
Location: Regency 1-2 (Level 2)
New to IR? Seasoned, but want to learn more about roadshows outside of the U.S.? If so, plan to attend this session, where you'll learn the basics and more about getting your management team out in front of the Street both in and outside of the U.S. Join us to delve into the different models you can use, how to work with the sell-side for sell-side sponsored roadshows, how to leverage a corporate access firm, and how to set up independent roadshows. Discover ways to measure your roadshow's success - and manage the different agendas of all parties involved. Learn the pros and cons of each approach and how to maximize the time of your C-suite.
Dan Hollins, Director
Citi Global Markets, Inc.
Panelist(s)/Co-Speaker(s):
Doug Fox, Vice President, Investor Relations & Treasurer
Zebra Technologies
Coleman N. Lannum, CFA, Vice President, Investor Relations
Covidien, Plc
Christine Thoms, Manager, Investor Relations
CB&I Chicago Bridge & Iron Company NV
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Learning Objectives:
- Learn the basics of putting on a non-deal roadshow - how many cities, how many meetings per day, 1-on-1 vs. group meetings, targeting the right investors, key firms by geographic area.
- Learn the pros and cons of different approaches (sell-side, corporate access, IR agencies, DIY) to set up non-deal roadshows
- Learn best practices to ensure that you are maximizing the time of your C-suite when they participate
- Learn how to manage non-deal roadshows outside the U.S. - in Europe and Asia
Location: Diplomat 1-3 (Level 2)
This interactive workshop will teach finance and non-finance professionals alike the inner-workings of valuation models, starting with the process for deciding on the best valuation approach for a company and then walking through the determination of key assumptions and other inputs needed for estimating a target price that most accurately reflects the intrinsic value of a company. Is there a difference in how the sell-side and buy-side approach valuation models?
Wall Street veterans Josh Pearl & Josh Rosenbaum are co-authors of the textbook: "Investment Banking - Valuation, Leveraged Buyouts, and Mergers & Acquisitions". Leveraging from this content and their respective experience on the buy-side and sell-side, Josh and Josh will co-lead the workshop by first going through the basics of valuation models and then taking a deeper dive into the nuances of valuation, which both buy-side and sell-side analysts consider in their day-to-day roles. Investor relations professionals should leave this workshop with a greater appreciation of their own company's valuation and how it can be perceived differently on Wall Street.
Patrick Parmentier, Investor Relations Manager & Finance Director
Apollo Global Management, LLC
Panelist(s)/Co-Speaker(s):
Joshua Pearl, Investment Analyst
Brahman Capital Corporation
Joshua Rosenbaum, Managing Director, Global Industrial Group
UBS Investment Bank
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Learning Objectives:
- Understand the approaches to valuation and how different valuation models work mechanically and learn how to select a model that will provide the most accurate estimate of a company's intrinsic value
- Learn how to determine which companies are the most relevant for valuation comparisons as well as the factors that may cause peers to trade at higher or lower multiples
- Understand the fundamentals that drive a financial model and how they translate into intrinsic valuation analysis as well as earnings estimates for market-multiple valuation methodologies
- Understand how both buy-side investors and sell-side analysts look at a company from a valuation standpoint and how their use of models may differ
Location: Atlantic 1-2 (Level 2)
The roles of corporate secretary, and/or general counsel, and investor relations continue to integrate and become a shared responsibility during the proxy process. This workshop discusses best practices for the proxy process, including the reasons for a proxy and how to navigate through the process. Discussions will include: how to deal with proxy advisors' adverse recommendations, unsolicited shareholder proposals, considerations for the selection of a proxy solicitor, and unsolicited activist proposals that may lead to a proxy fight.
Patrick A. Reynolds, Senior Vice President and Director, Investor Relations
Synovus Financial Corporation
Panelist(s)/Co-Speaker(s):
Kenneth A. Bertsch, President & Chief Executive Officer
Society of Corporate Secretaries & Governance Professionals
Tony Morrow, Vice President, Division General Counsel - SEC, Finance & Governance
Darden Restaurants, Inc.
John Siemann, Partner
Phoenix Advisory Partners
Douglas Wilburne, CFA, Vice President, Investor Relations
Textron Inc.
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Learning Objectives:
- Define proxy and the procedures for proxy
- Selection of a proxy solicitor
- Best practices for investor relations and corporate secretary professionals in regards to the proxy process
- Examples of corporate events that elicit a proxy (ie. M&A)
- A list of dos and don'ts for international teams
Location: Diplomat 1-3 (Level 2)
Barriers to cross-border capital flows have fallen continuously over the past 50 years between almost every country. Per year, tens of trillions of dollars are now flowing between issuers and investors, regardless of domicile and it appears that issuers are pursuing more and more investment outside their domestic markets. This bears the following question: How close does your IR team need to be to European and/or Asian investors and do you need an IRO based on these continents?
Beate Melten, Director, Investor Relations Counsel
Citi
Panelist(s)/Co-Speaker(s):
Sam Levenson, Strategic Advisor and Consultant
Karen Moran, Investor Relations
SAP
Guoying (Marlene) Pan, IR Representative
China Petroleum & Chemical Corporation
Jean Young, Manager, Global Retail Investor Relations
Shell Oil Company
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Learning Objectives:
- Figure out whether your company needs an IRO in Europe and/or Asia
- Learn how to manage a global IR team
- Learn how to communicate with one voice
Location: Diplomat 1-3 (Level 2)
The money management industry is changing as funds switch from regional to global management and more issuers enter the market, thus increasing competition for investment. It's key to know where to allocate one of our most precious resources - time. Successful IROs should better understand, target and prepare for interacting with non-US investors to appropriately respond to the changing dynamics of the financial markets, ensuring that time is well spent with this increasingly important component of the global capital mix.
Kristy Nicholas, Director, Investor Relations
Expedia, Inc.
Panelist(s)/Co-Speaker(s):
Rupert Della-Porta, Chief Operating Officer
Atlantic Equities, LLP
John Heller, Senior Director, Investor Relations
Life Time Fitness
Charles Triano, Senior Vice President, Investor Relations
Pfizer
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Learning Objectives:
- The importance of Europe and progress in Asia
- How a global investor thinks differently and the implications for IROs and their strategy for investor outreach
- Tips on how to present their message and what investors consider when they are looking to invest in a company
Location: Grand Ballroom (Level 2)
The Annual Conference Committee Co-Chairs set up Conference with insight on how IR can build value in their organizations, updates on the agenda, and highlights on the "must-attend" networking events. Immediately following the Co-Chairs, NIRI leadership will recognize the first class of NIRI Fellows members.
