Agenda: 2024 NASP Financial Services Conference

7:00 AM - 4:30 PM	Registration/check in area open networking & continental breakfast
8:00 am - 8:30 AM	welcome & opening remarks
8:30 AM - 9:30 AM	economic outlook: holding other things constant... this is a well-used phrase in economics, but what if you can't hold other things constant? we are witnessing armed conflict across several regions with more than borders at stake. political leadership is working to reshape or rewrite the processes for engagement by their citizens, reshape international alliances, and we see record highs in financial markets while consumers seem to be (are) losing ground in the battle to make ends meet day-to-day. how will these regional conflicts, political contests, and economic features impact capital flows, market opportunities and challenge investment returns? this session will ask our group of economists how they try to paint a clear forecast on a moving canvas. we believe their insights and perspectives will provide food for thought during the conference sessions and as you look forward.
9:30 AM - 9:50 AM	program break
9:50 AM - 10:50 AM african emerging markets summit TRACK	mitigating investment risk and stimulating capital flows in africa: examining the role of western governments in promoting investment, economic growth and stability to promote capital flow and address funding gaps, understanding and mitigating risk remains at the forefront of making investments possible on the continent. modern risk management is a highly collaborative exercise. forward-thinking institutions can assist fund managers and gps in mitigating project risk and us institutional investors in evaluating emerging market allocations and provide them with the necessary risk mitigation tools to foster a successful transaction.
9:50 Am - 10:50 am the NASP institute	driving economic value through inclusion studies show that inclusion strategies can have a positive impact on decision-making and economic results while, at the same time, strongly reflect the values of plan beneficiaries. thus, inclusive policies and practices are a crucial step for organizations and society to foster a more equitable environment. for most organizations, this is an ongoing process that requires continuous learning, adaptation, and a commitment to creating a more inclusive and equitable workplace for all. we will be hearing from three leading allocators about their process and strategies to advance inclusion inside their organizations and in the broader markets.
9:50 AM - 10:50 AM professional development track	neworking - keys to developing impactful and long-lasting relationships relationship building and networking has evolved over the years - from in person to virtual, from small settings to large conferences. this session will provide best practices to build relationships whether you're early in your career trajectory as a mid-career or seasoned professional. learned how to create genuine relationships both internally at your firms as well as externally with industry peers, clients, and others, avoid being transactional and make a lasting impact on others too! everyone isn't an extrovert, so we'll share ways to be authentic and deal with any nervousness when meeting new individuals. Panelists will also provide pitfalls to avoid, lessons learned and how being a strong relationship builder can impact your career, and share resources such as how to utilize linkedin effectively and industry groups. we'll also allow time for taking what you've learned and putting into immediate action!
10:50 - 11:10	program break
11:10 AM - 12:10 Pm african emerging markets summit track	empowering human capital through innovation; strategic investments in technology, sports and entertainments in the current landscape, africa has gained widespread attention, particularly due to its status as the home of the world's youngest and fastest-growing population. projections indicate that by 2050. africa will contribute 796 million individuals to the global workforce, boasting the largest and youngest demographic. this youthful populace, if properly nurtured, holds the potential to significantly enhance africa's and the world's gdp growth. amidst the evolving global perspective, many now recognize africa not as a homogeneous entity but as a diverse investment terrain with unique prospects across various nations. this panel will delve into the intricate connections between technology, sports, and entertainment, illuminating the investment opportunities within these sectors. discussions will spotlight instances of innovative investments by institutional players in these domains, exploring growth trajectories and successful exits. additionally, the panel will dissect the pivotal role of the diaspora in mobilizing capital to actively participate in the unfolding growth narrative.
11:10 AM - 12:10 PM the nasp institute	unveilng excellence: strategies for identifying best-in-breed investment managers if past performance is not a predictor of future results, then what is? in today's volatile market, it is essential for asset allocators to understand the difference between skill and good fortune when selecting asset managers. apart from the basic criteria, what are the characteristics that define a best-in-breed asset manager? how are important are factors such as past performance, fees, relationship management, macro-trends, and allocator appetite during the due diligence and manager section process? on this panel plan sponsors and consultants will discuss how they source and engage with asset managers and lay the groundwork for long long-term alignment with investor targets
11:10 am - 12:10 Pm professional development track	how to effectively manage your professional future aimed at early to mid-career professionals, this session will help attendees to understand the power of their brand and how it impacts relationships, learn techniques to help position themselves for advancement touch on ways to take and turn around criticism, and hear how to determine where they are in the promotion cycle and how to ask for a raise.
