Suncorp Group’s AGM hosted virtually in 2020
Suncorp Group hosted its first ever virtual Annual General Meeting (AGM) on 22 October as digital meetings continue to become 2020’s new normal.
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The AGM was streamed live from Suncorp’s Sydney office, while our directors dialled in from their hometowns across five different locations, from the town of Gisborne in Victoria, to Singapore and Europe.
Five cameras captured our Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and directors in our in-house studio, while a crew of AV technicians were on hand to manage the live stream.
Our carbon footprint was drastically reduced, with participants foregoing the airfare to dial in from home, communications handled electronically rather than printed, and the post-event morning tea waived for another time. Savings were also found by utilising our existing office space rather than hiring a much larger venue.
The virtual format didn’t come without its challenges, with the Q&A and voting processes all needing to be managed virtually for attendees.
The impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic are continuing to be felt, and we must think differently about the way we safely connect.
Suncorp Chairman Christine McLoughlin
Shareholders were provided ample support to connect and participate in the webcast, with an online support guide, support phone line and support mailbox all available.
Support teams were also on hand in both Brisbane and Sydney to assist attendees and manage the question and answer process on the day.
While the new format proved to be a big adjustment for us all, Suncorp Chairman Christine McLoughlin reflected that in many ways the meeting remained the same, describing it as a simple democratic process that gives our shareholders the opportunity to be heard and play a role in shaping the future of Suncorp, and reminding us what our customers are thinking and feeling every day.