John Chevalier, Director, Global Investor Relations
The Procter & Gamble Company
Panelist(s)/Co-Speaker(s):
Angie McCabe, Vice President, Investor Relations
HealthNet, Inc.
Location: Grand Ballroom (Level 2)
NIRI Chairman and President & CEO will provide an update on the state of the association and the profession. Hear more on the progress of OneNIRI and the regulatory landscape post-election cycle.
Jeff Morgan, CAE, President & CEO
NIRI
Panelist(s)/Co-Speaker(s):
Hulus Alpay, Vice President, Investor Relations
Medidata Solutions Worldwide

Location: Grand Ballroom (Level 2)
A discussion of the leading issues for global equity markets, including capital formation and what the future may bring. Hear insight on the state of the global economy, views on regions, perspective on the evolving global consumer, and thoughts on the impact of regulations on business prospects.
Gain insight on the global economy and how it impacts your company story. Discover different perspectives on the outlook for global capital and how your organization needs to position itself to access that capital.
Diane Brady, Senior Editor
Bloomberg Businessweek
Panelist(s)/Co-Speaker(s):
Timothy Ingrassia, Co-Chairman, Global Mergers & Acquisitions
Goldman Sachs
Jon Moeller, Chief Financial Officer
Procter & Gamble
Nick Sargen, Chief Investment Officer
Fort Washington Investment Advisors, Inc.
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Learning Objectives:
- Gain insight on the global economy and how it impacts your company story.
- Discover different perspectives on the outlook for global capital and how your organization needs to position itself to access that capital.
- For greater historical context, a list of books covering the "glory days" of being a research analysts
Location: Great Hall 1 (Level 3)
Working and communicating with the sell side research community is an integral part of an IR professional's career. This session will put their profession in greater perspective, looking at the history of the sell-side analyst's role in the investment process and explaining how that role continues to evolve in a more regulatory and technology-driven environment. In addition to well-known changes that took place during the early 2000's, this session will also focus on the years following the recent financial crisis, and how additional regulations such as the Dodd-Frank Act have also impacted the sell-side research community.
A panel that comprises of varied banking and industry backgrounds, including two veteran sell-side analysts from Wall Street and an experienced analyst from the buy-side, will each share their respective views on these topics. The investor relations professional will walk away with a stronger understanding of the sell-side research community today and how the changing landscape may impact their company's interaction with the sell-side.
Melissa C. Plaisance, Senior Vice President, Finance & Investor Relations
Safeway, Inc.
Panelist(s)/Co-Speaker(s):
Guy Moszkowski, Managing Partner, CEO
Autonomous Research
Walter B. Stackow, CFA, Senior Analyst, Focused Opportunities Group
Manning & Napier Advisors, LLC
Deborah Weinswig, Managing Director
Citigroup
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Learning Objectives:
- Understand how the sell-side analyst's role and the profession overall has evolved over the last 15 years, w/ focus on past 5 years before/after financial crisis
- Understand how the rapidly changing regulatory environment is impacting the sell side community today
- Understand how changes in the sell side community are affecting their roles with the buy-side and implications for IR professionals.
Location: Event Room (See Note in Description)
Topic breakouts defined by attendees and facilitated by your peers. Come for open dialog. Bring your questions. Engage.
View topic breakout FAQ.
Topics:
Room locations will be sent via email and posted to the Conference microsite (niristream.org).
- Checklists, sample time lines
Location: Atlantic 1-2 (Level 2)
This panel will explore a variety of SEC investigation case studies, ranging from whistle-blowing, to financial statement misstatements/errors, and government regulatory inquiries. Our panelists will offer the investor relations professional, in collaboration with the company's legal and communications teams, ideas and solutions to establish best practices for all corporate stakeholders during an SEC investigation. In addition to providing the tools to safeguard the company as it complies with regulatory requirements during an SEC investigation, the panel will discuss how to bridge these actions into the communications protocol for the company, should the investigation be deemed a crisis. The workshop, "Battling Crises: IR War Stories from Survivors" will dig more deeply into the communications tools essential for external crisis management.
Mary Beth Kissane, Principal
Walek & Associates
Panelist(s)/Co-Speaker(s):
Jeri D. Dresner, Regulatory Counsel
Securities and Exchange Commission
Walter Jospin, Partner
Paul Hastings
Brian Turcotte, Vice President, Investor Relations
Service Master
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Learning Objectives:
- Define materiality and determine when a corporate event triggers crisis management (including whistleblowing, employee misconduct, financial statement issues, product recalls and government investigations)
- Describe the SEC investigation process and the role of all stakeholders
- Discuss how the investor relations professional can safeguard the Company as it complies with regulatory requirements during an SEC investigation
- Learn case studies of companies in crisis to establish best practices for crisis management
- A "cheat sheet" of the key quarterly earnings process action steps
Location: Great Hall 2 (Level 3)
While there are a plethora of approaches for managing the quarterly earnings process, typically IROs don't master the finer points of the quarterly earnings process until they've overseen the process for a number of years.
To ensure a board appeal, the panel will feature a sell-side analyst and an IRO from a small-cap, mid-cap and large-cap company.
Jonathan Peisner, Treasurer & Vice President, Investor Relations
KAR Auction Services
Panelist(s)/Co-Speaker(s):
Doug Fox, Vice President, Investor Relations & Treasurer
Zebra Technologies
Melissa C. Plaisance, Senior Vice President, Finance & Investor Relations
Safeway, Inc.
Gary Prestopino, Vice President, Senior Analyst
Barrington Research
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Learning Objectives:
- This paneled introductory session will take a deep dive into the key facets of the quarterly earnings process, including reiterating guidance, timing of issuing the release, tips on how to best use supplemental materials (slides, CFO notes, etc.),use of GAAP vs. non-GAAP measures, best practice tips for ensuring your senior management is well prepared for the conference call, etc.
- Attendees of this session will pick up practical suggestions that they can immediately implement for improving their quarterly earnings process (both conference call & documents), including how to: i) Ensure that your executive team is optimally prepared for the Q&A session, ii) Ensure that your Q&A and script is thoroughly vetted in a timely manner, iii) Tips for best manage the earnings call itself, iv) How long to keep earnings materials archived on your website, v) Determining your key messages, vi) Time allottment for Q&A vs. scripted comments, etc., vii) measuring your call's effectiveness, etc.
