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access:
What Access: DC is a conference giving Computershare clients and guests exclusive access to industry insights, proven practices, and impactful networking in a luxury setting in one of the world’s most powerful, change-making cities. Access: DC will combine great content and great culture, with an evening reception planned amidst the historic DC backdrop. Who Attending will be shareholder services, investor relations, financial, legal, and governance professionals, together with experts from the media, government, legal and academic communities. When and Where Wednesday, September 17 – Friday, September 19, 2025 The Hotel Washington, a luxury hotel in the heart of bustling downtown Washington, D.C. We will kickoff the evening of September 17 with a welcome cocktail reception and conclude on Friday afternoon. Why Over 120 participants attended last year for the unique networking and development opportunities. Access: DC offers the exclusive chance to gain live insights from expert panel discussions on industry trends, disruptive technologies, changing regulations, and capital markets. Plus, registration is complimentary for Computershare guests. You simply take care of your airfare and hotel needs, and we will take care of the rest.
2025
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Computershare Client Conference
September 17 - 19, 2025
D.C.
DC
CLIENT CONFERENCE
Computershare Client Conference Austin, Texas October 7 - 8, 2024
VENUE
Lady Bird Lake and many others offer guided tours and board rentals locally.
An inspirational destination for the pre- and post-modern history enthusiast.
Arrive early Oct 4 - 6 and go to one of the largest music fests in the US.
Do a little retail therapy in one of the most eclectic shopping districts in Texas.
Paddle Boarding
Bullock Museum
Austin City Limits
South Congress St Shopping
University of Texas
insights
KEYNOTE
ERIC O'NEILL
© 2024 Computershare Limited. All rights reserved.
The legendary undercover FBI operative, lawyer, best-selling author of Gray Day and founder of top security firm The Georgetown Group, will be this year’s keynote speaker. In our current world where protecting your organizational and shareholder information is so vitally important, Eric will bring his first-hand experience to explain risks you can address to keep you and your shareholders safe against the nefarious powers seeking to undermine you and your company.
austin
Access: Austin Registration is open to attend our premier gathering of corporate leaders and industry influencers. At this year’s client conference, you will be immersed in the unique backdrop only a city like Austin can provide — from its deep art and music roots to its pioneering spirit. Covering topics ranging from economic trends, artificial intelligence risks and opportunities and innovation updates to shareholder activism and regulatory updates for M&A minded organizations, you will hear from an all-star lineup of industry thought leaders, award-winning journalists, Texas state representatives, leading securities attorneys and acclaimed academic leaders.
2024
NETWORKING
keynote
Come to unplug and relax. Connect with conference peers and speakers in a more casual space — Banger’s — one of Austin’s most popular BBQ and entertainment venues. Mingle with panelists and network with colleagues in Banger’s laid-back ambience that is quintessentially Austin with local, exclusive bands, line dancing and more.
This conference gives you a front-row seat to topics affecting capital markets and issuers. Connect with experts on global and US macro-economic trends, regional and industry specific growth outlooks, factors influencing evolving investor expectations, emerging central bank policy and even the impact of geopolitics in an election year.
Art, music and historic charm. This year’s conference venue is the luxurious Hotel ZaZa, giving you convenient access to downtown Austin with lavish comfort and a boutique hotel experience. From resort-level amenities to the cultural attractions close by, such as the Austin City Limits Live at Moody Theater, museums, the Texas capitol building, and even the University of Texas at Austin, there is plenty to do and see before or after the conference.
HOTEL WEBSITE
Hotel ZaZa
5 THINGS
TO DO IN AUSTIN
fun
BANGER'S
industry
experts
Computershare is pleased to invite you to an exclusive two-day client conference this October 7 - 8 in Austin, Texas.
CHECK OUT THE FULL AGENDA
Explore the largest college in the Texas education system. Hook 'em Horns!
