IR Think Tank
Brought to you by BofA Securities & IR Impact
Bank of America offices, New York
Our unique format – Exclusively for in-house IRO’s
The IR Think Tank, brought to you by BofA Securities & IR Impact took place on Wednesday, March 25 in New York and was exclusively for senior IR officers. A combination of BofA’s Investor Relations Insights Conference and IR Impact’s IR Think Tank – previously held as two separate events – this event brought you a full day of impactful content and not-to-be-missed networking.
Our thinks tanks are free to attend and our unique format enables participants to network extensively, and discuss, debate and dissect topical issues affecting today’s IROs.
WHEN
WHERE
Bank of America offices, New York
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 were attributed. This allowed 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.
NIRI IRC® CREDENTIAL
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.
A collaborative Forum for IR leaders to share solutions and shape the future
Bringing together senior IR leaders, the IR Think Tank, brought to you by BofA Securities & IR Impact created an opportunity to tackle the issues shaping the future of investor relations. The outlook for 2026 will define how companies position themselves in a market that was anything but predictable. Understanding what lied ahead is critical for planning engagement strategies and protecting valuation. At the same time, finding and connecting with the right investors in a volatile environment demands sharper targeting and smarter use of data. These conversations and interactive sessions helped leaders share proven approaches and uncover new ideas that make a real difference when the pressure is on. These discussions were essential for IR leaders who want to lead with confidence.
Agenda: 2026
If you are interested in being a panellist, please contact Andrew Gibbons
[email protected]
Click below to view the 2026 agenda as a PDF.
Times are shown in EST (Eastern Standard Time).
Timings are subject to change.
7.30 am
Registration and networking breakfast
7.50 am
Welcome remarks
Jen Fink, head of Americas corporate access, BofA Securities
Steve Wade, head of content, IR Impact
8.00 am
Market update: outlook for 2026 and what it means for IR
Moderator: Justin Devery, director, research portfolio strategy, BofA Securities
Aditya Bhave, head of U.S. economics research, BofA Securities
Liz Everett Krisberg, head of Bank of America Institute and deputy director of BofA global research, BofA Securities
8.40 am
How AI is reshaping IR and capital markets
From engagement tracking to sentiment analysis, AI is redefining how IR teams plan, communicate and measure success. This session explores what forward-thinking IR teams can do today to stay competitive.
- Integrate AI into IR workflows while preserving the personal engagement investors value most
- Meet rising expectations for transparency, compliance and investor trust
- Scale personalization and craft data-driven narratives that resonate with diverse investors
- Consider the role that Search Engine Optimization (SEO) and Generative Engine Optimization (GEO) play in maximizing visibility
- Understand how generative AI is transforming earnings calls, investor materials and disclosure
Moderator: Steve Wade, head of content, IR Impact
Erik Carlson, president and CEO, Notified
Carrie Gillard, director, investor relations, Shopify
Bryan Kloster, investor relations manager, AutoNation
9.25 am
Roundtables: real-world AI applications that IR teams are using today
This session is all about real examples and honest conversation. Come ready to share what has helped you and leave with ideas you can use right away.
9.50 am
Networking break
10.05 am
Targeting that works: finding and engaging the right investors in a volatile world
In today’s unpredictable markets, accurate targeting matters more than ever. This session explores practical ways to identify high-value investors and tailor engagement that cuts through the noise and builds trust.
- Use advanced analytics and investor intelligence to sharpen targeting in volatile markets
- Identify investor segments that can withstand market uncertainty
- Strengthen outreach using digital engagement channels that drive meaningful connection
- Tailor engagement strategies for retail and institutional investors
- Measure targeting effectiveness and adapt strategies as markets and investor behavior evolves
Moderator: Laurie Havelock, editor, IR Impact
Lucia Dempsey, head of investor relations, Chesapeake Utilities
Stephanie Wissink, senior vice president and head of investor relations, Walmart
10.30 am
Views from the buy-side: investor expectations for IR and senior management teams
Hear directly from leading investors on how they assess companies, allocate capital and engage with management teams. This session offers an unfiltered view of what matters most to the buy-side in today’s market.
- How investors identify opportunities and what gets a company onto the radar
- How and when investors engage with companies before committing capital
- The impact of macro conditions and sector outlooks on investment decisions
- What truly drives decision-making today, including the evolving role of ESG
Moderator: Paul Van Cura, managing director, equity advisory sales. BofA Securities
Jenny Goldsmith, director of research, Wellington Management
Karl Kroeker, co-founder, Woodline Partners
Griffin Newman, multi-industry portfolio manager, Point72 Asset Management
11.30 am
Roundtables: keeping investor confidence and credibility when the market turns
When the market shifts investors look for calm clear messages from IR teams. This roundtable will focus on how to keep trust strong when conditions get tough. Examine practical methods to explain what matters most, how to handle hard questions and how to stay credible even when visibility is low.
12.00 pm
Networking buffet lunch
12.50 pm
Scene setter. IR’s evolving role, playing offense and defense: activism, M&A, governance and special situations
This presentation will set the scene for the following panel and will showcase research, data findings and relevant statistics regarding activism, M&A and special situations.
Rebecca Corbin, founder and chief executive officer, Corbin Advisors
1.00 pm
IR’s evolving role, playing offense and defense: activism, M&A, governance and special situations
Shareholder activism is on the rise. This session breaks down what activists look for, the early signals to watch and how IR teams can respond with speed and confidence.
