The NASPP Blog

The 25th Annual NASPP Conference starts today with the pre-conference programs and the opening reception. I hope to see you here in DC and I have ten things for you to do while you’re here (in addition to going to the sessions, of course).  Not registered yet but don’t want to miss out? Never fear! You can still register online and onsite.

Can’t be bothered to read this list? Check out this nifty “Getting to Know #NASPP25” video that Aon Equity Service created for us to showcase the many different things you can do at the Conference.

Ok, here are my ten things:

1. Conference App: Your digital guide to the NASPP Conference, the app includes the attendee list, the agenda, session materials, speaker bios, and maps. But it’s more than that—we’ll use the app to push out important announcements about happenings at the Conference. Download the app today and can get started on the PhotoPlay game, which will earn you a chance at a Bose SoundLink Mini Bluetooth Speaker.

2. Opening Night Welcome Reception: Start the Conference off on a high note by attending the opening night welcome reception. Make new friends and catch up with people you haven’t seen since last year. If you are an issuer attending for the first time, be sure to attend the First-Time Attendees’ Reception, just before the opening reception. You can meet the NASPP leadership, our chapter presidents, and get a head start on making friends.

3. Wake Up for the Keynotes: Don’t stay out too late, because you’ll want to get up early for our keynote presentations. On Wednesday morning, we’ll feature Nell Minow, who has been dubbed the “queen of good corporate governance” by Business Week Online and one of the 30 most influential investors by Smart Money magazine. Then on Thursday morning, we’ll feature a panel of representatives from the Big Four discussing “The Future of Equity Compensation.”

4. Check Out the Presentation Arena: The Presentation Arena is a stage in the exhibit hall where we will host fast-paced, 20-minute talks during the refreshment breaks and the lunches—sort of conferencing for people with short attention spans.

5. Have a Discussion: Our small group discussions, offered during the breakout sessions, are a great way to connect with other attendees on the challenges you are struggling with today. Each session is a facilitated discussion among attendees. Come prepared to share your own questions and experiences—no panelists, no presentation, and no PowerPoint. Search for “small” in the app to find a handy list of all of them.

6. Get More Out of Lunch: The luncheon roundtable discussions on Thursday are another great way to connect with your fellow attendees. Grab lunch, find a table discussing a topic you are interested in, and join the discussion.

7. Ask an Expert: The NASPP is the largest gathering of subject matter experts in the industry—if you have questions, our Conference is a great place to get answers. Consult an expert in the Ask the Experts booth or visit one of the over 30 other subject matter experts who have volunteered to be available for questions in their booths. These are not sales people; it’s an impressive list of subject matter experts who can answer technical and practical questions on stock compensation. There’s no reason to leave the Conference with unanswered questions.

8. Connect with Your Local Tribe: New this year, the Chapter Networking Social on Wednesday provides an opportunity for you meet your local chapter president and other attendees from your region.

9. Stick Around for Power Sessions: We’ve transformed the final half day of the conference into Power Sessions: quick hits (just 20-minutes each) on thought-provoking and strategic topics. Leave the Conference feeling refreshed and energized.

10: Get a Little Nostalgic: Celebrate the NASPP’s 25th anniversary with us by checking out the NASPP timeline in the hotel lobby, perusing the displays of NASPP memorabilia in the exhibit hall, and add your name to our post-it wall showing the growth of the NASPP’s membership (also in the exhibit hall).

I look forward to seeing everyone in DC!

– Barbara