Agenda
This Agenda Draft is preliminary and subject to change as to times, content, and speakers. However, we consider it to be highly representative.
For conference inquiries, please contact:
Jennifer Waterman
Email: jenniferwaterman@firstaffirmative.com
Phone: (719) 478-7056
Conference Registration/Information Desk Open
Location: Atrium
Time: 2:00 PM – 5:30 PM
Money for Nothing? Not Anymore. What are the Implications of Higher Costs of Capital for Impact Investing?
Pre-Conference Bonus Continuing Education Session
Location: Centennial
Time: 3:15 PM – 4:10 PM
Speakers: Matthew Segura, Omar Blayton, Anna Smukowski
Description: With the rapid and sustained increases in interest rates, borrowing costs have increased and equity valuations have declined significantly. How will this affect the calculus for renewable energy projects and other corporate initiatives? What are the implications for the stock market? Are we positioned correctly for the new cycle? What should advisors and clients who have not experienced this level of interest rates understand?
Conference Kick-Off, Hosted by First Affirmative
All participants are encouraged to attend!
Location: Interlocken Ballroom
Time: 4:15 PM – 6:00 PM
Welcome: George Gay
New Technologies in Financial Services: Kathleen Wrynn
Artificial Intelligence Applications in Financial Services: Patrick Reed
Next Generation Direct Indexing: Theresa Gusman, Patrick Reed
Welcome Reception!
Sponsor
Location: Pavilion/Lawn
Cash bar and light appetizers.
Time: 6:15 PM – 7:00 PM
Dinner on Your Own:
Locations Near Omni Interlocken Hotel - Linked Below
Conference Registration/Information Desk Open
Location: Atrium
Time: 7:30 AM – 6:00 PM
Breakfast
Location: Centennial Foyer and Interlocken Foyer
Time: 7:15 AM – 8:00 AM
Introduction to Scholarship Recipients
Good Morning!
Location: Interlocken Ballroom
Time: 8:00 AM – 8:30 AM
Meet Our Hosts and Benefactors:
Purpose Driven Leaders You Really Need to Know!
Location: Interlocken Ballroom
Time: 8:30 AM – 10:15 AM
Coffee Break
Time: 10:15 AM – 10:30 AM
Transforming Our Food Systems: The Purpose and Power of Regenerative Agriculture
Sponsor: TBA
Location: Interlocken Ballroom
Time: 10:30 AM – 11:30 AM
Speakers: Elysabeth Alfano, Clark Harshbarger, Roberto Meza, Jolie Brawner
Using your Portfolio to Advance Reproductive Health, Rights and Justice
Breakout Track 1: Advocacy and Governance
Location: Pine
Time: 11:40 AM – 12:40 PM
Moderator: Kaitlyn Mitchell
Speakers: Dorrit Lowsen, Natasha Lamb, Renee Morgan
Description: In the wake of the Dobbs vs. Jackson Women’s Health Organization Supreme Court decision which overturned Roe vs. Wade, abortion access and reproductive rights took center stage not only in public opinion, but also in the shareholder advocacy arena. Nearly 60 shareholder proposals concerning reproductive health have been filed since 2020. The Business Case for Reproductive Health, free and full participation of women and other birthing people in the workforce is essential for economic resilience and growth. Such participation is contingent upon access to a full range of reproductive health services.
This session will explore why reproductive rights are an essential investor concern and how various investors are addressing it through their shareholder engagement efforts.
The Case for Place-Based Local Investments
Breakout Track 2: Community and Impact Investing: Focusing on Justice, Equity, Diversity & Inclusion
Location: Ponderosa
Time: 11:40 AM – 12:40 PM
Speakers: Keisha Bolden, Kathleen Keefe, Anna Mabrey, Anna Smukowski
Description: Community investing provides individuals and organizations with access to capital to improve quality of life for themselves and their communities. A growing spectrum of community investment options exists to meet clients’ varying financial, environmental and social return objectives. This session will provide actionable strategies to incorporate community investing into client portfolios. Presenters will share their personal and professional experiences in community investing, and discuss how an understanding of place based investing can be a key differentiator for advisors looking to attract and retain a client base interested in values-aligned investing. Panelists will also share new industry research on community investing through the capital markets through a new paper from LISC and Enterprise Community Partners – CDFIs and the Capital Markets: Trends in Investment & Impact Measurement.
