2021 Conference Program
Additional speakers and sponsored sessions will be announced as they are announced. Sessions and speakers subject to change.
Day 1 - Monday, June 14
12:30 - 12:45 PM ET CIRI Welcome & Opening Remarks
12:45 - 1:45 PM ET Canada's Economic Recovery from COVID-19
Sponsored by CIBC
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a devastating impact on human health, while also effecting individual, corporate and national finances. How can the current economic situation be resolved? How will recovery continue to be impacted by the third wave of COVID-19 cases? Is inflation a material risk? Are low interest rates here to stay? Will commodities continue to surge? What is the fate of the energy sector? What impact will government stimulus have on the economy longer term? Avery Shenfeld, Managing Director and Chief Economist of CIBC Capital Markets, will address these questions and more.
Speaker:
Avery Shenfeld, Managing Director & Chief Economist, CIBC Capital Markets
1:45 - 2:15 PM ET Mystery Coffee Virtual Networking Break
2:15 - 2:30 PM ET Personal Break
2:30 - 3:15 PM ET Breakout Sessions (select one)
Option #1 The Future of IR Post-COVID
Sponsored by Q4 Inc.
The world as we know it has changed. The pandemic has impacted every single company, albeit in different ways. Some businesses have prospered while others have faltered. During this time of crisis, IROs have had to effectively communicate and engage with existing and prospective investors. Hear how three seasoned IROs from various sectors have successfully navigated through these changes and adapted to the new reality of IR plus how they see IR evolving in 2022.
Speakers:
Roslane (“Ross”) Aouameur, Senior Director, Financial Planning and Investor Relations, GoodFood
Adam Borgatti, Senior Vice President, Corporate Development and Investor Relations, Aecon Group Inc.
John Nunziati, IR Partner, Q4 Inc (Moderator)
Helen Kelly, Vice President, Investor Relations, ARITZIA
Option #2 Investor Days in a Shifting Landscape
Sponsored by TMX Group
Virtual investor days held during the COVID-19 pandemic provided IROs with opportunities to communicate key messages in creative ways. Although elements of the traditional investor days remain critical - clear delivery of key messages and effective Q&A - new challenges and opportunities exist with virtual and hybrid events. This panel brings together experts who executed successful virtual investor days over the last year and will provide IROs with great tips to deliver effective and engaging investor days in 2021 and beyond.
Speakers:
Yaniv Bitton, Vice President, Head of Investor Relations and Capital Markets, Sun Life Financial
Omar Khafagy, Manager, Corporate Access, TMX Group (Moderator)
Guy McAree, Director, Investor Relations, Ballard Power
Charlotte Thuot Kucyi, Manager, Investor Relations, Tricon Residential Inc.
Option #3 ESG Case Study: Leveraging Stantec's Commitment to Sustainability in Marketing
Strong investor-focused reporting is a hallmark of investor relations professionals. Learning how to leverage ESG in a targeted marketing approach can provide IROs with a strategic opportunity to attract non-traditional investors - those who view sustainability in a comprehensive manner and believe in the value created from a forward-looking approach to managing business risks and opportunities. Join us for an informative discussion with Stantec – recently named the fifth most sustainable company in the world and the first in North America by Corporate Knights – as they share practical tips for leveraging ESG in their marketing efforts and how they are able to create value for the company and stakeholders.
Speakers:
Isabelle Adjahi, Vice President, Investor Relations and Sustainable Development, The Lion Electric (Moderator)
Theresa Jang, Executive Vice President & CFO, Stantec Inc.
Tom McMillan, Vice President, Investor Relations, Stantec Inc.
3:15 - 3:35 PM ET Sponsored Teach Ins
Option 1 - Five Mistakes to Avoid When Targeting and Prospecting New Investors
Sponsored by Irwin
Looking to diversify your shareholder base? In this session we will outline some common pitfalls to avoid when targeting and reaching out to new investors. Learn the techniques the sell side uses to increase the response rate of your outreach and help you get more meetings with qualified investors.
