International
Investor Relations, Marketing & Communications Global Forum Virtual Experience 2021
9 - 10 September 2021,
Available anywhere
The largest global event for PE fundraisers
In its seventeenth year, the Forum will bring together the world’s most active private equity IR, marketing and communications professionals to focus on best practices in LP relations, branding, communications and marketing strategies in the current market. Learn from global IR professionals as they share:
- Dealing with last year’s crisis
- Best practices for fundraising campaign management
- Strategies to get a firm grasp on LPs’ ESG requests
- Uncover how others, globally, are solving and preparing for headwinds
- What they have learned about the IR role in 25 Years
- Successful approaches in managing your LPAC
Why you should attend
Differentiate your firm
The Forum’s in-depth sessions are designed to help you formulate effective plans and develop crucial strategies to attract investors.
- Leverage the LP-GP dynamic
- Maximize your marketing, communications, fundraising, and strategic investor relations functions
Discuss how to grow your role at your firm
Hear firsthand accounts of how to grow your profile within the PE-VC space, create value internally, and understand critical success factors in your career.
- Ensure your role is really understood is critical for private equity firms and your future career development.
Network with your peers
The Forum has established a reputation as the foremost PE and VC IR event, bringing together the best and brightest in the field.
- Learn key strategies for carving your niche in IR, marketing & communications and
- Enhance your current connections
The virtual experience
Experience the Forum on our virtual platform!
Watch our guided video for a preview of what you can expect at this year’s virtual conference.
Features include:
» Watch anytime, anywhere
» Schedule 1-to-1 or private group meetings
» On-Demand access for 12 months
» Live Q&A, polling and surveys
» And so much more!
Confirm your registration today
Previous attendees included
What our attendees think of the event
Kristy DelMuto, LLR Partners
This is the only event for connecting with marketing peers in the private equity industry and I’ve made excellent, year-round contacts from it.
Kelsey Clute, HCI Equity Partners
PEI’s IR and Marketing/Communications Forum is the only conference I have found for the marketing/communications professional specifically within private…
Michelle Ball, HKW, Inc.
I have attended a lot of conferences in my career and this was by far the best conference I have ever attended. Practically every panel left me wanting even mor…
Kelsey Clute, HCI Equity Partners
PEI’s IR and Marketing/Communications Forum is the only conference I have found for the marketing/communications professional specifically within private equity. It’s two days full of applicable content that is very hard to find elsewhere.
Michelle Ball, HKW, Inc.
I have attended a lot of conferences in my career and this was by far the best conference I have ever attended. Practically every panel left me wanting even more information.
Pre-Event Resources
Learn, engage and connect online
The Forum’s home experience is a web app that provides you with access to 16+ hours of quality streamed content from more than 60+ industry speakers.
Utilize our app to sit in on sessions, breakouts, and even schedule 1-to-1 meetings with hundreds of PE investor relations, marketing and communications professionals.
Watch our video guide for a preview of what you can expect!
Attend from anywhere
Simply join the event online and enjoy from the comfort of your own home.
Participate in audience Q&A, in-session polls, and download handouts and papers with just a few clicks.
You also get:
- Built-in calendar to create your own daily schedule so you don’t miss your favorite sessions
- Automated reminders
- Live polling and surveys
- Customizable breakout sessions
- On-demand playback gives you access to select sessions for up to 12 months
Expand your network
Mingle with other attendees during our designated networking hours or schedule your own private meetings
Online networking can never replace face-to-face interaction, but done right, it can provide a very effective way for people to build their professional relationships and knowledge.
Take advantage of these benefits:
- Attendee and Partner directories: Use our searchable directory of our delegates, solution providers and speakers, so you can quickly find the right people and companies to connect with.
- Private messaging: Reach out privately and directly online (without having to expose email and phone number to “the world”)
- Virtual Meet-ups: Schedule multi-person or one on one video conferences for informal type meetups, allowing you to connect and talk about topics of interest at anytime throughout the event.
Meet with the country’s leading solution providers in our virtual tradeshow
Just like any convention, you have the opportunity to meet with exhibitors and sponsors, browse the trade show, and chat with solution providers.
Our features include:
- Virtual tradeshow: See what solutions exhibitors and sponsors to help you better serve your employees and your members.
- Automated reminders
- Online meetings with exhibitors: Easily “request information” from exhibiting companies and share your information similar to having your badge scanned at a live event.
Frequently asked questions
When are conference sessions and events?
The virtual conference will take place on:
Thursday, September 9: 9:30am EST – 5:00pm ET
Friday, September 10: 9:30am EST – 3:00pm ET
Where can I find the updated schedule of events?
You can view our latest agenda.
How do I access sessions?
A few weeks prior to the event, all attendees will be sent a link to access our virtual conference app. To learn more about this platform, please view our “How it works” page.
What is included in the ticket price?
Every registration ticket will include access to all general sessions, breakouts, interactive discussions, virtual networking sessions & private video chat, and on-demand playback of each session.
Are the sessions recorded?
Yes. All registered attendees will have access to all recorded sessions for up to 12 months the event ends. Even if you miss a “live” session, you can watch and re-watch anything that you need!
Will the pricing change?
We have updated our pricing to reflect our virtual conference. Please visit the book now page for additional details.
What if I already purchased a ticket at the in-person rate?
A member of our team will be reaching out to either confirm your attendance to this year’s virtual event, transfer your registration to next year, or discuss other available options. If you have not heard from anyone, please reach out directly to our customer service team at regny@peimedia.com.
What about my hotel reservation?
Please contact the hotel directly regarding your room reservation.
Additional questions?
Please feel free to contact us directly at regny@peimedia.com.
2020 Speakers
The 2020 Forum featured experts in investor relations, marketing and communications from preeminent private equity firms. Interested in speaking at the Forum in 2021? Please contact Melissa Baer at melissa.b@peimedia.com.

