Governance Intelligence

Corporate Secretary Forum
MODERNIZING THE BOARD FOR 2024

Wednesday, November 8, 2023

Clifford Chance offices, New York

About the forum


Modernizing the board for 2024

The Corporate Secretary Forum is back in New York on Wednesday, November 8 to help Corporate Secretaries and General Counsels improve board oversight and share governance best practices in a rapidly changing environment.

We evaluate the implications of recent market and regulatory changes on the role of governance professionals and provide a platform to share best practices before year-end, the Corporate Secretary Forum is taking place at a perfect time to plan for the year ahead.

WHY ATTEND OUR FORUMS?

 Timely event: As we emerged from the pandemic, the past few years had further demonstrated the importance of identifying emerging risks and prioritizing investment in governance, risk and controls. This event is perfectly positioned to help you take stock of the year-to-date, refocus and plan for 2023
  Benchmarking: It is a great opportunity to evaluate where you stand in comparison to your peers, and how other companies have managed and overcome similar challenges
  Unique format: Far from a traditional conference format, our event is fast-paced and focused on providing actionable insights to attendees. It allows GRC professionals to have intimate discussions on common challenges and share best practices with peers
  Discover something new: Learn about new technologies, innovations, and services that are available to help to transform your governance strategy, increase productivity and make better decisions
  Network with the community: Meet with general counsels, corporate secretaries and experts in the governance, risk and compliance community

Agenda: 2023

Please click here to view the 2023 agenda.

Timings on the agenda are shown in Eastern Time (ET)

  • 08:15 AM
    Registration, networking and refreshments

  • 09:00 AM
    Opening remarks: Welcome to the forum

  • 09:15 AM
    Getting ready for 2024: What should be on your board's agenda

    The year 2024 promises to bring many new challenges for boards and corporate secretaries. From the impact of looming regulatory changes to the rise of new technologies and cyber-security concerns, boards will need to adapt and evolve to meet the expectations of investors, regulators and society.

    Join this panel for a bird’s eye view of which issues your board will need oversight on for the next 12 months, while reflecting on the many lessons learned from 2023.

    • Discover what adjustments are needed to stay ahead of the curve as SEC disclosure requirements continue to evolve
    • Hear about the emerging challenges posed by the rise of generative artificial intelligence (AI)
    • Consider the key takeaways from 2023 and how these lessons can be incorporated into your strategy for the year ahead

    Moderator: Ben Maiden, editor-at-large, Governance Intelligence
    Brady Long, executive vice president and general counsel, Transocean
    Kimberly Simpson, chief operating officer, general counsel and corporate secretary, The National Association of Corporate Directors (NACD)

  • 10:00 AM
    Coffee break and networking

  • 10:30 AM
    Preparing your proxy statement in 2024: Best practices and trends

    As a key vehicle for shareholder communication, the preparation of the proxy statement is an enduringly vital function for a corporate secretary.

    This panel will provide practical tips and insights on how to prepare a clear, concise and effective proxy statement that showcases your company’s current performance and strategy, while also reflecting the latest trends and expectations from investors and regulators.

    • Learn how to make the most of your company’s story around key issues such as ESG disclosures, human capital, diversity & inclusion and shareholder engagement
    • Discover what issues investors want to see addressed and what disclosures are necessary to meet regulatory requirements
    • Hear innovative suggestions around visual design, storytelling techniques and interactive communications

    Moderator: Ben Maiden, editor-at-large, Governance Intelligence
    Angela Grant, chief legal officer and corporate secretary, Palomar
    Ki Hoon Kim, associate general counsel, Hewlett Packard Enterprise
    Adriana Mitchell, senior vice president and senior associate general counsel, Global Payments

  • 11:15 AM
    Minimizing risk in a changing world: Assessment, management and resilience

    Against a backdrop of increased shareholder activism, volatile geopolitical tensions, unprecedented levels of cyber-threat and the emergence of new, as yet unmapped, AI technology, risk management is top of mind for governance professionals globally.

    In this session, panelists will explore the significant risks posed to the business environment and how attendees can best prepare for the long-term sustainability of their company.