BOOK A ROOM
Our hotel room block at Hotel ZaZa is currently sold out. Please email our event team to discuss room options.
day one: MONDAY, October 7
7:30 am – 8:30 am
Breakfast
8:30 am – 9:00 am
Welcome and Opening Remarks by Ann Bowering, CEO, Issuer Services
10:00 am – 10:15 am
Break with refreshments
10:15 am – 11:15 am
AI Risks and Opportunities: Unlocking the Potential of Future Technology As AI continues its rapid advancement, businesses face unprecedented risks and opportunities. This session will cover the specific challenges that companies face, from ethical considerations to privacy issues to regulatory expectations to the impact on people. It will also explore the transformational power of AI, and limitations, and the strategic opportunities to drive innovation, operational efficiency and productivity and new revenue potential across industries. Executive Sponsor: Mark Kopelman, EVP Equity Markets, Computershare Moderator: Russell Gold, Distinguished Writer, Texas Monthly Hossein Rahnama, Founder of Flybits, MIT professor Vince DiMascio, Partner, PwC
11:15 am – 12:15 pm
Managing Communications Through a Corporate Crisis Threats abound, from geopolitical events and trade tension to cyber-attacks to corporate attacks from activists and hostile takeover challenges to internal and external missteps and accidents. In the event of a corporate crisis, effective communication is crucial for maintaining trust, protecting company reputation and steering the organization through tough times. This session offers practical strategies and lessons learned from industry experts that have helped steer companies through turbulent times so you can prepare your organization with confidence and clarity. Executive Sponsor: Michael Lang, EVP Equity Markets, Computershare Townsend Belisle, CEO, Haystack Needle Svea A. Herbst, Journalist, Reuters Tom Becker, Senior Managing Director, Crisis & Litigation Strategic Communications, FTI Consulting Adam Shapiro, Partner, Head of Digital, Reevemark
9:00 am – 10:00 am
Economic Trends in a Dynamic Market In the fast-paced environment in which businesses operate today, US and global economic trends impact all companies. Our opening panel brings together leading experts in markets, economics and business to provide unique perspectives on the latest capital market developments and implications for companies, including a macroeconomic outlook, inflationary considerations, tech advancements, interest rate movements and geopolitical developments. Executive Sponsor: David Adamson, EVP Equity Markets, Computershare Moderator: Russell Gold, Distinguished Writer, Texas Monthly James K. Galbraith, Lloyd M. Bentsen Jr. Chair in Government/Business Relations, The University of Texas at Austin Sarah Wolfe, Senior Economist and Macro & Thematic Strategist, Morgan Stanley Dylan James, Vice President, Nasdaq
12:15 pm – 1:00 pm
Networking lunch
1:00 pm – 2:30 pm
See the Future of Computershare Innovation Executive Sponsor: Peter Duggan, EVP Equity Markets, Computershare Marco Morsella, Head of Issuer Product, Computershare Jason Stout, Global Head, Customer Operations, Computershare Sajoo Samuel, Senior Manager, Product Development, Computershare
5:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Innovation Lab Come see first-hand new enhancements to client and shareholder experiences.
2:30 pm – 3:30 pm
Navigating Shareholder Activism and Corporate Control Activist investors continue to employ new strategies and tactics in their campaigns to control how target companies do business. As the activist landscape shifts from newer responsible and sustainable investing efforts to traditional efforts intended to drive shareholder value creation, all companies should understand the trends and demands so they can be prepared. In this session, speakers will discuss activism themes, contested meetings in year two of Universal Proxy Cards, board oversight and governance and how to prepare your company for the unexpected – including game plan best practices, preparing your internal and external teams, understanding your company’s vulnerabilities, educating the board and management and communications. *Eligible for 1.0 accredited CLE hours in Texas Executive Sponsor: Joseph DiLandro, EVP, Markets and Client Development, Computershare Demetrius A. Warrick, Partner, Mergers and Acquisitions, Skadden Neil Rudisill, Managing Director, Goldman Sachs Matthew Sherman, President, Joele Frank William P. Fiske, Head of M&A and Contested Situations, Georgeson
3:30 pm – 3:45 pm
3:45 pm – 4:30 pm
The M&A Landscape: Regulatory Updates and Implications for Deals Mergers and acquisitions have become strategic levers for growth and competitiveness. However, with the complexity and change happening in the regulatory environment, these strategies demand a new approach to transactions. In this session, industry experts will provide insights into the latest regulatory changes and compliance requirements affecting M&A transactions and what it means for deal structuring. *Eligible for 1.0 accredited CLE hours in Texas Executive Sponsor: Neda Sheridan, EVP Corporate Actions, Computershare Mark M. Bekheit, Partner, Latham & Watkins Carrie Ho, Corporate Governance Liaison, Chevron Corporation Tara Petta - Associate Vice President of Corporate Data Operations , Nasdaq Rita-Anne O'neill, Partner, Sullivan & Cromwell Jessica Brown, Partner, Cassels Brock & Blackwell LLP
6:15 pm
Transportation to evening event departs
6:30 pm – 9:30 pm
Evening Reception at Banger's
© 2023 Computershare Limited. All rights reserved.
