Private Equity
International
International
Investor Relations, Marketing & Communications Forum Europe 2023
27 - 28 September 2023,
Grand Connaught Rooms, London
Driving the evolution of Europe’s private market fundraising
The Investor Relations, Marketing & Communications Forum: Europe takes place in London on 27-28 September 2023.
Join your industry peers to learn about best practices for strengthening your relationships with investors, communicating with prospects, marketing your firm and more. Discover how to differentiate your fund in a crowded market and explore separation strategies between fundraising, business development and client management.
Plus, find solutions to your biggest challenges and discuss industry trends with your peers from leading private market firms during extensive networking opportunities.
What can you expect at the forum?
Event content with value
Explore key strategies, discuss industry trends and carve out your niche by attending panels and participating in the many networking sessions.
Gain exclusive insights
Hear 50+ experts speak about how the holistic private asset landscape affects your fundraising efforts and marketing strategy.
Meet leaders in private markets
Gather with a community of private market professionals to build lasting relationships, discuss best practices and benchmark against competitors.
Key event themes for 2023
- Keeping the IR function alive in times of distressed markets
- How to maintain brand consistency and alignment across the firm
- The benefits of outsourcing placement agents
- ESG demands, expectations and frameworks
- Embracing new digital tools and capabilities
- And more!
2023 speakers
Browse the 2022 attendees
Connect with IR professionals in private markets
Testimonials
Antin Infrastructure Partners
Catherine Campbell, Director
The content was top quality and agenda was well-executed.
Mercator
Steven Rothberg, Partner
The panels were all informational and stimulating, and the scale of the event made it manageable, in terms of meeting other attendees.
QIC
Lindsay Scully, Principal
Great event; informative and timely content.
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 information about sponsorship opportunities, contact Jimmy Kurtovic at jimmy.k@pei.group or call +1 646 356 4504.
2023 sponsors
Our leading advisory board for 2023
View agenda page
Agenda
Day 1 - Wednesday 27th
Pre-conference
08:00 - 08:45
Women-only breakfast
Welcome
08:45 - 08:50
Introduction from PEI
Kitty Watson, Producer, PEI Group
08:50 - 09:00
Chairperson’s welcome address
Danai Musandu
Danai Musandu, Vice President, Investor Relations, HPE Growth
Plenary sessions
09:00 - 09:40
Opening keynote: What are the current market trends and the impact on investor relations?
Emily Eban,
Keith Driver,
Nicole Downer,
Daria Litvinova,
Corinne Schreiber
- How to navigate the pressure of ticket size reductions and decreasing pace in fundraising
- How to exploit the newfound transparency in communication between investors and GPs to deploy capital and make a positive contribution to their returns
- Exploring the proliferation of the diversification of strategies and products such as secondaries and co-investments
Moderator: Emily Eban,Investor Relations Manager, Moorfield Group
1. Daria Litvinova, Partner, Head of Investor Relations, Vauban Infrastructure Partners
2. Corinne Schreiber, Principal, Investor Relations, Pantheon
3. Nicole Downer, Managing Partner, MV Credit
4. Keith Driver, Executive Director, HRL Morrison & Co
09:40 - 10:20
What differentiates your fund in a crowded market?
Russell Sherman,
Priya Nair,
Chloe Lavedrine,
Stephan Grillmaier
- Developing a unique value proposition and articulating this effectively
- The importance of maintaining brand consistency and alignment across the firm
- How marketing channels must adapt to the changing fundraising landscape
Moderator: Russell Sherman, Partner, Prosek Partners
Speakers:
- Stephan Grillmaier, Head of Investor Relations, Arcus Infrastructure Partners
- Chloe Lavedrine, Managing Director, Centerbridge Partners
- Priya Nair, Senior Director, abrdn
10:20 - 11:00
What are the necessary building blocks for a successful IR function?
Carmela Mendoza,
Gerald Carton,
Eleanor Miller,
Patrick Raffard
- Fundraising, business development, client relationship – exploring the separation strategy between the three functions
- Keeping the IR function alive in times of distressed markets
- To what extent do GPs understand the value of structured IR function
Moderator: Carmela Mendoza, Senior Reporter, Private Equity International
Speakers:
- Eleanor Miller, Investor Relations Principal, Actis
- Patrick Raffard, Partner, Head of Business Development, Rivage Investment
- Gerald Carton, Partner, Coller Capital
Networking
11:00 - 11:30
Networking break
Plenary session
11:30 - 12:00
Keynote Interview: Digital Marketing & Social Media: A Q&A Session on Evolving Business Communication
Danai Musandu,
Lucy Hall
12:00 - 12:40
Panel debate: Going solo vs. outsourcing agents
Carmela Mendoza,
Kristina Kuhnke,
Laura West
- Using regional agents vs global mandates
- How to measure the value of placement agents against their fees
- When is it the right time to let go of a placement agency?