    • Learn about the key issues and trends that will shape the risk landscape in 2024 and beyond
    • Discover how to develop a robust risk-management framework that works for you and your board
    • Discuss best practices for creating a culture of risk awareness and accountability

    Moderator: Lauren McDonald, conference producer, Governance Intelligence
    Seth Gastwirth, deputy general counsel and assistant corporate secretary, Jones Lang LaSalle
    Brian Short, partner, Ballard Spahr

  • 12:00 PM
    Building a high-performing board: How to evaluate expertize and diversity

    As the ultimate decision-making body of a company, the board must have the right mix of skills, experience and perspectives that reflect the company’s business, stakeholders and environment.

    Join this session to hear how corporate secretaries can assess the current and future needs of the board to establish a team that meets – and exceeds – the expectations of all stakeholders.

    • Discover how to identify which specialized skills are vital to your board composition and that most align with your company’s goals
    • Hear how to identify the best candidates through innovative targeting and out-of-the-box thinking
    • Debate what skills should be prioritized when training your directors

    Moderator: Steve Wade, head of content, Governance Intelligence
    Tina Carew, general counsel and secretary and associate general counsel, Invesco Mortgage Capital and Invesco
    Jim Polehna, former chief investor relations officer & corporate secretary, Kelly Services
    Leahruth Jemilo, vice president and head of ESG advisory, Corbin Advisors

  • 12:45 PM
    Lunch break

  • 13:45 PM
    ChatGPT and the board: What governance teams need to know about AI

    AI is transforming the world and the way businesses operate. It offers new opportunities for innovation, efficiency and competitiveness, but also poses new challenges and risks for governance, ethics and oversight.

    This panel will explore the key issues and trends that will shape the board’s role and responsibilities in AI in 2024 and beyond. The panelists will share their insights and best practices on how to develop an AI strategy and governance framework, how to assess and disclose AI risks and opportunities, and how to engage with internal and external stakeholders on AI matters.

    • Learn how governance teams can provide oversight of the use of generative AI at enterprise level
    • Debate the opportunities and limitations of using AI to increase the efficiency of governance functions
    • Hear how to manage digital risk across your organization
    • Discover how to prepare your board with the skills needed to embrace a constantly evolving technological landscape

    Moderator: Lauren McDonald, conference producer, Governance Intelligence
    Marion Lewis, CEO, Govenda
    Jonathan Yellin, general counsel, executive vice president and chief compliance officer, Charles River Associates

  • 14:15 PM
    Crisis communications and board simulations: How to prepare and respond effectively in troubling times

    In a world where public crises are inevitable and unpredictable, protecting your company’s reputation, performance and sustainability is vital.

    This session will provide practical tips on how to develop and implement a crisis communications strategy that prepares you and your board for a resilient and robust response to any eventuality. Panelists will also explore utilizing board simulations as a powerful tool for training and testing any gaps in your capabilities.

    • Learn how boards and governance teams can enhance skills and confidence when faced with company crises
    • Discover how to identify weaknesses in your crisis preparation
    • Discuss the best use of board simulations as a teaching and skills-building exercise

    Moderator: Steve Wade, head of content, Governance Intelligence
    Michelle Bryan, general counsel and chief administrative officer, Intelsat
    Alexis Freeman, general counsel, Lindblad Expeditions
    Edward Rockwell, senior vice president, general counsel & secretary, EPAM Systems

  • 15:00 PM
    Roundtables: Best practices on board management

    Enjoy meeting your peers while discussing any of the following topics and sharing insights. At the end of the session, hear a roundup of lessons learned so you can apply these to board management when back in the office.

    • How to approach board evaluations and self-assessment
    • How to plan board refreshment and succession planning
    • How to communicate board composition strategy with shareholders

  • 15:45 PM
    Summary and closing remarks

  • 16:00 PM
    End of the forum and onto the Corporate Governance Awards ceremony

Speakers: 2023


What our attendees say

"Relevant and emerging industry topics"

KEB Hana Bank Canada

"I liked hearing the different perspectives. From large to small companies. From companies just starting their ESG journey to others that have been doing it for years"

Clearwater Paper Corporation

"The interaction among the corporate governance professionals is always interesting and informative. "

Graybar

"Incredible learning and networking opportunity with participation by everyone. Job well done."

