Investor
Relations
Network
Relations
Network
New York Forum
April 29-30, 2026
Convene, 360 Madison Avenue, New York
Navigating industry changes, trends, and new opportunities
Celebrate two decades of proven strategies at the leading event for investor relations, marketing, and communications professionals in private markets.
Discover new fundraising tactics, marketing approaches, and practical guidance for attracting and retaining investors with an agenda tailored to today’s market.
You’ll hear from industry leaders, connect with peers facing similar challenges, and build a strong professional network to tap into year-round.
Agenda highlights
What you'll take away from the Forum
For the last 20 years, the forum has established a reputation for keeping its attendees on top of emerging trends and challenges.
Through engaging panels, collaborative think tanks, tailored breakout tracks, focused networking time, and expert keynote panels, you’ll learn how to:
- Adapt your IR and marketing narratives to a shifting macro environment while maintaining LP trust
- Leverage digital tools and automation to enhance reporting, transparency, and engagement
- Strengthen your professional network through peer mentorship, LP-GP discussions, and private networking sessions
- And much more…
Learn how to communicate through any crisis
Introducing our 2026 keynote speaker
Introducing our 2026 keynote speaker:
Paul A. Argenti, Professor of Corporate Communication, The Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth
Join Paul A. Argenti, a pioneer in corporate communications and Professor at Dartmouth’s Tuck School of Business, for insights on the state of the field with a focus on crisis and reputation management. He is the author of several books, including Corporate Communication, the first textbook in the discipline, now in its eighth edition. In addition to teaching courses on corporate communication, corporate responsibility, and general management, he has consulted for and led training programs with global organizations ranging from Novartis and Goldman Sachs to the Detroit Lions.
Who attends this event?
Featured sessions
Build strategies to stay ahead in 2026
Industry Compensation Presentation
Gain exclusive access to the results of the industry’s largest IR and marketing compensation survey. See the latest figures and benchmark your role, responsibilities, and rewards against peers across private markets.
Incident Response Workshops
Join a hands-on workshop (split by IR and marketing/communications) and immerse yourself in the middle of real-world crises. You’ll practice confident decision-making, refine your messaging, and walk away ready to lead when the pressure is on.
Connect & collaborate
Forge valuable connections with your peers through interactive discussions, engaging panel sessions, and extensive networking opportunities.
Stay
informed
Excel in your role and drive success for your firm as you discuss current trends, engage in problem-solving discussions, and uncover actionable takeaways.
Empower your team
With specific sessions focused on IR, marketing, fundraising, and communications, your full team will return to the office with fresh strategies.
Speakers
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…
Pre-Event Resources
Be part of industry-leading events for global private equity professionals
Engage with networking sessions, thought leadership, and more to build lasting relationships and meet your business goals. Sponsorship gives you:
- VIP access
- Thought-leadership opportunities
- High-profile branding
- And much more…
For more information about sponsorship opportunities, contact Jimmy Kurtovic at jimmy.k@pei.group or call +1 646 356 4504.
Experts leading the discussion in 2026
2025 advisory board
Lindsay DeLarme
Managing Director, Head of Corporate Communications & Branding, Oaktree Capital Management, L.P.
Connect with fundraising and communications experts
Grow your network by connecting with an expansive community of investor relations, marketing, and communications professionals within private markets and venture capital.
Form lasting and valuable relationships with industry leaders by participating in meaningful discussions throughout the networking-focused agenda.
Networking opportunities
Breakfast meetings and think tanks
Discuss critical issues and exchange insight about curated topics with your peers at the day-one breakfast meetings and invitation-only day-two pre-conference think tanks.
Networking breaks and lunches
Converse with your peers to form lasting connections and discuss solutions to shared challenges during the many designated networking breaks between panels and at lunch.
Interactive workshops
Guided by experts and thought leaders, the working group sessions combine panels with roundtable discussions to spark peer-to-peer engagement around big-picture challenges.
Browse the attendee list
Connect with IR, marketing, and communications professionals
See what attendees said about the forum in 2022
Testimonials
“The event was a fantastic opportunity to meet like-minded individuals, with whom we could share ideas, in an open and safe forum, and learn from each other.”
