2015 Conference on Volunteering and Service
Business Track FAQ
Q: What is the Conference?
A: Points of Light’s Conference on Volunteering and Service is the largest convening of
nonprofit, government, business and civic leaders in the world. No other volunteer
conference provides all of the tools, resources and people in one place, at one time, at
affordable pricing.
Q: When is the Conference?
A: The 2015 Conference starts Sunday, Oct. 18 and ends Wednesday, Oct. 21.
Q: Where does the conference take place?
A: The Conference will be held at GRB Houston Convention Center.
1001 Avenida de las Americas
Houston, TX 77010
800-427-4697
http://www.houstonconventionctr.com/
Q: How do I register?
A: Register now for the Conference at www.volunteeringandservice.org.
Q: How much does it cost to attend the Conference?
A: Registration costs start as low as $250 and vary by registrant type. For a full list of
registration fees, please view our pricing chart. The general sessions, workshops, forums,
service project, etc., are included in the basic pricing. Some sessions have additional fees
that will be noted in the Itinerary Builder within the registration process.
Q: Are there any discounts?
A: Attendees who sign up for at least one four-hour volunteer shift during the Conference
will also receive a discounted registration rate. If you would like to volunteer at
Conference and receive the discounted rate, please register under the Conference
Volunteer category.
Q: What type of activities will take place at the conference?
A: The Conference includes over 80 workshops with nonprofit, corporate and civic
leaders; hands-on service opportunities; four issue-focused forums and luncheons on
corporate or employee volunteerism, education, veterans and military families, faith and
national service; and special events such as a Welcome to Texas Celebration, Sunday
Supper, and the “Prayer for Peace” service on Sunday, Oct. 18.
Q: What is the focus of the Conference’s Business Track?
A: The Conference’s Business Track features experts that will empower businesses
to take employee engagement programs to new heights. Whether a company is
building a domestic program or going global, it will equip leaders with cutting-edge
resources and re-invigorate change-makers to lead effectively, giving businesses around
the world the tools to promote positive change in their communities.
Q: Why should I take part in the Business Track?
A: It’s only at the Points of Light Conference that this many corporate engagement
executives come together to share what they know. Companies of all sizes are faced with
a growing need to provide purposeful work to employees and a connection to social value
for customers and stakeholders. Hear how they are tackling the challenge to bring value
to communities through volunteering. Participate in the conversations that will challenge
you to explore an exciting future for corporate social investment.
Q: What is the “Business Track Opening and Business Track Luncheon”?
A: “Future Matters,” the Business Track Opening and “Purpose in Practice, the Business
track Luncheon, will take place on Tuesday, Oct. 20, 10:30 .am. – 12:00 p.m. and from
12:30 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. respectively. These are the premier events for leaders from all
disciplines – corporate social responsibility workers, authors, and researchers – to engage
in robust conversations, challenge the accepted principals of employee programs, and
discuss smart strategies to sustain engagement, innovation and excellence.
Q: What are the workshops in the Business Track?
A: The Business Track offers 10 workshops organized into four unique ways to learn:
Effective Practices, Models & Case Studies; Collaborative Engagement; Professional
Development; and Thought Leadership. In these workshops, experts from all disciplines
will delve into the dynamics of transforming employee engagement programs. All
business track events are led by executives and change makers who are bringing purpose
into business and corporate responsibility. Topics include:
 Strengthening Community Networks for Efficiency and Impact (97569)
 Three Skills Every CSR Professional Will Need in the Next Five Years (97640)
 What’s Next? New Frontier of Pro Bono (97677)
 Going Global: Implementation Strategies and Tactics (97606)
 Employee Engagement: What’s Working and What’s Not? (97608)
 Leading and Learning from the Next Generation of Women (104968)
 Using Big Data to Advance Social Missions (97650)
 From Leaders to Legends: The Secrets to CVC Success (11264394-8)
 Get Recognized: Radically Different Approaches to Employee Recognition
(97604)
 Impact 2030: Achieving the Sustainable Development Goals through Employee
Volunteerism (97638)
 From Cause Marketing to Purpose Driven Brands (97661)
Q: Who will be the featured speakers in the Business Track?
A: Confirmed featured speakers include:
• David Abney, CEO, UPS
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Cliff Burrows, group president, U.S., Americas, and Teavana
Moderator: Richard Edelman, CEO, Edelman
Rebecca Hage Thomley, President and Chief Executive Officer, Orion Associates
Jonah Sachs, Founder & Chief Storytelling Officer, Free Range Studios
Eric Meade, Futurist, Whole Mind Strategy Group
Q: What are other opportunities included in the Business Track?
A: The Business Track will include multiple special events, including a basic training for
effective employee volunteer programs and a breakfast with Corporate Volunteer Council
(CVC) leaders and members that will explore the tools for a successful CVC, from strong
leadership support to engaging and effective programming.
Q: How can I learn more about Points of Light?
A: Visit www.pointsoflight.org or www.volunteeringandservice.org with #serviceunites
and keep up with POL’s updates by following us on social media:
facebook.com/NCVSpage
twitter.com/POLConference
youtube.com/user/PointsOfLightInst