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13 May 2025 9 min read

5 Mistakes Investor Relations Officers Can Make on Investor Days

Investor Days, or Capital Markets Days (CMDs), are no longer just about what you say—they are about how you say it. For Investor Relations Officers (IROs), these high-stakes events are a rare chance to inform, impress and influence key stakeholders. However, even the most experienced teams can fall into avoidable traps that dilute their message and damage credibility.

And with the shift towards digital formats, the margin for error is shrinking. In fact, 63% of IROs plan to increase their use of digital tools for events, reflecting a growing need for polished, tech-savvy delivery. On the other side of the table, 87% of institutional investors now consider virtual and hybrid events critical for ongoing engagement. This makes it clear that your Investor Day is no longer a one-and-done presentation, but a strategic touchpoint in your investor communications.

So, how do you make the most of this opportunity? In this article, we will explore five common mistakes IROs make on Investor Days—and how to avoid them. From technical pitfalls to post-event silence, we will break down what can go wrong and how to get it right.

Important mistakes you want to avoid at your Investor Day

1. Technical glitches that undermine credibility

In the digital era, your Capital Markets Day is only as strong as the technology behind it. No matter how compelling your message or how polished your presenters, a stream that crashes mid-session or audio that cuts in and out can quickly erode investor confidence. These glitches are not just minor annoyances—they are red flags that suggest a lack of preparedness and attention to detail. For institutional investors evaluating your company’s performance and potential, a shaky digital experience can overshadow even the most promising business update.

Fortunately, these issues are entirely preventable. The first step is to run full-scale rehearsals, involving both your speakers and your technical team. This helps uncover weak spots before the big day and allows everyone to get comfortable with the flow and tools. Equally important is choosing a reliable, enterprise-grade streaming platform, such as Company Webcast, which is specifically designed to handle high-volume, high-stakes corporate communications. And do not underestimate the value of having IT support on standby throughout the event. If something unexpected happens, you will want a team ready to step in immediately, not after the damage is done.

2. Unclear or overwhelming presentations

Clarity is key when communicating with investors. Yet, it is surprisingly common for Investor Day presentations to drown in detail—slides overloaded with technical jargon, unreadable charts and an avalanche of data points. When this happens, the core narrative gets lost and so does your audience. Investors should not have to work to understand your strategy; the message needs to be instantly clear and compelling.

To avoid losing engagement, presentations should be designed with simplicity and structure in mind. Your goal is not to show everything you know, but to highlight what matters most—the insights, milestones and strategic direction that will shape your company’s future. Supporting data should reinforce those points, not compete with them. And when complex concepts are necessary, visual storytelling tools like infographics or clear charts can dramatically improve comprehension.

Here is a quick checklist for keeping presentations clear and impactful:

  • One idea per slide to maintain focus
  • Headline-style slide titles that summarise the takeaway
  • High-contrast visuals for readability on all devices
  • Limit text to key points and aim for brevity
  • Use charts with a clear purpose, not just to impress

3. Lack of accessibility for remote participants

Accessibility is not optional; it is essential. Capital Markets Days often attract a geographically diverse investor base, and if remote participants encounter friction when joining or following the event, engagement drops fast. Whether it is a clunky login process, missing captions or language barriers, any obstacle can result in key stakeholders missing out on vital updates.

To ensure everyone can access and benefit from your event, look for the following:

  • Use a platform with seamless access – no complex downloads or lengthy registration forms
  • Enable live captions to support those with hearing impairments
  • Provide multilingual options to accommodate international participants
  • Make the full event available on demand for those unable to attend live.

By prioritising accessibility, you not only increase attendance and engagement, you also demonstrate your company’s commitment to transparency, inclusivity and professionalism.

4. Poor speaker preparation

A compelling Capital Markets Day hinges not just on content, but on delivery. Even the most confident executives can falter if they are underprepared—rambling off-script, running over time or mishandling investor questions. These moments do not just affect the flow of the event; they can damage investor confidence and distract from your key messages.

To avoid this, preparation must go beyond reviewing slides. Media training, timed rehearsals and Q&A dry runs are essential to ensure speakers are polished, focused and in sync with one another. Providing structured speaking points helps keep messaging consistent, while clear slide transitions and time cues prevent presentations from dragging or overlapping.

