IR Magazine

IR MAGAZINE THINK TANK – Europe
Exclusively for in-house IRO's

Thursday, June 20, 2024

Bank of America offices, London

OUR UNIQUE FORMAT

The IR Magazine Think Tank – Europe will take place on Thursday, June 20, in London and is an invitation-only event exclusively for senior IR officers. Our think tanks are free to attend and our unique format enables participants to network extensively, discuss, debate and dissect topical issues affecting today’s IROs.

What makes our format so unique?

Our think tanks are far removed from the traditional conference setup as the event consists of panel sessions followed by roundtable discussions on select IR issues. These interactive sessions are an opportunity to share experiences with and learn from other top-rated investor relations professionals. All table discussions are confidential, and none of the participants’ comments is attributed, allowing attendees to talk freely and have frank, open discussions.

How do our roundtable discussions work?
  Industry experts, top-rated IROs and members of the investment community set the agenda for a panel discussion by sharing their thoughts on session topics.
 Small round tables of IROs discuss these issues face to face.
 Each table gives feedback and shares ideas with the group as a whole.

Agenda: 2023

We will be announcing the 2024 agenda shortly. In the meantime please see below for the 2023 agenda.

You can also see the full agenda by clicking here.

  • 08:15 AM
    Registration, breakfast and morning networking

  • 08:50 AM
    Welcome to the think tank

    Steven Wade, head of event content, IR Magazine
    Mark Troman, deputy head of EMEA equity research, Bank of America

  • 09:00 AM
    IR in a 'poly-crisis': Respond to converging macro challenges

    Supply chain disruptions, volatile markets and geopolitical tensions each constitute a significant challenge for IR. Together, they are what some have dubbed a ‘poly-crisis’: a complex mix of challenges greater than the sum of its parts. But a poly-crisis is also a ‘poly-opportunity’.

    This panel will discuss how IR teams can communicate resilience in uncharted territory and drive value in rapidly changing markets.

    • Clarify and respond to increasing market uncertainty
    • Navigate evolving supply chain and geopolitical tensions
    • Reasons to be optimistic: Key drivers of growth on the road to recovery

    Moderator: Steven Wade, head of event content, IR Magazine
    Amit Bhalla, SVP head of investor relations, Schneider Electric
    Joanna Darlington, partner, FGS Global

    Ruben Segura-Cayuela, head of Europe economics, Bank of America

  • 09:30 AM
    Fire-side chat: ESG oversight and activism prevention

    Companies are increasingly being held to account by their shareholders. A growth in pass-through voting and the growing influence of proxy advisory firms mean that boards, management, and IR teams must deepen their relationship with investor stewardship teams.

    ESG issues increasingly feature in European activist campaigns, often alongside themes such as governance matters, potential M&A transactions and other efforts to increase shareholder returns. This session will explore the steps IR teams can take to enhance ESG oversight, prepare for the next AGM and prevent ESG-related activism.

    • Understand the trends as it relates to investor stewardship and ESG activism
    • Learn how to apply ESG best practices and optimize governance
    • Hear how IR should communicate to the board about ESG and climate targets

    Moderator: Hemma Visavadia, reporter, IR Magazine
    Jana Jevcakova, managing director and head of ESG International, Morrow Sodali

  • 09:50 AM
    New ESG priorities: Regulations, reporting and reality

    Interest in ESG is at an all-time high. This year the CSRD entered into force, the ISSB is releasing the first of its standards, and the TNFD is launching its final framework. However, many on the buy side still feel there is a disconnect between targets and action and between good storytelling and robust data. Here we discuss how to:

    • Prepare for new acronyms: How are standards evolving and aligning?
    • Go from targets to action: Investor expectations around transition plans
    • Communicate ESG information authentically in an age of increasing ESG fatigue

    Moderator: Tim Human, senior reporter, IR Magazine
    Simon Gittings, head of IR and corporate communications, Investis Digital
    Sophie Platts, group head of sustainability, Entain
    Panos Seretis, head of global ESG research, Bank of America

  • 10:30 AM
    Roundtables: Communicate long-term resilience to shareholders

  • 11:00 AM
    Morning networking break

  • 11:30 AM
    Identifying and targeting investors in uncertain times

    As markets and the fight for capital evolves, IROs must find effective and creative ways to identify and target investors.