Moderator: Carmela Mendoza, Senior Reporter, Private Equity International
Speakers:
For: Laura West, Head of Investor Relations, CBPE Capital
Against: Kristina Kuhnke, Partner & Head of Investor Relations, RoundShield Partners
Working groups
12:40 - 13:20
Working group A: Reporting–a one size fits all scenario?
Harriet Rae,
Natasha Franks
- How to have a streamlined process for prospecting and due diligence
- What are the limitations of ESG reporting?
- Navigating big data requests and the integrity of data
- Harriet Rae, Head of IR and ESG, Pioneer Point Partners
- Natasha Franks, Head of Client Reporting, Alpha Associates
12:40 - 13:20
Working group B: The evolution of virtual relationships and investor communications
Ana Maria Harrison
- Finding the ideal blend of in-person and virtual communication with investors
- Comparing AI and data analytics with human insight and personal interactions
- Dissecting the extra layer outsourcing adds to the relationship management piece
Speaker:
- Ana Maria Harrison, Partner, Adam Street Partner
12:40 - 13:20
Working group C: How to successfully build a career in investor relations
Stephen Bradnam,
Cameron Grant
Hear from members of the Next Generation in Investor Relations Network.
- How to stay aware of the rapidly changing requirements of investors
- How to successfully transition from a junior to a mid-level IR professional
Speakers:
Stephen Bradnam, Investor Relations Officer, LeapFrog Investments
Cameron Grant, Principal, Investor Relations, Glendower Capital
12:40 - 13:20
Working group D: The evolution of the AGM
Jillian Hazelton,
Megan Noelle Chew
- Content – addressing the changes in investor demands and expectations of the AGM
- Structure – identifying the optimum style of the meeting; a series of meetings, road trip style and beyond
- Connections – prioritising exposure at the meeting to the portfolio companies vs the management team
Speakers:
- Jillian Hazelton, Head of Marketing & Communications, Bregal Investments
- Megan Noelle Chew, Senior Vice President, Eurazeo
Lunch
13:20 - 14:30
Lunch and networking break
Functional breakout sessions: Stream A – Investor relations, business development & client services
14:30 - 15:00
How to build the optimum investor relations team
Luke Burdess,
Jonathan Aiach,
Joe Pigott,
Kathryn Pothier
- Identifying which skill sets are required and prioritised when building an IR team
- Finding the difference between hiring for business development and for client services
- Representation in fundraising – why we have more women in the role
Moderator: Luke Burdess, Investor Relations Director, Beechbrook Capital
- Jonathan Aiach, Director, Capman
- Kathryn Pothier, Investor Relations Partner, Epiris
- Joe Pigott, Managing Director, Crestline Investors
15:00 - 15:30
Tech tools and where to use them
Guillaume Rouault,
James Smallridge
- The influence of technology on portfolio management, fund operations, deal origination, IR and fundraising
- Comparing reporting tools, CRM, RFP and marketing systems
- The effect of increased competition for assets on driving firms to reassess their use of data and technology
Moderator: Guillaume Rouault, EMEA Director – Business Development, Diligence Vault
Speaker:
- James Smallridge, Director, Soho Square
15:30 - 16:00
A deep dive into client services
Carlota Fernández de León,
Sarah Odds,
Brad Ross-Williams
- What is the best practise and how is it positioned within the organisation
- How the current climate reflects the change in resourcing for the client services function
- What are the operational challenges within client services within larger organisations?
Moderator: Carlota Fernandez de Leon, Head of Investor Relations, SAIL Ventures
- Sarah Odds, Head of Client Services, ATLAS Infrastructure
- Brad Ross-Williams, Head of Investor Relations, CSQ UK LLP
Functional breakout sessions: Stream B – Marketing messaging & communications
14:30 - 15:00
How to effectively rebrand
Kimberly Romaine,
Lydia Kalia,
Claudia Urquiola,
Jessica Greenhalgh
- Reasons why you might rebrand and when this could be appropriate
- Types of rebrand: name change, visual refresh, new website development etc
- Developing brand ambassadors and effecting change
Moderator: Kimberly Romaine, Director, Private Equity Communications
- Lydia Kalia, Director of Marketing & Communications, Livingbridge
- Claudia Urquiola, Head of Marketing & Communications, Nauta Capital
- Jessica Greenhalgh, Marketing Communications Lead, Montagu
15:00 - 15:30
How the marketing mix evolves with the democratisation of private assets
Alexandra Prigent,
Seda Ambartsumian,
Annabel Arrowsmith,
Henry Philipson
- The current mix vs future mix
- The importance of a customer experience
- Identifying the changes and developments of the marketing function and the benefits of outsourcing
Speakers:
Moderator: Alexandra Prigent-Labeis, Managing Partner, Accellency
- Seda Ambartsumian, Head of Marketing & Communications, Target Global
- Henry Philipson , Marketing & Communications Director, Beringea
- Annabel Arrowsmith, Senior Marketing Manager, Private Assets, Schroders Capital
15:30 - 16:00