Here is a table showing common signs of poor preparation—and how to fix them:

Common Issues Solutions
Speakers go off on tangents Provide clear, concise talking points and presentation goals
Overruns disrupt the event schedule Time each segment during rehearsals and assign moderators
Hesitant or conflicting answers in Q&A Conduct mock Q&A sessions with potential investor questions
Low energy or unclear delivery Arrange media training to boost presence and delivery
Slides not aligning with content Synchronise scripts and visuals in advance

Executives should be well-prepared, not just in terms of content but in how they communicate it. Presentation coaching can help leaders speak with clarity and purpose, stay within their time slot and handle questions effectively. It also ensures consistency, so that all speakers reinforce the same strategic narrative throughout the event.

It is also good practice to hold internal alignment sessions before the event to agree on tone, structure and roles. This avoids last-minute confusion and ensures your company presents a united, credible front. Our Post Listing Advisoryteam frequently supports clients with message development and coaching.

5. No clear follow-up strategy

A successful Capital Markets Day does not end when the livestream does. In fact, what happens after the event is just as important as the event itself. Failing to follow up means missing the opportunity to reinforce key messages, answer lingering investor questions and build on the momentum you have created. Without a structured post-event strategy, valuable insights go uncollected, interest fades and your company risks appearing disengaged.

To keep the conversation going, start by sharing key takeaways, presentation slides and full recordings as soon as possible. This ensures that attendees, as well as those who could not make it live, can revisit the content and engage at their convenience. Address any unanswered investor questions promptly and use the opportunity to reinforce transparency. Finally, do not overlook the power of analytics: by reviewing engagement metrics (such as which sessions drew the most attention or where viewers dropped off), you can refine your approach for future events.

A thoughtful follow-up strategy not only maximises the value of your Investor Day, it also signals to investors that you are committed to ongoing dialogue, not just one-time performance. Tools like IR.Manager can support you in keeping the conversation going, as well as managing communications with stakeholders in the lead-up to the event and beyond.

FAQ

How far in advance should I start planning an Investor Day?

You should begin planning at least three to four months in advance. This allows time for aligning internal stakeholders, selecting speakers, preparing content, securing a platform and conducting technical rehearsals. Longer lead times also give you flexibility for promotion and investor outreach.

What is the ideal length for a Capital Markets Day event?

The most effective Capital Markets Days are typically 1.5 to 3 hours long. Aim for a tight agenda that delivers depth without fatigue. Include breaks or intermissions for longer sessions and prioritise high-impact speakers early in the schedule.

Should we include a Q&A session?

Yes. Live Q&A sessions are highly valued by investors and offer a chance to demonstrate transparency and responsiveness. To keep it smooth, collect questions in advance and use a moderator to guide the conversation.

How can we promote our Investor Day to increase attendance?

Use a mix of email invitations, investor relations websites, press releases and social media. Clearly state the value of attending, highlight speakers or key topics and provide early access to registration.

What should we include in our post-event communications?

At minimum, share a recording of the event, presentation slides and a summary of key takeaways. You may also want to issue a press release or provide written responses to unanswered questions.

What role does the investor relations website play in Investor Day success?

Your IR website should serve as a central hub—housing the event agenda, registration link, speaker bios and all post-event materials. Ensure it s updated in real time and easy to navigate, especially for first-time visitors.

Conclusion

Investor Days are a defining moment in your investor relations strategy. Avoiding the five mistakes we hae covered can make the difference between a missed opportunity and a lasting impact. From technical reliability to speaker preparation and post-event follow-up, each detail shapes how investors perceive your company’s leadership, vision and execution.

The key is preparation. Use proven digital tools, rehearse thoroughly, prioritise accessibility and always follow through. By doing so, you not only deliver a smooth event, but you also reinforce trust, professionalism and transparency with your stakeholders.

Ready to deliver a flawless Investor Day? 

Discover how Company Webcast can support you with enterprise-grade streaming, interactive features for engagement, enhanced accessibility through live captions and actionable post-event insights, all tailored to help you engage investors with confidence and clarity. Request a demo today

References and further reading

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