Lindsay DeLarme
Managing Director, Head of Corporate Communications & Branding, Oaktree Capital Management, L.P.
Investor
Relations
Network
Relations
Network
New York Forum
March 26-27, 2025
Convene, 360 Madison Avenue, New York
Navigating industry changes, trends, and new opportunities
The Investor Relations Network New York Forum explores best practices of fundraising, LP relations, communications, and marketing strategies in private markets.
Over two days, the largest community of IR and marketing leaders in private equity will gather to discuss the biggest pain points impacting their roles and shared new strategies for overcoming them.
With a rich history spanning 20 years, this is the must-attend event for IR, marketing, and communications professionals in private equity.
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.
Who attends the leading events for IR professionals?
Featured keynote speaker: Tom Eckersley, Head of Marketing, Hg
Marketing matters: Marketing’s role in firm changes
Find out what a private equity “brand” means to Hg in this featured fireside chat.
Tom Eckersley, Head of Marketing, will discuss:
- Lessons learned from rebrands
- How to evoke a positive and accurate representation of your firm
- The keys to marketing for origination vs. fundraising
- What’s next for this ever-evolving function in private capital
For more on the agenda
Agenda highlights
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, interactive think tanks, working groups, and keynote discussions, attendees will learn how to:
- Navigate the current market to propel your career forward
- Leverage new technologies to reach new investors
- Tap into emerging sources of funding including international and family offices
- Optimize messaging to maintain strong LP relationships
- And much more…
Experts leading the discussion
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
Andrew J. Campbell
Partner, Investment Committee Member & Investor Relationships, DC Capital Partners, LLC
Lindsay DeLarme
Managing Director, Head of Corporate Communications & Branding, Oaktree Capital Management, L.P.
Priya Pradhan Karkar
Managing Director, Investor Relations and Business Development, Kline Hill Partners
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 this year’s Forum?
Contact Brian Anderson at brian.a@pei.group to discuss speaking opportunities.
View agenda page
Agenda
Day 1 - Wednesday 26th
Registration and Breakfast
08:00 - 09:00
Registration and Breakfast
Interactive Breakfast Discussions
08:10 - 08:50
Breakfast Meeting A: Investor relations career development
Lauren Gruchy
- What is appropriate compensation?
- Becoming competent through and rank skills needed
- Breaking through the glass ceiling or parallel opportunities
- What is the hiring environment?
- Different needs of senior level vs junior level for growth
Moderator:
Lauren Gruchy, Field Events Manager, Georgian
08:10 - 08:50
Breakfast Meeting B: Marketing career development
- What is appropriate compensation?
- Becoming competent through and rank skills needed
- Breaking through the glass ceiling or parallel opportunities
- What is the hiring environment?
- Different needs of senior level vs junior level for growth
Welcoming remarks
09:00 - 09:15
Chair Opening
09:15 - 10:00
Keynote
Plenary
10:00 - 10:45
Leverage new and emerging technologies
Laura Fahrney
- Building technology solutions vs leveraging technology software
- Hear what tools are available and how (well) they work
- Discuss best practices within technologies and workflows
- Consider AI’s limitations and opportunities
- How firm size and resources impact technology
- What are the things that GPs want from technology
- What technologies are evolving
Panelists:
Laura Fahrney, Partner, Investor Relations, Ridgemont Equity Partners
Break
10:45 - 11:15
Networking Break
Panels
11:15 - 12:00
Emerging sources of funding: Family offices and multi-family offices
Emily Mason,
Leslie Hill
- US vs global challenges and opportunities
- Contrast workable approaches for attracting and keeping family office vs multi-family offices
- Cater to consultants to maximize return on investment
Panelists:
Emily Mason, Managing Director, Head of Investor Relations & Fundraising, Cornell Capital
Leslie Hill, Partner, Chief Operating Officer of Global Capital Formation, Sagard
11:15 - 00:00
Creative IR and marketing: What’s new and different
- Innovative strategies for communications -formats, including video
- What forums and channels are effective
- Change over time to use zoom or pre-recording collateral
- Using video to tell your story
- Augmenting your pitchbook
Luncheon
12:00 - 13:00
Lunch
Think Tanks: GP-only gatherings for candid discussions in a closed-door setting. Join your peers for candid discussions in a closed-door setting, with no media, vendors, or service providers in the room.
