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UK Think Tank 2008 - Agenda

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Agenda:

8.45 am Registration and coffee

9.15 am Welcome

9.25 am Table introductions

9.30 am Successful Investor Relations in a challenging economic environment
A financial downturn is the most challenging time to be involved in investor relations (IR). In this session, think tank participants will hear a range of perspectives on how to best manage your IR activity in a shrinking economy. Topics for discussion include:

• Developing consistent and transparent IR communications to explain your strategy during difficult times
• Best practice on targeting investors in a tough market environment
• Switching analysis to the balance sheet as opposed to profit and loss- Using the downturn as an opportunity to focus attention on better performing areas of the business
• Managing your relationships with the CEO/CFO by contrast with those with Non-Executive Directors/Chairmen to ensure they remain on message

Session host:
Roy Jacques, Marketwire

Session leaders:
Rachel Kentleton, Head of Investor Relations, Easyjet
Michael Waring, Director of Corporate Communications, SEGRO
Steve Malcolm, Analyst, Arete Research

11.00 am Morning refreshments

11.20 am Proving the strategic value of investor relations

• How to build credibility with investors and senior management
• Positioning yourself as the 'go to' person in your company
• Winning recognition as a true representative of senior management
• Ensuring the information that you pass back to management is relevant and contributes to the strategic planning process
• Hear how - and if - effective IR contributes to the bottom line

Session host:
Fraser Hardie, Blue Rubicon

Session leaders:
Daniel Valentine, Group Investor Relations Manager, Thomas Cook
Cynthia Alers, Director, Investor Relations, The Sage Group
Julia Wilson, Director of Investor Relations & Corporate Communications, Vectura

12.50 pm Luncheon

1.30 pm Career Focus: Where do today’s IR professionals see themselves headed?

These days IROs are adding value through thorough knowledge of their business which can save time for board members and executives alike. This session looks at what senior IR professionals see as their future; be it a senior finance role, M&A or even a seat on the board in their current role. Topics for discussion include:

• The evolving role of the IRO; how well established is the career path?
• IRO to CFO- how realistic a transition is this and what skills are required?
• Alternative methods of progression; within the IR role, working at a quoted fund
• Career opportunities and hiring trends in newer markets e.g. Middle East & Asia

Moderator
Richard Carpenter

Session host:
James Colhoun, Spencer Stuart

Session leaders:
Sally Jones, IR Director, Cadbury
Keith Russell, Senior Vice President, Investor Relations, Stora Enso
Mike Mitchell, General Manager, IR Society

3.00pm Close of Think Tank