12:10 pm - 12:30 pm	program break
12:30 pm - 2:00 pm	luncheon program: mayoral insights panel this panel will delve into the myriad of challenges mayors from around the country have to manage housing, transportation, immigration, artificial intelligence, cyber-security, deferred maintenance, economic growth, affordability, etc. mayors will share how strategic planning, coupled with financial foresight can position cities as thriving hubs of innovation, prosperity, and resilience; as well as share their perspectives on public-private partnerships, federal collaborations, and community engagement. the discussion will offer attendees a roadmap for capitalizing on the strategic priorities of these mayors, which should subsequently foster mutually beneficial collaborations with asset managers, investment bankers, attorneys, and financial advisors.
2:00 pm - 2:20 pm	program break
2:20 pm - 3:20 PM african emerging markets summit track	energizing africa's growth: sustainable infrastructure for trade, prosperity and a greener future imagine a thriving africa with bustling markets, connected communities, and empowered citizens. this vision relies on one crucial element: sustainable infrastructure. however, there is a significant gap costing $130 - $170 billion annually, which hinders trade, growth, and climate resilience. the opportunity is immense - renewable energy grids powering economies, climate-resilient roads connecting communities, efficient water systems ensuring access for all, and smart border management reducing trade costs. investing in sustainable infrastructure can help africa unlock its potential and achieve the un sustainable development goals by fostering innovation, creating jobs, protecting the environment, and building a prosperous future.
2:20 PM - 3:20 pm trustee leadership & education institute track	navigating the evolving commercial real estate market real estate has emerged as a promising avenue for investors seeking alternative investment opportunities. however, this historically reliable asset class has come under increased scrutiny recently amid whispers of a potential bottoming out of private real estate investments and uncertainty around the impact of inflation and interest rates. in this panel, our speakers will share their thoughts on the current real estate landscape and provide insight into how they identify value while navigating this dynamic asset class
2:20 pm - 3:20 pm professional development track	building your personal board of directors join ellen bailey, vice president of business culture and transformation at harvard business publishing, entrepreneur and career coach, for an insightful presentation on leveraging your network for long-term career development. this session goes beyond the traditional mentor/mentee dynamic, offering insights on how to cultivate a diverse network of advisors tailored to your career trajectory. geared towards professionals at all levels, attendees will learn the essential skills and strategies to assemble, engage, and leverage their personal board for continuous career growth and advancement. discover the invaluable benefits of having a customized support system comprising industry experts, mentors, and peers, and gain practical advice on how to navigate your professional journey with confidence.
3:20 pm - 3:45 pm	program break
3:45 pm - 4:45 pm	chief investment officers - the corporate view corporate chief investment officers have a unique view of the complex investment landscape that we are all charged with navigating. listen to our panel of corporate cio's as they share their views of the capital markets, opportunities/challenges to their specific organizations' financial goals and their respective outlook on the economy's path over the next 24 months. this distinguished panel will also discuss how they incorporate diverse asset managers and brokers/dealers into their respective investment programs.
5:00 pm - 7:00 pm	welcome reception
5:00 PM - 7:00 PM	Sponsor networking reception/tour
7:30 pm - 9:00 pm	aems Dinner

7:00 AM - 4:30 PM	Registration/Check In Area Open Networking & Continental Breakfast
8:00 AM - 9:00 AM	Strategic asset allocation from africa: exploring opportunities and challenges from the perspective of africa cios and us fund managers the continent of africa as an investment destination is gaining momentum from us institutional investors. less well known, however, are the significant capital flows from african pension funds and other capital pools into the united states. several large african allocators such as the $150 billion government employee pension fund of south africa, the $9.8 billion bank of botswana and the $1.3 billion sovereign wealth fund of nigeria have been utilizing us asset management firms for decades. recent legislation from south africa has increased the amount of assets that can be managed offshore to 45%, up from 30%. this panel will explore business opportunities for us asset management firms with african allocators while highlighting the progress of us allocators successfully deploying capital on the african continent.