Marilyn Adler
Managing Partner, Mizzen Capital

Nicole Adrien
Managing Director, Chief Product Officer and Global Head of Client Relations, Oaktree

Christine Anderson
Senior Managing Director, Global Head of Public Affairs and Marketing, Blackstone

Mary Armstrong
Global Head of Marketing and Communications, General Atlantic

Michael Bane
Head of US Investor Relations, Ardian

Devin Banerjee
Senior Editor, Financial Services, LinkedIn

Charles Bauer
Partner, Head of Investor Relations, EnCap Investments

Gina Bauman
Senior Vice President of Marketing and Investor Relations, IVP

Stephanie Bednar
Vice President, Marketing and Investor Relations, Gryphon Investors

Katey Bogue
Head of Private Markets, eVestment

Karen Bommart
Head of Investor Relations, Battery Ventures

Caitlin Brodie
Managing Director, The Carlyle Group

Erik Cafarella
Partner, Nebrodi Partners

Renee Calabro
Executive Vice President, Head of Capital Markets Communications, Edelman

Gerald Carton
Principal, Investor Relations and Fundraising, Coller Capital

Tracy Chadwell
Founding Partner, 1843 Capital

Matthew Coad
Principal, Investor Relations, Victory Park Capital

Andrew Collins
Director of ESG Investing, San Francisco Employees’ Retirement System (SFERS)

Kerrie Cohen
Head of Communications, Americas, Warburg Pincus

Allison Cole
Managing Director, Head of Fundraising and Investor Relations, Lightyear Capital

Noreen Crowe
Vice President, Product Management, SS&C Intralinks

Michael Dalton
Managing Director, Quantum Energy Partners

Michelle Daubar
Partner, Investor Relations and Communications, Oak HC/FT

Keith Davisson
Director, Global Marketing and Communications, The Riverside Company

Kristy DelMuto
Vice President, Strategic Marketing, LLR Partners

Heidi DuBois
Head of ESG, US, Edelman

Irene Hong Edwards
Principal, Head of Investor Relations, Lovell Minnick Partners

Michael Elio
Partner, StepStone Group

Raed Elkhatib
President and CEO, Atlantic Pacific Capital

Cathleen Ellsworth
Managing Director, BlackRock

Graeme Faulds
Director of Private Equity Solutions, eVestment

Vivian Flynn
Managing Director of Investor Relations, Pomona Capital

Thomas Franco
Partner, Clayton, Dubilier & Rice

Mike Geller
Partner, Prosek Partners

Patricia Grad
Senior Managing Director, Head of Investor Relations, Arsenal Capital Partners

Ryan Green
Director, Business Development, Abbott Capital

Lindsay Grider
Head of Investor Relations, Tailwater Capital

Tracy Harris
Partner, Investor Relations and Product Strategy, Siris Capital

Rush Harvey
Director of Investments, Texas A&M Foundation

Brett Hickey
Chief Executive Officer, Star Mountain Capital

Michael Hong
Partner, Davis Polk and Wardwell LLP

Alison Humphrey
Director, ESG, TPG Global

Archie Hunter
Director, Landmark Partners

Jennifer James
Managing Director, Chief Operating Officer and Head of Investor Relations & Marketing, Thoma Bravo