ESG Integration in Alternative Assets
Breakout Track 3: ESG Integration
Location: Centennial E
Time: 11:40 AM – 12:40 PM
Moderator: Theresa Gusman
Speakers: Samuel Adams, Seydina Fall, William O’Connor, Marshall Dunford
Description: Alternative investments can help diversify and complement traditional portfolios by seeking returns that are independent from equity and bond markets and reducing overall sensitivity to traditional markets. By fulfilling one or more of four roles — capital growth, income generation, risk diversification, and/or safety — in an investor’s portfolio, allocations to alternatives may increase a portfolio’s risk-adjusted returns. As the number of impact-oriented alternative investments continues to grow, it is important for asset managers and advisors focused on sustainable, responsible, and impact investing to understand the role alts can play in a diversified portfolio and explore the ESG integration and impact performance measurement strategies incorporated into alternative investments.
ESG Market Dynamics: Opportunities, Risks, and What Lies Ahead
Breakout Track 4: Professional Education
Location: Centennial F
Time: 11:40 AM – 12:40 PM
Moderator: Amber Deleo
Speakers: Shaheen Contractor, Vit Henisz
Description: Where are ESG asset flows going in the U.S.? Which ESG related issues do investors care most about? When building portfolios based on ESG data, what works and what might not? What is the business case for ESG? What companies are most popular in ESG funds? What factors tend to have the most impact on portfolio performance, either positive or negative. This session will focus on data and research from Bloomberg, the Wharton School and other resources.
Lunch
Sponsor
Sponsored Topic Tables
Location: Interlocken Ballroom
Time: 12:40 PM – 1:30 PM
A Fresh Look at the Power of Proxy Voting
Breakout Track 1: Advocacy and Governance
Location: Pine
Time: 1:40 AM – 2:40 PM
Speakers: Heidi Welsh, Courteney Keatinge, Alan Reid, Annie Sanders
Description: The role and influence of proxy voting has grown significantly in the past three decades. From an often-neglected duty, to an interesting—and effective–tool for advocacy and engagement, to a core fiduciary duty, the importance of proxy voting is clear. This expert panel will briefly review proxy voting’s evolution and its impact on corporate governance and practice today. We’ll explore recent successes, emerging challenges, new tools and current trends in proxy voting across investor types. Much has changed and more change is coming. Join us to learn what’s coming next.
Creativity, Connection and Community: ESG+I and Indigenous Investment Success
Breakout Track 2: Community and Impact Investing: Focusing on Justice, Equity, Diversity & Inclusion
Location: Ponderosa
Time: 1:40 PM – 2:40 PM
Speakers: Kate Finn, Clay Colombe, Keoni Lee
Description: Long-term, culturally-aligned investment success occurs in Indian Country when power shifts through Native leadership, when ample flexibility and opportunity for renegotiation occurs, and when projects operate at the pace of relationship. This panel examines how investors can approach Indigenous partnership by supporting community values, data sovereignty, and the right of free, prior and informed consent throughout project development and deal-making. Native entrepreneurs and enterprise leaders discuss strategies and solutions to overcome barriers and “invisibilizing” practices through creativity and values-based investment to ensure lasting success through impact investment and equitable finance.
Examining Challenging Issues of Sustainability
Breakout Track 3: ESG Integration
Location: Centennial E
Time: 1:40 PM – 2:40 PM
Moderator: Emily Lee
Speakers: Victor Orozco, Julie Gorte, Greg Murphy
Description: An engaged discussion from panel of experts on a variety of ESG integration topics. From EV and Mining implications to Nuclear and Energy Dependence. This will be a conversation with the advisor audience on how to navigate the difficult discussions with clients and prospects. It will be a discussion of the implications of various, complex topics and the use of ESG data in the Sustainable Investing space.
Adding Private Impact Investments to Client Portfolios
Breakout Track 4: Professional Education
Location: Centennial F
Time: 1:40 PM – 2:40 PM
Speakers: Monica Miller, Seydina Fall, Natasha Lamb
Description: One of the most important ways to diversify a client portfolio is by adding private investments which have a different liquidity, risk and return profile from public market securities. What factors are involved in this decision-making process? What are the different approaches advisors use to add private investments to their client portfolios? Learn how private market investments can help clients achieve their impact and financial goals, leading to a sense of excitement and pride in their investments.