    Here we’ll be sharing advice on how to engage with an increasingly dynamic market, fine-tune your company story, leverage new technologies to maximize the efficiency of your outreach and communicate with a wide range of investors.

    • Access new sources of capital as the market and shareholder bases evolve
    • Discuss the shift from active to passive investment is changing targeting strategies
    • Understand different approaches to targeting investors in a range of geographies

    Moderator: Steven Wade, head of event content, IR Magazine
    Tish Crawford-Jones, director of IR, Q4
    Mia Nordlander, SVP, investor relations, Kambi
    Sarah Spray, head of investor relations, Maersk 

  • 12:00 PM
    Fire-side chat: Growing and strengthening your retail shareholder base

    The last three years has seen a real shift in regulatory support and policy around broader retail investor and stakeholder inclusion. In this fire-side chat we’ll be looking at the implications of this on IR teams and how best to target and maintain your retail shareholder base.

    • Understand the changing relationship between public companies and retail shareholders as markets evolve
    • Discuss the benefits and burden of increasing retail ownership and advice on managing this balance
    • Learn specific examples of effective retail engagement strategies

    Moderator: Steven Wade, head of event content, IR Magazine
    James Deal, co-founder and head of UK, PrimaryBid

  • 12:20 PM
    The 'new normal': Shareholder engagement and re-engagement in a hybrid world

    More than three years have passed since Covid-19 was declared a global pandemic, and companies are still figuring out the right balance between in-person and virtual meetings.

    But how has the conversation changed? Which companies are leading the way when it comes to hybrid engagement, and what new tools and technologies enable IROs to connect better with their shareholders?

    • Learn how other IR teams are rethinking their virtual/in-person balance
    • Understand different geographical expectations around direct and indirect engagement
    • Best-in-class roadshows, capital markets days and other events in a hybrid world

    Moderator: Laurence Taylor, senior conference producer, IR Magazine
    Ben Riley, head of business development, Lumi
    Müge Yücel, director of IR and sustainability, Galata Wind

  • 12:50 PM
    Roundtables: Targeting and engagement best practices

  • 13:15 PM
    Lunch

  • 14:15 PM
    Leveraging new technology to enhance your IR program

    There is debate over the impact tools like ChatGPT will have on investor relations. Still, there is no doubt that automation and AI are transforming multiple industries and presenting entirely new risks and opportunities for IROs.

    In this panel, we will discuss the key trends in automation and AI that IROs should be watching out for and share advice on how to effectively use (and not use) these technologies to enhance your IR program.

    • An overview of the biggest technological trends impacting IROs today
    • Debate the risks, opportunities and limitations of automation and AI in IR
    • Case studies: Effective application of automation and AI to enhance productivity

    Moderator: Lauren McDonald, conference producer, IR Magazine
    Erik Carlson, COO and CFO, Notified
    Irina Logutenkova, head of IR, Getech

  • 14:45 PM
    The evolution of IR talent: Setting yourself and your team up for success

    The role and perception of IR have evolved significantly over the last few years, with many IROs becoming increasingly involved in other sides of the business and taking on more responsibilities.

    Here we explore what the trend towards more diverse and adaptable talent means for the career prospects of IROs, the development of teams and the future of the profession as a whole.

    • Understand and respond to changing management expectations of IROs
    • Share career development strategies to future-proof your IR team
    • After IR: Learn the next steps for IROs looking to move into managerial roles

    Moderator: Lauren McDonald, conference producer, IR Magazine
    Thomas Kudsk Larsen, former SVP head of communication and investor relations, Sobi

  • 15:05 PM
    Roundtables: Tips on upskilling and modernizing your IR team

  • 15:35 PM
    Investor Q&A: Understand investor priorities in 2023 and beyond

    During this open Q&A session, our panel of investors will address any concerns and questions about what to expect in 2023. This is your chance to engage directly with a range of investors on various topics, including:

    • Opportunities and concerns for the buy side in the context of market uncertainty
    • Learn which sectors and industries European investors are focusing on in 2023
    • Understand investors’ red and green flags when it comes to engaging with IROs

    Moderator: Steven Wade, head of event content, IR Magazine
    Camilla Ayling, fund manager, Legal & General Investment Management
    Heinrich Ey, director and co-CIO, European small-mid caps, Allianz Global Investors
    Jonas Hoersch, portfolio manager, Walleye Capital

  • 16:15 PM
    Closing remarks and end of think tank

    Steven Wade, head of event content, IR Magazine

Who attends our events

 Our attendees are leading IR practitioners with an established track record and strategic IR roles within their company.