Franny Jones
Managing Director, Investor Relations, The Sterling Group

Nancy Katz
Senior Director, Costanoa Ventures

Kimberly Kile
General Partner, ABS Capital Partners

John Kim
Managing Director, Investor Relations, General Catalyst

Ryan Lavin
Vice President, Investor Relations, The Carlyle Group

Alexandra Lebenthal
Senior Advisor, Empire Global Ventures

Daniel Lee
Head of Fundraising and Investor Relations, North America, 17Capital

Lisa M. Lee
Managing Director, Business Development, Providence Equity Partners

John Leone
Managing Partner, Fairview Capital Group

Ari Levine
Director of Communications, Unigrains

David Lippin
Managing Director and Head of Investor Relations, One Equity Partners

Megan Lundy
Managing Director, Audax Group

Campbell MacColl
Partner, Harvest Partners

Ken MacFadyen
Senior Vice President, Head of Content Development, BackBay Communications

Mary Catherine Manin
Managing Director and Head of Marketing & Investor Relations, Stone Point Capital

Shant Mardirossian
Partner, Chief Operating Officer, Kohlberg & Company

Kate McGann
Vice President, Corporate Communications & PR, Hamilton Lane

George McPherson
Managing Director, Criterion Africa Partners

Emily Melchior
Managing Director, Head of Investor Relations and Chief of Staff, Searchlight Capital Partners

Roseita Monteiro
Director, Business Development and Investor Relations, Manulife Investment Management Private Equity and Credit

Katie Moore
Managing Director, Hamilton Lane

Philip Nunes
Senior Vice President, BackBay Communications

Christen Paras
Director, Head of Business Development and Investor Relations, MiddleGround Capital

Bijal Patel
Director, Investor Development Group, Actis

Ben Perl
Managing Director, Neuberger Berman

Allan Petersen
Managing Director, Investor Relations, Nautic Partners

Gina Lee Peyton
Head of Capital Formation & Partner, Castlelake

Kathleen Richmond
Director of Marketing, Serent Capital

Jim Rutherfurd
Partner, Investor Relations, Pine Brook

Alixe Ryan
Director, Investor Relations, Denham Capital

Maggie Littlefield Sahlman
Head of Investor Relations, Charlesbank Capital Partners

Alexander Samuelson
Global Head of Media Relations, Neuberger Berman

Emily Schillinger
Vice President of Public Affairs, American Investment Council

Caroline Schimmelbusch
Director, Capital Development, Europe, Bregal Investments

Gary Sernovitz
Managing Director, Lime Rock Partners

Meghan Slentz
Head of Partner Relations and Marketing, Pritzker Private Capital

Sarah Smith
Managing Director, Advent International

John Thompson
Global Communications Director, Actis

Andrew Tirbeni
Vice President Fundraising, West Coast Distribution, TPG Global

Charles van Horne
Senior Advisor, Abbott Capital Management, LLC.

Rick Walsh
Partner and Head of Investor Relations, Court Square Capital Partners

Carolyn Chen Warner
Director of Investor Relations, Bruckmann, Rosser, Sherrill and Co. (BRS)

Amy Weisman
Managing Director, Sterling Investment Partners

Andrea Williams
Managing Director and Head of Corporate Communications & Branding, Oaktree Capital

Kristin Williamson
Principal, Head of Corporate Marketing and Communications, Hamilton Lane

Dan Winters
Head of Americas, GRESB

Dodson Worthington
Principal, Churchill Asset Management

Joanne Yoo
Managing Director, Development Partners International (DPI)
2020 Advisory board
Built with PE & VC IR and Marketing/Communications professionals
We source insights from our distinguished line-up of advisors representing a broad variety of private equity and venture capital firms to make sure our agenda addresses the topics integral to modern investor relations and communications.

