Reg FD Busts Didn't Rock Anyone's World

If CEOs can't even make such general statements without first being certain they are being Webcast, then the question arises whether investors -- and even companies -- should bother attending these conferences anymore. The reason to attend, said Goldman Sachs spokesman Ed Kanaday, is to talk to a company's management and hear an update on a company's business.

Investors echoed that view.

"You'll go because you do get to meet the management," Murray said. "You're an investor; you're an owner of this company. You want to meet the management and hear what they're saying about business."

Investors and IR executives noted there's more to talk about than just financials that would not result in Regulation FD violations. Investors often take advantage of one-on-one meetings to seek clarification on certain issues and talk about such topics as market share and competition.

And for attendees, talking with other investors and sharing information can also be valuable, Murray added.

Meanwhile, companies will continue attending the conferences as well, NIRI's Thompson said. A survey of the institute's members earlier this year found that 5% have cut back on attending such meetings, but 5% have increased their attendance. "We haven't seen any decline in that at all," Thompson said. "I think companies have learned to live with Reg FD."