Networking Break
Location: Centennial Foyer and Interlocken Foyer and Atrium
Time: 2:40 PM – 3:00 PM
Protecting Biodiversity on a Warming Planet
Breakout Track 1: Advocacy and Governance
Location: Pine
Time: 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Moderator: Allan Pearce
Speakers: Annie Sanders, Glen Hurowitz, Megan Waters
Description: Many people agree nature is worth protecting to ensure our planet is livable and inhabitable for all species. Forests are a key ally that provide crucial habitat for thousands of species; offer limitless opportunities for recreation, exploration and wonder; and absorb and store carbon dioxide to fight climate change. As a result, biodiversity loss is a global systemic risk. Wildlife populations have declined by an average of 69% since 1970, with an estimated one million plant and animal species at risk of extinction by 2050 – approximately 25% of all species on Earth. More than half of the world’s GDP is either moderately or highly reliant on nature’s services, and by some estimates, tens of billions of dollars in assets could be at risk of stranding over the next 5-10 years if companies continue to produce commodities that drive deforestation. The UN recognized these risks at its Biodiversity Conference last December, which accomplished an international agreement to protect 30% of land and oceans by 2030. While government regulation is catching up, companies must implement cross-commodity no-deforestation policies in this decade to avoid the near and long-term risks of global biodiversity loss. At this session, financial advisors can learn how investors can help protect their clients’ portfolios from these growing risks.
Finding Your Racial Equity Investing Direction
Breakout Track 2: Community and Impact Investing: Focusing on Justice, Equity, Diversity & Inclusion
Location: Ponderosa
Time: 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Moderator: Will Mucci
Speakers: Alyssa Greenspan, Santhosh Ramdoss, Ebony Brown
Description: Demand for racial equity investment opportunities has risen sharply in the past few years as social and historical understanding grows. It is clear that racial equity investing should happen across all asset classes, yet it can be harder for asset managers to find investments that meet this goal. Join panelists who have been working in this field for many years as they share their frameworks and practices for racial justice investing through equities and fixed income, investor advocacy, and collective action.
Building Resilient ESG Portfolios: Blue Skies and Headwinds
Breakout Track 3: ESG Integration
Location: Centennial E
Time: 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Speakers: Brian Svendahl, Shivani Vohra, Mark Sloss, Akasha Absher
Description: The process of building ESG portfolios in various asset classes is challenging, as economic cycles and market conditions have proven to affect performance over the years. Despite that, in many cases, ESG integrated into portfolios have led to outperformance of peers and contributed to significant growth and confidence of ESG investing. This hosted session will encourage collaborative discussion among ESG investing specialists as they tell their stories to provide insightful perspectives and deeper understanding of their craft.
Robotic or Regenerative: AI Machine Learning and its Influence on Impact
Breakout Track 4: Professional Education
Location: Centennial F
Time: 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Moderator: David Bennell
Speakers: Anna Lerner Nesbitt, Dail St. Claire, Jeremy Deems
Description: AI, machine learning, blockchain and other digital technologies are driving the future of finance and it’s happening faster than many of us imagined. Building on the last two years of ESG for Impact content focused on Web3, this year’s session will take a direct and deep look at technologies like AI and others that are capturing headlines. AI is here to stay, so how can we best ensure it’s used responsibly and remains human–centric? There is good news in-between the scary headlines and we’ll provide examples of utilizing AI and tech for Impact Investing outcomes and a more regenerative financial system.
Impact Contenders and Pretenders: Why Standards Matter
Sponsor:
Location: Interlocken Ballroom
Time: 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Speakers: Michael Kramer, Julie Gorte, Jon Hale, Andy Behar, Rachel Robasciotti
Description: Broad interpretations of sustainable, responsible, and impact investing are triggering both greenwashing and greenhushing responses in this ever-changing marketplace and regulatory environment. This panel of experienced practitioners explores the importance of high standards of SRI practice to preserve the integrity of this 50-year-old investment approach and raise the bar in order to truly create equitable, just, and inclusive economic and social systems.
Networking Break
Location: Centennial Foyer and Interlocken Foyer and Atrium
Time: 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Dinner
Sponsor
Location: Interlocken Ballroom
Time: 6:15 PM – 7:30 PM
Conference Registration/Information Desk Open
Location: Atrium
Time: 7:30 AM – 6:00 PM
Personal Wellness
Location: Pavilion/Lawn
Time: 7:00 AM – 7:30 AM
Breakfast
Sponsor:
Location: Centennial Foyer and Interlocken Foyer
Time: 7:40 AM – 8:40 AM
Remaining Compliant in an Ever-Changing Regulatory Environment for ESG
Sponsor:
Location: Interlocken Ballroom
Time: 8:45 AM – 10:00 AM
Speakers: William Nelson, Kathy Lewis
Description: Investment advisers are facing a growing number of ESG-related regulatory changes, both from the SEC and other regulators. In this session, we will discuss the latest trends in ESG regulation and provide practical advice on how to remain compliant in this ever-changing environment.