Mary Armstrong
Global Head of Marketing and Communications, General Atlantic

Charles Bauer
Partner, Head of Investor Relations, EnCap Investments

Karen Bommart
Head of Investor Relations, Battery Ventures

Caitlin Brodie
Managing Director, The Carlyle Group

Michelle Daubar
Partner, Investor Relations and Communications, Oak HC/FT

David Lippin
Managing Director and Head of Investor Relations, One Equity Partners
Interested in speaking at the Forum in 2021? Please contact Melissa Baer at melissa.b@peimedia.com.
*Please Note: All session times listed were in Eastern Time (EDT)
2020 agenda
Agenda
Day 1 - Wednesday 2nd
Women in Private Equity Breakfast (invitation-only)
This one-hour long open discussion will explore what it’s like being a woman in private equity IR, marketing & communications. It will allow you to submit topics to be considered by the facilitators:
- What are the issues causing a disparity in genders?
- Exploring career paths, development, and how to position yourself as female leaders
- What are you doing at your firms to tackle sexual harassment, diversity & inclusion, open dialogue?
- Are there any changes in recruiting that will create a more equal playing field?
- Looking at trends and stats in gender & diversity in PE with LPs asking more about it
Group A
Facilitators:
Lisa Lee, Managing Director, Business Development, Providence Equity Partners
Joanne Yoo, Managing Director, Development Partners International (DPI)
Group B
Facilitators:
Franny Jones, Managing Director, Investor Relations, The Sterling Group
Megan Lundy, Managing Director, Audax Group




PEI’s welcome and opening remarks
A day in the life of an LP — how things have changed this year
Hear a firsthand LP perspective in understanding LP decision making in a challenging year, how things have changed in their communication process, how many emails come in, and what they expect to get a glimpse of what it is like to walk in the shoes of an LP.
- How are LPs coping with this year’s crisis and what do they expect?
- What do LPs expect from GPs when it comes to reporting?
- How can IR be more effective on the marketing/communications side?
- How have your meetings been affected and how does this affect your decision making?
- What are some of the attributes of an ideal GP this year?
Interviewer:
Rick Walsh, Partner and Head of Investor Relations, Court Square Capital Partners
Interviewees:
Erik Cafarella, Partner, Nebrodi Partners
Dodson Worthington, Principal, Churchill Asset Management
IR in an economic downturn — navigating a crisis from a PE perspective
- How PE firms and IR teams work in a downturn
- Sharing stories/lessons learned from this year, what steps did you take to combat the crisis?
- Challenges/key differences of raising funds in bull vs. bear markets
- Lessons learned during this year’s crisis vs. 2008-2009: what can IR professionals expect
- What aspects of IR will be affected by the covid-19 crisis in the long run?
- The crisis-era IR challenge: how is fund management being disrupted?
- What to do during a downturn in looking at where you are in your fund lifecycle
- Crisis communications & management firsthand tips
Moderator:
Nicole Adrien, Chief Product Officer and Global Head of Client Relations, Oaktree Capital
Panelists:
Gerald Carton, Principal, Investor Relations and Fundraising, Coller Capital
Matthew Coad, Principal, Investor Relations, Victory Park Capital
Shant Mardirossian, Partner, Chief Operating Officer, Kohlberg & Company
Gina Lee Peyton, Head of Capital Formation & Partner, Castlelake

Nicole Adrien
Managing Director, Chief Product Officer and Global Head of Client Relations, Oaktree
Read bio



Expert Panel: What we have learned about the IR role in 25 Years
- Perspectives on how we got to where we are — what makes a great IR professional?
- “What I wish I had known” in my earlier years in IR
- Looking at how we have changed the business and how the business has changed
- BD/IR as a partner level role: understanding some of the critical responsibilities and where the role is going
- What is different in fundraising today compared to before?
- War stories from our own experiences in dealing with good times and bad times
- Tips and tricks before launching a fund
- Firsthand perspectives: comparing prior downturns in PE, VC and capital markets to this year’s covid-19
Moderator:
Charles van Horne, Senior Advisor, Abbott Capital
Panelists:
Tracy Chadwell, Founding Partner, 1843 Capital
Cathleen Ellsworth, Managing Director, BlackRock
John Kim, Managing Director, General Catalyst
Jim Rutherfurd, Managing Director, Head of Investor Relations, Pine Brook Partners





