Planning for FFH Week 2016

[NormR]

James East, the inspiration of many current FFH events, cornered me after Sanjeev's meeting to suggest extending of the week's events next year.  I took a quick poll of the handful of people who were left in the room and, well, the result was a little bit like ...

 

Please sir i want some more

 

I was shocked, shocked sir!  But unlike the hard-hearted goons at the orphanage, I simply didn't know there was a desire for even more.  It seems churlish not to provide.

 

As a a result, there will be more offerings next year.  But I'd like to know what everyone would like to do.

 

There were two main suggestions.

 

1. To hold an informal dinner at a restaurant after the FFH AGM and Sanjeev's Meeting to wind down and reflect on the week's events.  (For those willing to take a late flight out or those staying another night.)

 

2. A potentially more ambitious event 3 days before the AGM.  (i.e. the day before the Ivey Student Stock Picking competition and Ben Graham Dinner).  The idea would be to gather for something like a poor-man's ValueX type conference.  (I'm frankly not that familiar with ValueX, but James was quite enthusiastic.)  Each participant would make a brief stock pitch (~10min) followed by a short Q&A.

 

If you'd like to do either, or both, next year then please indicate that in the poll. 

 

If you have any other suggestions (or comments) regarding new events for FFH week then please post them below! 

 

 

[Uccmal]

I like .james' Idea.  It should be a requirement that if one attends, one does a short pitch.  I would think the idea doesn't have to be particularly original, or something you dont already hold, just a short pitch on a company, what one likes and doesn't. 

 

It would really help people to get to know one another as well. 

 

A lunch affair might me best - It would be a Monday or Tuesday contingent on when FFH does their meeting.  Alternatively, it could be held at lunch on the day of the big dinner. 

 

I enjoyed The short speeches Sanj. had booked: Nate, Benj, Guy, etc.

[NormR]

I like .james' Idea.  It should be a requirement that if one attends, one does a short pitch.  I would think the idea doesn't have to be particularly original, or something you dont already hold, just a short pitch on a company, what one likes and doesn't. 

 

That's the idea. :)

 

A lunch affair might me best - It would be a Monday or Tuesday contingent on when FFH does their meeting.  Alternatively, it could be held at lunch on the day of the big dinner. 

 

I think we have to be mindful not to hold it at the same time as Dr. George's conference (the day of the FFH Dinner).  It might fit in the day before - just after Dr. George's student competition - tho.

[oddballstocks]

One idea I've seen work well is the concept of "open spaces".  Let me explain, you have a dedicated room and a number of assigned topics.  Maybe there are 5-10 different topics, they could range from company specific names to themes such as "diversification". 

 

Usually there is a spokesperson attached to each item.  People in the room migrate between topics and join and leave based on interest.  The point is no one needs to stay anywhere for any amount of time.

 

As an attendee maybe "diversification" looks interesting, you join the circle and contribute a thought or two to the conversation.  Then it veers into a direction you don't care about, so you walk away and join "BAC Warrants".  It's a very fluid time, but that's what makes it great.  You have all of these opinions and discussions that move along general themes.

 

It usually works if there is a 2-3 hour chunk devoted to an open spaces session.

[Shawn]

One idea I've seen work well is the concept of "open spaces".  Let me explain, you have a dedicated room and a number of assigned topics.  Maybe there are 5-10 different topics, they could range from company specific names to themes such as "diversification". 

 

Usually there is a spokesperson attached to each item.  People in the room migrate between topics and join and leave based on interest.  The point is no one needs to stay anywhere for any amount of time.

 

As an attendee maybe "diversification" looks interesting, you join the circle and contribute a thought or two to the conversation.  Then it veers into a direction you don't care about, so you walk away and join "BAC Warrants".  It's a very fluid time, but that's what makes it great.  You have all of these opinions and discussions that move along general themes.

 

It usually works if there is a 2-3 hour chunk devoted to an open spaces session.

 

This is a great idea

 

Another thing too, I think over time as it gains more traction, you guys should have it like a Value Investing festival in Toronto, where it goes a week long and has multiple conferences and dinners. Whether it's a value firm promoting itself (who knows maybe Jeff Stacey could have a conference), Irwin Michael gets a conference, Packer could have his own stage, Benj Gallander, Francis Chou for Chou Funds or whatever, multiple areas for discussion on different topics. Start it small first but over time make it into a week long festival like event. They call Buffett's AGM the "Woodstock of Capitalism" we could come up with something better of course !

 

By doing this, we keep the tradition alive and growing. For many of us younger value investors, as time goes on Sanjeev and Norm may not be able to keep doing this, eventually we'll have to carry the torch and keep doing it.

[Redskin212]

"By doing this, we keep the tradition alive and growing. For many of us younger value investors, as time goes on Sanjeev and Norm may not be able to keep doing this, eventually we'll have to carry the torch and keep doing it."

 

 

You are correct and more importantly both Sanjeev and Norm are currently stretch very thin during the Fairfax annual meeting.  Adding new events or conferences is great provided the running and organization is driven by new blood.  Sanjeev and Norm I am sure will assist with their experience but their time is another matter.

[NormR]

You are correct and more importantly both Sanjeev and Norm are currently stretch very thin during the Fairfax annual meeting.

 

If only that was the easy way to weight loss!  ;)

 

More seriously, Sanjeev already has his hands full with the FFH Dinner. 

 

Would anyone like to step up and run the new casual after-AGM dinner? 

[Read the Footnotes]

Norm, thank you for your contributions to the 2015 events. As I said in person, I think it's a great idea and I'd be willing to help in anyway you think I could be of use given that I'm not from Toronto, etc.