The Learning Tracks

Collective Action

Because we go further together.
Explore how collaboration across businesses, sectors, and communities drives systems change. Learn from those uniting to amplify impact and move from intention to action—together.
Climate Action

Bold steps for a livable future.
From decarbonization strategies to regenerative practices, this track is for those tackling the climate crisis head-on. Discover innovative tools, real-world solutions, and shared responsibility for our planet.
New Standards

Clarity for the road ahead.
Get grounded in the evolving B Corp standards and what they mean for your business. This track will help you prepare for the shift, align your impact strategy, and stay rooted in purpose as the movement grows.
Beyond the B

Impact that reaches farther.
Certification is a milestone, not the finish line. This track showcases how B Corps are pushing past the badge to build more just, inclusive, and regenerative systems—and inviting others to do the same.
Wellness

Permission to pause. Space to heal.
In a world that asks so much, this track invites you to exhale. Ground yourself in practices that support personal resilience, community care, and leadership sustainability. Because to lead this work well, we must be well. Just B.

The BLD Agenda

10:00 am — Doors Open (Coffee, Networking, Marketplace)

10:30 am — Opening & Welcome, Astronomy Hall

Opening Keynote Sessions, Astronomy Hall

Keynote: “Why We Gather: The Power of Intentional Convening” (Kel Moody, Alluvium Gatherings & B Lab U.S. & Canada)

Keynote: “A Rally Cry for Collective Action” (Amelia Ahl, The Builders Fund & Hypha Collective)

Keynote: “Regeneration is Our Job: How Business Can Heal Climate and Community Through Food” (Paul Lightfoot, Patagonia Provisions)

Keynote: “The True Cost of Conformity” (Dr. Kimberly McGlonn, Build It Boldly)

12:00 pm — Lunch

1:20 pm — Breakout Sessions #1

Collective Action: “Why Companies Should Lobby for Climate and How Business Leaders Can Help” (Deb McNamara, ClimateVoice)

Climate Action: Roundtable: Exploring the Climate Action Section of the New B Corp Standard (Carlyn Cunningham, Climate Positive Consulting)

New Standards: “Exploring Alternative Ownership: Tools for B Corps and Beyond” (Ryan Honeyman & Kevin Bayuk, LIFT Economy)

Beyond the B: “Leading with Values During Uncertain Times” (Brenda Kahler, Armanino)

Wellness: “Finding Your Path in the Ecosystem” (Andrea Prebys-Williams, Fireweed Consulting)

1:50 pm — Break #1

2:00 pm — Breakout Sessions #2

Collective Action: “Tools for developing your Responsible Lobbying Policy: Demystifying GACA 1” (Elizabeth Doty, Third Side Strategies; Renaud de Rosiers, Amy's; Darnell Grisby, Beneficial State Foundation; Jonathan Storper, Hanson Bridgett)

Climate Action: “Climate Action & Finance Centered in Justice & Equity — B Corps Paving the Path Forward - Part 1” (Kylie Nealis, B Lab U.S. & Canada; Paul Moinester, Topo Finance)

New Standards: “Unpacking the New Standards” (Jennifer Harrity & Grant Foad, Sensiba)

Beyond the B: “How to Leverage AI to Maximize Your Mission Securely and Ethically” (Jonathan Will, GadellNet; Anthony Lee, Heroic Voice; Steve Fox, Every Man Jack; Shamini Dhana, Dhana Inc.)

Wellness: “Self Regulation 101" (Nicole Farkouh, CultureWonk)

2:30 pm — Break #2

2:40 pm — Breakout Sessions #3

Collective Action: “From Mission to Movement: How B Corps Can Set New Standards on Emerging Issues” (Alex Bede, Grove Collaborative)

Climate Action: “Climate Action & Finance Centered in Justice & Equity — B Corps Paving the Path Forward - Part 2” (Kylie Nealis, B Lab U.S. & Canada; Paul Moinester, Topo Finance)

New Standards: “Building B Corp Innovation Labs: From Competition to Collaboration in the New Impact Economy” (Sara Blenkhorn, Leverage Lab & Eileen Fisher)

Beyond the B: “Beyond Sustainability: Why Responsible Business is the Future of B Corps” (Susan Griffin-Black, EO Products)

Beyond the B: “Redefining Interdependence to Drive Impact: Insights from Women CEOs” (Sandra Stewart, Thinkshift Communications; Maiya Holliday, Mangrove; Michelle Hirons, HigherRing; Hannah Sandmeyer, Up & Over Advisors)

3:10 pm — Break #3 with Snacks!

