October 27, 2008
Dave’s New Journey
During our Conferences, I announced that my co-blogger – Dave Lynn – would be taking on a new role as a Partner for Morrison & Foerster, working out of their DC office. We are happy for Dave, particularly because he also will continue to work with us. So you will continue to see him on our sites and print publications – just like Alan Dye splits time with Hogan & Hartson and us.
Not only is Dave a great guy, but he truly is a securities law genius. In my unique role setting up numerous conferences and panels over the years, I’ve worked with all the greats and I can honestly say I’ve never seen anyone quite like Dave. And I’m not the only one who thinks so, many of the greats regularly confer with Dave even though they have more experience. So seek Dave out in his new capacity if you need smart counsel.
Catch-Up Now: Register for Video Archive of the Executive Compensation Conferences
You will be hearing quite a bit from your clients and colleagues about last week’s “Tackling Your 2009 Compensation Disclosures: The 3rd Annual Proxy Disclosure Conference” and the “5th Annual Executive Compensation Conference.”
Not only was John White’s speech noteworthy, but every panel made an effort to provide practical implementation guidance for the challenges ahead of us. And given the likelihood that say-on-pay legislation will be adopted soon that will require shareholder votes on executive pay in 2010, the importance of your upcoming proxy disclosure can’t be overstated as investors will use that when they decide whether to include your company on a “watch list” and set your company on a path to not earn shareholder approval. You can still catch-up and register to watch the archived video of the Conferences (and obtain the critical Course Materials).
The Sights & Sounds of the Executive Compensation Conferences
Over 1800 Watch John Olson and Crew
The plenary session for the “5th Annual Executive Compensation Conference” was large (with several thousand more online):
The “We Want Heat” Chant
It got a little nippy during the “3rd Annual Proxy Disclosure Conference,” so I led the audience in a chant:
Baker & McKenzie’s Voodoo Dolls
Our Conference swag is always among the best; this year’s breakout hit was Baker & McKenzie’s voodoo dolls. Attendees were trading them like crazy:
Shiny Swag from Citi Smith Barney
Perfect for New Orleans – so shiny:
Merrill Lynch’s Photos
Many service providers took out clients after our receptions (one hired Howie Mandel for a private gig; another hired the singer Jewel). On Wednesday night, three different parades with marching bands left the hotel to private events. The hotel said that was two more than any other conference held there. Merrill Lynch provided keepsakes for their clients:
‘Living Room’ Exhibit Space
This exhibit booth from Stock & Options Solutions was the coolest I’ve seen in years:
Dude Singing ‘Time to Go’
My personal favorite moment was this dude telling the folks in the exhibit hall that the panels were back in session. Rather than ring a bell, he sang the schedule and more:
– Broc Romanek