13:00 - 13:50
Think Tank A: Communication strategies to develop and protect your relationships
Rushana Cypert
- Identify communication dos and don’ts
- Discuss messaging fundamentals
- What is the key to crisis messaging
- Utilizing new technology and subscription models
- Compare the strategies for gaining traction to differentiate that are employed by small departments vs. large departments
Co-facilitators:
Rushana Cypert, Vice President, Investor Relations, The Capstreet Group
13:00 - 13:50
Think Tank B: Expanding and enhancing the due diligence experience during fundraising
David Martus,
Betsy Sylvester
- Use marketing skillsets to translate and position information and incremental materials to LPs
- Marketing and IR collaboration
- How to manage expectations internally how to
- Address trends in LP expectations for fundraising
- Changing pre-marketing prep and what is standard in your data room
Co-facilitators:
David Martus, Managing Director of Investor Relations, GSSG Solar
Betsy Sylvester, Managing Director, Head of Client Management, Castlelake
Streams
14:15 - 15:05
AI: Present use cases and possibilities
- Where to start
- How to test it and conduct assessments
- What are the benefits of using it and how do you measure success
- What third parties are people using
- Precautions that address threats to privacy and security
- Leverage opportunities for your team
- Role of AI in background research
Panelist:
Brad Thawley, Partner, Limited Partner Relations, New Enterprise Associates (NEA)
13:55 - 14:40
Build and Develop your team
Andrew J. Campbell,
Kathryn Pothier
- Compare inhouse vs agency implications
- Where are you looking to hire, including specialization areas
- Implications for building and managing your team if you are a one hub or regional ops firm
- Partnering with C-suite for buy-in to value of marketing and IR
- How do you structure your team
- Finding the intersection of IR and marketing teams and how collaboration works and doesn’t work
Panelists:
Andrew Campbell, Partner, DC Capital Partners
Kathryn Pothier, Partner, Investor Relations, Epiris
13:55 - 14:40
Rise of semi-liquid vehicles in private markets
Natalie Harvard
- Survey the competitive landscape of semi-liquid funds
- Identify unique selling points and potential differentiators.
- Discuss market trends and investor preferences related to this asset class
- Use of technology for IR workflow
Panelists:
Natalie Harvard, Partner, Head of Investor Relations, Oak Hill Advisors
Catherine Saunders, Managing Director, Business Development, Benefit Street Partners
Networking break
14:40 - 15:10
Networking Break
14:45 - 15:15
Speaker Office Hours
During Speaker Office Hours meetups, speakers and other participants will meetup to continue the conversations for popular sessions. These sessions will not be facilitated. R.S.V.P required.