Location: Great Hall 1 (Level 3)
On the surface, trading has never been simpler: put in your order, press a button, and seconds later you receive a confirm. However, the proliferation of ETFs, derivatives and high frequency trading has complicated the market. In this three-part, TED-inspired session model, market leaders will explain in "plain language" how these assets and trading practices impact your stock and the overall market's performance.
- Exchange-traded Fund: How ETF trading influences overall market and an individual stock's performance; how ETF's are created and how your company is selected for inclusion in a fund; and the future of mutual funds in an ETF/passive investing world and the impact on IR
- Options and Derivatives: How the options and derivatives markets are regulated; basic options strategies that every IRO should know and the impact to market performance; and how investors, particularly hedge funds or activists, use options to anonymously increase their position in a target company's stock
- High Frequency Trading: Has the decline in trading volume diminished the impact of high frequency trading; has the rise of high-speed firms been a net benefit or loss for investors and issuers; and what is the next market/trading strategy that IRO's should have on their radar screen
Richard Barry, Vice President/Floor Governor
NYSE Euronext
Panelist(s)/Co-Speaker(s):
Eric Cott, Director, Financial Education
The Options Industry Council
Chris Hempstead, Director, ETF Execution Business
WallachBeth Capital, LLC
Rob Kissell, PhD, President
Kissell Research Group
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Learning Objectives:
- Acquire overall understanding of three assets and trading practices that influence daily trading.
- Share knowledge and educate senior management team about these instruments and related trading strategies.
- Gain ability to identify the difference between trading patterns that are routine and aberrant. Use this knowledge to communicate effectively with investors, surveillance firm or Exchange.
Location: Regency 1-2 (Level 2)
Roles and responsibilities of an IRO are both broad and deep, with skills transferable across several organizational functions and capacities. Some view IR as a long-term platform to move to the C-Suite or elsewhere, such as consulting. Others view it as fulfilling career on its own. This discussion includes successful "archetypes" of IROs who have leveraged the role differently throughout their career. Come hear how seasoned executives got into IR, their decision processes to stay or move on, and how they approached the choice and opportunity for a transition.
Pepper Lunsford Binner, President & Founder
PLBsearch, LLC
Panelist(s)/Co-Speaker(s):
Tim Cost, President
Jacksonville University
Barbara Gasper, Executive Vice President/Group Executive, Investor Relations
MasterCard, Inc.
Jenny Kobin, Vice President, Investor Relations
Web.com Group, Inc.
Sabra R. Purtill, CFA, Senior Vice President, Investor Relations
The Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc.
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Learning Objectives:
- What are an IRO's most valued transferable skills
- How to use skills to navigate organizationally to step into C-Suite or other management roles
- Tradeoffs of moving on internal versus external moves
- How to make a successful IR-only career, maintaining both growth potential and upward mobility and appropriate use of internal and external mentors
- A list of the pitfalls and obstacles
Location: Diplomat 1-3 (Level 2)
Cross border deals are compelling, as they broaden a company's access point and bring new users to its products, while helping to "internationalize its culture."
Forty percent of U.S. CEOs say they plan to complete a cross-border deal this year, compared to 25% last year. Recent years were about cost cutting and restructuring, but now the focus is shifting back to growth. Whether your company is potentially a buyer or a seller, the signals are clear: mergers and acquisitions will return and the prudent IRO should be prepared for the unexpected.
Hear from peers as they outline successful cross-border M&A deals, tips, pitfalls as well as need-to-know regulatory and compliance issues, M&A communication to the financial community and - if applicable - how to integrate the two investor relations teams.
Andrew Shore, Managing Director
Moelis & Company
Panelist(s)/Co-Speaker(s):
Neal Goldner, Vice President, Investor Relations
Avis Budget Group
Karen Moran, Investor Relations
SAP
Brian Rafferty, CEO
Taylor Rafferty
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Learning Objectives:
- Learn about the benefits and pitfalls of cross border deals and some of the obstacles to avoid
Location: Great Hall 1 (Level 3)
Where does the annual meeting fit in the IRO agenda? A peer discussion of the new challenges facing both experienced and new IRO's in their heightened role in the annual meeting process. Learn how best to manage this process year-round and couple the proxy engagement process with ongoing investor communications.
David Bobker, Senior Vice President
AST Phoenix Advisors
Panelist(s)/Co-Speaker(s):
Martin Jarosick, Executive Director, Investor Relations and Strategic Planning
Axiall Corporation
Dennie Kimbrough, Investor Relations Manager
Microsoft Corporation
Angela Steinway, Head of Investor Relations and Director, Financial Strategy
Integra LifeSciences
Robert L. Williams II, Vice President, Investor Relations
Dell Inc.
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Learning Objectives:
- Managing internal interaction - general counsel, corporate secretary, HR/Benefits, board interaction and managing external interaction with various service providers - outside counsel, compensation consultants, proxy solicitors, Broadridge
- Impact of governance, compensation, and general proxy related engagement in routine IRO investor dialogue
- IRO role on the "engagement team" and annual meeting V's special meeting situations
- Dealing with governance activists and the evolution of the proxy statement from compliance to marketing document
- Report highlighting IR best practices
Location: Great Hall 2 (Level 3)
Today's global and rapidly evolving economy presents unique challenges to IROs who must understand the investment drivers in each region along with cultural differences so they can optimize their investor outreach programs. IROs must identify relevant benchmarks for measuring the effectiveness of their program. They must align their program with the attributes most valued by the institutional investment community. Drawing on extensive experience, we will share globally identified best practices to better retain and attract investors, along with tools and benchmarks to measure team performance.
Louis Cordone, Head, Advisory Services (North America)
Thomson Reuters
Panelist(s)/Co-Speaker(s):
Robert S. Brunn, Vice President, Corporate Strategy and Investor Relations
Ryder System
Barbara Gasper, Executive Vice President/Group Executive, Investor Relations
MasterCard, Inc.
