Highlights - 2010 Consortium

New Terrain. New Talent.

With more than 300 in attendance—including minority and emerging managers, plan sponsors, consultants and other thought-leaders—the focus of our seventh annual gathering was on discovering new talent and exploring the new terrain of alternative investing within the institutional arena.

Take a Look at the New Talent

The Consortium 2010 audience included more than 158 managers in attendance—a reflection of the growth in new fund formations, even in today’s volatile economic conditions:

35% African American-owned firms
25% Women-owned firms
14% Asian-owned firms
12% Latino/Latina-owned firms
2% American Indian-owned firms

The Bootcamp: Launch Strong, Launch Smart

It was standing room only at The Bootcamp—the first annual gathering focused on helping emerging managers navigate the process of launching their firms, raising funds and working with institutional investors. A feature in the July issue of Emerging Manager Monthly captured the key take-aways. Click here for a quick review.

The “live” elevator pitch during The Bootcamp session proved to be the highlight of the day. Led by Ellen Cahill, President of Cahill Associates, four emerging managers stepped up to the microphone and made their pitch to our panel, including Chris Farrington, Partner, Centinela Capital Partners, LLC; Tim Legesse, Investment Officer, California Public Employees’ Retirement System; and Solange Fernandez Brooks, Portfolio Manager, Investment Executive Unit - California State Teachers’ Retirement System. From the questions, conversations and energy in the room, it was clear that the need among managers for this type of focused educational and networking forum is strong. RG & Associates is looking forward to an even bigger Bootcamp in 2011.

VIP Connect

With nearly 200 registered participants, the afternoon Value Information Partnership | VIP Connect (a long-standing part of the Consortium) sparked great dialogue and networking opportunities. Many of the plan sponsors in attendance participated, providing emerging managers with a tremendous opportunity for one-on-one dialogue. The new format, in which all participants select their meeting rotation via a first-come, first-served reservation system proved effective. Look for more in 2011.