Founded in 1969, NIRI is the professional association of corporate officers and investor relations consultants responsible for communication among corporate management, shareholders, securities analysts and other financial community constituents. The largest professional investor relations association in the world, NIRI’s more than 3,300 members represent over 1,600 publicly held companies and $9 trillion in stock market capitalization.
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On March 23, BATS Global Markets canceled its IPO after a technical failure on BATS Exchange led to halting the stock. Within seconds, calls began pouring in from media, customers and investors with everyone wondering what was happening. In the ensuing days, the company implemented a crisis communications plan designed to save the company's reputation with key audiences. Two members of the BATS management team – CFO Brian Schell and IRO Randy Williams – will be in Seattle to discuss the company's reaction to the crisis, and the ongoing effort to preserve BATS' reputation.
The economic might of the emerging markets has made them a destination for investments as well as a major source of capital around the world. In this breakfast briefing, we'll examine the increasing business and investment ties between the developed and emerging markets—paying particular attention to the unique challenges and opportunities Investor Relations professionals now face.
For companies looking to raise capital, there's never been a better or worse time in the market. This session examines the outlook for raising debt and equity with a focus on the specific needs of emerging companies.
According to the recommendations published recently by the IPO Task Force, the number of successful IPOs from emerging companies has plummeted over the past 15 years. As a result, access to capital, and ultimately corporate growth, has been hindered.
At the same time, we've entered a period of innovation -- companies now have more options than ever to access the equity capital markets. This session will cover these developments, ranging from IPO alternatives to new offering structures to electronic capital markets platforms.
Market structure has changed dramatically over the past decade and has become increasingly complex. Keeping up with these fast-paced changes is challenging for IROs and many might feel uncomfortable sharing their lack of knowledge on this topic with others. A panel of market structure experts will explain how your stock can trade on BATS or Direct Edge even if it's listed on the NYSE Euronext or NASDAQ, what high-frequency trading is and how it's affecting your stock as well as dark pools and other pressing questions.
In 2011, companies were virtually held hostage to the Euro crisis with regard to capital market access. The situation in 2012 does not appear to be drastically different as risk appetite and market openings seem to be determined by the evolution of the European sovereign debt crisis. As European banks face impending Basel 3 capital requirements as well as the fallout from the sovereign crisis, their strategy of asset sales, capital raises and deleveraging the balance sheet has important implications for the equity and debt markets. With over $1.2 trillion in corporate debt maturing in 2012 and 2013 in Europe, competition for debt and equity capital will be fierce. In today's risk on/off world, what is the likely impact of these events on your company and your role as IRO? What are the implications of these changes on your access to equity and debt markets, the trading of your shares and your ability to refinance? How does the European crisis affect your operations and investor perceptions of the risk in your business?
Companies must determine the most optimal uses of their cash and borrowing capacity. Does it make sense to reinvest internally, make acquisitions, or distribute to shareholders by declaring dividends and/or buy back their shares? This presentation provides the results of a 20+ year study (updated through December 2011) that illustrates by market cap size, economic sector and investment style (growth or value) and compares the various use of cash strategies by total return. The study includes both bull and bear market cycles.
One of an IRO's responsibilities is to prepare corporate spokespeople to represent their organization to the best of their abilities, whether it be at an industry conference, an investor/civic meeting or a media interview. Participants in this workshop will come away with tools designed to "train the trainer" so the IRO can effectively support and guide his/her spokespeople. Being prepared and confident as a spokesperson is not just critical for the C-suite. This session will also arm the IRO with tools that he/she can put into practice in day-day interactions with the financial community - from face-to-face and telephonic meetings to more informal discussions.
The first half of this session will be led by a world renowned career advisor and executive recruiter and is designed as an interactive discussion about the realities of an IR career for the future; how the global capital markets have rapidly influenced management's perspective about the IRO role and the most effective career experiences required to be a confidant/advisor to the C-suite; and the risks associated with not socializing your career brand with the right executives.
