Leafr presents // Sustainability: The Next Wave

After a sell out inaugral 2025 event, we're back for more in 2026.

​A half-day gathering for sustainability leaders, doers, and dreamers, set against the backdrop of one of the UK’s most unique venues: The Wave in Bristol.

We'll be exploring what the future holds for sustainability through how we communicate, run our teams, and use technology.

The event is aimed at sustainability professionals, leaders, CSOs and Heads of Sustainability, ESG, Impact, Climate and Nature.

This isn't your typical conference. We have a mix of meaningful conversations, fresh perspectives, and the energy of being out by the water, with surfing available for those who want to jump in.

The Day's Themes

The Future CSO: What is the new role that CSOs, Heads of Sustainability and other leaders can play, now and in future?Adaptation and Resilience: How are companies responding to weather climate challenges in the next 5, 10 and 25 years?

Nature & Biodiversity: How are top companies thinking about nature protection and restoration?

Culture: How can you create a culture of sustainability within your organisation?

The AI Frontier: Practical AI integration for sustainability teams, what’s hype, what's harm, and what’s helpful?

🗓️ Agenda & Timings

(See further down for Surf session timings or check your ticket).

8:30 – 9:15: 🏃 Socially-paced 6k run (start and end at The Wave)We have an open-invite running group that will kick the day off with a short 6km circuit, starting and ending at the Wave. Departing from the door of the Wave at 8.30, leaving you time to shower back at the site before the day starts. We'll share more information on how to join soon.

Led by:

Ronan Ferguson

10:00 – 10:30: ☕️ Arrival & coffee Come and grab a coffee onsite before we start.

10:30 – 11:00 🎤 Opening talk and scene setting A short introduction to set the tone and frame the key themes we will explore. Speakers:

Nick Valenzia & Gus Bartholomew, Co-founders, Leafr

11:00 – 12:00 🌿 Nature & biodiversity: talks and panelA set of ideas on how sustainability leaders can engage with nature in a practical, credible way. Speakers:

Ben Hart, Head of Operations, Nattergal Malcolm Anderson, Head of Sustainability, Royal Horticultural Society Jessica Wilkes-Ball, Head of Sustainability, Mills-Reeve

12:00 – 1:30 🥗 Lunch & nature walks Time to eat, connect, and join guided walks to get to know your fellow attendees and explore the local landscape.

Please note that lunch is not provided, but is available in the venue cafe.

1:30 – 2:30 🧭 Future CSO: talks and panel Hear what the Chief Sustainability Officer role is becoming, and the skills needed to lead in the years ahead. Speakers:

Paloma Hermoso, Head of Sustainability, Ward Williams Matteo Deidda, Head of Sustainability, Tide Bank Liv Cropper, Podcaster & Leadership Coach, Yellow Bench Coaching

2:30 – 3:15 🤖 AI and the future of sustainability: An exploration of how AI is starting to shape sustainability work, followed by an open panel discussion.

Speakers:

James Skirrow, Head of Sustainability, Ella (formerly Futureproof)Tom Wilford, Founder, Ella

3:15 – 4:15 🌍 Adaptation & resilience: talks and panel How businesses are responding to climate risk and building resilience into their strategy and operations. Speakers:

Alison Gardner, Director, Sustainabilty and Social Impact, Intact Insurance Maria Nazarova-Doyle, Global Head of Sustainable Investment, IFM Investors

4:15 – 4:45 🍻 Networking drinks We'll wrap up the day with drinks on the Wave's terrace with all speakers and attendees.

🏄 Surf sessions

(Arrive 30 minutes early for your session at the surf area)

Beginner Lesson11:30 am – 1:00 pmIntermediate Session 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm Intermediate Plus Session1:00 pm – 2:00 pm Beginner Lesson1:30 pm – 3:00 pmAdvanced Session2:00 pm – 3:00 pm

🚪 Why Join?

Leafr co-founders Gus and Nick started hosting small “board meetings” at the Wave years ago, and found the space sparked far better conversations. Away from offices, with the sound of waves in the background, people think more clearly, share more openly, and leave more inspired.

Now we’re opening it up to a wider group:

🌱 Sustainability leaders across tech, consulting, investment, policy, and beyond💡 A mix of talks, panels, and (un)conference-style conversations🏄 Surfing for all levels - from complete beginners to seasoned shredders (or just come and watch)🌳 A unique venue that helps you step back, reflect, and connect☕ Plenty of time to meet fellow leaders on their own sustainability journey

Like all Leafr events, this one focuses on honest sharing of progress and challenges, all under Chatham House rules.

No slides or name-tags, just practical tips and real conversations with other leaders on the frontlines of sustainability.

🔑 What you’ll take away

Fresh insights New connections Commitments and ideas you can take back into your work

🏄 What surf session should I join?

Beginner – White-water waves with coaching; perfect for first-timers and building confidenceImprover – Very gentle “green” waves; great for learning clean take-offs and riding unbroken wavesIntermediate – Smooth waist-to-chest-high waves; faster pace to develop flow, turns, and controlAdvanced – Steeper, more powerful walls; ideal for sharper manoeuvres and bigger challengesLeft or Right? Surfers ride either lefts (turn left after take-off) or rights (turn right). Goofy-footers usually prefer lefts, regular-footers prefer rights. Beginners don’t need to choose.

Boards & Equipment: Wetsuits and foam boards are included. Hire advanced boards on site or bring your own.

🌱 What is Leafr?

Leafr is the world's go-to marketplace for on-demand sustainability specialists.

🔗 Practicalities

📍 Location: The Wave, Bristol – 15 minutes from Bristol Parkway Station. Free parking available.⏰ Half-day program + optional surf sessions👥 Open to Sustainability Leadership (CSOs, Heads of Sustainability or Leads)🥗 Lunch, coffee, and drinks available onsite🏄 Surf and non-surf tickets available🚿 Facilities: showers, lockers, café, and bar on site♿ The Wave is fully accessible

⚡Spaces are limited, so secure your place early!

P.s. For those coming from further afield, we have discount codes for train travel & local hotels or you can also book the safari tents on site. Get in touch to hear more.