IR Impact Think Tank – West Coast

Tim Human, events editor, IR Impact

Economic and political uncertainty are high as markets try to piece together how and when the new US administration will implement its campaign promises on tariffs, deregulation and other areas. At this time, telling your story and maintaining the confidence of investors is harder than ever. In this opening session, we unpick the macro picture to hear which policy changes will have the most impact and offer advice on crafting a story that takes into account different outcomes.

• Get expert analysis on the prospects for tariffs and deregulation
• Understand how investors view the US policy agenda
• Hear case studies of how to communicate through trade uncertainty

Moderator: Tim Human, events editor, IR Impact
Daniel Amir, vice president, finance and head of IR, Unity
Robert McConnaughey, EVP, head of IR advisory and ESG, Corbin Advisors
Chip Newcom, senior director of IR, Equinix

While stock markets have rallied strongly in recent years, many companies still struggle to attract attention from new investors. And now, with US policy plans creating uncertainty, the search for your next shareholder is even tougher. In this session, we explore innovative ways for companies to boost their appeal and hear case studies from successful targeting programs.

• Hear which targeting tactics lead to the best results
• Get advice on new locations to add to your roadshow schedule
• Identify investors open to your sector, fundamentals, valuation and market cap

Moderator: Steve Wade, head of content, IR Impact
Glen Hayashi, partner, US investor relations, SoftBank Group
David Gennarelli, senior vice president, investor relations, Okta
Simon Mays-Smith, vice president of IR, Autodesk
Brad Mills, co-head investor targeting, Citadel Securities

Discuss with other senior IROs at your table the ways you are positioning your company and seeking out investors against a backdrop of shifting macro issues.

Where is AI technology really adding value for IR teams? In this session, we hear from IR professionals that are successfully incorporating AI tools into their earnings process, competitive intelligence gathering and other areas of IR practice. They explain which tools they are using, how to get started and the prompts they rely on. The session will also explore the use of automation to free up time for higher-value activities.

• Quickly get started with AI and bag easy wins
• Learn about different tools and where they add most value
• Gain C-suite buy in and overcome security concerns

Moderator: Steve Wade, head of content, IR Impact
Christopher Allen, senior director, product marketing, Q4
Alexandra Chan, senior director, investor relations, Salesforce
Tony Righetti, vice president of IR, PagerDuty

Share ideas with peers about the best way to get started with AI technology for IR activities and how to overcome any obstacles to implementation.

The backlash against ESG and sustainability, with a special focus on diversity and inclusion programs, has left many companies wondering how to include environmental and social issues in their equity story. In addition, many find themselves caught between different stakeholders, as US and European investors diverge in their areas of focus. In this session, hear companies explain how they are approaching ESG in the current environment.

• Learn different strategies for managing the debate around ESG
• Respond successfully to criticism focused on diversity programs
• Effectively manage diverse stakeholder views

Moderator: Tim Human, events editor, IR Impact
Friederike Edelmann, vice president, IR and corporate sustainability, Central Garden & Pet
Myesha Lacy, chief investor and communications officer, Arcellx
Peter Siwinski, partner, FGS Global

In this roundtable session, discuss with other IROs what ESG information you are planning to release this year and how you are positioning it as part of your equity story.

Today, IROs face a rapidly evolving environment: retail investors driving market movements, financial discussions fragmenting across digital networks and stakeholder demands intensifying by the day. The traditional IR playbook isn’t enough anymore; ensuring success requires leveraging the right data-driven insights to make sure your financial story reaches, resonates and builds trust with the right audiences. In this session, you’ll discover:

• Why enhancing traditional investor relations with data-driven strategies is no longer optional
• Practical steps for using data to optimize your IR communications for today’s diverse, digital-first investor base
• How advanced analytics and dashboards can help you work smarter – not harder – and give you time back

Moderator: Tim Human, events editor, IR Impact
Erik Carlson, chief operating officer, Notified
Linda Pazin, IR and communications professional
Emily Tadano, vice president of IR and ESG, Meritage Homes

The sell side is a critical partner for companies as they communicate and engage with existing and prospective investors. But how can you ensure you are getting the most value from your sell-side relationships? In this session, experienced IROs and members of the sell side offer advice on managing your pool of followers, maximizing management time across different events, working with new analysts and much more.

• Hear advice on balancing time and attention across your analyst following
• Maximize the value from investor conferences and non-deal roadshows
• Effective strategies for attracting new sell-side coverage

Moderator: Steve Wade, head of content, IR Impact
Aron Feingold, vice president, IR and corporate communications, Geron Corporation
RJ Pellegrino, managing director, TD Securities
Peter Schuman, vice president of investor relations, Adtran Holdings

At your tables, discuss how you use data to enhance your IR efforts and share advice for managing sell-side followers.

Our ever-popular buy-side Q&A session is back. Put your most pressing questions to our panel of investors – learn how they are positioning themselves for Donald Trump’s second term, whether they still care about ESG, the best way to secure a meeting and much more.

• Candid Q&A session with local investors
• Get advice on arranging meetings and providing management access
• Learn red flags that put investors off your story

Moderator: Steve Wade, head of content, IR Impact
Kate Jackson Hobbs, vice president at T Rowe Price
Lori Keith, portfolio manager and director of research, Parnassus Investments
Tony Kim, managing director, head of fundamental equities global technology, BlackRock

A carefully structured, collaborative session that gives attendees an opportunity to work together to solve each other’s real-life IR challenges in a consultation-style setting.

• Get real solutions from IR peers on a particular challenge you are facing
• Understand the challenges that other IR professionals are facing
• Benefit from the collective discussions that result

Moderator: Victoria Hyde-Dunn, vice president of IR, Informatica