The second half of the session will take the format of a fireside chat with two leading IROs to discuss best practices and strategies.
Today's investor relations executives face increasingly complex professional challenges both internally and externally. In the wake of the recent economic slump IROs must ensure now, more than ever, they are equipped with the right skills, knowledge and abilities to be competitive in this changing professional environment. This session will review data from the 2012 NIRI-Korn/Ferry International Corporate IR Profession and Compensation Study including highlights for specific demographics such as small-caps, mid-caps and the Fortune 500 population, and recent real-world hiring trends. This interactive and collaborative session is vital for IROs at any stage in their professional career.
After a choppy 2011, confidence is returning to deal markets in 2012, with mergers and acquisitions, spin-offs and divestitures on the upswing. Improving stock and credit markets, ample liquidity and cash-rich corporate balance sheets signal that all signs are positive. However, ineffective communications can derail a successful deal or tank a company's stock value.
Our seasoned panel of practitioners have navigated a diverse range of M&A situations -- from spinoffs and divestitures to hostile takeovers and multiples types of strategic purchases. They will cover the critical aspects of M&A communications -- including the merits of deal communication, management of different constituencies, consistent messaging across audiences, preparation for proxy votes, timelines, and much more. Drawing from their deep experience, our panelists will share practical advice, war stories and insights that can help you maintain the enterprise value of your company's transactions throughout the process.
For investor relations professionals, the challenge is often going through dozens of pages of information to develop core IR messages that will have the desired impact on key target audiences. This session will provide real-world insight into the development of core messages, gaining executive alignment and objectively measuring their impact following delivery. This is intended to feature an agency representative, a large-cap company and micro-cap representative, and an expert representative from the research field.
Companies are exploring whether to establish their website as the primary point of disclosure for disseminating information to investors. The SEC issued guidance for web disclosure in 2008 but no hard and fast rules, leaving companies on their own to determine the SEC-compliant disclosure process that best suits their needs. The panel consists of practitioner views from different places on the web disclosure continuum, combined with former SEC leadership and global services provider experiences. Together, they will provide a wide range of knowledge to help you understand how and when it may be right for your company to move to web disclosure.
Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, SlideShare are just a few of the collaborative Web 2.0 technologies that are increasingly being used to engage in a digital dialogue with customers, partners, suppliers and increasingly, financial stakeholders. Findings from a recently conducted multiyear study by the University of Leipzig will provide rare insight into how IROs in the US, Germany, UK, France, and Japan are using social media to enhance their investor relations programs.
The research primarily focuses on 150 of the largest companies listed in the DJIA, DAX, FTSE, CAC and Nikkei, including the findings from a sample of small- and mid-cap companies in Germany and the US. The session will also include how IROs are using different social media tools and platforms to support their online financial communications, and emerging best practices. It will include a forecast of what may be coming next as well as advice from several IROs -- some of whom whose companies are featured in the study.
The session will explain everything you need to know about creating a compelling presentation. Participants will learn the six keys to success:
1. Recognizing the specific needs of an investor audience
2. Developing clear messages
3. Organizing the content into a logical flow that tells a story
4. Creating high-impact visuals
5. The role of design
6. Effective delivery
It is a practical session and includes numerous examples of effective slides.
Everything we thought we knew about the capital markets has drastically changed over the last ten years. This workshop will touch on the three pillars of our capital markets: trading, research and equity capital markets. In this workshop, we'll make sense out of all the recent changes in the capital markets, including timely topics like high frequency trading and alternative research and drill down to what it all means to the practice of investor relations. By the end of this seminar, you'll leave as a more powerful IRO.
New to IR? Seasoned but want to learn more about roadshows outside of the US? If so, plan to attend this workshop, 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 US. 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 set up independent roadshows and ways to measure your roadshow's success -- not to mention the different agendas of all parties involved!
