This week, the 6th annual Global Fund Forum descended upon New York City at the majestic Times Center. The program was packed with content from start to finish. Table Talks, Investor Panels, a keynote by General Clark and Deal Ring were some of the highlights of the program.
We kicked the day off with a panel of top seeders discussing the benefits of investing in emerging managers. Mithra Warrier, Managing Director at TD Prime Services, led a lively discussion with Lionel Erdely of Investcorp, Michael Pierog of Blackstone, Ken Schewer of KAS Holdings and Rich Schimel of the new billion dollar seeded multi manager platform Cinctive Capital Management. Milton Berg, an industry veteran, shared insight and some of his best kept secrets into how to predict the top and bottom of market cycles. This year Table Talks, our deconstructed part of the conference where we take experts off the stage and let them head small table discussions, was co-hosted by TD Prime Services. We had 18 packed tables, most of which were headed by allocators. This unique format gave attendees access to some of the industry’s most sought after investors. After a tasty power lunch sponsored by Baker Tilly we ascended to the beautiful Main Stage to hear Mark Yusko of Morgan Creek Capital Management give an animated presentation on how history repeats itself in markets while touching on how blockchain is going to change the financial industry and capitalism as a whole. Following Mark were two panels headed by industry leading allocators discussing whether hedge funds still work to protect from downside risk followed by a discussion of best ideas for 2020. Our panel on diversity gave tons of stats on why investors are missing the boat by not allocating more to women and minority owned firms followed by a passionate discussion on new solutions surrounding the US immigration debate.
Our day was capped with a thoughtful presentation by General Wesley K. Clark, a 4 star general, former Presidential candidate, business man and philanthropist. He shared some interesting stories from his time as a General and discussed his mission to make Government more bipartisan through the work of his not for profit, Renew America Together. To learn more about Renew America Together and to make a contribution, please visit their website. Following the General’s heartfelt presentation, guests were treated to a tasty cocktail reception sponsored by Richey May.
On day two attendees moved off site to RSM who hosted Deal Ring, our “Shark Tank” style event where managers pitch their fund to a panel of allocators. James Rosebush did an amazing job coaching each manager and getting them ready to tell their compelling story to our investor “Ringmaster” and the audience. We began the program with a panel discussion where our Ringmaster’s gave honest insight into what they look for when meeting with a manager. The panel was moderated by Jason Kliewer of Trumark Companies and winner of Deal Ring Chicago. After hearing presentations from each manager the audience had a chance to vote using our mobile app for the best presentation. Kevin Parks of Parks Capital Management went home with the Audience Choice Award. We all celebrated with a final cocktail party before bidding farewell until next year.
Hedge Connection would like to thank our speakers, sponsors, and delegates for making this Global Fund Forum a great success. We look forward to seeing you all next year.
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