The art and science of differentiating your firm
The fundraising market has shifted dramatically in just a few months: with capital raises expected to be conducted digitally for some time to come, and LPs limiting the addition of new relationships, private fund capital raisers face new competitive challenges. Ensuring differentiated and compelling positioning to investors has never been more important. Here we will discuss how and why GPs should take a strategic and data-led approach to positioning.
- How differentiated really are GPs in their positioning?
- Why is differentiation more important now than ever?
- Is past performance alone still a compelling story for an LP?
- What are key points of competitor, market and investor intelligence you can use to craft a winning pitch for investors?
- How can GPs win out against peers for new commitments?
- How to build confidence with LPs on future strategies?
Presenters:
Graeme Faulds, Director of Private Equity Solutions, eVestment
Rush Harvey, Director of Investments, Texas A&M Foundation
Virtual networking lunch
Please use this time as an opportunity to connect with conference attendees via the video chat function one-on-one or as a small group.
Track 1 | Why now is a great time to be a woman on Wall Street
- A fireside chat regarding the history of women in Wall Street
- Our journey: lessons learned
- Why today’s environment is ripe for growth of women in PE
Moderator:
Amy Weisman, Managing Director, Sterling Investment Partners
Panelists:
Marilyn Adler, Managing Partner, Mizzen Capital
Alexandra Lebenthal, Senior Advisor, Empire Global Ventures
Track 2 | Fund counsel as an extension of IR
- What should you look for in your outside counsel?
- Counsel understanding the key business imperatives
- Counsel understanding the LP community
- Dos and Don’ts for good counsel
- What’s driving your outside counsel?
- Looking at things to bring to your outside counsel
- Why do they always say no?
- Understanding regulatory risk
Moderator:
Michael Hong, Partner, Davis Polk
Panelists:
Allison Cole, Managing Director, Head of Fundraising and Investor Relations, Lightyear Capital
Michael Dalton, Managing Director, Quantum Energy Partners
Raed Elkhatib, President and CEO, Atlantic Pacific Capital
Campbell MacColl, Partner, Harvest Partners


Allison Cole
Managing Director, Head of Fundraising and Investor Relations, Lightyear Capital
Read bio


Track 3 | Fundamentals of IR training
- Investor relations careers: uncovering the good, the bad, and the ugly
- Understanding the fundamental “how-tos” of IR
- How to raise a fund, how to run your career, how to manage your client base, how to create a co-invest program, how to handle and understand the stress of the job, how to handle fear, how to get your general partner to understand your value, how to run an AGM, how to prepare for LP meetings, how to handle compensation
Presenter:
John Kim, Managing Director, General Catalyst

Track 4 | Fundamentals of marketing/communications training
- Key attributes for a successful marketing/communications career and what essential skills does one need to develop to be versatile?
- What are your main functions within the firm? How do you define success in marketing/comms? What KPIs do you track?
- Content generation and marketing: what are essential building blocks for your brand?
- Looking at the nexus between content creation, IR, and communications
- Pre-marketing the fund to your LP universe – PPMs, strategies, and anecdotes
- Challenges in moving from marketing one fund to more multi-asset, customized solutions
- Compliance and marketing working together in the age of rapid communication
- DDQ and quarterly reporting best practices: communicating beyond standard reporting
- Working with your portfolio effectively
- Expanding your marketing reach globally and dealing with jurisdiction-specific marketing rules
Moderator:
Gina Bauman, Senior Vice President of Marketing and Investor Relations, IVP
Panelists:
Mary Armstrong, Senior Vice President, Global Head of Marketing and Communications, General Atlantic
Michelle Daubar, Partner, Investor Relations & Communications, Oak HC/FT
Kristin Williamson, Principal, Head of Corporate Marketing & Communications, Hamilton Lane




Kristin Williamson
Principal, Head of Corporate Marketing and Communications, Hamilton Lane
Read bioTrack 5 | State of the GP-led secondary market
- Assessing the impact of covid-19 on the secondary market
- Looking at best practices, roadmaps, and alignment of incentives to optimize your firm in the current secondary market
- What is the role of IR in this process? Understanding the processes and responsibilities from an IR perspective as GP led secondaries continue to grow
- How do LPs view the process? What are the LP hot buttons?
- What not to do — understanding what might tarnish your LP relationships
Moderator:
John Leone, Partner, Fairview Capital Group
Panelists:
Brett Hickey, CEO, Star Mountain Capital
Archie Hunter, Director, Landmark Partners
Ben Perl, Managing Director, Neuberger Berman
Track 6 | LPAC dos and don’ts
- Uncovering LPAC compositions and structures
- How does your organization think about the role of the LPAC? Understanding how an organized/engaged LPAC is a benefit to both GPs and investors
- Successful stories of approaches in managing your LPAC
- LPAC reporting practices: tackling information requests
- LPAC meetings best practices
- What not to do — sharing challenges/horror stories
Moderator:
Patricia Grad, Senior Managing Director, Head of Investor Relations, Arsenal Capital Partners
Panelists:
Tracy Harris, Partner, Investor Relations and Product Strategy, Siris Capital
David Lippin, Managing Director and Head of Investor Relations, One Equity Partners
Sarah Smith, Principal, Limited Partner Services, Advent International