All times listed below are CDT
agenda
Day Two October 8
Speakers
4:30 pm – 5:00 pm
Unlocking Organizational Potential: The Strategic Impact of Employee Equity Plans In today’s competitive landscape, promoting a high-performing, employee-centric culture is crucial to long-term success. This session explores how employee equity plans drive organizational success by fostering employee engagement, retention, and performance. Attendees will gain insight into the strategic benefits for both companies and employees, as well as key reasons employees buy and sell shares. Learn how equity plans can help create a culture of ownership that supports growth and financial well-being. Executive Sponsor: Sheila Frierson, President, North America Plan Managers, Computershare
5:30 pm – 7:00 pm
Optional Welcome Reception – Hotel ZaZa Rooftop Cabana, 7th Floor
Sunday, October 6
8:30 am – 8:45 am
Day Two Opening Remarks with Ann Bowering, CEO, Issuer Services
8:45 am – 9:45 am
Keynote Address with Eric O'Neill
9:45 am – 10:00 am
10:00 am – 10:45 am
Tackling Unclaimed Property Challenges The unclaimed property landscape continues to evolve. With many states moving from a lost standard to an activity standard, and some states adding accelerated dormancy due to the death of an owner, we often find shareholder protections in direct conflict with state laws. In this session, we will analyze different actions that you can take to address these challenges. What are the risks and how effective are the possible solutions? Our aim is to assist you in pinpointing the strategies that best align with your company’s unique needs and shareholder base. Executive Sponsor: Cindy Nisley, EVP, Computershare and President, Georgeson Securities Corporation Pamela Wentz, National Practice Leader, Unclaimed Property, Georgeson
11:45 am – 12:45 pm
Federal and State Laws Impacting Businesses Now and in the Future Compliance with laws and regulations can be time-consuming in a dynamic regulatory environment. This session will provide an overview of SEC updates and agenda items companies need to watch, as well as Delaware developments that incorporated companies need to know. *Eligible for 1.0 accredited CLE hours in Texas Executive Sponsor: Peter Duggan, EVP Equity Markets, Computershare Michael D. Allen, Director, Richards, Layton & Finger, P.A. C. Alex Bahn, Partner, WilmerHale Andrea Manning, Associate General Counsel, Issuer Services, Computershare
12:45 pm – 1:00 pm
Closing Remarks and Grab and Go Lunch
day two: TUESDAY, October 8
Day One October 7
10:45 am – 11:45 am
ESG or Not? Developments and Strategies in the ESG Landscape The ESG landscape has evolved considerably in past years, moving from a much-heralded investment strategy championed by the largest asset managers to a more measured strategy that faces pushback. At the same time policymakers and litigators have pushed forward regulation or lawsuits attempting to either codify or oppose ESG disclosure. While supporters continue to believe that ESG-focused investing and business strategy can drive long-term growth while mitigating risk, others believe it pulls focus away from critical business imperatives and shareholder returns. In this session, you will hear about the latest developments in ESG, how investor views are adapting and how the future of ESG is being shaped by public policy. *Eligible for 1.0 accredited CLE hours in Texas Executive Sponsor and Moderator: Kilian Moote, Head of ESG Advisory, Georgeson Julia A. Thompson, Partner, Latham & Watkins Jeffrey Hales, Professor at The University of Texas at Austin / Member of the International Sustainability Standards Board Robert G. Smith, AIF®, CIMC, President & Co-Chief Investment Officer, Managing Partner, Sage Advisory
FAQ
Why is the event being held in Austin? Well known for being a vibrant community where art meets music and innovation, Austin has lots to offer for visitors for both business and pleasure. From the ever-popular SXSW festival to the everyday entertainment, the city has attracted business both new and established because of its culture of entrepreneurial spirit and technology advancement. Austin strikes a balance of edgy experiences to heartland inspired bucket-list opportunities. From world-famous barbeque and destination restaurants and venues to the everyday hallmark sights that a historic city like Austin offers, it’s anything but “weird.” Who is going to attend? A community of industry professionals who work with Computershare will be in attendance, sharing their expertise and insights with one another. Industry experts and Computershare leaders will also be on-site during the two-day conference, taking part in and leading discussions and events. How much is registration? It’s complimentary! Computershare covers the registration cost for all its clients. Where is the conference? The conference will be held at the luxurious Hotel ZaZa in historic and entertainment-filled downtown Austin. Will Computershare be paying for my accommodation? No – while registration is at no cost to