The role of the IRO is unique. Every day we are faced with tasks that require us to draw upon a wide range of knowledge, from communications and regulations to finance and capital markets. We connect with shareholders within Canada and around the world to tell our compelling corporate story and demonstrate the value of our organization. What makes our work rewarding is our ability to do this amid changing capital markets and macroeconomic challenges. Today's IROs work hard, transforming our knowledge into valuable insights, making us trusted advisors to our management teams and Boards, while building credibility with the Street.

In keeping with tradition, CIRI's 28th Annual Conference program has been developed – for today's IROs – by a team of IROs from across Canada. There is something for everyone, whether you are new to the profession or you are a seasoned practitioner. This year, the Conference will feature a keynote address on Sunday afternoon from the Honourable Frank Oberle, Minister of Energy for the Government of Alberta, who will shed light on Alberta's plan to address recent economic challenges. Other keynote speakers include James Bowzer, President & CEO, Baytex Energy and three-time Olympian and four-time Olympic medalist Kristina Groves.

The Annual Conference provides a forum to discuss, analyze and sometimes debate a host of management topics that intersect with the world of investor relations and provide us with added colour needed to enhance our IR programs. This year, we will have not one but two economists make predictions for the coming year; we will hear different perspectives on the earnings guidance debate; and we will have representatives from two exchanges discuss their priorities for the Canadian capital markets. Delegates will also have an opportunity to discuss and share ideas with fellow IROs on IR-specific topics, such as hosting a successful investor day, refining targeting efforts and enhancing the value of the IR website.

In addition to offering a unique program, we have organized a number of optional activities to take advantage of this year's Conference venue – beautiful Banff! Network with fellow IROs while golfing at the renowned Fairmont Banff Springs Golf Course, wandering the naturally occurring mineral springs at the Cave and Basin National Historic Site, or mountaineering atop the breathtaking Canadian Rockies. We hope to see you in Banff, as we connect, learn and share ideas with IROs from across Canada.

Conference Co-Chairs:

Shirley Chenier                                          Brian Ector
Senior Director,                                            Senior Vice President,
Investor Relations                                        Capital Markets and Public Affairs
Bombardier, Inc.                                           Baytex Energy Corp.

Annual Conference Program

The Annual Conference is the most anticipated event of the year. Here's a glimpse of this year's action-packed program, designed by Canadian IROs for Canadian IROs:

Click here to download the 2015 Conference Brochure.

SUNDAY, MAY 31

6:30am      19th Annual CIRI Golf Tournament

9:00am      Cave and Basin Tour

12:00pm    Registration

3:30pm      CIRI/Ivey IR Certification Program Information Session
                 
4:30pm      The 'Must Haves' and 'Should Haves' for the IR Website
                  Business Wire Sponsored Session

5:30pm      Welcome Reception & Opening Ceremony

MONDAY, JUNE 1

7:00am      Registration/Breakfast with Exhibitors

8:15am      Welcome & Opening Remarks

8:30am      A View of IR from the C-Suite
                  Sponsored by Marketwired

9:30am      Breakout Sessions (select one)

                  Option #1  CSR and IR Convergence
                                    Sponsored by The Works Design Communications

                  Option #2  Writing Workshop Part 1
                                    Sponsored by CNW Group

                  Option #3  Weighing Both Sides – A Discussion on Earnings Guidance

10:30am     Break with Exhibitors
                   Sponsored by RR Donnelley

11:15am      In Conversation with the Street
                    Sponsored by Scotiabank

12:15pm    Awards Ceremony & Lunch

1:45pm      Breakout Sessions (select one)

                  Option #1 Writing Workshop Part 2
                                   Sponsored by CNW Group

                  Option #2  Hosting a Successful Investor Day

                  Option #3  How Equity Strategies and Asset Allocation Impact Buying Decisions
                                    Sponsored by Corbin Perception Group

2:45pm      Break with Exhibitors

3:30pm      Priorities for Canada’s Capital Markets
                  Sponsored by CIBC World Markets

6:00pm      CIRI's Country Chic Corral Reception with Exhibitors

7:30pm      CIRI's Country Chic Dinner and Dance

TUESDAY, JUNE 2

7:30am      Breakfast with Exhibitors

8:00am      CIRI National Annual General Meeting

8:30am      A Multi-Perspective Discussion on the Global Economy
                  Sponsored by TD Bank Group

9:30am      Breakout Sessions (select one)

                  Option #1  Enhancing and Unlocking the Value of IR Websites

                  Option #2  On the Front Lines - Saving Face in a Crisis
                                    Sponsored by IR Magazine

                  Option #3  Taking Charge of Your Marketing Program
                                    Sponsored by Meetyl

10:30am      Break with Exhibitors

11:15am      Pursuing Long-Term Value Through Shareholder Engagement
                    Sponsored by CST Trust Company/D.F. King

12:15pm      Power Lunch: Skating to Success
                    Sponsored by RBC Capital Markets

2:00pm      Closing Remarks

***Sessions are subject to change