In-Person Community Event
Chicago, 23 April 2026
9:30 AM - 6:30 PM CST
Join us to connect, learn, and level up your sustainability strategy
When: Thursday 23 April 2026, 9:30 AM - 4.30 PM Central Standard Time (Networking drinks until 6:30 PM)
Where: Fairmont Chicago Millennium Park Hotel, 200 N Columbus Dr, Chicago, IL 60601
Be part of Sedex Xchange North America, the first in our global series of immersive, in‑person Sedex events this year. It’s a chance to meet peers, sustainability leaders, and industry experts who are shaping the future of responsible business. Whether you're new to Sedex or a long‑time member, you’ll come away with insights, tools, and connections that help accelerate your organisation’s progress.
Xchange North America is built for collaboration and practical learning. Throughout the day, we’ll move among presentations, engaging discussions and structured networking designed to spark meaningful exchange. You’ll have plenty of moments to connect directly with speakers, peers, and Sedex experts as conversations unfold. We’ll round off the day with networking drinks to keep the dialogue going, share ideas, and strengthen new relationships.
By the time you leave, you’ll carry fresh perspectives, actionable strategies, and a stronger professional network to support your sustainability goals throughout 2026 and beyond.
Make sure to check out the agenda below, and register as soon as possible to secure your spot!
Agenda
Please note that the agenda below may be subject to change.
|
Time |
Session |
Speaker / Facilitator |
|
8:30 - 9:30 AM |
Registration & Welcome Breakfast Light breakfast, badge collection, settle in, make new contacts. |
|
|
9:30 - 10:00 AM |
Welcome & Making the connection Intro, outline of the day and housekeeping. Get to know who’s in the room and meet peers around your table. |
Pritesh Chauhan, Head of Customer Marketing & Community, Sedex |
|
10:00 – 10:45 AM |
Sedex Updates Sedex’s latest progress, new developments and a view of what’s ahead. |
Isabelle Fletcher-Wilson, Head of Account Management and Customer Success, Sedex Matt Terreni, VP North America, Sedex |
|
10:45 – 11:00 AM |
Networking Break A chance to grab a drink, a snack and meet someone new. |
|
|
11:00 PM – 12:00 PM |
SMETA Spotlight A look at SMETA’s evolution; data-driven insights, lessons learned, and future direction post global consultation sessions. |
Alexia Ward, Head of Sustainability Improvement and Evolution, Sedex |
|
12:00 - 12:30 PM |
Audit Quality Programme Updates Key Audit Quality Programme progress, improvements and upcoming priorities. |
Fiorela Topciu, Head of Quality Assurance and Audit Partners, Sedex |
|
12:30 – 1:00 PM |
Uncovering Hidden Risk in Domestic and Global US Supply Chains with Sedex Data Uncover hidden US supply chain risks with Sedex data, practical case studies, and space for your questions. |
Martine Hornseth, Sustainability Intelligence Strategist, Sedex |
|
1:00 - 2:00 PM |
Networking Lunch Refuel, build new contacts and decompress from the morning. |
|
|
2:00 - 3:00 PM |
Addressing hidden workforce risks: Expanding SMETA coverage across service sectors, including Member Case Study Exploring product evolution and risk, featuring the latest on the Service Provider Audit. Plus, hear directly from a member as they share their experience with the Service Provider Audit. |
Tom Sewell, Social Sustainability Manager, Sedex Joe Waitkevich, Head of Global Remediation, Amazon |
|
3:00 - 3:30 PM |
Member Spotlight |
Sedex Member - To be confirmed |
|
3:30 - 3:45 PM |
Networking Break Refresh, reset, and keep the conversations going. |
|
|
3:45 - 4:15 PM |
North America Community Open Forum A space to exchange regional challenges, priorities, and practical approaches to address them. |
Facilitator: Isabelle Fletcher-Wilson, Head of Account Management and Customer Success, Sedex Alexia Ward, Head of Sustainability Improvement and Evolution, Sedex |
|
4:15 - 4:30 PM |
Closing Reflect on the day, celebrate our community, and share what comes next. |
Pritesh Chauhan, Head of Customer Marketing & Community, Sedex |
|
4:30 - 6:30 PM |
Networking Drinks Time to unwind, chat, and deepen connections. |
Reserve your spot
Register now to secure your spot at the first Sedex Xchange event of the year on Thursday 23 April 2026 in Chicago:
Build meaningful connections with industry peers, Sedex members, and subject matter experts
Gain practical skills through interactive workshops
Learn from real examples and peer‑led insights
About Sedex
Sedex is the trusted partner for ESG and responsible business. Our leading technology platform, insights, and services make it simpler for businesses to manage and improve environmental, social and governance (ESG) performance and meet their sustainable supply chain goals.