The 4th Good Business is Good Business Conference

Join us for a day of insight and inspiration at the Good Business is Good Business Conference featuring the 8th Annual American Innovation Index. This year’s theme explores how organizations navigate and lead through change — embracing innovation, sustainability, and trust to create long-term value and meaningful impact.

The 4th Good Business is Good Business Conference, featuring the 8th Annual American Innovation Index™, brings together business leaders, innovators, and academics to explore how innovation and responsibility intersect to drive sustainable growth and social impact.

In a world defined by volatility and transformation, the conference examines what change looks like today and how organizations can innovate through uncertainty with purpose and agility. From the challenges of sustainability to the realities of change management, speakers and panels will share strategies for driving progress while balancing performance, responsibility, and adaptability.

The program highlights how innovation and sustainability together fuel long-term value creation, revealing how companies align business performance with societal impact and build the trust essential for enduring success. It also explores how authentic communication and collaboration across stakeholders turn ideas into lasting change and shared value.

Featuring insights from the American Innovation Index™ and Social Innovation Index™, the day offers actionable perspectives on leading through uncertainty, embedding sustainability into strategy, and shaping a more resilient, innovative future for business and society.

Participants will leave with research-driven insights, actionable frameworks, and real-world examples of how to align innovation, responsibility, and communication to create meaningful, long-term value for customers, communities, and the world.

Date & Time: Thursday, March 12, 2026; 8:30AM – 5:00PM EST

Location: Fordham University Law School

8:45 AM – Check In and Registration

8:30 AM-9:30 AM – Welcome Breakfast

9:30 AM – Welcome Address, Barbara Porco, Ph.D., Managing Director, Responsible Business Center; Associate Dean of Graduate Studies, Fordham University, Gabelli School of Business

9:45 AM – Keynote Address, Speaker To Be Confirmed

10:15 AM – 2025 American Innovation Index Results, Gina Woodall, Vice President, Radius

The American Innovation Index™ has tracked trends in customer-perceived innovation and social innovation since 2018.  Hear the latest trends, learn which U.S. companies are ranked most innovative by their customers, understand why being an innovative and socially innovative company in the eyes of your customers matters, and learn how you can further your brand’s innovation journey.

10:30 AM – Changing Consumer Perceptions of AI, Jay Shutter, CTO, Radius

The rapid adoption of AI across all facets of business is changing the way companies operate and interact with their customers and prospects.  How do consumers feel about the use of AI?  How have their perceptions changed over time?  How do their perceptions of AI affect a company’s brand?  We will present the latest data on consumer perceptions of AI and the impact of AI on customer perceptions of firm innovativeness.

10:50 AM – The Impact of AI on the Customer (Panel)

Speakers & Moderator To Be Confirmed

Artificial intelligence has blurred the line between companies’ human and digital interactions with customers. As companies race to implement AI in all areas of their business, they must also consider issues of transparency, data privacy, cybersecurity, and worker safety—critical factors that shape whether customers view AI as trustworthy and responsible. What makes AI successful? When is it accepted and when is it not? In this panel, innovation leaders will explore the benefits, barriers, implementation, and impact of AI on their customers, while offering best practices for adopting new technologies in ways that balance innovation with social responsibility, reflecting the “S” in ESG.

11:15 AM – Coffee Break

11:30 AM – When Doing Good Drives Loyalty: What Customers Value Most in Social Innovation

Speaker To Be Confirmed

Companies today pursue social innovation in many ways, from sustainability efforts to community impact and ethical practices. But which of these initiatives matter most to customers? And how do expectations differ across industries? This session will explore how customers define social innovation, how their perceptions have evolved over time, and how they identify and reward companies they view as socially innovative.

11:50 AM – Redefining What It Means to Do Good (Panel)

Speakers & Moderator To Be Confirmed

What does it mean to be a socially responsible company in today’s world? From supporting customers through meaningful actions to strengthening local communities and tackling global challenges, companies are redefining what social responsibility looks like.

In this panel, corporate leaders dedicated to driving social good will share how their approaches have evolved, the benefits and challenges they face, best practices for creating real impact, and how they communicate their efforts in ways that resonate with customers.

12:15 PM – Fireside Chat, Speaker & Moderator To Be Confirmed with a focus on sustainability and innovation

1:00 – Lunch

2:00 PM – Keynote Address: From Innovation to Impact: Why Good Business is Smart Business

Speakers To Be Confirmed

2:20 PM – Natural Asset Companies & Natural Capital (Panel)

Speakers & Moderator To Be Confirmed

This session examines the emerging field of natural asset companies and the role of natural capital in shaping business models that protect ecosystems while creating new forms of value. As a groundbreaking approach, natural asset companies represent an innovative way of rethinking how we value nature itself, unlocking new opportunities at the intersection of sustainability, finance, and corporate strategy.

2:55 PM – Responsible Reporting & Transparency (Panel)

Speakers To Be Confirmed; Marc Siegel, Moderator

Corporate leaders share cutting-edge approaches to measuring and communicating sustainability performance. The panel will highlight innovative reporting frameworks, new tools for data transparency, and creative ways organizations are building trust with stakeholders while avoiding greenwashing. Reporting out is essential because it not only holds companies accountable but also demonstrates progress, fosters credibility, and allows firms to lead by example in shaping industry standards.

3:30 PM – Coffee & Networking Break

3:50 PM – Faculty Research Spotlight

Speaker To Be Confirmed

4:20 PM – Sustainability Futures: The Next Frontier in Good Business (Panel)

Speakers & Moderator To Be Confirmed

Industry experts explore what’s ahead in sustainability—from climate technology to circular economy models to the evolving “S” in ESG. This forward-looking conversation showcases innovative practices and bold strategies that position companies to lead with purpose in an ever-changing global landscape.

4:55 PM – Closing Reflections, Leigh Anne Statuto, Executive Director, Responsible Business Center

5:00 PM – Networking Reception

Join us to hear success stories and lessons learned from the most innovative companies in America, as well as insights from the authors of the American Innovation Index. There will be an opportunity to talk to Innovation Leaders in all sectors at the celebratory reception following the event. Previous year’s speakers and attendees included many award winners, such as:

The conference is designed to ensure you come away with ideas for driving your company’s innovation strategy that will be applauded by your customers.