! You won't want to miss the graphic recording of the Keynote Conversation by Iceberg Consulting, located in the central lobby!
Visit the BIPOC Affinity Space to enjoy refreshments and a mental break. Hosted by the Vermont Professionals of Color Network for those who identify as Black, Indigenous, or a Person of Color.
If you have inquiries about specific dietary restrictions, please contact mollyr@vbsr.org.
BLOCK 2 | 12:45 PM – 2:15 PM
Our Eye on the Prize: Keeping Focus and Momentum in Times of Uncertainty
Location: Reef Room
Time: 12:45 pm - 2:00 pm
In an era of harrowing headlines, it can be hard to stay focused, let alone productive. How can you move through the overwhelm and find purpose and momentum? Stay alert and prudent, but limit your disruptions to actual risks, and avoid needless distractions? There isn’t a playbook for 2025, but there are ways to cope, and actions you can take to isolate your concerns and address them efficiently. Join experts across disciplines for a deep dive into the psychology of uncertainty, how this moment compares to others in the history of business leadership, a legal view on precaution, lessons from biomimicry, and how your peers are managing their own work lives and organizations toward sustainability, reimagined employee engagement, and maybe even business growth!
Moderator:
Cheryl Eaton, Managing Director, We Are Guru
Speakers:
Christine Badalamenti Smith, Yoga Therapist and Rewilding Guide, OGGI BE
Michael Dupee, CEO, Sustainable Brands
Mel Hall, Co-founder and CEO, Global Village Foods
Nicole A. Killoran, Professor of Law and Director, Vermont Small Business Law Center, Vermont Law and Graduate School
Beyond Titles: Creating a Culture of Collective Leadership
Location: Isthmus Room
Time: 1:00 pm - 2:15 pm
In today’s ever-evolving workplace, leadership isn’t limited to titles – everyone has a role to play. Join a discussion with innovative leaders – from across organizations – as they share practical strategies for fostering a culture of shared leadership, resilience, and engagement. We’ll explore how to bring your team into the solutions and cultivate leadership at all levels, strengthening workplace culture through internal policies and practices. This session will cover approaches to navigating difficult conversations, low morale, and instilling hope, including in hybrid and remote settings. Employee well-being will be a key focus, including the mental health impacts of workplace and global challenges. When one rises, we all rise – leadership by example has the power to uplift entire teams! Join us for a dynamic session designed to help you lead with confidence and inspire those around you – wherever you sit in your organization.
Moderator:
Lucia Campriello, CEO, Hula
Speakers:
Michelle Moore Hernandez, CEO and Founder, Leading Elephants LLC
Mark Hunter, President and Founder, Pinnacle Coaching
Annie Winkler, Program and Operations Generalist, Vermont Employee Ownership Center
The State of the B Corp Movement: A Conversation with the Vermont B Corp Collective
Location: Sunset Room
Time: 1:00 pm - 2:15 pm
Join us for an insightful session with the Vermont B Corp Collective focused on the evolving landscape of the B Corp movement and what it means for businesses today. We’ll discuss the newly released standards for B Corp Certification and dive into what’s changing, why it matters, and how B Corp-oriented businesses can navigate this transition. Whether you’re a Certified B Corp, considering certification, or simply interested in the future of impact-driven business, this discussion will offer valuable insights into the continued value of being a B Corp in this moment and the role of the B Corp community in shaping a more equitable and sustainable economy.
Co-Moderators:
Carra Beth Cheslin, Social Impact Program (SIP) Manager, Lawson’s Finest Liquids
Emily Gaynor, Director, People & Culture, Native
Speakers:
Erika Anderson-Putman, Community Marketing Associate, Cabot Creamery Co-operative
Meghan Ksiazek, Vice President of Product and ESG, Turtle Fur
Diana Wood, Director of Brand Communications & Sustainability, Norwich Technologies
Networking Break
Location: Hula Lobby
Time: 2:15 pm - 2:30 pm
Visit the exhibitor hall, make new connections, catch up with colleagues or email, and enjoy the beautiful waterfront of Lake Champlain!
Visit The Coco Bar cart among the exhibitor tables to get a free coconut, or the Pop Fusion display for gourmet lollipops as supplies last! You won't want to miss the graphic recording of the Keynote Conversation by Iceberg Consulting, located in the central lobby!