HPE

"Fantastic small group setting of engaged professional sharing best practices and solutions. Thanks for including me!"

Avangrid

Who attends our events

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

Below is a sample of attendees who have joined our event in the past:

Job title Company Job title Company
Chief corporate governance officer Huntington National Bank SVP, deputy general counsel and corporate secretary AIG
Chief legal officer Biotechnology Innovation SVP, general counsel and corporate secretary Avangrid
Chief legal officer and assistant secretary Bunge SVP, general counsel and secretary Gentherm
Chief legal officer and corporate secretary Heidrick & Struggles VP, legal services & chief privacy officer The Cheesecake Factory
Director of business development FutureMade VP, associate general counsel and assistant secretary Kyndryl Holdings
Director, governance & legal services Murphy Oil Corporation VP, deputy general counsel and assistant secretary Hewlett Packard Enterprise
Executive vice president, chief legal officer Shore United Bank VP, director of proxy voting Federated Hermes
General counsel and chief legal officer Rush Street Interactive VP, governance and shareholder services Prudential Financial
Global chief legal officer and corporate secretary JLL VP and deputy general counsel Robinhood Markets
Partner Honigman VP, legal Shake Shack
Partner Vistra VP, assistant corporate secretary Dime Community Bank
Partner, head of Hypergrowth RHR International VP, associate general counsel and assistant secretary Regeneron Pharmaceuticals
Senior vice president and corporate secretary MetLife VP, chief compliance officer Avangrid
SVP and global head of corporate legal, board secretary DXC Technology VP, deputy general counsel, CS, chief compliance & ethics officer Bunge
SVP, CLO and corporate secretary SpartanNash Company VP, legal & corporate affairs, legal counsel, corporate secretary Royal Canadian Mint

 


Request full attendee list

Become a partner

Why partner with us?

The Corporate Secretary Forum brings together some of the most influential people in the governance, risk and compliance community.

The event offers an effective approach to targeting clients when they are exploring how they can improve their GRC practice. Through our unrivaled knowledge of the subject matters and commitment to in-depth agenda research, our events are guaranteed to attract a qualified audience.

The unique buzz we create at our events – a far cry from a traditional conference format – makes them multi-faceted and highly interactive with great engagement in particular from leading GRC practitioners. This allows our partners to have meaningful conversations with corporates who are deciding which parts of their GRC program to invest in, which service providers to engage and which consultants to retain. By partnering with us on an event, you can generate leads, showcase your thought leadership and position yourselves as the partner of choice to the GRC community.

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 Corporate Secretary Forum. Get in touch with Ian Richman or call on +1 (212) 430 6865.

Partners

Part of Governance LIVE 2023

The M&A and Activism Forum is part of Governance LIVE 2023, a series of events celebrating governance professionals and promoting excellence and good governance at public issuers. If you’d like access to all three events, visit our website to get your all-access two-day pass at a discounted rate!
 

The M&A Forum The Corporate Secretary Forum Corporate Governance Awards
November 7, 2023, New York November 8, 2023, New York November 8, 2023, New York

Deals and defense in a volatile market

Modernizing the boardroom

Celebrating excellence in governance

 

Book your two-day Governance LIVE pass

Coalition for the Homeless

Governance Intelligence are long-term supporters of the Coalition for the Homeless. The Coalition is doing all in its power to ensure that homeless New Yorkers get the help and protection they need.

We would be grateful if you are able to bring along any of the items outlined in the list below, to be donated to those in need through the Coalition.

For further information about their work, please visit coalitionforthehomeless.org

 

 

VIEW THE DONATION LIST

 

Valuable insights into key areas of corporate governance

Corporate Secretary >

Register your interest

Contact us

Privacy Policy

IR Media Group Ltd, the owner of IR Magazine, Governance Intelligence and IR Community, 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.