A quick guide to making the most of the 2008 NIRI conference, which this year focuses on ‘Balancing the art and science of investor relations’
Taking place on June 8-11 at the Manchester Grand Hyatt in San Diego, this year’s NIRI conference will focus on ‘Balancing the art and science of investor relations’. Delegates will divide their time among an array of diverse general sessions and breakout panels accessible to all levels of IR professionals. Co-chairs Tom Rathjen and Jenny Kobin, who are IROs for Accuray and Inspire Pharmaceuticals, respectively, have praised the benefits of the well-rounded event, calling it a balance of getting skills up to speed and networking.
IR for beginners
In keeping with tradition, Sunday is devoted to IR newcomers, with a series of workshops designed to target the most fundamental IR practices. With sessions such as ‘Developing an IR plan’, ‘Regulations 101’ and ‘Communication basics’, beginners in the profession will get the lowdown on IR essentials.
Leading line-up
NIRI chairman Bina Thompson says the conference is ‘the place to be for networking with top IROs and keeping up to date on current IR trends.’ This year the headline speakers include Jerre Stead, chairman and CEO at IHS. Author and former Merrill Lynch analyst Steven McClellan’s talk on Wednesday morning sounds promising – ‘He’s quite a colorful guy,’ says Kobin.
Celebrity spot
Wednesday’s general session features speaker Charles Gasparino, on-air editor for CNBC. Former congressman and NASDAQ vice chairman Mike Oxley covers ‘The influence of politics on Wall Street and corporate America’ at the Monday luncheon.
Variety show
There are about 25 breakout sessions over the course of three days, covering topics from ‘notice and access’ to demystifying trading strategies. Check out Monday’s panel, ‘The mosaic of investing’, led by the CFA Institute’s Jeffrey Diermeier and covering the ‘green’, activist and traditional long-term investing perspectives.
Drop and give me 20
On Wednesday afternoon, save some strength for the personal-skills boot camp, comprising instructor-led, intimate sessions aimed at honing crucial professional skills. Participants sign up in advance for their topic of choice, selecting from influential writing, body language, time management and key spokesperson training.
Party time
The details of the NIRI evening parties are notoriously inscrutable, so all Kobin will say about this year’s soiree scene is that it will ‘tie into the theme’. NASDAQ will host Monday night’s bash, while Marketwire will do the honors on Tuesday evening.
Take a break
With four tennis courts, spa services and proximity to the Gaslamp Quarter, the San Diego Zoo, SeaWorld and beaches, the Manchester Grand Hyatt allows for plenty of recreational opportunities. Baseball fans can check out the Padres at Petco Park; they play the Mets on Sunday evening and the Dodgers Tuesday and Wednesday. Golfers are in luck as well; the US Open at Torrey Pines tees off on June 9.
