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ICGN’s 2023 Proxy Season Review:

Evaluating the year, anticipating future proxy practices

About the event

ICGN’s Proxy Season Round-up considers annual voting trends, appraise the continued increase in shareholder proposals related to corporate sustainability policies, equity audits, corporate political activity, climate related disclosure and so on.

We will convene business leaders and international investors  to proactively engage and anticipate what’s next on the horizon.

Save the date: 21 September 2023 

Please contact Christopher Smith via chris.smith@icgn.org, for sponsorship opportunities. 

For our registration terms and conditions click here

Date

Location

etc.venues St Paul's - 200 Aldersgate St, Barbican, London EC1A 4HD

Fee

ICGN Members: £300

Partner: £375

Non-Members: £450

*Please note 20% VAT may apply

Agenda

  • 21 September 2023 - ICGN Proxy Season Review 2023

    .
    Please note, this is a working draft agenda: The programme is subject to change
    08:30 – 09:30
    Registration
    08:45 – 09:15
    Optional Breakfast Briefing - ICGN Work Plan: 2023 and Beyond

    The ICGN Board and management team welcomes ICGN members to meet and hear about our work plan for the year ahead and beyond. As a member-led organisation, your views are vital in shaping ICGN‘s agenda around the world. We will inform you about our latest policy initiatives, education, developments, and conferencing programme. The meeting is open for members and also stakeholders interested in joining our valued network.

    09:30 – 09:40
    Welcome from ICGN

    Kerrie Waring, CEO, ICGN

    09:40 – 10:40
    Plenary 1: Post-Covid AGM Practices and Shareholder Rights

    Discussing the practice of companies adopting virtual only AGMs – should  companies be required to provide hybrid AGMs to allow global investors to have the option of virtual or live participation? ICGN encourages regulators to adequately consult with shareholders and stakeholders in the event any changes to regulation or legislation regarding AGMs, particularly matters impacting shareholder rights, are being considered.

    10:40 – 11:40
    Plenary 2: Investor views: Strategic drivers and evolving challenges

    Discussing top investor stewardship priorities, the environmental, social and governance issues that pose the most significant long-term risks and opportunities to investors. Together with related sub-themes, these priorities provide the framework for engagement the companies.

    11:40 – 12:00
    Networking and Refreshments
    12:00 – 13:00
    Plenary 3: Universal Proxy Rules: Discussing the ongoing evolution

    Universal proxy card rules are the most significant change in corporate governance since say-on-pay and could amplify already complex proxy dynamics. Contests to date, as well as the new guidance from the SEC, suggest that the future of proxy solicitations may be meaningfully different from what they have been in the past.

    13:00 – 14:00
    Networking Lunch
    14:00 – 15:00
    Plenary 4: Shareholder Engagement and the Proxy Process

    How are organisations participating in a dialogue in a way that can be helpful for all parties involved? Discussing f engagement with key constituencies of a firm’s investors

    15:00 – 16:00
    Plenary 5: Must-haves for Enhancing ESG Disclosures in the Proxy

    It is notable how frequently companies are now including a general ESG section in their proxy statements. Discussing how ESG has been integrated into their governance and the current state of their ESG programs, recently launched initiatives, ESG performance metrics, and noting ESG achievements. This session will debate key what the ESG disclosure information points are and current best practises.

    16:00 – 16:20
    Networking and Refreshments
    16:20 – 17:20
    Plenary 6: Technology innovation in the proxy voting ecosystem
    08:30 – 09:30
    Registration
    17:20 – 17:30
    Closing Remarks and Close of Conference

    Kerrie Waring, CEO, ICGN