The registration fee includes full program, lunch, and a paperback copy of David Gelles’ book, Dirtbag Billionaire, as well as networking, interactive sessions, and a copy of the proceedings. Books by Bill George and Michelle Wucker will be available for sale. Any questions or suggestions? Contact events@stewardverse.com.
Join us for Stewardverse Strategies’ next business leader summit, the 2026 Stewardverse Business Forum, on Earth Day, April 22, 2026, at The Hennepin in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
The forum marks the official launch of the Stewardverse Leadership Institute. The institute is founded on the idea that business leaders can safeguard their company's financial success while also protecting nature and people. We believe the role of ethics-guided businesses is to build and lead sustainable economic outcomes in local, national, and global markets.
OUR host.
Devry Boughner Vorwerk, CEO of Stewardverse Strategies.
OUR SPEAKERS.
Kjell Bergh, the Chairman of Borton Volvo;
Arin Brown, the Chief Technology Officer at SeaChange Print Innovations;
Jamison Galloway, Lead Data Scientist at 3M;
David Gelles, New York Times Reporter and Author of Dirtbag Billionaire: How Yvon Chouinard Built Patagonia, Made a Fortune, and Gave It All Away*;
Bill George, the former Chairman and CEO of Medtronic and Author of True North: Emerging Leader Edition;
Jihan Jenkins, General Manager, Everpure Home at Pentair;
John Klinkenberg, CEO of Paragon Group of Companies and COO of Minnesota Sports & Events;
Jason Meyer, Vice President at WSP;
Rachael Ostrom, CEO and Owner at Acorn Bookstore;
Chris Samuel, Chief Impact & Corporate Affairs Officer at Viridian Ecosystems;
Laura Smith, Sustainability and Compliance Manager at Storm Creek;
Chanda Smith Baker, President & CEO, Saint Paul & Minnesota Foundation;
T.J. Stroebl, Market Development Leader at Kurita America and Incoming President-elect of the American Water Works Association;
Dana Thompson, the Founder/CEO of Dana Thompson Consulting, Heti Products and NYEco Products;
Torry Whitney, Vice President, Global Communications at Ecolab;
Mark Williams, Founder at Mark D. Williams Custom Homes and Builder at Mysa Hus; and
Michele Wucker, the Author of The Gray Rhino: How to Recognize and Act on the Obvious Dangers We Ignore, among others to be announced.
*Virtual.
The agenda.
Our agenda for the day will focus on business trends in several high-impact areas: business ethics and governance; local & global commerce; artificial intelligence and quantum computing; nature, health and wellness, and workforce demographics (youth, women, aging and migration).
10:00
10:30
11:30
11:40
12:25
12:45
1:30
2:15
3:00
3:45
4:00
What to Expect.
Businesses of all sizes are facing critical challenges around sustainability and material risks such as policy dynamics, compliance and regulatory forces, shifting market winds, social and community pressures, new technologies, natural disasters, supply chain uncertainty, security risks, and others.
The interactive event will help executives from diverse industries understand what priorities businesses are grappling with today, what’s most likely around the corner, and what can be done to better prepare for resilient and sustainable and growth.
SPONSORS.
We believe in high-value, high-visibility partnerships. Sponsorship benefits are fully customizable to align with your organization’s specific strategic goals. Some of the benefits sponsors can expect include:
Thought Leadership: Opportunity to introduce keynote speakers.
Brand Authority: Prominent logo placement across digital and physical event assets.
Strategic Input: Invitation to suggest speakers and help inform the forum agenda.
Exclusive Access: Guest invitations for your clients and executive leadership.
Devry’s Recommendations.
Hotel Recommendations.
Local Attractions.
University of Minnesota Landscape Arboretum
Walker Art Museum & Sculpture Garden
Minneapolis Institute of Art
Minnehaha Falls Regional Park
Lake of the Isles
Stone Arch Bridge
Weisman Art Museum
Paisley Park / Prince Museum
First Avenue Danceteria
Guthrie Theater
North Loop
Dakota Jazz Club
Como Park Zoo and Conservatory (St. Paul)
Summit Avenue (St. Paul) walking tours
Mall of America
Lake Minnetonka (Wayzata or Excelsior)
Area Restaurant Recommendations.
Breakfast/brunch:
Farmers Kitchen and Bar (7 minutes from the venue)
Wise Acre Eatery (10 minutes from the venue)
Lunch:
Brasa (9 minutes from venue)
Malcolm Yards (12 minutes from the venue)
Dinner:
Tullibee $$ (5 minutes from venue)
Owamni $$ (6 minutes from venue)
Alma $$$ (7 minutes from venue)
Cedar + Stone Urban Table $$$ (17 minutes from the venue, closer to the airport)