9:00 AM - 9:20 AM	Program Break
9:20 AM - 10:20 AM	expanding business in capital markets: Can we talk? corporate treasurers play a leading role in managing many of the financial needs of their organizations, including working capital, asset management and raising capital. establishing broad service relationships with large banking situations may be one solution to balancing expanded needs within a limited wallet, but what might these corporations be missing? what differentiating capital raising skills and advisory services are available from diverse owned financial service firms? can and how should these firms compete with, or complement other relationships treasurers might establish? this session, led by moderators from Neu Group, will lead discussions between participants active in the capital markets to identify challenges, address misconceptions and open dialogue with potential to expand consideration of diverse owned firms and increase opportunities to establish strong capital markets relationships.
9:20 AM - 10:20 AM	angel investing & true black wealth building: angel investing is a proven path to build black generational wealth. let's define, demystify, qualify, and energize all potential parties to be invited into the "angel investing" game. this session will cover topics including: who founders are, who funds them, how the angel investing process works, how to find "typical" angel investors, who gains, and how wealth management professionals can build a wealth management practice/business/platform with an angel investing focus.
9:20 AM - 10:20 AM	On the Private Markets Highway: What Will Drive Value In a higher-rate environment -- where the cost of capital has risen and achieving target returns has become more challenging -- have LPs shifted their expectations of the role played by private markets in an institutional portfolio? Many who are experienced in this space are taking a more granular and segmented approach to their allocations, and they are more discerning in manager selection. For GPs, where are they seeing deal flow and how are they meeting investment objectives in an increasingly competitive environment? A panel of LPs and GPs discuss the paths forward in an increasingly complex market.
10:20 AM - 10:40 AM	Program Break
10:40 AM - 11:40 AM municipal track	Municipal Finance Headwinds: financial challenges and meeting capital needs the dynamics of the municipal finance market continue to evolve post covid-19. how will issuers navigate budgetary constraints while addressing both operational necessities and essential capital investments? the panel will examine the impact of the evolving market conditions and explore innovative approaches to optimize revenue streams and fund capital projects. this panel will also explore the importance of disclosure and how municipal issuers are adapting to heightened investor demands by expanding risk disclosure to maximize investor participation.
10:40 AM - 11:40 AM private wealth track	not your father's wealth management explore top black wealth management producers and practices of today vs those of yesteryear. this discussion will compare and contrast new and traditional practices, while answering questions including, "does the big financial services firm strategy/formula still work?" "what considerations are there regarding diverse wealth managers building businesses?", and "how can both new and old strategies be best operationalized for maximum returns?" join the conversation with industry veterans who will share their expertise and best practices.
10:40 AM - 11:40 AM institutional track	Nailed It! Constructing a Viable Private Markets Portfolio Private market opportunities have expanded and they can deliver a wider range of target outcomes for an institutional portfolio. From return-seeking and income-generating to inflation-hedging, depending on an investor's goal, there are multiple avenues to success. In addition, these assets continue to provide a buffer for accelerated volatility in the public equity markets. This session will discuss how LPs and GPs think about and allocate private assets to achieve diverse goals while eyeing optimal diversification within their overall portfolios.
11:40 AM - 12:00 PM	Program Break
12:00 PM - 1:30 PM	Joyce Johnson Awards Luncheon state treasurers' panel: financial oars on a political ship in turbulent economic times guiding the financial direction and priorities of states has always required political savvy as well as astute financial skills. market volatility, persistent inflation, bank meltdowns, unfunded liabilities, increased political polarization and the assault on dei are just some of the challenges that treasurers are grappling with today. shawn wooden, chief public pension strategist for apollo global management and former treasurer of the state of connecticut, will moderate a discussion with state treasurers who will share perspectives on how they are grappling with these challenges. they will also discuss the landscape for political and fiscal priorities in their states, the implications for relationships with service vendors treasurers rely upon, and how asset managers and investors should incorporate these new realities into their engagement strategy.
1:30 PM - 1:50 PM	Program Break
1:50 PM - 2:50 PM institutional track	beyond the benchmark: generating alpha in traditional asset classes in today's ever-evolving landscape, traditional asset managers find themselves as a crossroads. in the midst of economic conditions and market volatility allocators have increasingly diverted attention away from traditional asset classes in favor of alternative options. asset managers committed to thriving within the familiar confines of traditional investments must remain steadfast and innovative in their pursuit of consistent returns and growth. join our esteemed panelists as they discuss their time-tested techniques for generating alpha, mitigating risk, and retaining investor interest despite the allure of alternative options.