Visit the BIPOC Affinity Space to enjoy refreshments and a mental break. Hosted by the Vermont Professionals of Color Network for those who identify as Black, Indigenous, or a Person of Color.
BLOCK 3 | 2:30 PM – 4:00 PM
From Division to Dialogue: One Small Step with Vermont Public
Location: Reef Room
Time: 2:30 pm - 3:45 pm
Created by StoryCorps, One Small Step is an initiative designed to remind us of the humanity in one another, even those with whom we disagree. Rather than debating politics, this effort brings together people with different beliefs for a conversation focused on personal connection and shared experiences. This powerful initiative – rooted in “contact theory” and supported by a team of scientists, researchers, and psychologists – has been proven to foster understanding and strengthen communities one conversation at a time, with nearly 5,000 people across 40 states (including Vermonters) participating to-date. Join Vermont Public for this transformative training, where you’ll gain tangible skills to navigate differences, build connections, and engage in compassionate dialogue. Come together in conversation, and rediscover what unites us!
Facilitator:
Karen Anderson, Director of Radio Programming & Operations, Vermont Public
Introductory Comments from:
Vijay Singh, CEO, Vermont Public
AI, Social Media & E-Commerce: Using Technology for Good, Despite Its Flaws
Location: Isthmus Room
Time: 2:30 pm - 3:45 pm
Landlines, fax machines, and typewriters still exist but they aren’t surging in popularity as business tools in 2025. Artificial Intelligence, ecommerce and social media, however, become more integral to our economy by the hour. These tools are not without unintended consequences, controversy or moral dilemmas. From massive energy consumption to spreading misinformation, from data privacy violations to the billionaires who benefit from each transaction, every pixel and byte seem to carry both risk and reward. In this moment of “can’t live with them, can’t live without them” technologies, this courageous conversation will tackle how you can thoughtfully, effectively engage these tools in your values-led endeavors. Bring your brave questions and ideas!
Moderator:
Mike Lannen, Founder and Creative Director, Eternity Web
Speakers:
Hiro Soga, Digital Marketing Specialist, Marketing Partners
CD Mattison, Head of Product @ Yelo, UX and Ecommerce Innovation Strategist
Katrina Wagner, Founder, AI Help
After Party
Location: Hula Lobby & Outdoor Patio
Time: 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Celebrate the end of an inspiring day with connections new and old over locally sourced appetizers, a full cash bar including delicious beer from Lawson's Finest Liquids, signature cocktails from Barr Hill, and non-alcoholic options from Tonique Mobile Bar!
This After Party is brought to you by Lawson's Finest Liquids and The Targeted Resume!
Get excited for these delicious Lawson's Finest Liquids beers on the menu:
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Sip of Sunshine: This lupulin-laden India Pale Ale is packed with juicy tropical fruit character, bright floral aromas and delectable layers of hop flavor.
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Little Sip: Our little cousin to Sip of Sunshine IPA has a juicy, fruit-forward character layered with tropical hop flavors and bright floral aromas. Notes of grapefruit and pineapple complement this delectably balanced beer.
You will also find tasty cocktails from Barr Hill including:
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Bee's Knees: Barr Hill Gin, Barr Hill honey, lemon
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Cat's Pajamas: Barr Hill Tom Cat barrel aged gin, Barr Hill honey, lemon
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Hive 75: Barr Hill Gin, Barr Hill honey, lemon, Shacksbury Vermonter Cider
We will also have non-alcoholic options from Tonique Mobile Bar including:
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Lavender Lush: Monday Gin, House-Made Lavender Syrup, House-Made Pomegranate Syrup, Fresh Lemon Juice, Club Soda
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Carrot-Jalapeno Margarita: Ritual Tequila, Carrot Juice, Lime Juice, House-Made Jalapeno Agave Syrup
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Lemon Jewel: Amethyst Lemon-Cucumber, Abstinence Lemon Bittersweet, Fever-Tree Cucumber Tonic
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Calm Rhapsody: Dromme Calm, House-Made Mint-Honey Syrup, Fresh Lemon Juice, Club Soda
