IR Think Tank

Brought to you by BofA Securities & IR Impact

Bank of America offices, New York

Wednesday, March 25, 2026

    Our think tanks are far removed from the traditional conference set-up as the event consists of a series 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 IROs. All table discussions are confidential, and none of the participants’ comments is attributed. This allows 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 on a panel discussion by sharing their thoughts on session topics.

    Small roundtables of IROs discuss these issues face to face.

    Each table gives feedback from its discussion and shares ideas with the group as a whole.

    Themes 2026

    Market update: the outlook for 2026 and what it means for IROs

    • Learn what the economic and market drivers shaping the 2026 market will be and discuss what these changes mean for investor sentiment and capital flows
    • Examine how IROs should adapt messaging, engagement tactics and disclosure practices to align with evolving investor priorities in a changing market.

    Targeting that works: finding and engaging the right investors in a volatile market

    • Gain actionable strategies to leverage data analytics, behavioral insights and digital channels to identify and prioritize high-value investors in a fragmented market
    • Analyze how evolving investor behaviors across regions and asset classes are redefining engagement strategies and influencing targeting priorities for IROs
    • Learn practical methods to build long-term relationships through differentiated engagement – tailoring narratives for investors’ priorities, styles and expectations.

    Navigating the changing activism landscape: IR as the first line of offense and defense  

    • Explore how activist tactics have evolved in 2025 and anticipate what’s next for 2026
    • Examine how IR teams can identify early warning signs of activism or M&A targets through market intelligence and investor behavior analysis
    • Discuss best practices for aligning IR with legal, board and executive teams during high-stakes negotiations and for meeting disclosure requirements
    • Assess ways to strengthen credibility and transparency during periods of market pressure to safeguard valuation and reputation.

    How AI is reshaping IR and capital markets

    • Discuss how the market has changed over the last year and debate the limitations of AI
    • Receive concrete examples and use cases of how AI is improving efficiency in IR workflows
    • Determine whether in-house platforms or off-the-shelf technology is the better fit for your IR program
    • Understand how to overcome the challenges around data security, transparency and trust.

    Insights from the buyside: investor expectations for IR and senior management teams

    • Understand how investors identify new opportunities and consider what this means when shaping outreach and targeting strategies
    • Discover what information investors want from IROs – as well as the channels and formats they prefer
    • Consider the role that search engine optimization (SEO) and generative engine optimization (GEO) play in maximizing visibility.

    Advice from an award-winning panel: elevating IR inside the C-suite and the board

    • Gain practical insights into how successful IROs measure their success, blending traditional metrics with innovative, forward-thinking indicators
    • Explore strategies to expand your scope of responsibility – and gain crucial buy-in from internal stakeholders
    • Discuss proven methods to earn the C-suite’s trust and elevate IR’s influence in strategic decision-making.

    Themes for the 2026 roundtable discussions

    • Best practice for keeping investor confidence and credibility when the market turns 
    • Real-world AI applications that IR teams are using today 
    • Strategic guidelines to help build your activist defense playbook 
    • Measuring what matters – proving the impact of your IR program 

    Holders of the NIRI IRC® credential can earn up to four professional development unit (PDUs) per day. IRC-credentialed speakers may also earn PDUs. For more information about the Investor Relations Charter (IRC)®, please visit www.niri.org/certification.

    Partners

    Key insights into the latest trends and best practices

    The sell side talks IR – part one: the value of research

    Sell-side analysts occupy a pivotal position in financial markets. Through their in-depth research and recommendations, they exert influence on stock valuations, market liquidity and overall market dynamics. Their buy, hold or sell ratings can cause stock prices to rise or fall, impacting investor decisions. Upgrades often lead to price surges, while downgrades may result in declines.

    Seen
    Matt Ross, Block's head of IR

    ‘If I wasn’t in IR, I’d love to teach students about finance’: Matthew Ross on leading Block’s IR team and working with Jack Dorsey

    Payments companies are increasingly those which keep the world spinning. Just ask Block’s new head of IR, Matthew Ross, who joined the company in 2024 and took over running the IR team earlier this year. The NYSE-listed company – which operates point-of-sale system Square, digital wallet Cash App, buy now, pay later service Afterpay and music streaming business Tidal – has grown from strength to strength in recent years, leading to its ascension to the S&P 500 index in July 2025, replacing Hess Corporation.

    Seen
    Debbie Belevan picks up a trophy alongside Duolingo's mascot, Lily

    ‘I love when investors start a meeting by showing me their streak’: Duolingo’s Debbie Belevan on life after an IPO

    At this year’s IR Impact Awards – US 2025, Duolingo’s head of IR Debbie Belevan swept the board, picking up trophies for best overall IR – mid cap, best IRO – mid cap and best in sector – technology. All of this came just a few years after Belevan joined the language learning app in 2021 as its VP, IR two weeks before the company’s IPO. Since then, Duolingo has seen exponential growth in both its share price and subscriber base. Debbie has become an active member of the IR community, serving as a board member for NIRI.

    Seen

    Upcoming events

    • Forum – AI & Technology Europe
      Thursday, March 12, 2026

      Forum – AI & Technology Europe

      About the event Stay ahead. Harness AI. Transform IR. In today’s rapidly evolving financial landscape, AI is transforming how IROs engage with investors, analyze market sentiment and deliver insights. Yet, many IR teams face challenges in understanding and employing these tools effectively. WHEN WHERE America Square Conference Centre, London The…

      London, UK
    • Think Tank – West Coast
      Thursday, March 19, 2026

      Think Tank – West Coast

      Our unique format – Exclusively for in-house IRO’s The IR Impact Think Tank – West Coast will take place on Thursday, March 19, 2026 in Palo Alto 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, and discuss, debate and dissect…

      Palo Alto, US
    • Awards – US
      Wednesday, March 25, 2026

      Awards – US

      About the event The IR Impact Awards – US will take place on Wednesday, March 25, 2026 in New York. This very special event honors excellence in the investor relations profession across the US. WHEN WHERE Cipriani 25 Broadway, New York Celebrating IR excellence Since the annual event first launched…

      New York, US

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