Conference agenda.

• Position: Conference news - Calendar

Wednesday, May 15, 2013

5:30-7 p.m. Welcome Reception

Thursday, May 16, 2013

8-8:30 a.m. Breakfast

8:30-9:15 a.m. Welcome and Keynote Address

9:15-10:45 a.m. Private Company Boards--One Size Doesn't Fit All

What are the different governance approaches taken by private companies, and what are the advantages and disadvantages of various types of boards--advisory, non-independent, independent? Who should serve on the board? What differences in governance are there, or should there be, with controlling-shareholder, family-owned, and private equity-owned companies? How dependent is board governance on the company's lifecycle stage and size? How important is specific expertise and cultural fit?

Speakers: Jim Ethier, Chairman and CEO, Bush Bros. & Co.; Margaret Pederson, President & CEO, Amirexx (director: Viad, TextureMedia); Conor Boden, Head of Portfolio Board Development, Advent International

11:15 a.m.-12:45 p.m. Private Board Roles, Committees and Independence

Because of the differing longer-term goals of private companies (exit or succession, for example), clearly defining the role of the private company director can be a challenge. What do owners want from their board, and what should they ask of their directors/advisers? Conversely, what do directors want from their private company board service in terms of input and independence? What committees should a private company board have? Are there standards for board composition? Should private companies consider having lead directors?

Speakers: David C. Phillips, Chairman, Midmark Corporation; Richard M. Clarke, CEO Perspective Group

12:45-2 p.m. Lunch with Keynote Address

Speaker: Harry Kraemer, Executive Partner, Madison Dearborn, will discuss private equity's perspective on directors' role and responsibilities.

2-3:30 p.m. Breakout Sessions

Three breakout sessions (each 45 minutes long) will feature governance case studies of three different types of privately held companies, based on. company goals and exit strategy: Legacy/Succession (the family-controlled company); Private equity- and growth capital-owned; Closely held with an eventual intent to sell/go public.

4-5:30 p.m. The Effective Private Board

Private boards don't face the issues of ISS ratings and other outside reviews of performance, but this doesn't mean that owners and directors can't use a variety of tools to keep the board fresh and focused. This session will focus on measuring and ensuring board effectiveness, and on the...