Streams
15:15 - 16:05
Working cross-functionally: Win allies and collaborate with sales legal, investing and compliance
Colleen Floberg
- Fostering collaboration by ensuring and conveying alignment of interests
- Convey imperatives and get in step with to C-level other functions
- Tips for communicating do’s and don’ts
- Practical approaches for when your facing roadblocks
- Investigate internal processes for how conducive they are for collaboration
Panelists:
Colleen Floberg, Principal – Capital Formation & Business Development, GI Partners
15:15 - 16:05
Storytelling that is authentic and compelling
Allison Yazel
- What is the right approach for your firm
- What rings true with disparate constituencies
- Importance of tailoring message length and channel(s) used based on audience
- Best-in-class though leadership: Owned content and digital in storytelling
Panelists:
Jennifer Rogg, Managing Director – Head of Investor Relations, Dunes Point Capital
Erica Sunkin, Director of Communications, New Enterprise Associates (NEA)
Allison Yazel, Vice President, Marketing, Manna Tree Partners
15:15 - 16:05
Side letter negotiations and LP requests
Parag Shah
- What terms in side letters are new in past 12 months
- What are LPs asking for
- At what point should IR be in the conversation
- Manage your internal constituency and manage your fund law firm
- Work in concert with other functions
- Use marketing skillsets to translate and position information and incremental materials to LPs
Panelists:
Parag Shah, Head of Marketing, Arena Investors
Jim Rutherfurd, Co-Founder and Partner, Head of Investor Relations, BharCap Partners
Plenary
16:10 - 17:00
LP Panel: Ongoing communications with investors
Amrita Mainthia ,
Michael Felman
- Manage relationships in a slower exit environment
- Keeping investors interested between fundraises
- When and how to communicate differently with LPACs
- Reporting expectations vs. exasperation: how often and what are you reporting
- How ILPA’s template may change reporting
Moderator:
Amrita Mainthia, VP, Investor Relations, General Catalyst
Panelists:
Michael Felman, President and CEO, MSF Capital Advisors
Reception
17:00 - 18:00
20th Anniversary Gala & Awards Ceremony
This year marks two exciting milestones–the 20th anniversary of the Investor Relations Marketing & Communications Forum and the launch of our new Investor Relations Network. It’s an evening to reflect on the journey, celebrate shared achievements, and look ahead to the next chapter of innovation.
The gala will kick off with a toast and awards ceremony to honor leaders who have defined and continue to define a standard of excellence. Our awards ceremony will spotlight outstanding professionals whose vision, creativity, and commitment have transformed the private fund investor relations and marketing landscape. From pioneering marketing strategies to groundbreaking investor relations practices, these honorees have set the bar high for the entire industry.
Their commitment to advancing the industry has been and is essential to the success of this community, and we’ll take this opportunity to thank them for their ongoing support.
Join us for an unforgettable evening of networking and recognizing trailblazers in the industry.
Agenda
Day 2 - Wednesday 27th
Breakfast
08:00 - 08:55
Breakfast of Champions
Problem Solving Potluck: Real Challenges, Real Solutions, Better Outcomes
With an emphasis on real-world experiences and solutions, this lively session is sure to be a favorite—providing invaluable takeaways from the shared expertise of industry professionals.
Hear the most pressing challenges your peers have faced, their innovative solutions and their outcomes. Whether it’s navigating investor communications during a market downturn, refining marketing strategies to attract the right investors, or tackling complex compliance issues around fund promotions, this session offers a unique opportunity for peer-to-peer exchange. You will walk away with actionable insights and practical strategies you can use to improve outcomes.
Every attendee shares one issue they faced, their solution and the outcome. Pre-registration will be required.
Opening Remarks
09:00 - 09:05
Opening Remarks
09:05 - 09:50
Keynote Fireside Chat: Marketing matters: Brand evolution during market revolution
Tom Eckersley
- The opportunities and the growing pains: Challenges and prospects related to rapid growth
- Lessons learned from brand strategy evolution and ‘rebrands’
- What does brand mean in private markets – how do you evoke a positive and accurate representation of your firm
- Moving targets: what’s key to marketing for origination vs fund raising vs more general reputation management
- How to scale a team
- The intersection of marketing, sales and wider stakeholder engagement
- What’s the next frontier for this ever-emerging function in private capital
Tom Eckersley, Head of Marketing, Hg
09:50 - 10:40
Objective-driven AGMs: Design your program with priorities in mind
Irene Hong Edwards
- Discuss various objectives of AGMs and tactics for achieving them
- Examine how program facets (content, speakers, activities, etc.) are conducive to AGM objectives
- What pre- and post-AGM communications work
- What activities generate the highest/lowest levels of engagement
- What infrastructure and technologies (layout, venue, timing, apps etc) work and don’t work for LPs
Panelist:
Irene Hong Edwards, Partner, Head of Investor Relations, Lovell Minnick Partners
Networking break
10:40 - 11:10
Networking Break
10:40 - 11:10
Speaker Office Hours
During Speaker Office Hours meetups, speakers and other participants will meetup to continue the conversations for popular sessions. These sessions will not be facilitated. R.S.V.P required.