Challenging longstanding behaviours internally and externally
Sophie Littler,
Susann Aulbach,
Andrew Kenny,
Lucia Villamor
- Highlighting the importance and role of senior buy-in on social media
- How to ensure your marketing message and communications are not blurred across asset classes
- Using social media as a way to connect with your target audience
Moderator: Sophie Littler, Specialist Sales Associate Director, Fidelity International
- Andrew Kenny, Head of EMEA Corporate Communications, Carlyle
- Lucia Villamor, Partner, Investor Relations, Endless LLP
- Susann Aulbach, Investor Relations, DN Capital
Networking
16:00 - 16:40
Networking break
Plenary session
16:40 - 17:00
Fireside chat: An expert perspective on the evolution of investor relations
Charlotte O'Leary ,
Simon Males
17:00 - 17:45
Off the record - audience roundtable discussion
- The democratisation of private equity – Seda Ambartsumian, Head of Marketing & Communications, Target Global
- The role of BCorp in private investments – Henry Philipson, Marketing & Communications Director, Beringea
- Tapping into new pools of capital and how to access or enter those markets eg. Asia, Middle East etc – Lucia Villamor, Partner, Investor Relations, Endless LLP
- Private wealth and family offices their role in fundraising specifically in the current market – Susann Aulbach, Investor Relations, DN Capital
- How to achieve work/life balance in a career in private equity – Kathryn Pothier, Investor Relations Partner, Epiris
Reception
17:45 - 19:00
Networking drinks reception
Agenda
Day 2 - Thursday 28th
Off the record working breakfast sessions
08:15 - 09:15
Networking Breakfast
Welcome
09:15 - 09:20
Chairperson’s Welcome Back Address for the PEI IR, Marketing & Comms Forum
Plenary sessions
09:20 - 10:00
Investor Keynote Panel Discussion: LP requirements under the microscope
Craig McGlashan,
Joel Beckman,
Emanuel Eftimiu,
Nicolas Firzli,
Grace Reyes
- Navigating GP reluctancy to disclose investment information
- How to navigate the impact of increasing interest rates on your private market portfolio
- How satisfied are investors with their GP’s ESG performance
Moderator: Craig McGlashan, Editor, PE Hub Europe
Speakers:
- Emanuel Eftimiu, Principal, Head of ESG, Alpha Associates
- Nicolas Firzli, Director-General, World Pensions Council (WPC)
- Grace Reyes, CEO & Founder, The Investment Diversity Exchange (TIDE)
- Joel Beckman, Communications Lead, University of Cambridge Investment Management
10:00 - 10:20
Market update from Private Equity International
Domonique Lemonius
10:20 - 11:00
Fireside chat: An expert perspective on the evolution of marketing & communications in private investment
Jenny Blinch,
John Thompson
Networking
11:00 - 11:30
Networking break
Plenary session
11:30 - 12:10
How to weather the ESG data dilemma
David Thomas,
Erika Gucfa,
Andrew Harris,
Yaw Peprah,
Liz Platt
- Identifying practical measures to deliver meaningful ESG data and reports
- How automated the ESG data-gathering process is
- Joining the dots between ESG and DEI
Moderator: David Thomas, Director, GRESB
Speakers:
- Andrew Harris, Managing Director, Head of Investor Relations & ESG, Tiger Infrastructure
- Erika Gucfa, Managing Director, North Sky Capital
- Yaw Peprah, Investor Relations Manager, Goodwell Investments
- Liz Platt, Strategy Associate, Climate Investment
Andrew Harris
Managing Director, Head of Investor Relations and ESG, Tiger Infrastructure Partners
Read bio
Think tank sessions
12:10 - 13:10
IR, Marketing & Communications in private equity
Jenny Blinch
12:10 - 13:10
IR, Marketing & Comms in real estate
Jannik de Winter
12:10 - 13:10
IR, Marketing & Communications in infrastructure
Mathias Lejeune
12:10 - 13:10
IR, Marketing & Comms in private debt
Alexandra Prigent
Lunch
13:10 - 14:10
Networking lunch
Close of conference
14:10 - 14:10
Close of conference
Connect with Europe's leading industry professionals
The forum is the optimal environment to cultivate lasting and valuable relationships with investor relations, marketing and communications professionals in private markets.
Exchange best practices and discuss solutions to pressing industry challenges with your peers during the forum’s networking sessions and interactive roundtable discussions.
Access Europe’s private markets community
Join your peers at the only event in Europe specifically for private market professionals focused on investor relations, marketing, branding and communications.
Discover solutions to your daily pain points
Join interactive roundtable discussions with experts in private markets to brainstorm solutions to the most pressing challenges facing investor relations professionals.
Learn from fellow industry professionals
Get up to date on the latest marketing trends and discuss best practices for communicating with investors by participating in the forum’s many networking sessions.
Browse the 2022 attendees
Network with your peers from these firms and more...
2023 speakers
Have a topic you would like to discuss at the Investor Relations, Marketing & Communications Forum: Europe 2023? Contact Kitty Watson at kitty.w@pei.group to discuss available speaking opportunities.
