This is how GVs become highlights

ANNUAL MEETINGS In an interview with MK, Pius Silder, a senior partner at McKinivan, explains what makes general meetings special and how to conduct them successfully.MK Mr. Sidler, what makes for a good shareholders' meeting?Pius Sidler For the people on and off stage, ensuring that everything runs smoothly is certainly the top priority. For shareholders, it’s about having a positive experience—and catering plays an important role in that. The topics discussed are also important: If the «Shareholder Journey» was interesting, it was a good AGM.MK How important are emotions in this context?Sidler I think that, except in controversial situations, shareholders don't attend a shareholders' meeting because of emotions. But emotions are an important tool for setting the tone throughout a shareholders' meeting, drawing shareholders' attention to key messages, and reinforcing those messages.MK What mistakes should be avoided at all costs?Sidler Long wait times. Management appearing indecisive in the face of uncertainty. Operational errors. Technical glitches. And not enough Wienerli. MK Does it make a difference in terms of implementation whether the general meeting is of significant public interest or not?Sidler Yes, because significant public interest means more voters, more media attention, and a higher level of energy.MK How can a company use its annual shareholders' meeting to project a positive image to the outside world?Sidler: Take shareholders seriously. Use communication that appeals not only to reason but also to emotion. Appeal not only to shareholders’ minds but also to their hearts, and win them over that way. Think through the overall experience of attending the AGM.MK What types of general meetings are particularly difficult to organize?Sidler meetings in which the company has to argue from a defensive position. In such situations, it’s important to think through every move twice or even three times. You don’t want to give the other side any unnecessary openings.

Pius Silder oversees the annual general meetings of numerous major publicly traded companies and cantonal banks. INTERVIEW: DENISE WEISFLOG