Streams
11:10 - 12:00
Crisis communications and issues management
- Countering and leveraging influence of social media
- Organize with an emphasis on immediacy
- Cyber risk management and planning tabletops that are specialized and apart from routine crisis communication
- Scenario and contingency planning based on most relevant situations for firm or portfolio companies
- Proactive and reactive strategies for ESG and DEI
11:10 - 12:00
Vet, select and manage placement agents
James Varela,
Christina Anzel,
Alia Rafi
- How much to give and what work to assign
- How to coordinate your collaboration
- When do you come in and how do you reference them
- Look at benefits or working with or without them
- Have a strategy What specific areas do different placement agents have access to
Moderator:
James Varela, Partner, Head of Middle East, Rede Partners
Panelists:
Christina Anzel, Director, Client Team, Generation IM
Mac Hofeditz, Managing Director, Vector Capital Management
Alia Rafi, Principal, Investor Relations and Fundraising, FTV Capital
11:10 - 12:00
Leverage growth areas: Private banks & RIAs
Sean Cumiskey
- US vs global challenges and opportunities
- Form a presence in this area and how to play it based on fund size and brand
- RIA space -why custody reporting and other priorities are important
- In wealth management in RIA space is a huge PE
- What factors weigh in on whether to put all chips on one RiA manager vs diversifying
- How to pitch differently
- Scalability: What structure are you using to bring them in and how to service them
Panelists:
Sean Cumiskey, Head of Investor Relations, Omega Funds
Luncheon
12:00 - 13:00
Luncheon
Streams
13:00 - 13:50
Navigating the backlash and regional nuances to ESG and DEI
Amanda Heravi
- Look at the growing movement toward Responsible Innovation
- Navigating LP relationships when you invest in controversial industries
- Conveying the financial advantages of DEI and ESG
- Tailor your messaging without compromising your integrity
Panelists:
Michele Chow-Tai Managing Director, Business Development, Fairview Capital Partners
Amanda Heravi, Managing Director, Head of Investor Relations & Director of ESG, Avista Healthcare Partners
13:00 - 13:50
Strategies that resonate with institutional investors in a slow exit environment
Caroline Page,
Roseita Monteiro,
Kareen Laton,
Priya Pradhan Karkar,
David Fann
- Evolution and growth of the secondary market
- Speak to alignment of interests and inherent conflicts
- Deliver value when performance isn’t strong
- What rights do LPs have in the continuation vehicle process
- Challenges that LPs face and how GPs can mitigate them
Moderator:
Caroline Page, Partner, HighVista Strategies
Panelists:
Roseita Monteiro, Principal Investor Relations, Coller Capital
Kareen Laton, Managing Director, Head of Investor Relations, NovaQuest Capital Management
Priya Karkar, Managing Director, Investor Relations and Business Development, Kline Hill Partners
David Fann, Senior Managing Director, Head of Investor Relations, VSS Capital Partners
Priya Pradhan Karkar
Managing Director, Investor Relations and Business Development, Kline Hill Partners
Read bio
13:00 - 13:50
Messaging matters: Technologies and providers that deliver
- Look into which technologies best deliver and amplify your message
- Think about your cost benefit analysis
- Consider security concerns
- What is a common mistake made by GPs in incorporating tech into their strategy
Plenary
13:55 - 14:45
Differentiate your brand for fundraising and recruiting
- Retail strategies for making your brand appeal in retail to HNW and mass affluent
- Branding to resonate across various stakeholder groups
- Refresh or tweak your brand
- Update on Marketing Rule regulations for exempt and non-exempt
End of conference
14:45 - 14:45
End of conference
Kathleen Toomey, Ampersand Capital Partners
"This is a 'must attend' for any IR or Marketing professional"
Over two days, attendees will build 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 gala
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 20th anniversary forum, and be sure to secure your place when you’re ready.
We hope to see you in New York City in March.