“Great to hear the perspective of colleagues, share experiences, and learn more about the current landscape and emerging trends.”
“A great conference to meet like-minded peers to discuss the intricacies of investor relations and marketing inside private equity.”
Covering the topics most important to you
Have a topic you would like to discuss at the Forum?
Contact Kellie Green at kellie.g@pei.group to discuss speaking opportunities.
View agenda page
Agenda
Day 1 - Wednesday 29th
Registration and Breakfast
08:30 - 09:30
Registration – continental breakfast
08:30 - 09:30
VIP Welcome Breakfast (Member Only)
09:30 - 09:45
Chair’s opening remarks
09:45 - 10:15
Opening Keynote
Paul A. Argenti
Paul A. Argenti, Professor of Corporate Communication, The Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth
Paul A. Argenti, a pioneer in corporate communications and Professor at Dartmouth’s Tuck School of Business, will share insights on the state of the field with a focus on crisis and reputation management. He is the author of several books, including Corporate Communication, the first textbook in the discipline, now in its eighth edition. In addition to teaching courses on corporate communication, corporate responsibility, and general management, he has consulted for and led training programs with global organizations ranging from Novartis and Goldman Sachs to the Detroit Lions.
Paul A. Argenti
Professor of Corporate Communication, The Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth
Read bio
10:15 - 11:05
Plenary: Resilience in a Shifting Macro Landscape: Actionable Strategies for IR & Marketing Leaders
Cian Cotter
- Adapting narratives with agility to address inflation, interest rates, and geopolitical change.
- Managing distribution delays with transparency to balance LP patience and pressure.
- Ensuring Investor Alignment on Continuation and NAV Financing Strategies
- Building forward-looking frameworks to ensure credibility and consistency through future cycles
Cian Cotter, Managing Director – Investor Relations, Insight Partners
11:05 - 11:35
Networking coffee break
11:05 - 11:35
Member Only Headshot Lounge
Track A
11:45 - 12:35
Charting New Territory: Engaging a New Wave of 401(k)-Driven Investors
- Scaling Retail Engagement: Learn how to tailor marketing and IR communications for a new audience of 401(k) participants, balancing transparency with fiduciary responsibilities
- Educating and Empowering Investors: Demystifying private markets with clear, accessible content, tailored tools, and transparent communication that build trust and confidence across a diverse retail base
12:45 - 13:35
Charting New Territory: Engaging a New Wave of 401(k)-Driven Investors
- Shaping re-up decisions together: Insights from LPs on what matters most, and strategies for GPs, IR, and Marketing to communicate value and build trust.
- Aligning on performance narratives: How GPs present results, how LPs interpret them, and how IR and Marketing can craft clear, consistent messaging.
- Balancing optimism and realism: Coordinating cross-functional messaging to maintain credibility, reinforce partnership, and navigate market headwinds.
Track B
11:45 - 12:35
Why Reputation Is the New Currency in PE
Aarti Iyer
- Harnessing authentic storytelling to showcase impact, values, and long-term value creation for communities and stakeholders.
- Building trust at scale by positioning your firm’s brand to rise above the noise and withstand scrutiny from investors, regulators, and the public.
- Amplifying value and managing risk while reinforcing brand consistency across portfolio companies.
- Shaping the narrative by proactively engaging with media and stakeholders to influence how private equity is perceived in an era of heightened transparency and skepticism.
Aarti Iyer, Senior Vice President, Communications and Marketing, Fengate Asset Management
12:45 - 13:35
LP Session (Member Only)
Member Only – RSVP Required
Who: 3–5 invited LPs and 20–25 GPs (members only who rsvp in advance).
Sample Themes:
- LP Communication Preferences in a Fragmented Market
- What Makes an innovating and engaging Annual Meeting?
- Fundraising in 2026: What LPs Want to See Now
- IR Tech and Transparency: What Tools Actually Matter to LPs?
13:35 - 14:35
Networking luncheon
13:35 - 14:35
Private LP Lunch
Track A
14:45 - 15:35
Digital-First Engagement: Transforming IR and Marketing with Technology
- Enhancing investor reporting and transparency through portals, real-time dashboards, and automated communications.