1:50 PM - 2:50 PM	How can major cities make housing more affordable and tackle the housing crisis? Rising interest rates and the continued inflation of housing prices has put affordability further out of reach for many residents of the metropolitan cities. Can cities help their citizens by relaxing zoning requirements, voucher systems, workforce, and / or other public private partnerships to tackle the issue. Additionally, over the last ten years, political unrest in other countries has created a crisis among some major cities. Most recently, the Venezuela migrant crisis has affected cities throughout the country as cities struggle to provide among other things, adequate housing. How can major cities help facilitate the building of affordable housing for their current residents and also new entrants who are seeking refuge.
1:50 PM - 2:50 PM private wealth track	ai and wealth management ai is here to stay. this panel delves into the present and future trends of ai within wealth management, exploring questions such as, "what is the role of ai in wealth management?", "what are the advantages of using ai?", "will ai take over wealth management?". amidst the rapidly evolving landscape of ai, the sec grapples with how to regulate the use of algorithms generated to provide financial advice, and how companies ensure the efficacy of these algorithms. learn about ai's value as a tool within wealth management, and on the other hand, the potential pitfalls of this technology.
1:50 PM - 2:50 PM college program	from campus to corporate: crafting professional habits to navigate the financial industry in this session, students will learn the essential habits necessary to confidently transition from college to the financial services industry. they'll engage with seasoned financial professionals who will share their journeys, the habits that contributed to their success, and the designations they acquired to enhance their professional and technical toolkits. students will gain insights into effective networking, continuous learning, and personal branding — key elements for professional growth. this session is crucial for understanding the corporate world's expectations and laying a strong foundation for a successful career.
2:50 PM - 3:10 PM	Program Break
3:10 PM - 4:10 PM	leadership in alternative investments: evaluating the broad opportunity set in alternatives for most institutional investors, long gone are the days of a 60/40 portfolio split between stocks and bonds. the overwhelming majority of investors have alternative investments in their portfolios - investing in their portfolios - investing in real estate, real assets, private credit, private equity, venture capital, hedge funds, and much in between. we will explore how different types of institutional investors build multi-asset portfolios, how they use alternatives to mitigate risk and address liquidity concerns, and how incorporating alternatives widens the opportunity for meeting target returns.
4:15 PM - 5:15 PM	PRIVATE EQUITY AND VENTURE CAPITAL: OPPORTUNITIES TO INVEST IN BUSINESS LEADERS AND ENTREPRENEURS according to pitchbook, the us private equity industry weighs in at $4.4 trillion. that includes buyouts of mature companies, venture capital funding for start-ups, and much in between (e.g., growth equity, special situations, etc.). while deal making was down in 2023, there were more than 7,000 private equity transactions across all company stages, deal types, and industries, we will explore the impact of last year's deal activity across the spectrum, of general partners and entrepreneurs as well as consider opportunities 2024 and beyond.
3:10 PM - 5:00 PM college track	first impressions matter. make it count. during the interactive mock interview session, students will learn the art of making a lasting first impression in the professional world. they will participate in simulated interviews, receiving real-time feedback from financial professionals across various sectors. interviewers will include hiring managers, early professionals, and industry veterans who have been in the shoes that students are in now. this interactive experience is vital for students to refine their interview skills and understand the nuances of effective communication and presentation in today's competitive job market. in addition, professional headshots will be available for students during this session.
4:30 PM - 5:30 PM college track	college day networking hour after students finish the first impressions matter. make it count. session, they are invited to meet and mingle with sponsors. this is an opportunity for students to put the skills they've learned throughout their sessions into practice with potential employers.
6:30 PM - 7:00 PM	program break
6:30 PM - 7:00 PM	pre-gala cocktails
7:00 pm - 9:00 pm	nasp awards dinner

8:00 AM - 11:00 AM	registration/check in area open networing & continental breakfast
9:00 AM - 10:00 AM	nasp annual meeting nasp membership
10:00 AM - 10:20 AM	program break
10:20 AM - 11:20 AM	disparities in the municipal bond market studies have been published that discuss how racial inequality can potentially impact borrowing costs, as well as capital raising for diverse communities and historically black colleges & universities. this panel will explore how systemic biases can impede capital access and raise costs, how hurdles have impacted infrastructure funding for certain issuers, and explore some ideas for addressing these challenges through a more inclusive utilization of resources and diverse talent.
10:20 AM - 11:20 AM	conference ends