Global Fund Forum 2018 Recap and PhotosOct5

This week the 5th annual Global Fund Forum descended upon New York City. With over 400 registered attendees, including almost 300 fund managers and allocators, it was by far the largest GFF to date. The program was packed with content from start to finish.

John Sitilides got the day started with his dynamic presentation on the current geopolitical climate. Mark Yusko of Morgan Creek Capital Management then gave a passionate presentation on how the blockchain is going to change the financial industry and capitalism as a whole. Afterwards, hundreds of delegates met in intimate roundtable sessions for Table Talks before we broke into three verticals of panel discussions focused on alternatives, blockchain, and private equity/deal flow.  Tim Seymour from Fast Money gave his macro view of the world during a fireside chat with Robert Akeson of Mirae Asset Securities (USA), Inc. Joe Fedele sat down with Hedge Connection CEO, Lisa Vioni to talk about his success with Fairway and FreshDirect.com and how he is going to disrupt the supply chain once again with his new company Demandey.  Finally, everyone was treated to an amazing show by master playing card mechanic, Richard Turner which then segued into a Casino Night party.

The second day opened with a full schedule of one-on-one meetings between managers and allocators followed by 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 on their pitch.  In fact, this was the tightest group we’ve had yet.  Second Curve’s Tom Brown narrowly won 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 the best Global Fund Forum yet.  We look forward to seeing you all next year.