Speaker: David Whyte, Co-Founder & CEO, Irwin
Option 2 - Fireside Chat: The Past, present and Future of ESG in Canada
Sponsored by Cision
Join Justin Ruiss, Cision’s IR Activation Director, in a fireside chat with a special guest as he discusses the evolution of ESG reporting, insights and KPIs in Canada leading up to the state of ESG today and what the next 5, 10, 25 years will look like for ESG in the IR space.
Speaker: Justin Ruiss, IR Activation Director, Cision
Option 3 - How Investors Utilize the ESG Information You Report
Sponsored by Broadridge Financial Solutions
Drawing on his deep knowledge and first-hand experience from his time at BlackRock, Chad Spitler will share his insights on analyzing environmental, social and governance factors as part of the firm’s investment processes globally and across asset classes. Learn what specific data and information investors are seeking and how it is integrated into the investment decision making and proxy voting processes.
Speaker: Chad Spitler, Founder & CEO, Third Economy, in collaboration with Broadridge Financial Solutions
3:35 - 4:05 PM ET Break with Exhibitors
4:05 - 5:00 PM ET IR: Providing Strategic Value to the Board
The role of the Board continues to evolve and this past year was no exception. In addition to dealing with the fallout from COVID, the Board has had to deal with increased pressure on ESG matters such as diversity, health and safety, carbon emissions and the environment. IROs have a crucial role to play in advising the Board on these trends and helping to shape the strategy, while also preparing directors for shareholder engagement. In this session, you will hear from seasoned directors on the issues that are top of mind, their experience with IROs and the strategic value that IR can bring to the table.
Speakers:
Judy Cotte, Director & Chair, Sustainability and ESG Committee, Gibson Energy
Jennifer Koury, ICD.D, Director, Crescent Point Energy
Nathalie Megann, CPIR, ICD.D., Vice President, Investor Relations & Corporate Affairs, Chorus Aviation Inc. (Moderator)
Deborah Stein, Director, Aecon Group Inc.
Day 2 - Tuesday, June 15
12:30 - 1:30 PM ET In Conversation with the Street
Sponsored by TD Bank
External stakeholders continue to play a vital role in an IRO's success. Hear from senior buy-side professionals, having over 50 years combined experience, as they share their insights on the current state of North American capital markets; how they utilize sell-side services; how they have been impacted by the pandemic and MiFID II; their views on disclosure topics such as guidance and ESG; plus what they expect from IROs. You will leave this session with tips on how you can add value as the link between the Street and management, and maximize your relationships with the buy- and sell-side.
Speakers:
Jeannine LiChong, Executive Vice President & Portfolio Manager, Waratah Capital Advisors
Chris Mancini, Research Analyst, Gabelli Asset Management
Sara O’Brien, Portfolio Manager, Canadian Equities, Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec
Sean Steuart, Managing Director, Equity Research (Paper & Forest Products/Alternative Energy), TD Securities (Moderator)
1:30 - 2:15 PM ET Awards Ceremony
Sponsored by Intrado Digital Media
2:15 - 2:30 PM ET Personal Break
2:30 - 3:15 PM ET Birds of a Feather Moderated Roundtables
Do you have some burning IR questions you wish you could discuss with other IROs? Well, here's your chance. Join us for an interactive discussion with your peers on a variety of topics including: ESG; investor targeting/marketing; IR events (investor days, AGMs, etc.); IR department structure & budgets; and IR strategy.
3:15 - 3:45 PM ET Break with Exhibitors
3:45 - 4:30 PM ET Breakout Sessions (select one)
Option #1 Reaching Retail Investors Through Digital Marketing
Sponsored by Market One
Once dismissed as less significant, the rise of retail trading has caused the financial industry to take note. With the growth of online brokerage platforms and zero commission trades, investing in the stock market has become more accessible than ever. Hear how issuers from various industries and market caps leverage digital marketing to appeal to a new wave of investors including the mediums they use, how they tailor their message for the retail audience and how they measure success.
Speakers:
Jay Hutton, President & CEO, VSBLTY
Mark Klausen, Marketing Manager, Sandstorm Gold
Marc Lepage, Vice President, Business Development, GFG Resources
Steve Mills, Vice President, Sales (Eastern Canada), Market One (Moderator)
Option #2 AGMs: What Does the Future Hold?