Complement this deep-dive into getting your show on the road with the session "Data Driven Targeting" on June 5 at 1:45pm
IR practice varies from nascent to world-class across issuers and throughout the Asia-Pacific region. A panel of IROs representing issuers in the region will discuss current practices, pressing challenges, and investor views of those practices. A session will immediately follow with conversation about leading practices for global IR programs.
Borders are breaking down for global capital markets. Investors focus more on an issuer's industry and regional exposure rather than the country in which the company issued. While issuers seek capital and investor diversification wherever it makes sense, the demands on a global IR program are greater and more complex.
(Please note extended time: 1:00 - 3:30pm.)
Join us for an interactive case study on crisis communication. The case study combines immersive participant engagement, effective simulation, including media and analyst interface as well as subject-matter expert commentary.
The setting: WidgeCo management is in a spin! We won't tell you why, but there's a crisis and they are ill-prepared. Using action-learning techniques, participants are plunged into the role of an investor relations officer on-point to advise on how to regain control of a rapidly escalating crisis. It is a roller coaster with plenty of twists and turns.
The successful investor relations executive possess well-developed financial acumen and strong working knowledge of the valuation metrics used by buy and sell side analysts. This hands-on interactive workshop will challenge attendees to analyze the case study of a public company and determine its valuation based on the information and techniques used by buy-side investors. Assuming the role as the portfolio manager, attendees will submit their recommendation to buy, hold or sell the company and why to a team of investors from Rainier Investment Management.
Participants should have a basic understanding of financial accounting and how valuation metrics apply to buying or selling a security.
Welcome address from the Annual Conference Committee Co-Chairs. Learn how the "Great Expectations" Conference theme connects sessions, networking, and service discovery throughout our three days together as a Community.
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 during this election cycle.
The demands on IR expand with great expectations on CFOs and their organizations. Hear firsthand perspective to help formulate programs supportive of management.
A panel of global portfolio managers will share their views on capital flows and regional opportunities, with insight on what they like to see from IR and management.
The 2012 Election Season has driven into the public mindset a growing sense of the need for regulatory moderation. This comes after three years of increasing legislations, regulations, and enforcement actions. Hear views from past and present SEC leadership as the election cycle rolls on to November.
Due to Federal Government travel restrictions, Director Cross will join via recorded interview.
Today's Director faces new challenges meeting their responsibilities to shareholders and compliance obligations as regulations mount. IR has access to vast amounts of information and analysis that can support a Director's strategic and corporate governance roles.
Practical futurist Glen Hiemstra will reshape how you look at the future during his Wednesday general session. Hear how an applied approach to envisioning the future will align your company story and strategic planning activities.
New equity markets are emerging in Latin America, Asia, The Middle East, Europe and Africa, creating new opportunities, but also challenges for Investor Relations Officers eager to broaden their shareholder base and exposure to international investors.
In this environment, the successful companies will recognize the need to adjust their programs to the cultural differences between the various pools of investors they are targeting. With roadshows remaining a strong feature of any international investor relations program, it may be time to look beyond the obvious target cities and start looking at entering new territories.
Tapping into global capital is a hot topic for companies seeking to diversify their shareholder base, raise capital outside of their home market or increase their name awareness in any given region. But the landscape of the global marketplace is in a constant state of change. This session will provide insights into current market conditions, capital flows, and investment trends globally. It will also revisit the various options available to expand your shareholder base beyond your home market, including the pros and cons of cross-border listings.
Global investors are taking note of the alphabet soup of social, environmental, and governance concerns. Learn the value to IR programs and why IR should take note. Hear about the increasing importance of SRI (Socially Responsible Investment) and ESG (Environmental, Social, and Corporate Governance) for all types of investors in order to grow the shareholder base. Learn the particular information needs of SRI investors, how these may differ from one region to another, and how to incorporate sustainability into corporate reporting.
A moderator will guide the conversation at group direction. Though preliminary topics will be surveyed in advance, the format of this session allows for deep exploration of the most timely sector issues.
