As Seen in CFO Studio Magazine Q4 2016 Issue

CFOS TOUCH DOWN AT METLIFE STADIUM FOR INSIGHTS AND NETWORKING

On just one day each year, all the announcements and banners and cameras, usually reserved for sports heroes at MetLife Stadium, instead celebrate CFOs. That is the day when CFO Studio takes over venues like the Coaches Club at the stadium for educational sessions, and finance executives pour in to listen and learn, question, and share experiences. The energy is appreciable. (If only it were possible to harness all that brainpower!) With rapt attention, S&P 500 CFOs as well as finance chiefs from much smaller firms absorb insights — not technical accounting points but broader views of the business landscape and the CFO’s changing role in it. Most end the day with a renewed understanding of the tools they might use in meeting their company’s challenges. The 2nd annual event was held May 5, 2016. If you missed the day, a brief overview follows on this spread and the next four pages.

Heavy Hitters

What does it take to be a successful CFO in 2016? That question was addressed in multiple ways by presenters, moderators, and panelists during the 2nd Annual CFO Innovation Conference. Some invoked the volatility in the world that make forecasting and planning for global operations difficult. Some spoke of the need to build intracompany relationships and connections with venture capital and private equity firms. Some described how they protect assets from major business threats. Among the presenters were CFOs from the Federal Reserve System, from AOL, from SAP, and from other notable organizations. Other heavy hitters included the director of cybersecurity for the New Jersey Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness, and the deputy head of U.S. Economics for Bank of America Merrill Lynch.

In between the educational sessions, conference participants visited the CFO End Zone and met service providers Robert Half, Reed Smith, Dun & Bradstreet, Alliance Cost Containment, Tahas Technologies, and BC Compliance Group.

A special appearance by Joe Klecko, retired defensive lineman for the NY Jets, sent a buzz through the lunchtime crowd. Klecko shook hands, took photos with CFOs, and signed autographs. A silent auction with autographed Jets memorabilia raised money for three of CFO Studio’s preferred charities. And at day’s end, more networking opportunities presented themselves at the taco station and the margarita bar during a Cinco de Mayo reception.

As the business day morphed into evening, the football field beckoned, and although threatening weather changed plans for a celebration on the 50-yard line, many executives in business garb took a few minutes to memorialize the day with a selfie in the stadium or when walking across the field. Then it was time for the awards in the Toyota Club, where 12 exemplary CFOs were honored as award recipients (and 33 more as finalists) for knowing exactly what it takes to be successful CFOs in times that are uncertain, but exciting.