3:20pm — UnConference with Ryan Honeyman of LIFT Economy, Astronomy Hall

4:10 pm — Closing Words and Reflections, Astronomy Hall

4:45 pm — Planetarium Show: Ohlone Skies

5:30 pm — Starlight Happy Hour Observation Deck, outside the Astronomy Hall

7:30 pm — Doors Close

What’s an UnConference?

The Unconference is your space to drive the conversation. This dynamic, participant-led session flips the script—no predetermined panels or speakers. Instead, attendees co-create the agenda in real time, bringing forward the topics, challenges, and ideas they’re most passionate about. It’s a chance to dig deeper into something that sparked your interest during a BLD session—or finally get answers to the questions that weren’t addressed elsewhere in the day. Whether you're seeking collaboration, clarity, or community, the Unconference invites every voice into the room. Show up ready to share, listen, and connect on what matters most to you and our B Corp movement.

What’s the Planetarium Show?

Ohlone Skies (mur taaraxtak) (40 Min) Developed in partnership and solidarity with Cafe Ohlone, mur taaraxtak, or Ohlone Skies, weaves science and storytelling into a rich tapestry of Indigenous Ohlone knowledge, heritage, and history deeply rooted right here in the Oakland hills. At this star-studded premiere, hear from multigenerational community voices about the importance of representation in a panel discussion, indulge in aromatic teas, and immerse yourself in the enchanting practice of acorn processing.

What’s the Starlight Happy Hour?

Sip, snack, and stargaze.
Unwind after a full day of inspiration at the Starlight Happy Hour, set on the breathtaking Observation Deck of the Chabot Space & Science Center. Enjoy local wines and curated charcuterie as the sun sets over the redwoods. Then, take a turn at the eyepiece and gaze into the cosmos through two of Chabot’s historic, large-scale telescopes. It’s a moment to connect—under the stars, with your community, and with the wonder that reminds us why we do this work.

Can’t attend the whole day but still want connect?

Planetarium/Happy Hour Only Tickets
We have a small number of tickets that are just for the afternoon from 4:30-7:30 pm. Come join us for the Planetarium Show and the Starlight Happy Hour to connect with your B Corp community!

Pre- & Post-BLD Events

Pre-BLD – October 20th – B Corp & Co-Op Mixer – Understory, Oakland (RSVP Here)
Join us to connect and kick off BLD 2025. There will be delicious food & beverages from Understory, a worker-owned restaurant and community space. There will be mingling, music from Oakland's DJ Karlita, and the chance to learn about both business communities.

A special pre-event happy hour from 5:00 to 6:00 PM for folx who identify as BIPOC, (Black, Indigenous, and/or People of Color) this event will be an opportunity to connect with other BIPOC leaders and professionals in the B Corp and worker-owned business communities before the main event. It’s a chance to build relationships, share experiences, and foster a more inclusive and supportive network.

Post-BLD – October 22nd – BLD Debrief – 10am-11:30am
BLD is, in pretty much every way, a lot. Lots of energy and new ideas, lots of connections and new opportunities. Distilling what you've learned and settling on clear and relevant action steps is easier said than done. Join other BLD attendees for a small group community reflection and sense making session. There are three choices for your reflection group. Please choose the session you would like to attend by selecting the corresponding ticket. (RSVP Here)

Community Reflection Options:

Focus on Certification | Led by B Lab U.S. & Canada Team Members | Location: Oakstop 23, Oakland
Focus on Collaboration | Led by B2B Network Leader Jonathan Will | Location: Beneficial State Bank, 3rd Floor, Oakland
BIPOC Only Community | Led by B Lab's BIPOC Network Leader, Emmy Allison | Location: Beneficial State Bank, 3rd Floor, Oakland