Coleman N. Lannum, CFA, Vice President, Investor Relations
Covidien, Plc
Jerome Nichols, Director, Investor Relations
Black Hills Corporation
Charles Triano, Senior Vice President, Investor Relations
Pfizer
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Learning Objectives:
- Understand the global challenges of investor relations
- How to effectively benchmark IR activities and performance as well as sources for data to better formulate IR program goals
- Best practices IROs can implement to increase the impact of their programs
Location: Regency 1-2 (Level 2)
Using core principles and stories derived from many years of experience, a panel of IROs will explore the challenge of communications with the Board, including ways to best address a Board's need to understand key valuation issues and the company's relationship with Wall Street. While the practice of corporate IR is generally outward-focused, the skills of Board communications are essential in building a career as well. This presentation will provide lucid insight on how the IRO can respond to the most crucial, and sometimes most demanding, of constituencies - the company's Board.
Natalie Hairston, Vice President of Investor Relations, Chief Governance Officer & Corporate Secretary
ENGlobal Corporation
Panelist(s)/Co-Speaker(s):
Jeffrey L. Chastain, Vice President, Investor Relations & Corporate Communications
Noble Drilling Services, Inc.
Cynthia Clayton, Vice President, Investor Relations & Corporate Communications
Alnylam Pharmaceuticals
David Dragics, Senior Vice President, Investor Relations
CACI International
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Learning Objectives:
- Establish a dialogue with the Board covering topics that address explanations for changes in ownership, investor perception regarding strategic direction and potential catalysts of future share appreciation
- Contribute to strong governance in an era of increasingly activism and besieged boards
- Strengthen the profile of IR in the decision-making hierarchy of the organization
- Translate the market currents that determine equity value for the Board's deliberation and action
- A copy of the presentation will be posted to the NIRI website
Location: Diplomat 1-3 (Level 2)
The current environment for small cap companies is challenging as Wall Street focuses on investors and public companies representing the highest potential for profits. Small cap companies are increasingly struggling for investor attention in a very congested investment arena, often with smaller budgets for investor relations efforts than mid and large cap peers. Learn how to drive sell side interest, target and attract investors to your company, and maximize your IR program's efforts on a shoestring budget.
Idalia Rodriguez, Director
Solebury Capital Group
Panelist(s)/Co-Speaker(s):
Mark Donohue, Vice President, Investor Relations & Corporate Communications
IMPAX Laboratories
John Schoger, President & Co-Founder
Voyager Institutional Services, LLC
John Shave III, Vice President, Business Development & Corporate Communications
Safeguard Scientifics
Jared Wasserman, Commercial Head, Investor Relations
NASDAQ
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Learning Objectives:
- How to leverage your Investment Bank relationships and maximize your IR infrastructure to amplify your investment case to investors
- The benefits of Investor Days and Industry Conferences
- Use Social Media to expand your audience and attract investors
- How to be a resource to the investment community and drive exposure and maximize your corporate communications
Location: Atlantic 1-2 (Level 2)
The sizeable global pipeline of private companies waiting to go public, low bond yields, solid market performance, and a stable macroeconomic environment suggest global capital raising activity will remain strong in 2013. In addition, divestitures are becoming an important tool for implementing corporate strategic goals and making a statement in the marketplace.
Today, companies have more alternatives than ever, so this panel will explore the era of innovation in debt and equity capital formation.
Theresa Molloy, Director, Corporate Governance
Prudential Financial
Panelist(s)/Co-Speaker(s):
Ruth Cotter, Vice President, Investor Relations
Advanced Micro Devices
Neil Dhar, Partner
PricewaterhouseCoopers
Christopher Jakubik, Vice President, Investor Relations
Kraft Foods
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Learning Objectives:
- Explore the challenge and benefits of various capital formation solutions including follow on offerings, spin-offs, block transactions, private placements, shelf registrations and at-the-market offerings
- Low interest rates and strong investor demand for return are driving the issuance of corporate bonds. Understand and anticipate the information needs of debt investors
- Drive a successful debt or equity offering by targeting appropriate investors
- Review of the JOBS Act: Has the legislation transformed the public market for small-cap companies
Location: Atlantic 1-2 (Level 2)
Management teams in corporate America are busier than ever and engaging them to help craft (and deliver) company messages to important stakeholders is a difficult task for many IROs. Through this session, IROs will learn more about how to bring management on board during the message development process and keep them engaged in telling the company story to key stakeholders.
Randy Williams, Senior Vice President, Investor Relations & Communications
BATS Global Markets
Panelist(s)/Co-Speaker(s):
Brian Schell, Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer
BATS Global Markets
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Learning Objectives:
- How to get your management team involved throughout the process
- Tips on keeping IR and communications teams closely entwined with upper management
- How to lean on management to engage key stakeholders in a crisis
Location: Regency 1-2 (Level 2)
Netflix, AutoNation and Zillow are just a few examples of companies breaking market-moving news on social channels, signaling a drastic shift. Marketwired's recent research shows 60% of investors and analysts under 40 years old regularly consult social media to inform investment decisions. Given this shift, it's time for publicly traded companies to integrate traditional and digital investor communications. During this presentation, Marketwired CEO Jim Delaney will discuss research findings and share IR best practices and opportunities for forward-thinking brands.
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Learning Objectives:
- Data confirming social media's influence on Wall Street
- Opportunities to integrate traditional and digital investor relations
- Examples of social media best practices and lessons learned from brands that have already begun incorporating social media into their IR
- How to measure the impact of digital investor relations strategies and tactics
Location: Grand Ballroom (Level 2)
A panel of portfolio managers will share their views on capital flows and global economic prospects while offering insight on what they like to see from IR and management.
Tobias Levkovich, Managing Director, Chief U.S. Equity Strategist
Citi Investment Research and Analysis
Panelist(s)/Co-Speaker(s):
Michael Edwards, Partner & Head of Event Driven
Arrowgrass Capital Partners
Kris Jenner, Co-Founder
Rock Springs Capital
Tom Wildgoose, CFA, Head of Research
Nomura Asset Management UK
Location: Event Room (See Note in Description)
The very popular industry breakouts held every year at Conference offer moderated, yet unstructured time with your industry peers. New in 2013: industry breakouts are now on Tuesday morning.
