What Is The Conference Board?

The Conference Board is a nonpartisan, nonprofit research organization that provides trusted economic and business insights to the private and public sectors. Founded in 1916, it has evolved into a globally recognized source for economic indicators, labor market data, corporate governance benchmarks, and strategic business research. Its primary mission is to help leaders navigate economic change, improve performance, and better serve society.

The organization is best known for producing influential economic indicators such as the Consumer Confidence Index, Leading Economic Index, and the Employment Trends Index. These benchmarks are widely used by policymakers, corporations, investors, and analysts to assess economic conditions and anticipate future developments.

History and Purpose

The Conference Board was established in the aftermath of major labor unrest in the early 20th century. It was initially formed as a collaborative platform between business leaders and labor advocates to promote industrial peace and economic stability. Over time, its focus expanded from labor relations to broader issues of business economics, management practices, and public policy.

Unlike government agencies or academic institutions, the Conference Board positions itself as a neutral platform. It gathers insights from a wide array of member companies and partners to produce data and analysis that support informed decision-making across industries and governments.

Key Economic Indicators

One of the most impactful contributions of the Conference Board is its development and publication of economic indicators. These measures provide timely assessments of economic health and are used globally for forecasting and analysis.

The Consumer Confidence Index (CCI) is one of its most recognized indicators. Based on a monthly survey of U.S. households, the index gauges consumer sentiment about current and future economic conditions. It is widely used as a predictor of consumer spending, which is a major driver of U.S. economic activity.

The Leading Economic Index (LEI) aggregates a set of forward-looking data points to anticipate economic trends. It includes variables such as average weekly hours worked, new orders for capital goods, and building permits. When the LEI trends upward or downward for several consecutive months, it often signals corresponding changes in the broader economy.

The Employment Trends Index (ETI) tracks labor market conditions using multiple indicators such as job openings, unemployment claims, and industrial production. It provides insight into employment growth and helps businesses anticipate labor market shifts.

Global Reach and Membership

While the Conference Board was founded in the United States, it has expanded its scope significantly. It now operates internationally, with offices in Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. This global presence allows it to provide insights into regional economies while maintaining a consistent standard of research.

The organization is supported by a diverse membership that includes large multinational corporations, academic institutions, government agencies, and nonprofit organizations. Members benefit from access to proprietary research, benchmarking tools, peer networks, and executive events.

Research and Policy Contributions

In addition to economic indicators, the Conference Board conducts extensive research on corporate governance, environmental, social, and governance (ESG) practices, human capital, innovation, and public policy. These insights are disseminated through research reports, working papers, webinars, and in-person conferences.

The Conference Board is particularly active in areas such as CEO succession planning, workforce strategy, sustainability reporting, and global trade. Its studies are frequently referenced in business media, academic journals, and policy discussions.

Although it does not engage in political advocacy, the Board’s findings often influence business strategy and regulatory frameworks. By maintaining a reputation for objectivity and methodological rigor, the Conference Board ensures its research is respected across a range of stakeholders.

Governance and Funding

The Conference Board is governed by a board of trustees composed of senior executives from member organizations. This board oversees the strategic direction of the organization while upholding its commitment to independence and impartiality.

Funding comes primarily from membership dues and program participation. Unlike government-funded entities, the Conference Board relies on its ability to deliver value to its members through actionable research and networking opportunities. This financial structure reinforces its role as a service-oriented organization accountable to its stakeholders.

The Bottom Line

The Conference Board plays a central role in shaping how businesses, governments, and researchers understand the economy and make strategic decisions. Through its widely followed economic indicators, global research programs, and collaborative member networks, it provides practical, data-driven insights that support long-term decision-making. Its nonpartisan approach and longstanding reputation for integrity have made it a trusted source in an environment where reliable information is increasingly critical.