2021 has been a record year for the number of initial public offerings (IPOs), with more than 130 on the ASX so far and dozens more anticipated by the end of December. The heightened IPO activity was fuelled by strong investor demand across a broad range of sectors. Led by resources, healthcare and technology stocks, it’s been the biggest global IPO surge in more than 20 years.

IRD Invest is a virtual investor conference series hosted by IR Department to showcase emerging companies, and to provide an additional value-add for our investor and client networks.

We are all part of a new era. After reaching a low point in mid-2020, the investment landscape has changed dramatically. Companies, like investment markets, are adapting. We want to illustrate how our clients deal with change and provide fresh solutions to assist mitigate the effects of change.

Our third IRD Invest virtual investor conference ran over two days in late September 2021. We heard from a range of ASX listed companies that are innovating by addressing evolving consumer trends and patient needs. 

With another financial reporting season upon us, we thought it an opportune time to consider what the investment community will likely be focusing on as they contemplate how best to position their portfolios over the next 6-12 months.

Following on from where I left off in Part One of this blog, which looked at the evolution of social media in crisis management and five key steps to prepare your company before a crisis hits, today’s blog deals with strategies to help mitigate damage once an issue has hit.

In the world of issues and crisis management, today’s landscape is dramatically different to that of just a few years ago. Today we are living in a society of digitally enabled, always-on, constantly connected consumers with a multitude of smart devices at their fingertips.

CEO and Managing Director at Island Pharmaceuticals Dr David Foster, Executive Chairman Dr Paul MacLeman, and Infectious Disease expert Prof Stephen Thomas MD discuss the most current understanding of the impact of dengue fever on the global community, the pace of growth in the ASEAN region and the changing battle against dengue in light of climate change and COVID-19.

End of Financial Year is a great time for investors to take stock and plan for the coming 12 months.

IR Department Account Director Juliana Roadley speaks to Morgans Reynolds Securities Private Client Adviser Patricia Tsicalas about the year that was 2021, as well as what to expect and how to prepare for the year ahead – covering one of the hottest topics going at the moment, the Australian Government’s upcoming changes to superannuation.

The Australasian Investor Relations Association's (AIRA) annual conference is a great place to hear new ideas, exchange views, and reconnect with colleagues.

IR Department's Account Director, Juliana Roadley, attended this year’s conference in person. Here are her three clear takeaways:

A media landscape dominated by digital is characterised by a lot of space, a lot of noise, and a lot of competition for air time. It’s tempting to consider paying for a headline… but is the cost worth it? We share our experience.  

We came across this insightful piece by IRM that covers the social media strategy must haves. 

The "No-Nonsense Guide to Building a Social Media Strategy" covers defining your social media goals and it's audience and how to engage so your strategy is doing more than just making noise. 

March 8th is International Women's Day and in 2021, the theme is #GenerationEquality. 

Equality is an important topic for us at IR Department. We work hard to be fair and equal across genders and races, in finding opportunities for our people and striving to win share of voice for our clients, who are often smaller fish, swimming in a sea of salmon and sharks.

On this #IWD2021, a few of our own brilliant women took a moment to share a quote an inspirational woman in their lives. We hope you enjoy the collection! 

Thanks to all those presenters and investors who made time to attend IRD Invest, IR Department’s virtual investor conference on 29 July 2020.

This year we've decided to reflect on the year but also look at the positive things that are coming up. Each of the team reflect on one thing they've learnt in 2020, what they are looking forward to the most over the Christmas period and the podcast or book that got them through the year!

We hope you enjoy, and Merry Christmas from the IR Department team! 

On 14 October 2020, Tesserent CEO, Julian Challingsworth presented at IR Department’s virtual investor conference, IRD Invest, an event designed to bring investors directly to the CEOs of emerging ASX listed companies.

On 14 October 2020, Jaxsta CEO and co-founder, Jacqui Louez Schoorl and Jaxsta CFO, Company Secretary and Executive Director Jorge Nigaglioni, presented at IR Department’s virtual investor conference, IRD Invest, an event designed to bring investors directly to the CEOs of emerging ASX listed companies.

Openpay Group Ltd (ASX: OPY) is a well-established player in the fast-growing global market for ‘Buy now pay later’ (BNPL) payment solutions. Openpay partners with merchants to provide BNPL repayment plans to customers instore, in-app and online.

On 14 October 2020, Oventus CEO, Dr Chris Hart, presented at IR Department’s virtual investor conference, IRD Invest, an event designed to bring investors directly to the CEOs of emerging ASX listed companies.

Our client, ASX-listed oncology company Kazia Therapeutics Ltd (ASX: KZA; NASDAQ: KZIA, has had a huge few months, including the achievement of significant milestones for lead drug candidate, paxalisib.

We're all starting to think about AGMs (in fact, the IR Department team has already supported clients through a few! As companies are often running virtual AGMs for the first time this year, our friends at IRM have put together some thoughts on the corporate website can be a great tool to support shareholders with understanding how to join and vote. Thanks to the team at IRM for allowing us to share this post.