Aerospace & Defense: Room 602
Banking: Room 3B
Pharma / BioTech: Room 307
Building Materials / Construction: Room 301
Chemicals: Room 6B
Consumer Products: Room 6A
Counselors & IR Firms: Room 603
Energy / Oil & Gas / Fuel: Room 3A
Financial Services: Room 306
Food / Food Manufacturers: Room 6C
Healthcare Services: Room 6D
Insurance: Room 308
Manufacturing / Conglomerates: Room 305
Media & Entertainment: Room 619
Medical Technology & Devices: Room 604
Mining & Metals: Room 310
Real Estate: Room 611-614
Restaurants: Room 615
Retail: Room 303
Semiconductor: Room 617
Service Industries: Room 618
Technology - Hardware & Peripherals: Room 616
Technology - Internet & Software: Room 309
Telecommunication: Room 302
Transportation: Room 620
Utilities & Power: Room 304
Today's competitive business environment accentuates the importance of understanding the practical application of financial information.
Understanding the essential elements of financial and accounting principles enable investor relations officers to communicate effectively with analysts, investors and the financial press.
Led by a former security analyst with 20 years experience, this program will explore how to interpret income and cash flow statements, and balance sheets. It will show how analysts and investors analyze public companies based on the merits of the companies' financial statements.
This is a great session to either brush up on your skills or learn the essential framework for financial analysis and is a helpful prerequisite for
"Would You Buy This Stock? An Interactive Workshop with Rainier Investment" on Wednesday, June 6.
Technical trading behavior can have a significant impact on a stock's activity. During these times, the versatile IRO has to put on his/her technical analysis hat. Participants will learn the definition of technical analysis and the various tools used by both fundamental and technical investors. The session will cover charting as well as the significance and value of identifying patterns, drawing trend lines and transforming this data into dynamic analysis that can be utilized within the IRO's organization. The session's objective is to provide the investor relations professional with a better understanding of technical trading, enabling them to effectively measure their stock's momentum and volatility. Understanding the drivers of technical trading will also help the audience communicate the impact that this trading strategy has on their stock to senior management.
What makes a buy-side investor decide to buy, sell, or short your stock? The answer may not be as obvious as you think. Institutional investors consider a wide range of factors when making investment decisions including portfolio balance, trading costs, and internal risk benchmarks. Panelists from a group of leading buy-side firms representing a cross section of disciplines will offer insight regarding how and why they select certain stocks.
To learn more about how technical investors make informed investment decisions, attend the Technical Investing session.
A growing numbers of hedge funds, sovereign wealth funds, index funds and exchange traded funds have changed the complexion of the capital markets and significantly increased trading volume. External factors, such as the recent global and financial crisis, add volatility to the trading markets.
Now, more than ever, corporate IR practitioners must understand the new players as well as the changing rules and factors influencing buy side trading behaviors in order to target effectively.
This session will provide an in-depth overview of executing an analyst day and address the fundamental components and processes as well as best practices from the buy-side point of view. Key topics to be covered will include planning, both internally and externally, specifically timing, length, location, attendance, presenters, give-aways and what to expect.
A portion of the session will be dedicated to developing an effective analyst day presentation, including examples of content design and delivery.
Learn to improve investor targeting by identifying those factors that primarily drive the buy and sell decisions of investors. Using back-tested quantitative models, IROs can develop a more accurate, data-driven approach that predicts investor trading decisions. The result is more effective outreach and more efficient use of management time.
We recommend a complement to session that you attend the Data Driven Targeting.
In this informal lunch and learn setting, attendees/participants will hear from and speak with John Siemann, President and Partner of Phoenix Advisory Partners, a corporate governance consulting, proxy solicitation and M&A services firm. John's clients include Fortune 100 companies as well as many mid and small cap companies.
John will describe the major issues of the day, including Say on Pay, Proxy Access, Director withhold campaigns, approval of equity plans, as well as a range of shareholder proposals which many companies receive. He will also discuss the role and influence of proxy advisors, an area where there are many misperceptions.
