Peggy O’Neill, vp of analyst relations at H&K, was in touch with an invitation to Silicon Valley AR professionals for a special meeting in Palo Alto this week. The purpose of the meeting is twofold: hold an industry dialogue with independent analysts, and gauge interest in launching a Silicon Valley chapter of IIAR (the UK-based Institute of Industry Analyst Relations). No charge to attend; no obligation to join. Simply RSVP to Peggy.

The meeting, hosted by Peggy and Evan Quinn, director of corporate analyst relations for HP, will begin with a panel discussion about “life as an independent analyst in Silicon Valley.” Independent analysts Rob Enderle, Josh Greenbaum, Charlene Li, and Maribel Lopez have agreed to participate. AR teams frequently struggle with how much attention to give independent analysts, some of whom have more media influence than buyer influence. The non-compete clauses at some of the major analyst firms limits analyst mobility, resulting in more independent analysts in California particularly. Are these analysts undercutting the influence of the branded firms? What’s the best way to work with them?

After the panel, IIAR board member Ludo Leforestier of Oracle will lead a discussion about IIAR and take questions about membership benefits. IIAR is considering opening a Silicon Valley chapter. Established in April 2006, the Institute of Industry Analyst Relations is a non-profit organisation dedicated to raising industry awareness of the value of analyst relations, promoting and sharing best practice in AR, enhancing communications between vendors and analyst firms, and providing opportunities for AR professionals to meet and network with their industry peers.

The meeting is scheduled to begin at 6 p.m. on Thursday, September 25 at the Auditorium at Hewlett-Packard’s Palo Alto headquarters: 3000 Hanover Street, Palo Alto, California, 94304-1185 USA.

Please be sure to RSVP to Peggy, peggy [dot] oneill [at] hillandknowlton [dot] com.

See you there!