you, compliments of Computershare, attendees will need to cover their own accommodation and travel costs. Will meals be included during the conference? Breakfast and lunch are included on both days of the conference. Also, as a celebration of this gathering, a special dinner on the first day will be included at an exclusive, off-site location. Can anyone help me make the business case to attend? Yes, please contact us for justification information. What can I expect as session topics? Day 1 sessions: Economic Trends in a Dynamic Market AI Risks and Opportunities: Unlocking the Potential of Future Technology Managing Communications Through a Corporate Crisis See the Future of Computershare Innovation Navigating Shareholder Activism and Corporate Control The M&A Landscape: Regulatory Updates and Implications for Deals Day 2 sessions: What is New in Abandoned Property? Federal and State Laws Impacting Businesses Now and in the Future ESG or Not? Developments and Strategies in ESG Investing View the conference agenda here.
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JUSTIFICATION TOOLKIT
“Why is the event being held in San Francisco?” Long considered a hub of innovation with a vibrant community of entrepreneurs, technology developers, and existing and emerging industry leaders, The Golden Gate City is the perfect location for a client conference that focuses on preparing your business for industry transformation. You’ll feel inspired by your surroundings as you attend talks on a range of subjects including AI, market changes, and global economic policy. “Who is going to attend?" A community of industry professionals who work with Computershare will be in attendance, sharing their expertise and insights with one another. Industry experts and Computershare leaders will also be on-site during the two-day convention, taking part in and leading discussions and events. “How much is registration?” It’s complimentary! Computershare covers the registration cost for all its clients. “Where is the conference?” The conference will be held at the Intercontinental Mark Hopkins Hotel in the historic and sophisticated neighborhood of Nob Hill in San Francisco. “Will Computershare be paying for my accommodation?” No – while registration is free, attendees will need to cover their own accommodation and travel costs. “Will meals be included during the conference?” Breakfast and lunch are included on both days of the conference. Also, as a celebration of this gathering, a special dinner on the first day will be included at an exclusive, off-site location. “How many attendees will be attending the conference?” We are expecting anywhere from 50 to 100 attendees to be present. Spaces are limited and it is first come, first served. “Who is the keynote speaker?” This year’s keynote speaker is Billy Beane. A former professional baseball player, Billy is now Senior Vice President of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion for the MLB, and his story inspired the Oscar-nominated film Moneyball, in which he was portrayed by Brad Pitt. Beane’s talk will motivate attendees to think outside the box as he discusses how he developed an innovative data-driven strategy to recruit star players to his team, the Oakland A’s, and propelled them to national stardom.
REASONS TO ATTEND
Not only will the 2023 Client Conference provide you with ways to stay connected to shareholders during market changes, but it will also allow you to network with industry peers. You’ll enjoy social events set against the beautiful San Francisco Bay and leave the conference with a many new professional connections in your network.
Engage
The two-day conference provides the perfect opportunity to speak to industry experts to discuss timely subjects related to your business area. You’ll come away with ideas on how to better understand your investors amidst banking sector volatility and federal interest rate increases.
Discuss
This event will offer insight into the key factors that are changing the business landscape we work in. You’ll attend engaging, expert-led sessions on various topics such as equity market trends and digital developments while tapping into solutions that can help your business realize its potential.
Discover
When discussing the business case for the 2023 Client Conference, make sure to highlight the many benefits that attending will bring to your organization. This year’s conference theme is Equity Intelligence and will provide you with insights into market structure changes and digital advancements, including the effect these will have on US equities markets.
Computershare’s annual Client Conference offers you the chance to attend a 2-day event in San Francisco and network with industry peers while deepening your knowledge of US equities markets. We understand that requesting time off from work to attend a professional conference may require a business case, which is why we’ve put together this toolkit including the following:
Reasons to attend
Justification letter template
Cost information