He will describe how, particularly over the past several years, IROs have increasingly become actively involved in the proxy process, often teaming with their company's corporate secretary and HR head, to discuss their company's corporate governance policies and compensation practices with their largest investors.
Most important, he will describe real-life scenarios in which his client IROs have been active both in investor engagement on these issues, as well as assisting in drafting understandable, persuasive proxies.
Today more than ever investors, employees and stakeholders are demanding more from the CEO. Please join us for an interactive roundtable discussion around FTI Consulting's recently published investor research that indicates how CEOs need to message to the investment community, policy makers, and employees. With shorter CEO tenures and the growing voice of stakeholders, this session will address how the investor relations office can drive an integrated communications strategy to reach the expanded stakeholder audience by aligning the key message to enhance and protect a company's enterprise value and share price.
Hedge funds continue to be a controversial and at times, a difficult to understand group of investors for most IROs and their management team. This panel will assemble a hedge fund manager, a corporate access professional and an IRO to discuss the benefits and risks of regular communication with this group.
In 2011, over 491 million smartphones were purchased globally, up 61.3 % from 2010. In fact, in the United States alone, nearly 116 million people will use a smartphone at least monthly by the end of 2012, up from 93.1 million in 2011.
Mobile is everywhere, literally. And leveraging mobile technology in your corporate workflow and investor communications efforts is paramount to an efficient and effective IR program. Whether it's communicating with investors or senior management, discover the trends, tools and best practices that make up this fast growing aspect of Investor Relations.
This session will delve into how IROs inform their management teams about investor attitudes and behaviors. The discussion will be led by Brian Rivel and a panel of senior IROs who will share their experiences on how measured feedback changes and enhances corporate initiatives and communications practices. Rivel Research Group will provide perspective, drawing on over 21 years of measuring global buy-side issues and trends.
This session will cover IR best practices on topics pertaining to effectively positioning and differentiating your company as an investment.
Discussion topics will include, but are not limited to engaging the buy-side, targeting, the importance of the sell-side, communication platforms (e.g., analyst days, conferences, earnings calls/press releases, non-deal roadshows, websites), guidance practices, and technology.
Engagement on corporate governance matters from Investor Relations is critical and no longer just the responsibility of the corporate secretary. There are new demands and skill sets for IR professionals that must be mastered in the changing governance environment. This panel will provide an overview and discussion of these skills and best practices from a tactical and strategic approach to win support from your shareholders.
With the fate of mandatory proxy access behind us, the latest question is "what is the timing for the SEC's proxy plumbing project and what will the changes mean for investor relations professionals?" How will changes affect the proxy voting process? Based on recent research, it is likely the first rulemakings emanating from the proxy plumbing project will likely come in waves, with greater regulation of proxy advisory firms being first on the list. This session will look at the possible SEC proposals dealing with proxy plumbing and specifically proxy advisor regulation as well as the potential ramifications for boards of directors, management teams and investor relations professionals. We know these changes are coming – how can we best prepare for the changes.
Whether you are new to IR or a seasoned veteran, Regulation FD, reporting and governance issues loom large in your job. Listen to experts as they cover the latest and the basics of Regulation FD. Learn best practices and gain tips so that you and your company stay out of trouble and comply with the law.
2011 was the first year most companies provided shareholders with Dodd-Frank required Say on Pay proposals. While only approximately 40 companies received failing votes, 600 additional companies experienced 20% or higher opposition. This broader group may face enhanced scrutiny in 2012 and beyond.
IROs are playing a significant role in this effort, often collaborating with the corporate secretary and others in 1) investor engagement efforts to ascertain investors' governance and proxy voting hot button issues, and 2) in improving their companies' proxy messaging and related disclosures. Here, some are contributing to creative re-designs of proxy materials, as well as efforts to re-engage with their retail investors. For many IROs, this represented "more work," but may also have gained them "seats at additional tables," including important visibility to the Board.
In this cross-functional panel, an IRO, a corporate secretary, a leading institutional investor and a proxy advisor will discuss the landscape and what best practices are emerging.