- How activist strategies have evolved and what modern campaigns look like
- Refreshing your activist defense playbook using scenario planning and market intelligence
- Managing situations where multiple activists engage at the same time
- Aligning high-impact communications across management, the board and advisors under pressure
- Strengthening post-merger narratives around integration, strategy and value creation
Moderator: Laurie Havelock, editor, IR Impact
Danielle Collins, head of investor relations, Southwest Airlines
Rebecca Corbin, founder and chief executive officer, Corbin Advisors
Ron Schneider, director of corporate governance services, DFIN
Deb Wasser, vice president of investor relations, Etsy
1.40 pm
Roundtables: building your activist defense playbook
Have in-depth and frank conversations with your peers about how to ensure you are properly prepared before an activist shows up. Discuss what to watch for, how to get organised and how to keep control of your story when the pressure rises.
2.10 pm
Networking break
2.30 pm
Elevating IR inside the C-suite and the board: advice from an award-winning panel
IR is a strategic function that influences decisions at the highest level. This session explores how IROs can strengthen their voice and position IR as a trusted partner to senior leadership and the board.
- Position IR as a strategic partner influencing corporate direction and boardroom decisions
- Build credibility with the C-suite during periods of volatility and heightened scrutiny
- Align IR objectives with long-term business strategy and governance priorities
- Present investor feedback and market intelligence in ways that drive executive action
- Expand IR’s influence as the connective hub between investors, management and the board
- Explore the various networking events, opportunities and resources available for IR professionals to enhance career progression
Steve Wade, head of content, IR Impact
Rebecca Gardy, senior vice president and chief investor relations officer (retired), Campbell’s
Chandni Luthra, executive vice president, global head of financial planning & analysis and investor relations, CBRE
3.00 pm
Roundtables: measuring what matters and proving the impact of your IR program
A practical conversation about how IR teams show the real value of their work. Look at how to choose the metrics that matter most, how to track progress in a way leadership understands and how to tell a clear story about the impact of your IR program.
3.30 pm
Summary of discussions
3.40 pm
End of Think Tank
6.00 pm
IR Impact awards – US 2026 gala at Cipriani, 25 Broadway, New York, NY
Please visit www.ir-impact.com or contact [email protected] for more information.
Speakers: 2026
What our attendees say
Who attends our events
Our attendees are leading IR practitioners with an established track record and strategic IR role within their company.
Below is a sample list of our past attendees:
| JOB TITLE | COMPANY |
|---|---|
| Director, IR | Vuzix |
| Director, IR | General Electric |
| Director, IR | Flushing Financial |
| Director, IR | ORIX Corporation |
| Director, IR | Jushi Holdings |
| Senior director, head of IR | Lantheus Holdings |
| Senior director, IR | Becton Dickinson |
| Senior director, IR | TCR2 Therapeutics |
| Senior vice president, director of IR | Chubb |
| Senior vice president, head of IR | Nielsen |
| Senior vice president, IR | SmartRent |
| JOB TITLE | COMPANY |
|---|---|
| Senior vice president, IR | Comcast |
| Senior vice president, IR | Coty |
| Senior vice president, IR | Estee Lauder |
| Senior vice president, IR | CVS Health |
| Vice president | Hannon Armstrong |
| Vice president, head of IR | Starbucks |
| Vice president, IR | Ingersoll Rand |
| Vice president, IR | Quotient Technology |
| Vice president, IR | Roku |
| Vice president, IR | Campbell |
| Vice president, IR | WW International |
Thinking of becoming an event partner?
Our events provide a unique opportunity to get in front of some of the most influential people in the IR community. 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 IR excellence and network with key decision makers from across the region – the ones pushing the profession forward through innovation.
Partners
IN ASSOCIATION WITH
THINK TANK PARTNERS
SUPPORTING PARTNERS
Register your interest for 2027
Gallery
Steve Wade, head of content, IR Impact
Jen Fink, head of Americas corporate access, BofA Securities
Moderator: Justin Devery, director, research portfolio strategy, BofA Securities
Aditya Bhave, head, U.S. economics research, BofA Securities
Liz Everett Krisberg, head, Bank of America Institute and deputy director of BofA global research, BofA Securities
Moderator: Steve Wade, head of content, IR Impact
Erik Carlson, president and CEO, Notified
Carrie Gillard, director, investor relations, Shopify
Bryan Kloster, investor relations manager, AutoNation
Moderator: Laurie Havelock, editor, IR Impact
Lucia Dempsey, head of investor relations, Chesapeake Utilities
Stephanie Wissink, senior vice president and head of investor relations, Walmart
Rebecca Corbin, founder and CEO, Corbin Advisors
Moderator: Laurie Havelock, editor, IR Impact
Danielle Collins, head of investor relations, Southwest Airlines
Rebecca Corbin, founder and CEO, Corbin Advisors
Ron Schneider, director of corporate governance services, DFIN
Deb Wasser, vice president of investor relations, Etsy
Steve Wade, head of content, IR Impact
Rebecca Gardy, senior vice president and chief investor relations officer (retired), Campbell’s
Chandni Luthra, executive vice president, global head of financial planning & analysis and investor relations, CBRE
Steve Wade, head of content, IR Impact
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.
‘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.
‘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.
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IR benchmarking tool
Instant comparison data at your fingertips. This advanced tool provides real-time analytics comparing your IR program to peers in your region, sector, and cap size. Evaluate your program’s strengths and uncover opportunities for growth with key IR metrics covering:
- IR budgets
- Team size
- Reporting lines
- Sell-side analyst coverage
- Investor meetings
Fast, intuitive and packed with tailored insights, it’s the ultimate resource for building a smarter, data-driven IR strategy.
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