For companies looking to raise capital, there's never been a better or worse time in the market. This session examines the outlook for raising debt and equity with a focus on the specific needs of emerging companies.

According to the recommendations published recently by the IPO Task Force, the number of successful IPOs from emerging companies has plummeted over the past 15 years. As a result, access to capital, and ultimately corporate growth, has been hindered.

At the same time, we've entered a period of innovation -- companies now have more options than ever to access the equity capital markets. This session will cover these developments, ranging from IPO alternatives to new offering structures to electronic capital markets platforms.

After a choppy 2011, confidence is returning to deal markets in 2012, with mergers and acquisitions, spin-offs and divestitures on the upswing. Improving stock and credit markets, ample liquidity and cash-rich corporate balance sheets signal that all signs are positive. However, ineffective communications can derail a successful deal or tank a company's stock value.

Our seasoned panel of practitioners have navigated a diverse range of M&A situations -- from spinoffs and divestitures to hostile takeovers and multiples types of strategic purchases. They will cover the critical aspects of M&A communications -- including the merits of deal communication, management of different constituencies, consistent messaging across audiences, preparation for proxy votes, timelines, and much more. Drawing from their deep experience, our panelists will share practical advice, war stories and insights that can help you maintain the enterprise value of your company's transactions throughout the process.

New equity markets are emerging in Latin America, Asia, The Middle East, Europe and Africa, creating new opportunities, but also challenges for Investor Relations Officers eager to broaden their shareholder base and exposure to international investors.

In this environment, the successful companies will recognize the need to adjust their programs to the cultural differences between the various pools of investors they are targeting. With roadshows remaining a strong feature of any international investor relations program, it may be time to look beyond the obvious target cities and start looking at entering new territories.

Engagement on corporate governance matters from Investor Relations is critical and no longer just the responsibility of the corporate secretary. There are new demands and skill sets for IR professionals that must be mastered in the changing governance environment. This panel will provide an overview and discussion of these skills and best practices from a tactical and strategic approach to win support from your shareholders.

The first half of this session will be led by a world renowned career advisor and executive recruiter and is designed as an interactive discussion about the realities of an IR career for the future; how the global capital markets have rapidly influenced management's perspective about the IRO role and the most effective career experiences required to be a confidant/advisor to the C-suite; and the risks associated with not socializing your career brand with the right executives.

The second half of the session will take the format of a fireside chat with two leading IROs to discuss best practices and strategies.