Sponsored by Olympia Trust Company
Virtual AGMs have become the new normal amid the pandemic with issuers and shareholders alike recognizing the benefits of cost savings, greater accessibility and increased participation. With Canadian businesses returning to work this year, how will recent practices impact 2022 AGMs? Will the ‘in-person’ element be reintroduced? Join us as we discuss the future of AGMs – whether they remain virtual or evolve to hybrid – and best practices to make your next AGM a success.
Speakers:
Erica Belling, Director, Investor & Financial Communications, CIBC
Shannon Glover, Legal Director &
Corporate Secretary, Badger Infrastructure Solutions Inc.
Dean Naugler, Vice President, Corporate & Shareholder Services, Olympia Trust Company (Moderator)
Chris Williams, Assistant Vice President, Investor Relations, Canadian Western Bank
Option #3 ESG Insights from Varying Perspectives
Sponsored by Corbin Advisors
While ESG considerations have always formed an important aspect of the capital markets ecosystem, they have arguably never been more in the spotlight than they are now. Environmental, social and governance issues have shot up corporate, political and social agendas around the world, and the need to recognize, improve, measure and report performance against ESG metrics is increasingly compelling. Gain perspective on ESG from a variety of vantage points, including rating agencies and asset managers, to understand how these different stakeholders interact and how issuers can most effectively convey their ESG performance to the market.
Speakers:
Aaron Bennett, Managing Director, Sustainable Investment Strategy & Research, Jarislowsky, Fraser Limited
Stefany Gutu, Senior Associate, ESG Research, MSCI Inc.
Leahruth Jemilo, Head of ESG Practice, Corbin Advisors (Moderator)
Andrew Simpson, Senior Vice President, Portfolio Manager, Mackenzie Investments
4:30 - 5:30 PM ET Games Night In! Virtual Reception
Join us for a fun night of interactive games in large and small groups. One of these may even reveal the 2022 IN PERSON Conference destination! Don’t forget to bring your snack pack from your Engage with Us! box.
Day 3 - Wednesday, June 16
11:30 - 12:15 PM ET We've Got Your Back... Literally!
Spending countless hours at your computer on video meetings? Need a break? Join Sadhana Yoga Studio owner, Alison Cruise, who will guide you through a two-part session.
First, you will learn a series of 'anytime yoga' that you can do if you need a brief stretch while seated at your desk throughout the day. You will also learn a few breathing techniques to do in times of stress or when you need a mental break.
Second, enjoy a 30-minute full body stretch practice, ideal for all levels of fitness and experience.
You will start Day 3 of the Conference feeling more relaxed, rejuvenated and breathing deeply.
12:30 - 1:15 PM ET In Conversation with IIROC
Sponsored by Business Wire
With an increase in trading activity, enhanced investor awareness and the rise of activist investors, companies are looking for guidance on proper disclosure now more than ever. Join Business Wire and IIROC, the regulatory watchdog looking out for you and your shareholders, as they provide a look into how markets have changed and how they will evolve in the future.
Speakers:
Greg Blazina, Head of Canada, Business Wire
Alex Taylor, Vice President, Equity and Debt Surveillance, IIROC
1:15 - 1:45 PM ET We've Got Your Back Virtual Networking Break
Building on our earlier yoga class, this session is all about supporting one another professionally and personally. Connect with your peers to share successes and challenges as well as gain insights while having a healthy snack from your Engage with Us! Box.
1:45 - 2:00 PM ET Personal Break
2:00 - 2:45 PM ET Breakout Sessions (select one)
Option #1 Top Tips for Targeting & Marketing to Investors
Sponsored by IHS Markit
With advances in technology, changes in regulations, more service providers offering paid-for corporate access and a shift to in-house corporate access teams at asset managers, the rules for investor targeting are changing. Today, IROs seeking to engage with new investors need to take a more proactive approach to shareholder targeting and their corporate access strategy. Hear from seasoned IROs, from different industries and market caps, who leveraged new and different as well as tried-and-true approaches for targeting and marketing in Canada and abroad.
