Breakfast of Corporate Champions

September 17, 2026

The Breakfast of Corporate Champions

The Breakfast of Corporate Champions brings together CEOs, corporate directors, and governance leaders to open the Global Summit with a high-impact morning of recognition and leadership. The program honors S&P 500 and Fortune 1000 companies with more than 40% women on their boards and underscores the progress driving stronger governance and better business performance.

Agenda

7:00 AM – 8:00 AM

Check-in and Breakfast Reception

8:00 AM – 8:10 AM

Welcome Remarks from 50/50 Women On Boards

8:10 AM – 8:45 AM

Board Leadership in the Age of AI

A forward-looking conversation on the role of boards in overseeing artificial intelligence, reputation, and risk in a rapidly evolving landscape.

8:45 AM – 9:00 AM

Recognition: Companies Leading at 40%+ Representation

Celebrating CEOs and companies that have reached 40% plus women on their boards and are setting the standard for modern governance.

9:00 AM – 9:15 AM

Muriel F. Siebert Award Presentation

Honoring a trailblazing leader who has made a significant impact on advancing women in leadership and corporate governance.

9:15 AM – 9:55 AM

CEO Leadership – Driving Gender Parity as a Business Imperative

A dynamic conversation with leading CEOs on why gender-balanced boards are critical to performance, governance, and long-term value creation.

10:00 AM

Closing Remarks

Speakers

Thank You to Our Sponsors

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NYC Financial District

Venue: 48 Wall Street, Lower Manhattan

Date: Sept. 17, 2026

Time: 8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. ET

Set in one of New York City’s most iconic financial landmarks, 48 Wall Street places you at the center of global business and governance. The historic venue provides a striking backdrop for a leadership gathering of CEOs, corporate directors, and executives shaping the future of corporate boards.

Hotel Options

Below is a selection of hotels within walking distance or a short cab ride from our Financial District venue. Please book your hotel of choice as rooms are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Hotel Indigo Wall Street

Located in New York City's Financial District, Hotel Indigo Downtown Wall Street blends modern comfort with historic charm.

Gild Hall

Welcome to a Lower Manhattan original. Just steps from Wall Street, One World Trade Center, and the Seaport, Gild Hall, a Thompson Hotel, is a refined retreat in the heart of the Financial District.

New York Marriott Downtown

Rising above the streets of Lower Manhattan, the New York Marriott Downtown blends classic style with modern luxury.

Hilton Garden Inn NYC Financial District

Stay steps from the Staten Island Ferry and Battery Park at Hilton Garden Inn NYC Financial Center.

DoubleTree by Hilton New York Downtown

Located in Manhattan’s Financial District, DoubleTree by Hilton New York Downtown offers easy access to Battery Park, the Staten Island Ferry, and top subway lines.

Additional Information About The Breakfast of Corporate Champions

How do I register for The Breakfast of Corporate Champions?

Click this link to register.

Who do I contact with questions about registration?

Please contact our Events Team at events@5050wob.com.

What does registration include?

Access to the breakfast, awards ceremony, and panels during the entire Breakfast of Corporate Champions from 7:00AM – 10:00AM ET.

Does my ticket registration include access to The Global Summit?

No, registration for the Breakfast of Corporate Champions and The Global Summit are separate. Guests are welcome to register for both events. 

Click this link to register for The Global Summit.

What should I wear?

We recommend business attire. There will be a step-and-repeat for photo opportunities and a photographer on site.

How do I get there?

The Breakfast of Corporate Champions will take place at 48 Wall Street in the financial district in lower Manhattan.

  • By subway: Take the 2,3, 4 or 5 train to Wall Street
  • From Newark Airport: Take I-78 E/Holland Tunnel to Broadway, Wall St. in Manhattan, NY
Will there be a bag or coat check?

There will be an area to store bags or luggage but please note there is no coat-check or attendant.

Are there charging stations?

Charging stations will not be available and we recommend you bring a portable charging block if you anticipate needing to power your phone or computer.

Code of Conduct: Governing Data & Emerging Tech

Boards are no longer observers of emerging technology; they are stewards of how it’s governed. This panel goes beyond awareness to examine how directors can structure oversight, define accountability, and measure governance effectiveness in AI, data use, and digital innovation. Panelists will share practical strategies for building governance systems that ensure transparency, ethical decision-making, and responsible innovation at scale.

Speakers include: Sita Lowman, Nithya Das, Suresh Sharma, Byron Loflin

Your First Board Meeting: A Director’s Playbook

Designed for aspiring and newly appointed directors, this session offers practical guidance on how to step confidently into your first boardroom. Learn what to expect in early meetings, how to contribute with purpose, and how to quickly build credibility and trust among seasoned peers. Gain insight into board dynamics, unspoken protocols, and the critical questions new directors should be ready to ask and answer.

Tactics that Work: Case Studies in Navigating Shareholder Activism

In this tactical, director-focused session, participants will engage in case-based exercises to dissect real campaigns and pressure scenarios. From activist letters to proxy fights, explore how boards can craft strategic responses that reinforce governance integrity, protect corporate reputation, and align with long-term priorities. Walk away with actionable tactics and frameworks to strengthen board preparedness in the face of growing investor scrutiny.

Inside the Boardroom: Resilience Planning in Action

This interactive session places directors inside the boardroom during moments of disruption. Through tabletop exercises and real-world scenarios, participants will explore how boards can apply structured frameworks to assess geopolitical risk, anticipate threats, and make decisive decisions under pressure. Designed as a classroom-style session, this breakout provides practical tools to strengthen oversight and build a proactive board response strategy in an increasingly uncertain world.

Reputation & Response: How Boards Navigate Shareholder Activism

As shareholder activism intensifies, boards face mounting pressure to defend strategy, protect corporate reputation, and engage stakeholders with clarity. This panel brings together seasoned directors to explore how boards can respond effectively while maintaining credibility, board alignment, and stakeholder trust. Hear real-world insights on navigating activism in today’s high-stakes, high-visibility environment.

Speakers include: Gaby Sulzberger, David Cahoy, Rachael Coffey, Eduardo Gallego

Navigating Global Markets: Trade, Tariffs, and Supply Chain Strategy

As global disruptions reshape business models, this panel will explore how boards can navigate the practical complexities of trade, tariffs, and supply chain shifts across regions. Panelists will share how directors are guiding companies through regulatory changes, sourcing challenges, and new market risks, while seizing opportunities for growth and operational agility.

Speakers include: Titi Cole, Mia Mends

Strengthening Oversight: Risk Management and Board Resilience

This keynote will equip directors to think globally about risk through the lens of geopolitical foresight, cross-border tensions, and long-term instability. Learn how boards can strengthen oversight and guide enterprise-wide resilience by anticipating disruption and embedding a proactive risk culture in a changing world.

Speakers include: Rodger Baker