Background on CDP annual workshops
Every year CDP holds a series of workshops in various locations around the world to support our stakeholders with the disclosure process and environmental action. They usually take place during April-May, when the CDP disclosure platform opens.

These valuable events welcome participants and speakers from the companies, cities, states and regions, investors, policymakers and partners with whom CDP works, attracting around 50-150 attendees each. As such, the workshops are an important touchpoint for all stakeholders in the annual CDP disclosure cycle.

While they vary according to regional needs, typically the workshops cover updates to the CDP questionnaires and scoring methodologies, updates on CDP’s strategic direction, peer-to-peer learning and thought leadership on environmental stewardship more broadly. They also provide a valuable networking and relationship-building opportunity for participants. In 2020, over 30 workshops have been planned in many locations around the world.

What’s happening in 2020 and why
CDP has decided to move all our 30+ 2020 disclosure workshops online this year. This is in response to the Covid-19 (Coronavirus) global health crisis. We have assessed the situation carefully and decided this is the most responsible action to protect public health.

Every year, CDP’s disclosure workshops are an integral part of our stakeholder engagement process. Through these workshops, we provide valuable support, updates, thought leadership and networking opportunities to our stakeholders so they can make the most of the disclosure process and take more effective environmental action.
We are still committed to providing this valuable resource to our stakeholders this year, in a virtual format. Anyone planning to attend one of our in-person workshops will be able to attend an online version instead.

Further details about the April-May 2020 virtual workshops will be announced shortly. CDP is currently devising the most effective virtual solution and we will be in touch with all stakeholders, speakers and attendees to provide detailed information. Please look out for emails from your regional CDP representative and check our website for updates.

The interpersonal value of in-person events cannot be denied. However, as an environmental organization, we also recognize that virtual alternatives have their own benefits. This year’s virtual events will have a much lower carbon footprint and will be more accessible for many attendees and speakers. We expect to continue to hold both in-person and virtual events in the future, as each has its own benefits. 

2020 is the first year of a decade of historic climate action. In the run up to COP26 this year, it’s more essential than ever for companies and cities, states and regions to disclose their environmental data through CDP and take decisive action. As always, our disclosure workshops will support you on this journey.