October 6, 2024 | Voltaggio Brothers Steak House, MGM National Harbor
The second Dinners with Directors event demonstrated remarkable growth and refinement, welcoming 19 distinguished guests to an evening that perfectly balanced intimate networking with substantive governance dialogue. Building on lessons learned from the inaugural event, this gathering showcased Board Harbor Foundation’s commitment to continuous improvement and excellence.
The October event featured several key improvements that elevated the entire experience. Professional photography and videography captured the evening’s key moments, while a prominent branded banner established strong visual presence. Most importantly, the strategic seating arrangements paired board members with aspiring directors, facilitating exactly the kind of mentorship connections the series was designed to create.
Joyce Johnson, a highly experienced corporate director with over 35 years of global investment management experience, delivered the evening’s keynote discussion. Having served on more than 30 boards, including roles as Board Chair and Audit Committee Chair, Johnson brought unparalleled expertise to conversations about crisis navigation, governance excellence, and building diverse, trust-based board cultures.
Her interactive approach encouraged dynamic dialogue among guests, transforming what could have been a traditional presentation into a collaborative exploration of modern governance challenges.
The family-style dinner service proved to be a masterstroke, creating natural opportunities for conversation as attendees shared dishes and stories. This format not only accommodated various dietary preferences but also fostered the warm, collaborative atmosphere that became a hallmark of the series.
The event achieved perfect attendance from confirmed guests and generated substantial positive feedback. With an impressive Net Promoter Score of 100, attendees universally expressed enthusiasm for future events. The strategic mix of 68% board members and 32% aspiring board members created ideal conditions for meaningful professional development.
Beyond individual connections, the October event began building a broader community of governance professionals. Attendees were introduced to opportunities for deeper engagement with Board Harbor Foundation as partners, sponsors, volunteers, and ambassadors, creating multiple pathways for ongoing collaboration.
The success of this event demonstrated that the Dinners with Directors series had found its rhythm and was positioned for continued growth and impact.