Industries:
Aerospace & Defense: Room 203
Banking: Regency 1-2
Building Materials/Construction: Room 212
Consumer Products: Diplomat 5
Counselors & IR Firms: Diplomat 1-3
Energy/Oil & Gas/Fuel: Diplomat 4
Financial Services: Atlantic 3
Food/Food Manufacturers: Room 308
Healthcare: Room 307
Insurance: Room 201
IR Service Providers: Room 312
Manufacturing/Conglomerates: Great Hall 2
Media & Entertainment: Room 311
Medical Technology & Devices: Room 303
Mining & Metals: Room 204
Pharma/BioTech: Room 205 (no longer in Room 315)
Real Estate: Room 206
Restaurants: Room 202
Retail: Room 305
Semiconductor: Room 314
Technology - Great Hall 1
Telecommunications: Room 306
Utilities & Power: Atlantic 1-2
- Presentation, which will include buy side research, best practices and key tactics.
Location: Great Hall 1 (Level 3)
This interactive forum will focus on actionable strategies and tactics to differentiate your company in the marketplace and maximize your ROIR (Return on Investor Relations). Hear from a panel of peers, get answers to your questions and exchange ideas, participate in real-time electronic polling and access Corbin Perception's industry-leading research on buy side perspective and best practices.
Topics will include, but are not limited to, targeting, non-deal roadshows, leveraging the sell side, investor days, social media and other investor engagement channels.
Rebecca Corbin, Founder and President of Corbin Perception Group
Panelist(s)/Co-Speaker(s):
Matthew Kolby, Director of Investor Relations
Deutsche Bank AG
John Shave III, Vice President, Business Development & Corporate Communications
Safeguard Scientifics
Angela Steinway, Head of Investor Relations and Director, Financial Strategy
Integra LifeSciences
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Learning Objectives:
- Best practices and strategies for proactive outreach
- How to overcome challenges of capturing and maintaining mindshare
- How to prioritize and maximize your time
- Business Wire Guide to IR Sites Requirements & Practices
Location: Diplomat 1-3 (Level 2)
A discussion and Q&A session that covers the "must haves" and "should haves" in IR sites. Topics include simultaneous press release posting, financial information, social media integration, dark site preparation, and more.
Introduction by Michael Becker, Senior Vice President, Financial Product Strategy, Business Wire.
Michael Becker, Senior Vice President, Financial Product Strategy
Business Wire
Panelist(s)/Co-Speaker(s):
Ibrey Woodall, Vice President, Web Communications Services
Business Wire
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Learning Objectives:
- Identify basic content types required for an IR Site
- Gain insight into additional content types and best practices that enhance an investor center
Location: Great Hall 2 (Level 3)
This interactive panel will address and provide insights on how companies should prepare and execute communications strategies around a myriad of events - including reputational crisis, M&A and financial issues. Using real-world examples, panelists will share insights on how they combine best practice approaches with company specific circumstances to effectively reach, influence and engage critical stakeholder groups during sensitive events in order to protect and enhance enterprise value. Attendees will also takeaway actionable guidelines for preparing and navigating critical events outside the status quo.
Jim Polson, Senior Director
FTI Consulting
Panelist(s)/Co-Speaker(s):
Kal Goldberg, Senior Managing Director
FTI Consulting
Ryan Toohey, Senior Managing Director
FTI Consulting
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Learning Objectives:
- Best practices for developing communications strategies on sensitive matters such as transactions, restructurings, litigation and other issues
- Engaging stakeholders with consistent and coordinated messages to maintain credibility and strengthen relationships
- Understanding trends in media and using media to drive perceptions
- Key communications considerations and execution tactics to protect, enhance and mitigate risks to enterprise value during high-stakes events
Location: Regency 1-2 (Level 2)
A rare opportunity to get the inside scoop on how business journalists work through IR to access management. Tom Hudson, recent former co-Anchor of the Nightly Business Report (now a CNBC program), will share his experiences engaging with IR, communications, and of course senior management, both on-air and off.
When it comes to media access to management, the head of IR is often the "interview before the interview" - providing the company background, financials, and generally teeing up the story before the CEO even enters the picture. This IRO-journalist relationship can be a critical part of how management and the company as a whole are portrayed in the press.
Tom will share some first-hand anecdotes that demonstrate best practices in interacting with the business media - not to mention a few examples of "worst practices", which can sometimes be even more interesting! Tom will also offer an honest perspective about journalists' goals and tactics in getting access to and interviewing senior management. He will show how engaging with the media (even during a crisis) is better than not and how IR, executives and the media can cooperate even though they may have different goals and stakeholders.
- Key data points from Rivel's ongoing buy-side research
- Key findings from Rivel's newly launched thought leadership panel
Location: Atlantic 1-2 (Level 2)
Based on data from over 6,000 buy-side interviews that Rivel conducted last year, this fun and highly interactive session will answer questions that IR executives have about the buy side and their requirements. Rivel will present data that is trusted by boards, management teams and IROs from some of the largest companies in the world. One new feature we are introducing is live polling to see how the IRO viewpoint compares to the buy-side viewpoint.
Don't rely on anecdotal information to create your IR strategy!
Brian P. Rivel, President
Rivel Research Group
Panelist(s)/Co-Speaker(s):
Steve Chuck, Senior Vice President
Rivel Research Group
Gene Rubin, Senior Vice President
Rivel Research Group
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Learning Objectives:
- How does the buy side view everything from capital deployment strategies to investor day effectiveness?
- What are my peers thinking about and discussing at their companies? How should we prioritize our time on regular basis?
- How can we have a greater impact with our board and management team?
- How do we make use of our scarce budget resources? What is noise and what is important?
- Matrix of IR tasks and services--internal and external from a communications perspective--showing audiences touched or impacted
- Synthesis of studies showing IROs with secondary responsibilities
Location: Diplomat 1-3 (Level 2)
Not all IR roles are created or perceived equally. Without enterprise buy-in of IR, effectiveness and value are difficult to drive and measure. The discussion will focus on strategies to improve positioning of IR within the enterprise and how to elevate management engagement in IR. Learn how to "elevate the position," which will make for greater business, shareholder and personal career impact.