- Amplifying the firm’s brand and thought leadership using digital campaigns, webinars, and personalized content.
- Integrating technology to deliver seamless, data-driven engagement that aligns messaging, insights, and outreach across IR and Marketing teams
15:45 - 16:35
GP ONLY Think Tank Investor Relations
Charles Bauer
Designed to facilitate candid discussion, think tanks are closed-door sessions for GPs only. Discussions will be facilitator led and will cover top of mind issues and challenges impacting investor relations, marketing and communications teams today. Delegates have the opportunity to submit topics for discussion prior to the event
Facilitator: Charles Bauer, Partner – Head of Investor Relations, EnCap Investments
Track B
14:45 - 15:35
Mentorship 1:1s
RSVP Required – Seating is Limited
Pre-register to be paired with a peer mentor at the event for a focused, one-on-one networking experience. This session provides a unique opportunity to exchange insights, discuss challenges, and share best practices. Designed to foster meaningful connections, these on-site meetings help delegates expand their professional network, gain actionable takeaways, and spark ongoing collaboration beyond the event.
15:45 - 16:35
GP ONLY Think Tank Marketing & Communications
Designed to facilitate candid discussion, think tanks are closed-door sessions for GPs only. Discussions will be facilitator led and will cover top of mind issues and challenges impacting investor relations, marketing and communications teams today. Delegates have the opportunity to submit topics for discussion prior to the event
16:35 - 17:00
Networking coffee break
17:00 - 17:50
Plenary: Beyond the Basics: AGM Strategy, Structure, and Stakeholder Engagement
Richard Carpenter
- Activating LP engagement on-site with creative Q&A formats, roundtables, and live polling to drive meaningful, real-time dialogue
- Design agendas that leave a mark by revealing portfolio wins and strategic milestones in innovative, attention-grabbing ways
- Aligning narratives for maximum impact by using cross-functional frameworks, real-time coordination, and tailored storytelling techniques to ensure IR, Marketing, and leadership present a cohesive, compelling message at AGMs.
Moderator: Richard Carpenter, Chief Executive Officer, Bladonmore
17:50 - 18:00
Closing Keynote
Tom Eckersley
Market wide data presentation about marketing initiatives, impacts and outcomes
Tom Eckersley
18:00 - 19:00
Cocktail reception and end of day one
Agenda
Day 2 - Thursday 30th
Registration and Breakfast
08:00 - 09:00
Continental breakfast
08:00 - 09:00
Member Only Breakfast Meeting
09:00 - 09:10
Opening Remarks
09:10 - 09:40
Keynote: Public Policy in the Spotlight: Adapting Fundraising and Communications in an Era of Uncertainty
- Communicating effectively with investors amid heightened political and economic uncertainty
- Managing reputational and policy-related risks in marketing and brand positioning
- Building alignment between government affairs, investor relations, and communications teams
- Leveraging transparency and thought leadership to strengthen investor trust during volatile policy cycles
Jake Siewert, Head of Global Public Policy and Political Risk, Warburg Pincus
09:40 - 10:30
Plenary Session: Cross-Functional Synergy: Driving Collaboration Across IR, Marketing, Legal, Compliance, and Corporate Teams
- Mastering regulatory fluency without compromising investor trust.
- Ensuring all communications and materials meet compliance standards and mitigate risk.
- Coordinating internal and external stakeholder engagement to strengthen reputation and strategic alignment
10:30 - 11:00
Networking Break
Track A
11:00 - 11:50
Investor Relations Incident Response Workshop
No professional is immune to high-pressure moments—and even the most seasoned executives can gain critical insights by seeing how their peers navigate these challenges. These immersive, scenario-based workshops put participants in the midst of high-stakes situations, forcing them to make real-time decisions and craft strategic, confident messaging for investors, internal teams, and the market. Every scenario provides a rare opportunity to learn, adapt, and sharpen skills that are essential when the stakes are highest.
Sample scenarios include:
- An anticipated portfolio company IPO or sale falls through at the last minute — How do you explain the impact to LPs?
