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How to master investor days: Lumi Global’s tips for successful meetings
Organizing an investor day can present various challenges, particularly when navigating macroeconomic factors, budget considerations, the shift to hybrid or virtual formats and the rise of retail investors. Here are our top tips for avoiding pitfalls and organizing the best event you can.
1. Establish clear objectivesBefore planning an investor day, define the objectives behind the event. Are you resetting your long-term outlook, introducing a new CEO and strategy or unveiling a new product? Clearly articulate the key goals and desired outcomes to ensure a focused and effective event.
2. Consider the event timing and cadenceInvestor day event cadence should be aligned with strategic planning. Only schedule an investor day when there is something significant to communicate. Avoid holding the event alongside earnings releases, as investor days should focus on long-term objectives rather than short-term financial results.
3. Structure the dayOrganize the day’s agenda with a strategic flow that maintains attendee engagement. Consider incorporating various elements such as video tours, customer interviews and animated product demos to enhance the presentation. Plan for interactive sessions and allocate time for Q&A to ensure active participation. Most importantly, make sure to do a dry run of the day beforehand, to iron out any kinks.
4. Examine the event formatCovid has changed the landscape of investor days. Now, there is an expectation that investors should have the option to attend on a hybrid basis. Given that investor days are a route to building relationships with the financial community, the accessible nature of the hybrid-event format can bring you a whole new audience that perhaps wouldn’t have attended an in-person-only event.
5. Select the right venueChoose a venue that aligns with the purpose of the event and provides convenient access for attendees. If you’re hosting the event at a plant or facility, ensure that it does not disrupt the workday and that audiovisual arrangements are properly co-ordinated. Address any potential multi-vendor issues in advance to ensure a seamless experience.
6. Keep investors engagedIt’s vital to understand what investors want to take away from your event and then tailor the presentations accordingly. To engage investors, use visually appealing slides and consider panel discussions with compelling background visuals. Keep presentations concise and allocate time for questions after each speaker.
During the event, make company executives and presenters available for networking and further discussions. Consider creating lobby areas with interactive elements such as games and documents in order to further engage attendees. Experiment with different content formats by using video introductions and incorporating video content effectively throughout the event.
7. Promote the eventGenerate excitement for the investor day by teasing the event several months in advance. Send ‘save the date’ reminders three months prior and provide regular updates as the event approaches. Make use of various communication channels, including email, social media and company newsletters, to ensure maximum attendance.
8. Demonstrate your company’s commitment to ESGIncorporate ESG considerations into your investor day by showcasing your company’s commitment to sustainability and responsible business practices. You could do this by, for example, banning single-use plastics during the lunch you serve or by swapping a printed paper survey for one that guests can fill out digitally using a QR code. And make sure to consider any specific requests related to ESG reporting or presentations in advance.
9. Measure successConduct surveys after the event to gather feedback and gauge whether goals were met. Additionally, review analyst notes and headlines to determine whether the event delivered the intended message. Pre-Covid measures of success, such as attendance numbers, may no longer be applicable post-Covid, so focus on investor engagement to determine whether the event fulfilled its purpose.
10. Follow up effectivelyAfter the event, arrange follow-up meetings with investors to address any additional questions or concerns they may have. Provide them with relevant collateral, such as evergreen content, to reinforce key messages and keep them engaged with your company.