Speakers:
Brendan Fitzpatrick, Director, Issuer Services, IHS Markit (Moderator)
Naomi Nemeth, Vice President, Investor Relations, HighGold Mining
Ryan Penton, Director, Investor Relations, Intact Financial Corporation
Greg Secord, Vice President, Investor Relations, Open Text Corporation
Option #2 Capital Markets Megashifts
Sponsored by Generation IACP Inc.
Over the last year, capital markets have evolved considerably. They have become more complex as retail investors brandished their influence through social media sites like Reddit and Twitter. As IROs, you are tasked with understanding how these forces and others impact your trading and communication strategies. Hear from industry experts to gain insights on the latest trends in market structure, trading and ETFs and what the implications could be for your stock and the markets as a whole.
Speakers:
Jason Melo, Managing Director & Head, Canadian Trading, Scotiabank
Vimal Patel, Head, Global Market Structure, RBC Capital Markets
Ari Scheer, Director, Issuer Trading, Generation IACP Inc. (Moderator)
Zachary Schiller, Director, ETF Sales & Trading, BMO Capital Markets
Option #3 ESG Case Study: TD Bank Leads the Way
Strong investor-focused reporting is a hallmark of investor relations professionals. Learning how to leverage ESG in a targeted marketing approach can provide IROs with a strategic opportunity to attract non-traditional investors - those who view sustainability in a comprehensive manner and believe in the value created from a forward-looking approach to managing business risks and opportunities. Join us for an informative discussion with TD Bank Group as they share practical tips for leveraging ESG in their marketing efforts and how they are able to create value for the company and stakeholders through their award-winning ESG reporting.
Speakers:
Rachel Guthrie, Head, ESG Reporting and Impact Measurement, TD Bank Group
Karen Keyes, Head, Investor Relations, Canadian Tire Corporation Ltd. (Moderator)
Gillian Manning, Vice President, Investor Relations, TD Bank Group
2:45 - 3:05 PM ET Sponsored Teach Ins
Option 1 - Confessions from the Sell-Side
Sponsored by Rose & Company
Reformed institutional equity salespeople explain how shifting business models have changed the bottom line for public companies.
Speaker: Simon Rose, CEO, Rose & Company
Option 2 - Building an Effective Communications Strategy for Hybrid Events
Sponsored by Intrado Digital Media
Chances are good that your next investor day, roadshow, or AGM will be hybrid – a combination of an in-person and virtual event. How can you be best prepared to deliver an informative and engaging experience for all attendees? In this session, we’ll share quick tips for strategic hybrid event planning that includes: managing Q&A with in-person and virtual audiences; building a ‘Pre-Live-Post’ event strategy for stakeholder engagement; using your website to interact with virtual attendees; and leveraging reporting and monitoring tools to surface insights about your event and attendees.
Speaker: Kerry Kiley, Director of Sales – Canada, Intrado Digital Media
Option 3 - The State of Online, Annual & ESG Reporting in Canada
Sponsored by Tangelo Software
Tangelo researched Canada's largest companies listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange and broke down the data by analyzing the trends and comparing Canada's state of annual and ESG reporting with global standards across industries. Join us and discover our findings.
Speaker: Erwin Groenendal, Co-founder & Product Evangelist, Tangelo Software
3:05 - 3:35 PM ET Break with Exhibitors
3:35 - 4:35 PM ET Spiders in ‘COVID' Space: Adapting to Sudden & Unwanted Change
In 1973, NASA sent spiders to space to see if they could learn to spin webs without the aid of gravity. Just as they demonstrated adaptation and resiliency, so too have IROs during the COVID-19 pandemic. Todd Hirsch will share inspiring stories of individuals who have pivoted over the last year to adapt to current circumstances and the key traits that made them successful.
Speaker:
Todd Hirsch, Vice President & Chief Economist, ATB Financial & Author
4:35 - 5:00 PM ET Closing Remarks
Join Conference Co-Chairs and the exhibitors for prize draws and event wrap up.