Networking Break
Location: Centennial Foyer and Interlocken Foyer and Atrium
Time: 10:00 AM – 10:45 AM
Hot Topics in Shareholder Advocacy
Breakout Track 1: Advocacy and Governance
Location: Pine
Time: 10:45 AM – 11:45 AM
Speakers: Kate Monahan, Dina Ciarmatori, Marian Macindoe, Larisa Ruoff
Description: This panel will provide an overview as well as a few deep dives on the most compelling and relevant E, S, and G topics raised during the most recent shareholder advocacy season. One of the most important ways for investment managers to provide real-world, concrete, positive impact to clients and investors is through shareholder advocacy. Financial advisors will learn the proxy vote trends and statistics about the most compelling and relevant environmental, social, and governance issues that shareholders raised during the 2022-2023 advocacy season and the measurable impact they delivered. Through a lightning round with a few deeper discussions, hear a comprehensive wrap-up of the season as well as what’s on the horizon. Issues may include: climate disclosures such as greenhouse gas emissions reduction targets, science-based targets, and deforestation risks; labor unions; guns; Indigenous rights; lobbying spending; anti-ESG proposals; fair pay; and racial and gender Board and staff diversity.
Regenerative Agriculture: Investments that Grow
Breakout Track 2: Community and Impact Investing: Focusing on Justice, Equity, Diversity & Inclusion
Location: Ponderosa
Time: 10:45 AM – 11:45 AM
Speakers: Monica Miller, Mark Lewis, Joel Moyer, Skya Ducheneaux
Description: Learn risk and return profiles of investment strategies available in the regenerative agriculture sector and how to incorporate this thematic impact for your clients using CDFI notes, public stocks, or private placement vehicles. This panel will cover how to introduce the topic to your clients and the opportunities and challenges in the growing industry of sustainable and regenerative agriculture.
Empowering Informed Investment: Navigating Global ESG Integration Strategies and Regulations for a Sustainable Future
Breakout Track 3: ESG Integration
Location: Centennial E
Time: 10:45 AM – 11:45 AM
Moderator: Theresa Gusman
Speakers: Glen Yelton, Terrence Gray, Gabe Rissman
Description: As the world continues to grapple with social, environmental, and economic challenges, sustainable, responsible, and impact (SRI) asset managers face an increasingly complex array of challenges from investors, regulators, and the media. During this discussion, we will explore the ways differences and similarities in aggregating and analyzing environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors across geographies, sectors, styles, and asset classes can influence portfolio construction, investment performance, and impact reporting.
The Conversation: How to Reframe Sustainable Investing Challenges in Discussions with Allocators and Clients
Breakout Track 4: Professional Education
Location: Centennial F
Time: 10:45 AM – 11:45 AM
Moderator: Jennifer Coombs
Speakers: Amy Wilson, Kate Moore, Joe Sinha
Description: Sustainable and ESG investing is evolving, and financial advisors need to be prepared to discuss it with their clients. Panelists in this session will discuss three key topics of conversation which have percolated to the surface more prominently this year: the need for client education, understanding and articulating opportunities, and navigating a challenging political landscape. Ultimately, it’s the role of asset managers and financial advisors to help clients separate sustainable investing fact from fiction.
Lunch
Sponsor
Location: Interlocken Ballroom
Time: 12:00 PM – 1:15 PM
US SIF Update
Location: Interlocken Ballroom
Time: 1:15 PM – 1:30 PM
Speakers: Maria Lettini, CEO
The Politics of ESG: Culture Wars at our Doorstep
Sponsor
Location: Interlocken Ballroom
Time: 1:30 PM – 2:40 PM
Speakers: Hon. Seth Magaziner, Peter Krull, Jina Penn-Tracy, Keith Johnson, Maria Lettini
On the Cutting Edge: Innovations in Understanding, Managing and Measuring Shareholder Advocacy
Breakout Track 1: Advocacy and Governance
Location: Pine
Time: 2:50 PM – 3:50 PM
Moderator: Mark Regier
Speakers: Dan Berlingeri, Julie Skye, Danny Katz
Description: The field of corporate engagement is rapidly becoming more sophisticated and addressing an ever-widening field of concerns and opportunities. This panel will explore the work of several industry experts seeking to employ new tools and thinking in using shareholder advocacy to advance particular concerns and improve corporate performance. How are risks/opportunities understood and effectively communicated with those who can make a difference? How is the effectiveness of these efforts monitored and measured?