Smooch Reynolds, Managing Partner, Investor Relations & Communications Practice
Caldwell Partners
Panelist(s)/Co-Speaker(s):
Bob Drennan, Vice President, Investor Relations
Duke Energy
Mickey Foster, Vice President, Investor Relations
FedEx Corporation
Laura Graves, Vice President, Investor Relations
Polycom
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Learning Objectives:
- Effective strategies to elevate value of IR and enhance C-Suite communication
- How to be "appropriately aggressive" in managing up
- Effective strategies to enhance internal buy-in of IR beyond the C-suite
- Improve IR effectiveness and perceived effectiveness
- "The Wolf Pack": List of Key Activists
Location: Great Hall 2 (Level 3)
"Hello, shareholder activist calling!" What do you do as an IRO? Come to this session to get the lowdown on shareholder activists, who they are, what's on their agendas and how to deal with them. Learn what openings activists look for, the types of campaigns they mount, current trends in shareholder activism and what you and your board of directors should do to prepare and respond to an activist. The best offense is a great defense; be prepared and don't let activist shareholders take over your corporate agenda!
Andrew Brimmer, Partner
Joele Frank Wilkinson Brimmer Katcher
Panelist(s)/Co-Speaker(s):
Patrick N. Davidson, Vice President, Investor Relations
Oshkosh Corporation
Jordan Kovler, Senior Vice President
D.F. King & Company, Inc.
Brian Turcotte, Vice President, Investor Relations
Service Master
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Learning Objectives:
- "Shareholder Activists 101"
- How to communicate with activists and how to plan and prepare against shareholder activism
- Current trends in shareholder activism and key "triggers"
- What to do - and not to do - when an activist shareholder shows up at your door
Location: Atlantic 1-2 (Level 2)
Short selling remains an important tool for alpha generation in many portfolios. How does the investment process differ for short selling versus going long a stock? What role do options play? Understand the world of shorting outside of activist investors.
Theresa Molloy, Director, Corporate Governance
Prudential Financial
Panelist(s)/Co-Speaker(s):
Christine Bosco, CFA, Head of Securities Lending
Franklin Templeton Investments
Tim Quast, President
ModernIR
Kevin A. Tuttle, CEO, Chief Equity Strategist & Co-Founder
Tesseract Asset Management, LLC
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Learning Objectives:
- Gain insight into the investment process of short selling. What makes your stock an attractive short?
- Understand the SEC's role in the governance of short-sales
- Learn what regulations are being discussed/proposed by the SEC to allow greater transparency of short-selling and potential implications on expected returns.
- Understand how long-term holders use options to trade around core positions and why 13Fs may not tell the whole story.
Location: Regency 1-2 (Level 2)
Retail investors continue to be an important part of the equity market and can provide a company with a base of stable, long-term shareholders. IROs need to understand the value of having retail investors as part of the investor base as well as the most effective ways and cost-efficient tools to identify and reach retail investors. With the emergence of new technologies and social media, including YouTube and Facebook, IROs have many ways to reach investors in addition to retail investor conferences such as The Money Show.
Thomas Smith, Executive Vice President, Corporate Practice New York
Ogilvy PR
Panelist(s)/Co-Speaker(s):
Delia Moore, Director, Rating Agency and Investor Relations
Aflac Incorporated
Jeffrey Smith, Staff Director, Investor Relations
FedEx Corporation
Roy Worth, Senior Vice President
MoneyShow
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Learning Objectives:
- Learn why retail investors can be an attractive part of your shareholder base
- Learn what kinds of companies are most attractive to retail investors and what investment characteristics these investors value, e.g. high dividend yields
- Learn some of the ways IROs have successfully targeted and engaged retail investors, including social media and retail investor conferences
- Learn the amount of time and money needed to develop and sustain an effective retail investor outreach effort
- Project management tracking document
Location: Great Hall 1 (Level 3)
Leverage management time with a large or small group meeting. This panel will cover the nuts and bolts of a meeting as well as why your company should plan to have one at all. Who you should invite, when the best time to have a meeting is, and where is the best place to have a meeting are all important decisions this seasoned panel will address.
Anne Guimard, PhD, President
FINEO Investor Relations Advisors
Panelist(s)/Co-Speaker(s):
Morris Moore, Vice President, Investor Relations
Reynolds American
Joseph Stanley, President
JCSmedia, Inc.
Michael Steele, CFA, Vice President, Investor Relations
OfficeMax, Inc.
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Learning Objectives:
- Selling the Idea to Management
- Logistics and Invitations - In-Person/Virtual Attendees, Announcement
- Content/Presentation and Post-event Evaluation
- Alternative Event Formats to a Large Investor Day
- Post-conference, the notes from each sub-group.
Location: Great Hall 2 (Level 3)
Many public companies have had quarters or years in which their financial results are far outside the range of analysts' consensus estimates - either above or below - for revenues, earnings, same-store sales, volumes, or any of a number of metrics the Street follows for your company or industry.
This can happen whether or not companies provide regular guidance, and can occur regardless of industry, geography, or market cap. These so-called "earnings surprises" can lead to wide swings in a company's stock price, trading volume, and volatility - and can greatly increase the short-term workload of an IR team. This interactive session is designed to let IROs and counselors of all experience levels to hear first from seasoned veterans who have experience dealing with "earnings surprises" and from each other on best practices for these sorts of situations.
Andrea Rose, Managing Director
Joele Frank, Wilkinson Brimmer Katcher
Panelist(s)/Co-Speaker(s):
Ruth Cotter, Vice President, Investor Relations
Advanced Micro Devices
Karen Greene, Managing Director, Investor Relations
ICG Group, Inc.
Joseph L. (Joe) Johnson III, Partner
Goodwin Procter LLP
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Learning Objectives:
- For junior NIRI members and senior members alike, it's a chance to hear what your peers have to say on the topic, and at the end, what our panel of experts will have to say about each group's experiences
- If, how, when, and why to pre-announce or not and how to re-establish control of your firm's credibility after a positive or negative surprise
- How to manage future expectations and estimates after a positive or negative surprise and how to stay within bounds of Reg FD and other regulations and laws
- Preparing management for potential questions, concerns, and consequences (good and bad) and how to frame a positive or negative surprise in best light while still maintaining credibility
Location: Atlantic 1-2 (Level 2)
Most companies have a variety of investors with different objectives interested in their stock. Hear how a panel of buy-side investors makes their investment decisions - from the initial investment to the exit - and your role as an investor relations professional in helping them meet their needs. In addition to the overall investment process, we will cover topics such as earnings misses, investing in peers, channel checks, redemptions, mandates and how they impact holdings in your company. Walk away with an understanding of how to tailor your IR approach to different investment styles
Katie Royce, CFA, Director, Investor Relations
Cantor Commercial Real Estate
Panelist(s)/Co-Speaker(s):
David Blount, CFA, CPA, Portfolio Co-Manager
Eagle Asset Management, Inc.