- Your firm is under SEC investigation — What do you communicate to LPs?
- Sensitive LP data has potentially been compromised in a cyberattack — What is your immediate communication strategy?
12:00 - 13:00
Elevating Engagement: Innovative Approaches to Client Services
- Collaborating with LPs as strategic partners through joint dialogue, shared insights, and coordinated planning that extend beyond traditional fund reporting
- Connecting LPs with senior leadership through fireside chats, advisory sessions, and curated meetings that build trust and strategic alignment
- Creating immersive virtual and digital experiences through webinars, LP roundtables, podcasts, interactive portals, and dashboards that provide transparency and deepen LP engagement and showcase portfolio success
Track B
11:00 - 11:50
Marketing & Communications Incident Response Workshop
No professional is immune to high-pressure moments—and even the most seasoned executives can gain critical insights by seeing how their peers navigate these challenges. These immersive, scenario-based workshops put participants in the midst of high-stakes situations, forcing them to make real-time decisions and craft strategic, confident messaging for investors, internal teams, and the market. Every scenario provides a rare opportunity to learn, adapt, and sharpen skills that are essential when the stakes are highest.
Sample scenarios include:
- Your firm faces sudden leadership change with the abrupt resignation of a founding partner. How do you craft a clear, confident narrative for internal teams, investors, and the market to maintain trust and continuity?
- An internal data breach exposes sensitive information. How do you communicate both the facts and your response plan to maintain trust?
- Negative press surfaces about a portfolio company linked to your fund. What’s your internal and external comms plan?
12:00 - 13:00
Pitch Studio - Peer Review on Pitch Decks and Messaging
RSVP Required – Seating is Limited
Attendees bring pitch deck questions for guided peer review and receive feedback on tone, structure, clarity, and visual hierarchy, helping refine and elevate investor and portfolio pitches.
13:00 - 14:00
Networking Luncheon
Track A
14:00 - 14:50
Fund Performance Reimagined: Emphasizing DPI alongside IRR Through Technology and Storytelling
- Showcasing DPI with Technology: Leveraging dashboards, investor portals, and real-time reporting to highlight distributions and realized returns.
- Contextualizing Metrics for Investors: Balancing DPI, IRR, and other KPIs to provide a holistic, investor-focused view of fund performance.
- Crafting Compelling Narratives: Aligning Marketing and IR communications to translate complex performance data into clear, impactful stories that resonate with LPs and stakeholders
15:00 - 15:50
Co-Investments Under the Microscope: What LPs Expect and How IR Can Deliver
- How co-investments have evolved from a differentiator to an LP expectation and what LPs are asking for in co-investments
- The impact on GP competition and ways your firm can stand out
- Navigating concerns about preferential treatment, especially in light of past PFAR debates and new disclosure expectations
Track B
14:00 - 14:50
Comms Clinic – What’s in Your LP Report? Let’s Compare
RSVP Required – Seating is Limited
Attendees are grouped by firm size for a guided discussion on report format, cadence, and performance metrics, strengthening messaging and communications skills.
15:00 - 15:50
The Power of Positive Media Relationships: Building Trust and Crafting Your Narrative
- Leveraging Media Partnerships: Building and maintaining relationships with journalists and influencers to amplify your message effectively
- Proactive Reputation Management: Strategies for anticipating and addressing media challenges before they escalate
- Crafting Compelling Narratives: How to tell your firm’s story in ways that resonate with investors, portfolio companies, and the public
15:50 - 16:20
Networking Break
16:30 - 17:20
Plenary: People, Purpose, and Performance: Embedding Culture in Every Layer
Ashley Johansen
- Strengthening identity and performance by leveraging internal storytelling, cross-team communication, and shared rituals to celebrate wins, amplify collaboration, and tie daily work to strategic goals
- Demonstrating culture to LPs by showcasing talent strategies, values-driven initiatives, and portfolio company practices during fundraising to prove alignment between words, actions, and long-term value creation.
Ashley Johansen, Managing Director and Head of Investor Relations, Monomoy Capital Partners
17:20 - 17:30
Compensation Study Presentation
Chris Tamms
Hear the results of the Investor Relations Network’s Investor Relations and Marketing Compensation Survey 2026
Discover the latest figures in compensation for 2025. This session the second edition of the largest investor relations compensation study in the industry.