Patricia Grad
Senior Managing Director, Head of Investor Relations, Arsenal Capital Partners
Read bio


Track 7 | The evolution of ESG — meeting and exceeding the fast-evolving standard
- How have investor expectations on ESG management evolved?
- Strategies to get a firm grasp on LPs’ ESG requests today
- Setting your ESG objectives
- How are ESG expectations affecting the fundraising process?
- ESG reporting and DDQs — best practices
- What GPs do with marketing collateral to be more ESG effective
Moderator:
Heidi DuBois, Head of ESG, US, Edelman
Panelists:
Andrew Collins, Director of ESG Investing, San Francisco Employees’ Retirement System (SFERS)
Alison Humphrey, Director, ESG, TPG Global
George McPherson, Managing Director, Criterion Africa Partners
Dan Winters, Head of Americas, GRESB


Andrew Collins
Director of ESG Investing, San Francisco Employees’ Retirement System (SFERS)
Read bio


Track 8 | Marketing/Communications: Optimizing your digital marketing and social media strategy
- Insights into how digital marketing can provide returns: tangible results/measuring the specific impact
- LinkedIn ideas to increase engagement with company pages
- Social media regulatory guidance
- Online presence/website best practices in sharing available information about your firm
- Digital content strategies and blogging: owned media vs. earned media
- What new technologies are you using in your digital marketing strategies?
- Working with portfolio companies on their digital marketing initiatives
Moderator:
Ken MacFadyen, Senior Vice President, Head of Content Development, BackBay Communications
Panelists:
Devin Banerjee, Senior Editor, Financial Services, LinkedIn
Kathleen Richmond, Director of Marketing, Serent Capital
Andrea Williams, Head of Corporate Communications and Branding, Oaktree Capital




Andrea Williams
Managing Director and Head of Corporate Communications & Branding, Oaktree Capital
Read bioInteractive discussions
This session will allow the audience to break into interactive discussions with designated facilitators in each room. The following key areas will be covered per room to share best practices in:
Room 1 Fundraising
Facilitators:
Kimberly Kile, General Partner, ABS Capital Partners
Maggie Littlefield Sahlman, Head of Investor Relations, Charlesbank Capital Partners
Room 2 LP-GP relationship building
Facilitators:
Katie Moore, Managing Director, Hamilton Lane
Allan Petersen, Managing Director, Investor Relations, Nautic Partners
Room 3 Marketing & communications
Facilitators:
Kate McGann, Vice President, Public Relations, Hamilton Lane
Kristin Williamson, Principal, Head of Corporate Marketing & Communications, Hamilton Lane






Kristin Williamson
Principal, Head of Corporate Marketing and Communications, Hamilton Lane
Read bio4:00 pm
Please use this time as an opportunity to connect with conference attendees via the video chat function one-on-one or as a small group.
Agenda
Day 2 - Thursday 3rd
Invitation-only think tanks
This closed-door session constructed solely for IR, marketing & communications professionals is an opportunity to speak candidly about main issues impacting your role at your firm. It will allow you to submit topics to be covered in the room to expose challenges, developments, and opportunities. The think tank will allow you to select one of the three groups:
Group A — Advanced/Seasoned Investor Relations
Facilitators:
Allison Cole, Managing Director, Head of Fundraising and Investor Relations, Lightyear Capital
Vivian Flynn, Managing Director of Investor Relations, Pomona Capital
Group B — Emerging Investor Relations
Facilitators:
Charles Bauer, Partner, Head of Investor Relations, EnCap Investments
Caitlin Brodie, Managing Director, The Carlyle Group
Group C — Marketing & Communications
Facilitators:
Mary Armstrong, Senior Vice President, Global Head of Marketing and Communications, General Atlantic
Kristy DelMuto, Vice President of Strategic Marketing, LLR Partners

Allison Cole
Managing Director, Head of Fundraising and Investor Relations, Lightyear Capital
Read bio




Plenary sessions
Private equity firms of all sizes are focused on the implications of increased scrutiny of the industry by politicians, media and the public, from both a communications and business perspective. Likewise, trade organizations like the American Investment Council (AIC) have jumped in to promote private equity’s value and contributions to the broader economy. As private equity continues to gain mainstream prominence and LPs continue to press managers on everything from performance to diversity & inclusion to stances on social issues, reputation management is more important than ever.
- Is the answer to create consistent industry-level messaging on private equity’s positive influence?
- How can GPs stand out from the crowd to position themselves as the partner of choice to LPs and entrepreneurs alike?
- Looking at compiling statistics on how PE firms and the industry have helped drive job growth to present to LPs and prospective portfolio companies
Moderator:
Mike Geller, Partner, Prosek Partners
Panelists:
Michael Elio, Partner, StepStone Group
Priscilla Guevara, Head of Investor Relations, Science Ventures
Emily Schillinger, Vice President of Public Affairs, American Investment Council
John Thompson, Head of Communications, Actis