Walter B. Stackow, CFA, Senior Analyst, Focused Opportunities Group
Manning & Napier Advisors, LLC
John Tompkins, Founder
Tyvor Capital, LLC
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Learning Objectives:
- To gain insight into how different investment processes drive diverse decisions in the same situation.
- To learn what factors may impact how investors choose other publicly traded companies to benchmark against your company.
- To go beyond "what the buy-side wants from IR" by better understanding how IR fits into different investment processes/mandates.
Location: Great Hall 1 (Level 3)
A three-part TED-inspired session on finding value in a career path.
Part I: Looking Around Corners - Adapting to Unanticipated (Career) Challenges
No one is immune to sharp turns along the path to success. Hone how your psyche handles what no crystal ball will tell you. Come hear a very focused presentation on how to address unanticipated developments in your company and/or career, with a particular focus on the "out of the blue" layoff. Hear how you can successfully defend your reputation as a leader with management and other constituents - both internally and externally to your current firm.
Learning Objectives:
--Understand how to cope with unanticipated employment changes, both emotionally and psychologically
--Learn how to identify issues and challenges before they occur and steps to mitigate them
--Work towards calmly managing the event, and learn how to "look forward" towards a positive outcome
--Emerge from an unexpected event with a strengthened professional and personal brand
Part II: Building Your Brand for IR Career Success
How others perceive you as a professional is critical for your career and reputation internally and externally. Discuss how to leverage traditional as well as technological approaches to building your personal career brand. Learn both traditional approaches as well as how to best leverage technology.
Learning Objectives:
--Developing and enhancing your personal brand
--Effective communication styles for career success
--Positioning yourself internally and leveraging your outside network
Part III: Leveraging your experiences to drive value in new roles
Do you want to make an even higher impact for your company as well as shareholders? Learn how to embrace changes across the span of your career to become a trusted advisor to your management team and Board of Directors. Hear how to take your past career experiences and leverage them in new roles to drive value - for your firm and yourself.
Learning Objectives:
--Embracing career change and making strategic moves to fit your current objectives
--Leveraging prior experiences to elevate your career brand, providing for a seat at the table with the C Suite and Board
Rebecca F. Updegraph, Senior Advisor, Corporate Strategy and Market Development
OpenExchange
Panelist(s)/Co-Speaker(s):
Steven Eschbach, Vice President, Investor Relations
Integrys Energy Group, Inc.
Laura Graves, Vice President, Investor Relations
Polycom
Smooch Reynolds, Managing Partner, Investor Relations & Communications Practice
Caldwell Partners
Location: Regency 1-2 (Level 2)
Non-deal roadshows are one of the basic elements of any IR program, but deciding when and how to do them can make all the difference in ensuring that the IRO maximizes the time of the C-suite. Deciding when is the best time to go on the road and making sure your company has a strong message to communicate is just as critical as identifying the right targets. Deciding whether to go on the road with a sell-side analyst who follows your company, a corporate access firm, an IR agency, or doing it yourself, is only the first of many decisions. Learn the pros and cons of each approach and some of the best practices for setting up non-deal roadshows.
Bernard J. Kilkelly, Managing Vice President, Investor Relations
Tower Group International, Ltd
Panelist(s)/Co-Speaker(s):
Cheryl Gedvila, Vice President, Global Corporate Access
RBC Capital Markets, LLC
Brian P. Rivel, President
Rivel Research Group
Matthew V. Stroud, Vice President, Investor Relations
Darden Restaurants, Inc.
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Learning Objectives:
- Learn how to evaluate how non-deal roadshows fit in as part of your overall IR program, including when is the best time to go on the road and how to make sure your company has a strong message to communicate
- Learn the basics of putting on a non-deal roadshow - how many cities, how many meetings per day, 1-on-1 vs. group meetings, targeting the right investors
- Learn the pros and cons of different approaches (sell-side, corporate access, IR agencies, DIY) to set up non-deal roadshows
- Learn best practices to ensure that you are maximizing the time of your C-suite when they participate
Location: Diplomat 1-3 (Level 2)
Do securities regulations feel like a spider-web of rules you have to maneuver around? This seminar will simplify the regulatory framework in the US, Canada and worldwide, both in terms of mandatory and voluntary disclosure. The aim is helping the investor relations professional build the knowledge and skill set needed to adhere to securities regulations and ultimately build value for their company. Materiality, fair disclosure, securities regulations, and best practices will be discussed from a global perspective.
Examples of SEC investigations addressing breaches to Reg FD in the US and breaches to securities regulators worldwide will be used as a platform to understand applications beyond press releases, including corporate websites, investor meetings, earnings calls, and social media. An overview of securities regulations and best practices in jurisdictions outside the US will also be explored, as applied to US issuers and non-US issuers marketing in non-US jurisdictions.
- Define materiality and fair disclosure
- Regulations following unintentional and intentional selective disclosure of material nonpublic information. SEC's "Seven Hot Buttons" of Materiality - earnings information, M&A, new ventures
- Provide examples of SEC investigations addressing breaches to Reg FD. Reg FD applications beyond press releases - corporate websites, earnings calls, social media
- Overview of securities regulations and best practices in jurisdictions outside the US as applied to US issuers and non-US issuers marketing in non-US jurisdictions (including Canada and UK)
Stephanie Batory, Project Manager
Aritizia, LP
Panelist(s)/Co-Speaker(s):
Andrew Apedoe, Head, Investor Relations
The Churchill Group
Charles Triano, Senior Vice President, Investor Relations
Pfizer
Frank Zarb, Partner
Proskauer Rose, LLP
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Learning Objectives:
- Definitions of materiality and fair disclosure from a global perspective, including the SEC's "Seven Hot Buttons" of Materiality
- Case studies of breaches to Regulation FD and comparable securities regulations worldwide in order to explore applications for IR professionals
- Securities regulations and implications for US issuers with secondary listings in non-US jurisdictions (including Canada and UK) and non-US issuers marketing in non-US jurisdictions
- Other jurisdictions that may be discussed - Brazil, Spain, Germany, Ireland and Sweden
Location: Great Hall 2 (Level 3)
As IROs, we work diligently to craft our company's messaging so that it accurately reflects the overarching business strategy and mission, as well as resonates with our key audiences. However, as macroeconomic or external situations arise, those messages are tested. In this session, we will employ a format similar to those delivered at TED events. Participants will hear succinct, 15-minute presentations on the various tests a company's message can face, followed by a five-minute Q&A session, before moving on to the next presenter.