Practice What You Preach: DEI in Practice Management
Breakout Track 2: Community and Impact Investing: Focusing on Justice, Equity, Diversity & Inclusion
Location: Ponderosa
Time: 2:50 PM – 3:50 PM
Speakers: Angela Barbash, Carrie VanWinkle, Jock Payten
Description: SRI professionals often advocate for more Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) within corporations, but turning the mirror around shows a frequent lack of diversity within the advisory industry itself. Why does the discrepancy occur? How can SRI firms practice what they preach? Investment advisors from various backgrounds and areas of the country share their journey to find solutions and provide solidarity with BIPOC members in financial services. Attendees will leave with actionable insights into successfully executed DEI activations and tactics they can take back to their teams and organizations, regardless of their role and title.
Sustainability Risk is Business and Investment Risk
Breakout Track 3: ESG Integration
Location: Centennial E
Time: 2:50 PM – 3:50 PM
Moderator: Pooja Khosla
Speakers: Molly Podolefsky, Andrew Olig, Bruce Kahn
Description: This session delves into the critical intersection of sustainability risk, business risk, and investment risk. This session is recommended for investment professionals looking to stay ahead in a rapidly evolving landscape where sustainability isn’t just a moral imperative but a core component of financial success. By attending this session, CFP Board Certification candidates will be better prepared to address the increasing relevance of sustainability risk in investment planning. They will acquire practical skills and knowledge from multiple subject matter expertise in the panel to assist clients in navigating an interconnected world where sustainability is integral to managing financial risk and opportunity.
The Name is Bond... Green Bond: Impact Fixed Income Explained
Breakout Track 4: Professional Education
Location: Centennial F
Time: 2:50 PM – 3:50 PM
Speakers: Alya Kayal, Benjamin Bailey, Sezin Paydas, Elizabeth Alm
Description: When talking about responsible investing, equities tend to get most of the attention. However, almost everyone needs to understand and invest in fixed income products for their clients and these products are a great tool for delivering positive impact alongside competitive financial returns. Attend this session to learn from experienced fixed income leaders about how to use various impact fixed income products in your portfolios for every kind of client. You will also gain insights into what constitutes a green or social bond and how you can deploy them.
Networking Break
Location: Centennial Foyer and Interlocken Foyer and Atrium
Time: 3:50 PM – 4:15 PM
Women, Wealth and Well-Being
Sponsor: TBA
Location: Interlocken Ballroom
Time: 4:15 PM – 5:30 PM
Seminar Presenter: Angela Librizzi
Moderator: Theresa Gusman
Speakers: Jan Bryan, Angela Barbash, Madeline Barconi
Description: Join us for a seminar on Engaging Women Investors, followed by a panel discussion featuring three successful advisors who have built their practices in part by working with women. During the seminar, you will learn how you can grow your business by focusing on women, an underserved investor market that is growing in influence, purchasing power, and wealth. Although all women are unique, the majority share life journey experiences that impact their relationship with money, including widowhood, divorce, and changes in family, job, and medical status. This session will help you understand the unique investing needs and challenges that women face to help build trusted relationships and grow your practice.
In the follow-up discussion, our panelists will share their personal journeys in the advisory business and discuss how they’ve grown their businesses, particularly among female clients and the ways their focus on sustainable, responsible, and impact investing has enhanced their client relationships, among other topics.
Time On Your Own: Relax, Refresh
Time: 5:30 PM – 6:20 PM
Happy Hour
Sponsor: TBA
Location: Interlocken Ballroom
Time: 6:15 PM – 7:00 PM
Lawrence Ford: The Extraordinary Power of the Purpose Driven Wealth Manager
Why We Do What We Do
Location: Interlocken Ballroom
Time: 7:00 PM – 7:30 PM
Presenters: Joe Keefe, Erin Gray, Collin Todd
Dinner
Sponsors:
Location: Interlocken Ballroom
Celebration Party and Dance!
Time: 7:30 PM – 11:00 PM
Conference Registration/Information Desk Open
Location: Atrium
Time: 7:45 AM – 10:00 AM