Exclusive community elevating investor relations, marketing, and communications in private markets
Join us at the New York Forum AND become a founding Investor Relations Network member
Become a founding member
All-access pass to the Forum
+
Annual Investor Relations Network membership
$3,395* $3,995
*Early bird pricing expires December 6
Discounts available for team memberships
Introducing the Investor Relations Network
A year-round, exclusive community designed to elevate private markets professionals through continuous support, connections, and insights
Investor relations, marketing, and communications professionals in private markets face unique challenges. Building trust, raising capital, managing stakeholder relationships, and conveying performance and brand strength in a dynamic industry can be a lonely, daunting task. The Investor Relations Network is here to help. Backed by PEI’s expertise and convening power, join an exclusive, trusted community that supports your goals with the expertise, tools, and networking opportunities you need to elevate your impact.
Unlock success at the must-attend New York Forum
Share best practices in fundraising and LP relations with the largest community of investor relations, marketing and communications leaders at the New York Forum. With 20 years of rich history, this two-day event offers invaluable networking, interactive discussions, and actionable insights to empower your team and elevate your firm’s success.
Enhanced access to LPs & continuous learning
Our commitment to your success means providing key opportunities to connect with LPs. As a member, you’ll gain access to LP Investor Councils, exclusive Summits & Suppers in key hubs across the US, and focused Virtual Meetings. These events are crafted to strengthen your LP and peer relationships, deliver valuable insights, and expand your network year-round.
Elevate your impact & influence
Enhance your skills with executive coaching from top industry leaders, tailored for private markets investor relations, marketing, and communications professionals. Through expert guidance and development sessions, you’ll gain actionable strategies that strengthen your ability to manage stakeholder relationships, effectively communicate value, and propel your career forward.
Personalized support for strategic introductions
Our dedicated Network Manager serves as your concierge, facilitating peer-to-peer introductions and providing access to a private Member Directory. This tailored service helps you advance your career goals through meaningful relationships and connections with industry leaders and like-minded professionals.
Stay ahead with timely, expert analysis
Gain access to exclusive industry content and analysis tailored for investor relations, marketing, and communications professionals. Stay current on private markets industry trends, fundraising best practices, and performance strategies. From crisis management techniques to actionable insights, our resources empower you to communicate effectively with stakeholders and enhance your overall impact in the industry.
Introducing the Investor Relations Network
A year-round, exclusive community designed to elevate private markets professionals through continuous support, connections, and insights
Investor relations, marketing, and communications professionals in private markets face unique challenges. Building trust, raising capital, managing stakeholder relationships, and conveying performance and brand strength in a dynamic industry can be a lonely, daunting task. The Investor Relations Network is here to help. Backed by PEI’s expertise and convening power, join an exclusive, trusted community that supports your goals with the expertise, tools, and networking opportunities you need to elevate your impact.
Unlock success at the must-attend New York Forum
Share best practices in fundraising and LP relations with the largest community of investor relations, marketing and communications leaders at the New York Forum. With 20 years of rich history, this two-day event offers invaluable networking, interactive discussions, and actionable insights to empower your team and elevate your firm’s success.
Enhanced access to LPs & continuous learning
Our commitment to your success means providing key opportunities to connect with LPs. As a member, you’ll gain access to LP Investor Councils, exclusive Summits & Suppers in key hubs across the US, and focused Virtual Meetings. These events are crafted to strengthen your LP and peer relationships, deliver valuable insights, and expand your network year-round.
Elevate your impact & influence
Enhance your skills with executive coaching from top industry leaders, tailored for private markets investor relations, marketing, and communications professionals. Through expert guidance and development sessions, you’ll gain actionable strategies that strengthen your ability to manage stakeholder relationships, effectively communicate value, and propel your career forward.
Personalized support for strategic introductions
Our dedicated Network Manager serves as your concierge, facilitating peer-to-peer introductions and providing access to a private Member Directory. This tailored service helps you advance your career goals through meaningful relationships and connections with industry leaders and like-minded professionals.
Stay ahead with timely, expert analysis
Gain access to exclusive industry content and analysis tailored for investor relations, marketing, and communications professionals. Stay current on private markets industry trends, fundraising best practices, and performance strategies. From crisis management techniques to actionable insights, our resources empower you to communicate effectively with stakeholders and enhance your overall impact in the industry.