Track 9 | LP-GP dynamics: building efficient relationships in a challenging time
- How do you build relationships with institutional LPs? How do you create interesting conversations with your LPs in looking at this year’s challenge of face to face vs. remote?
- What are best practices for reporting bad news?
- As LP/GP dynamics continue to evolve (co-investments, GP-led transactions, managed accounts, sector focused funds, etc.) how do these changes impact the IR function?
- How are firms managing the co-investment process? What are investor preferences today?
- Capital calls: how to be prepared
- Concrete examples of developing relationships when not fundraising and how to stay engaged
- What challenges is greater competition in the market creating?
- Mastering the process: differences with new and existing investors
Moderator:
Carolyn Chen Warner, Director of Investor Relations, Bruckmann, Rosser, Sherrill & Co. (BRS)
Panelists:
Irene Hong Edwards, Principal, Head of Investor Relations, Lovell Minnick Partners
Thomas Franco, Partner, Clayton, Dubilier & Rice
Roseita Monteiro, Director, Business Development & Investor Relations, Manulife Investment Management Private Equity & Credit
Bijal Patel, Director, Investor Development Group, Actis
Track 10 | Fundraising in 2020: dealing with the unexpected
- Fundraising in the time of corona: how PE firms raised capital without meeting face to face
- Pre-fundraising roadmaps: how to organize teams for a fundraise
- Best practices for IR staff and deal partners to collaborate on fundraising and supporting materials
- Latest technologies for effective fundraising campaigns
- How long is your fundraising cycle taking you?
- Best practices for fundraise meetings
- How do you go from getting their attention to buy into your investment strategy?
- Selecting and working with placement agents
- Managing an oversubscribed fundraise
- Fundraising timing — dos and don’ts
- AIFMD, regulatory issues and differences in bringing in investors from outside the US
Moderator:
Katey Bogue, Head of Private Markets, eVestment
Panelists:
Alixe Ryan, Director, Investor Relations, Denham Capital
Gary Sernovitz, Managing Director, Lime Rock Partners
Andrew Tirbeni, Vice President Fundraising, West Coast Distribution, TPG Global
Track 11 | AGMs: dissecting approaches and challenges faced in a crisis year
- Firsthand perspectives on how annual meetings have been affected by the virus outbreak
- Looking at the entire project’s process from start to finish through the IR lens
- How are you running AGMs from a content point of view? Are you doing anything new/different?
- Putting together an AGM deck: how do you showcase, how do you split responsibilities, who is involved in the presentation and materials process?
- What new technologies do you deploy for your annual meetings? What virtual/remote options are acceptable?
- How do you make your annual investor meeting more interactive for your investors?
- What do you view as the most important takeaways for your LPs at your annual meetings?
- How do you follow up with LPs after your AGM?
Moderator:
Philip Nunes, Senior Vice President, BackBay Communications
Panelists:
Keith Davisson, Director, Global Marketing and Communications, The Riverside Company
Caroline Schimmelbusch, Director, Capital Development, Europe, Bregal Investments
Meghan Slentz, Head of Partner Relations and Marketing, Pritzker Private Capital
Joanne Yoo, Managing Director, Development Partners International (DPI)





Track 12 | How technology is changing IR: exceeding LP expectations when it comes to information
How much information do investors want and need? It was a pertinent question before the escalation of the covid-19 crisis and is now even more so. Here we will look at:
- Next generation LP reporting, portals, CRM integration, data & pipeline management, automation, LP intelligence, and analytics
- The challenge of crisis-era reporting: what do LPs expect with regard to portfolio reporting, vulnerable spots, and actions GPs are taking to defend investments
- How are IR teams becoming more equipped with technology skills and resources as LP data requests are increasing
- How do you find the right technology? How do you vet whether a certain platform will work or not?
- Ad-hoc requests: having deal, portfolio, and fund related data handy to respond in a timely fashion
- Portfolio company tracking tools
- What LP request do you receive most often?
Moderator:
Noreen Crowe, Vice President, Product Management, SS&C Intralinks
Panelists:
Stephanie Bednar, Vice President, Marketing & Investor Relations, Gryphon Investors
Nancy Katz, Senior Director, Costanoa Ventures
Christen Paras, Director, Head of Business Development & Investor Relations, MiddleGround Capital