Objectives
Part I: Management Perspective - Virgil Scudder
The perception of a company heavily influences the way investors respond to it, and some companies are undervalued in the market simply because management doesn't tell the story well enough. By helping management to better articulate the company's "story," you can help drive value while mitigating the downward pressure from external forces.
Part II: IR Level - David Calusdian
A key role of the IRO is to facilitate a dialog between management and the Street. Sometimes, this requires giving a difficult message to one of these groups, or the other. When this is done well, you can further leverage an important intangible asset for value creation - credibility.
Part III: Media - Brad Allen
The new journalism model - and the entrepreneurs behind it - is changing the way companies and stocks get covered, particularly given the decline in both traditional media and the sell side. The segment will describe the changing face of business and financial journalism and what IROs need to understand about these new and emerging media players.
Ruth E. Venning, Director, Investor Relations
Hospira, Inc.
Panelist(s)/Co-Speaker(s):
Brad Allen, Financial Journalist & Business Writer
RiskRewardNews.com©
David Calusdian, Executive Vice President & Partner
Sharon Merrill Associates
Virgil Scudder, President
Virgil Scudder & Associates
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Learning Objectives:
- Understand the emerging players, business models and trends changing the who and the how of business journalism and how news about your company gets reported (or doesn't).
Location: Great Hall 1 (Level 3)
Does Investor Targeting really work? Is there any true value in running analysis spreadsheets about potential investors? Whether new to IR or a seasoned veteran, this session will certainly appeal to you. In this session, we will see how companies target new and existing investors and what types of tools they use to run the quantitative side of targeting. We will discuss investor targeting programs which are designed to help you attract and retain investment capital. The panel of leading experts in investor targeting will dispel the myths around targeting as well as discuss opportunities for IR professionals to target the "right" institutions in today's busy and challenging marketplace.
Felise Glantz Kissell, Vice President, Investor Relations
HSN, Inc.
Panelist(s)/Co-Speaker(s):
Kary Brunner, Director, Investor Relations
Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.
Derek Cole, President
Investor Relations Advisory Solutions
Mark Namaroff, Director, Investor Relations
Analogic Corporation
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Learning Objectives:
- Learn the necessary basics of what types of software are available to use when targeting investors
- Learn the best approaches/practices on how to target investors and to maximize your time and the time of C-suite
- Learn the best ways to execute a targeting plan and how to measure it
- Learn how the sell-side can help you implement your targeting plan
Location: Atlantic 1-2 (Level 2)
Stricter regulations, technology advances and market structure complexity have changed the dynamics between the buy side and sell side trading desks. For example, technology enables investors to automate some aspects of trade execution, which allows them to focus on complex trades that may have market impact. These and other transactions require the buy and sell side to work collectively to stay "under the radar screen" when buying or selling your stock.
This session will feature individuals from the buy and sell side trading desks who will discuss their respective roles and offer candid views regarding how investors have modified their trading strategies to maneuver in today's markets.
Thomas Dunavant, Investor Relations
BMC Software
Panelist(s)/Co-Speaker(s):
Brian Barrett, Head Trader
Franklin Templeton Funds
Rich Steiner, Head of Market Structure
RBC Capital Markets
Chris Taylor, Executive Vice President & Managing Director, Global Investor Relations
Ipreo
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Learning Objectives:
- Establish how buy and sell side desks work together to manage their order flow
- Gain better understanding of the buy-side trader's role versus portfolio manager
- Learn to think like a trader and separate "noise" from "real" trading volume
- Manage your message to senior executives when explaining aberrant trading
Location: Grand Ballroom (Level 2)
Michael Sheehan, renowned coach to Presidents and senior executives, will cover the key elements of building messages. In a 2-hour session filled with video clips and audience interaction, Michael will share techniques for everyday messaging, handling controversy, and dealing with a full-blown crisis.
Interact with Michael in a live Q&A session!
Location: Atlantic 1-2 (Level 2)
While marketing and PR departments typically "own" social media, the challenge for IR departments is two-fold: 1) ensure that all activity is compliant with public company regulations and 2) ensure the messaging is consistent with the overall IR strategy.
In this hands-on workshop, participants will learn from an IRO whose IR program incorporates social media, a securities lawyer who will provide a legal perspective on policy development, and a representative from Wall Street who uses social media to gather information about companies his organization follows.
Dennis Walsh, Vice President & Director, Social Media
Sharon Merrill Associates
Panelist(s)/Co-Speaker(s):
Chris Demuth, Partner
Rangeley Capital
RJ Jones, Investor Relations Officer
Zillow, Inc.
Sheryl Joyce, Vice President, Marketing and Communications
Q4 Web Systems
Broc Romanek, Editor
TheCorporateCounsel.net
David Urban, Director, Investor Relations
Johnson Controls
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Learning Objectives:
- Learn how to develop an effective IR strategy using social media.
- Determine what level of engagement on social media is appropriate for your IR program.
- Understand how institutional investors (buy side) are using social media.
- Collaborate with public relations and marketing to ensure message continuity and learn how best to monitor, 'push' and 'pull' information about your company via social media platforms.
Location: Regency 1-2 (Level 2)
When you hear about a CEO involved in a scandal, an SEC company investigation, a hedge fund demanding a board seat, do you think, "I'm glad I'm not handling IR for that company"? Well, our panelists have been in charge of IR for that company, and lived to tell their story. They'll share their insights on managing key messages, preparing executives, and creating meaningful investor dialogue from the IR battlefield.
Then we'll face crisis scenarios together in groups far from the battlefield and assess the strengths and weaknesses of our proposed plans. You'll learn what steps to take when a crisis impacts your company and how to craft the message for your shareholders and investors.
Neil Stewart, Editorial and Research Director
IR Magazine
Panelist(s)/Co-Speaker(s):
Rob Berick, Managing Director
Falls Communications
Jeff Gustavson, General Manager, Investor Relations
Chevron Corporation
Jonathan Mairs, Managing Director, Corporate Communications & Investor Relations
Knight Capital
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Learning Objectives:
- Learn how to communicate during and after a crisis
- Learn what steps to take when crisis hits
- Learn how social media can impact a company facing a crises