Below is a sample list of our past attendees:

Job title Company Job title Company
Associate director BioNTech Director, IR Teck Resources
Associate director, IR Lloyds Banking Group Director, IR YouGov
Associate director, IR & communications Liminal BioSciences Director, IR, sustainability NCC Group
Chief of staff to CFO, head of IR Ignitis Group Group financial controller, head of IR Bakkavor Group
Corp director, capital markets & treasurer Mapfre IR director Ermenegildo Zegna
Director IR, sustainability IRES REIT IR director Reach
Director, ESG Vedanta Resources Senior director Willis Towers Watson
Director, head of distribution Gravis Senior director, IR Infineon Technologies
Director, IR Alcon Senior director, IR, communications Verona Pharma
Director, IR BT Group SVP, head of IR, communication Swedish Orphan Biovitrum
Director, IR Burberry SVP, IR, corporate development Agilyx
Director, IR Fever-Tree VP treasury, IR SUSE
Director, IR GSK VP, IR PMI
Director, IR Metro Bank VP, IR Technip Energies
Director, IR Shurgard VP, IR, corporate communications ADC Therapeutics

 

Request full past attendee list

What our attendees say

"Possibilities to network. Great and balanced agenda"

Anonymous

"Opportunity to hear from and discuss topical issues with peers. Thought the roundtables were a very positive innovation"

Bridgepoint

"Good attendance and opportunity to cover a wide range of topics, prompting different ways to consider IR, across one day"

Gemfields Group

"The interactive nature of the table discussions is really valuable. Not only a great way to network with other IROs but a really useful way to share experiences and best practice"

Amigo Holdings

"Highly informative, well run"

Zotefoams

"Congratulations to all involved in the event. I know what a huge undertaking this is. Great to see the IR Magazine being proactive and topical in terms of sessions, i.e. AI"

Anonymous

Partners

Become a partner

Why partner with us?

Our events provide a unique opportunity to get in front of some of the most influential people in the IR community globally. As a partner, you will gain an extensive amount of exposure through a wide range of print and digital marketing materials, both pre and post-event, as well as on the day itself. Additionally, you can use the event to align yourself with industry excellence and network with key decision-makers from across the region.

Being a partner will provide:

  • A chance to network with qualified, senior decision-makers in the IR community
  • Increased awareness and credibility through association with this leading event
  • New business opportunities through higher-brand presence among current and potential clients

We’d love to have a chat with you about how you can get in front of a truly engaged and motivated audience at the IR Magazine Think Tank – Europe. Get in touch with Sébastien Dutrieu or call on +44 77315 33165.

Join us for a celebration in the evening!

The IR Magazine Awards – Europe will celebrate IR excellence on the evening of Thursday, June 20 at the De Vere Grand Connaught Rooms, London.

This event remains the European IR community’s largest annual gathering and will be an evening of celebrations and networking for investor relations officers along with their senior managements, advisers and analysts.

Join us at the awards ceremony straight after the think tank and celebrate the success of those individuals and teams that are leading the way in the IR community in 2024!

Visit our awards website

Request an invite

This event is exclusively for senior corporate, in-house IR professionals. To request an invite for this event, please fill in the form below and if you are eligible, we will send you a confirmation email along with detailed event information.

If you have any questions, please contact Anna Murphy at [email protected] or call on +44 20 8004 5340.

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Venue

Bank of America offices
2 King Edward Street
London
EC1A 1HQ

The entrance to the think tank space is on King Edward Street next to the taxi rank entrance. Click here to view a detailed map of the venue location.

Accommodation
IR Magazine has arranged preferential rates for think tank attendees at nearby hotels. View the hotels and rates by clicking here.

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IR Media Group Ltd, the owner of IR Magazine, Governance Intelligence and IRspace, respect the privacy of every person who visits, registers with or subscribes to our websites and online publications, and is committed to ensuring a safe online experience. This privacy statement applies to all IR Media Group’s websites as listed under the heading ‘Sites’ and outlines the information IR Media Group may collect and how we may use that information. It also explains what we do with information about you when you register to attend one of our events. To view our privacy policy in full, please click here.