Christen Paras
Director, Head of Business Development and Investor Relations, MiddleGround Capital
Read bioPR and media relations: how to tie communications into your business strategy
- Crisis communications best practices utilized this year
- Dealing with negative press/negative stories
- Building relationships with the media and PR firms: looking at what they bring to the table
- What are the objectives of your PR and media efforts – brand building, brand differentiation, deal sourcing, hiring, portfolio company support, defending your brand? How do you prioritize and achieve these objectives?
- Ways to speak to the press and write effective press releases, what to include in terms of news for investors
- PR perspectives: what some of our more innovative and best clients are doing
- Media engagement: how to balance time with social media vs. working with the press vs. reports/content generation
- How do you measure PR success?
Moderator:
Renee Calabro, Executive Vice President, Head of Capital Markets Communications, Edelman
Panelists:
Christine Anderson, Senior Managing Director, Global Head of Public Affairs & Marketing, Blackstone
Kerrie Cohen, Head of Communications, Americas, Warburg Pincus
Ari Levine, Communications Director, Unigrains
Alexander Samuelson, Global Head of Media Relations, Neuberger Berman


Christine Anderson
Senior Managing Director, Global Head of Public Affairs and Marketing, Blackstone
Read bio


Virtual networking lunch
Please use this time as an opportunity to connect with conference attendees via the video chat function one-on-one or as a small group.
Building IR programs — talent recruitment, management, and development
- Building an effective team: firsthand stories to uncover tools, resources, and strategies in recruiting talent
- Looking at the challenges of recruiting and managing IR talent remotely
- Culture and talent — communications for attracting and retaining talent
- How do you think about skill sets: fundraisers vs. product specialists
- Recruiting junior vs senior: looking at the need to diversify talent
- New opportunities for new types of roles: head of client experience, tech and data management roles?
- Recruiting from outside the PE industry
- Talent development: how to organize/right size an IR team looking at it beyond fundraising
- What are some of the issues unique to smaller firms/funds?
- Retaining talent and succession planning best practices
Moderator:
Ryan Lavin, Vice President, Investor Relations, The Carlyle Group
Panelists:
Michael Bane, Head of US Investor Relations, Ardian
Ryan Green, Director, Business Development, Abbott Capital
Jennifer James, Managing Director, Investor Relations & Marketing, Thoma Bravo




Jennifer James
Managing Director, Chief Operating Officer and Head of Investor Relations & Marketing, Thoma Bravo
Read bioIR reaching new frontiers in delivering internal value
How valued are IR, marketing & communications initiatives? Do you have trouble “selling” ideas internally? Understanding your firm’s culture and thinking of IR remains imperative to your organization:
- How to serve as the voice of the LP while also balancing the expectations of the GP
- Sharing stories in delivering value during this year’s crisis
- Creating an impact at your firm — truly understanding how the management team thinks and what they’re doing to bring their plans to life
- Working with the investment team as a strategic resource, how do you get them to come to you for strategic problem solving?
- How IR decides when an LP request could use a deal partner’s answer
- Working with your CFO and finance team: striking the right balance, splitting up the roles and tasks
- Comparing models, team structures, and division of duties: working with larger vs. smaller firms/teams
- Tips on how to handle hybrid IR/marketing roles
- How to communicate internally regarding strategies for marketing, meetings, and the value being delivered
- How to work with your portfolio proactively to deliver what is needed
Moderator:
Karen Bommart, Head of Investor Relations, Battery Ventures
Panelists:
Lindsay Grider, Head of Investor Relations, Tailwater Capital
Daniel Lee, Head of Fundraising & Investor Relations, North America, 17Capital
Mary Manin, Principal, Co-Head of Marketing and Investor Relations, Stone Point Capital
Emily Melchior, Managing Director, Head of Investor Relations & Chief of Staff, Searchlight Capital Partners
End of conference and virtual networking
Please use this time as an opportunity to connect with conference attendees via the video chat function one-on-one or as a small group.
Partner with us
The Forum offers a unique opportunity for organizations to raise their profile by meeting with private equity & venture capital investor relations, marketing and communications professionals across two days of sessions.
For exclusive sponsorship packages for 2021, contact Tyler Mitchell at tyler.m@peimedia.com or call +1 646 795 3279.