Chris Tamms, Director of Networks, PEI
Kathleen Toomey, Ampersand Capital Partners
"This is a 'must attend' for any IR or Marketing professional"
Over two days, attendees built up their book of contacts while discussing solutions to shared challenges with an expansive community.
Breakfast of champions
In this interactive discussion, hear how each attendee solved a challenge they were facing, and share your own.
20th anniversary reception
Celebrate 20 years of collaboration, community, and continued learning with your IR peers.
Interactive panel discussions
Learn from leading names in private equity IR and marketing in sessions that center collaboration.
Speaker office hours
New this year! Connect with speakers after their panels to ask questions and continue the conversation.
Networking luncheon
Compare forum goals, exchange panel takeaways, and expand your professional network over lunch.
Think tanks, exclusively for GPs
Join your peers for candid conversations in a closed-door setting to discuss specific strategies for success.
Participants at a glance
“This event is wonderful for networking with professionals who have similar roles doing a mix of investor relations, business development, marketing and communications.”
Kate Gallego
Operations Manager
CIVC Partners
“The event was well organized and a good combination of some high level, interesting speakers and great networking opportunities amongst the companies attending.“
Tracie Kelly
Director of Marketing
Excellere Partners
Thanks for your interest
Thank you for your interest in this year’s Investor Relations Network New York Forum.
Your requested resource will be sent to the email address you provided.
Explore our event website to learn more about the Forum, and be sure to claim your ticket or join the Investor Relations Network for year-round content and opportunities.
We hope to see you at our next event.
An inclusive peer community for IR and marketing professionals in private markets
Join us at the New York Forum AND become an Investor Relations Network member
Investor Relations Network member pass
Annual membership
+ Forum access
$3,995 $3,395*
*through December 5
This all-inclusive pass combines:
- Discounted entry to the Forum ($845)
- Full member access to the Investor Relations Network for a year ($2,550)
Group member pass
Purchase 2 or more passes in one transaction to unlock your group Investor Relations Network member discount
Savings from $780
The Investor Relations Network
An inclusive year-round peer community
Building LP trust, raising capital, growing your brand, managing key relationships—the list of priorities for investor
relations, marketing, and communications professionals is endless.
The New York Forum offers exclusive ways for Investor Relations Network members to engage with peers and gain the expertise, tools, and community needed to elevate your impact.
Get access to exclusive onsite events
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View agenda page
Agenda
Day one - Wednesday 29th
11:05 - 11:35
Member-only headshot studio
12:45 - 13:35
LP session
14:45 - 15:35
Mentorship 1:1s
Pre-register to be paired with a peer mentor at the event for a focused, one-on-one networking experience.
This session provides a unique opportunity to exchange insights, discuss challenges, and share best practices. Designed to foster meaningful connections, these on-site meetings help delegates expand their professional network, gain actionable takeaways, and spark ongoing collaboration beyond the event.
Agenda
Day two - Thursday 30th
08:00 - 09:00
Member-only breakfast meeting
12:00 - 13:00
Pitch studio: Peer review on pitch decks and messaging
Attendees bring pitch deck questions for guided peer review and receive feedback on tone, structure, clarity, and visual hierarchy, helping refine and elevate investor and portfolio pitches.
14:00 - 14:50
Comms clinic: What's in your LP report?
Attendees are grouped by firm size for a guided discussion on report format, cadence, and performance metrics, strengthening messaging and communications skills.
Who can join?
Investor relations, marketing, and communications professionals in private markets.
What’s included?
Year-round LP touchpoints, networking, coaching, and industry content.
Tell me more
If you can’t make the Forum, or want to learn more about the Network:
We'll be in touch
Thank you for your interest in this year’s Investor Relations Network New York Forum.
We’ll reach out at the contact information you provided.
Explore our event website to learn more about the Forum, and be sure to contact Jimmy at jimmy.k@pei.group with any additional sponsorship or Network partnership inquiries.
We hope to see you at our next event.