Private Equity
International
International
Responsible Investment Forum: New York Virtual Experience 2021
3 - 4 March 2021,
Eastern Standard Time (EST) - Virtual, Available Anywhere
Effectively integrating ESG to create sustainable value
The Responsible Investment Forum returns for its fifth year as a virtual event to bring together the most sophisticated institutional investors, fund managers, consultants and highly recognized associations to discuss why, when, and how your firm should be implementing an effective ESG strategy.
ESG issues are at the heart of all PEI’s editorial coverage, with our reporters consistently following and scrutinizing the ways in which managers in the US are adopting responsible investment practices and what LPs are looking for as they consider investing in private equity. PEI, partnering with the Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI), continues to prove itself as a thought-leader in this area, and is at the forefront of covering the growth of ESG in North American private equity.
Discussion topics:
- Delivering social and environmental impact in the healthcare sector
- Good sustainability reporting
- Responsible investing for real estate investors
- ESG in private debt
- Sustainable infrastructure investing
- Clean, renewable & sustainable energy
- Emerging opportunities in impact investing
- Environmental justice
- View the full agenda
Co-Host:
Download the latest digital brochure to preview this year’s virtual forum. The virtual guide includes:
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Keynote speaker lineup
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Preliminary attendee list
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Agenda highlights
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Networking opportunities
Bringing together the LPs, GPs and associations leading the way in responsible investment practices
Connect with
investors
Understand how LPs are benchmarking corporate governance and how it impacts the manager selection process.
Hear from corporate
governance leaders
Learn how to manage and monitor an ESG policy that aligns with your primary responsibility of delivering returns to investors.
Join the
discussion
Get involved in a community dedicated to creating more sustainable value, brought together over the past seven years by PEI and UN PRI.
Explore the virtual experience
Platform highlights:
- Profile customization
- Create a personalized schedule by adding select sessions and face to face virtual meetings to “My Agenda”
- Want to meet list
- 1-on-1 networking meeting tools
- Interactive panel sessions with Q&A and discussion boards
- Automated reminders
- On-demand playback access to select sessions for up to 6 months
2021 Keynote speakers
2020 Event testimonials
“I really enjoyed the conference. It was very encouraging to hear how GP’s are integrating ESG not only in their portfolios but in their firms as we…
“Global warming, air pollution, and energy insecurity are three of the greatest problems facing humanity. The Responsible Investment Forum is a powerful g…
“It’s great to see PEI bring together a diverse and growing group of investment professionals interested and active in responsible and sustainable investment. T…
“I really enjoyed the conference. It was very encouraging to hear how GP’s are integrating ESG not only in their portfolios but in their firms as well. It was great to learn about their best practices as well as lessons learned. The breakout sessions and panels were very informative. The conference provided good networking opportunities as well.”
“Global warming, air pollution, and energy insecurity are three of the greatest problems facing humanity. The Responsible Investment Forum is a powerful global platform for like minded ESG investors to transition towards environmentally sustainable economies and societies for all”
“It’s great to see PEI bring together a diverse and growing group of investment professionals interested and active in responsible and sustainable investment. The format of 1:1 interactions, break out and plenary sessions was useful to share general market perspectives and engage in detail to share experience and deepen understanding of the many and varied ESG issues facing our industry today”
As we navigate the current global health crisis, we continue to offer the private equity community a Forum to engage, learn, and network. The Responsible Investment Forum New York will deliver the same first class dynamic content and peer networking opportunities through our virtual platform.
Join us on March 3-4, 2021 for a virtual experience as we bring together the most sophisticated LPs, GPs and associations to discuss why, when, and how your firm should be implementing an effective ESG strategy.
Explore the virtual experience
1-on-1 networking
Utilize the virtual meeting tools to schedule private face to face video meetings with institutional investors and fund managers
High quality content
Hear impactful discussions and keynote presentations and participate in interactive Q&A’s with speakers
A customized experience
Tailor your virtual experience by customizing your personal profile and agenda
On-demand access
Receive access to select sessions up to six months post-event anytime, anywhere
Virtual networking lounges
Visit sponsor networking lounges to meet privately with sponsors and to download sponsor resources
Early access to the platform
Access the platform two weeks prior to the event and begin networking with fellow event attendees and customizing your agenda/profile
Network and build key relationships
Network at any time throughout the two day virtual Responsible Investment Forum NY. Take advantage of our virtual meeting tools by sending a message or scheduling a face to face video meeting with Forum attendees.
- Early access to the platform: Get a jumpstart on your virtual experience when the platform opens two weeks prior to the event (February 17th). Customize your own individual profile and personal agenda and begin browsing through fellow attendee and speaker profiles.
- “Want to meet” list: Attendees can add fellow attendees to their “want to meet” list; once two people have both added each other to their individual lists a private, face to face 25 minute video meeting will be scheduled and added to both attendees’ personal agendas.
- Search, send, and schedule features: Search attendee profiles, send fellow attendees a message, and schedule a private, face to face video meeting anytime during the conference. Use the built-in search function to filter the list of attendees based on selected criteria such as fund type, sector focus, strategy, AUM, etc.
Participate in live and interactive discussions
Through the integrated Zoom platform, participate in a wide range of impactful discussions in various formats that include invitation only think-tanks, sector focused breakout sessions and keynote fireside chats with industry leaders.
Platform highlights:
- Live panel discussions with live audience Q&A
- Create a personalized schedule by adding select sessions and face to face virtual meetings to your customized agenda “My Agenda”
- Networking meeting tools
- Interactive discussion boards
- Automated reminders
- On-demand playback access to select sessions for up to 6 months
Meet with globally recognized service providers, fund managers, and associations
Learn more about our event sponsors and partners in the virtual networking lounge. The virtual networking rooms can be accessed at anytime and there you can:
- Live chat with sponsors
- Easily request information
- Access additional resources materials available
The virtual Responsible Investment Forum New York will connect you with the leaders in the private equity community providing a place to engage, learn, and network.
Network at any time throughout the two day virtual Forum. Take advantage of our virtual meeting tools by sending a private message or scheduling a 1-on-1 or group face to face video meeting with Forum attendees.
Ampfily your networking
Create a Want-to-Meet list
Two weeks leading up to the event, all attendees can add fellow attendees to your want to meet list. The auto scheduler meeting tool will match mutually interested attendees and setup a 1:1 video meeting.
Find the attendees you want to meet most by searching through criteria such as und type, sector focus, strategy, AUM, etc. You can prioritize your want to meet list based on who you want to meet most.
Search, send messages, and schedule meetings
Search attendee profiles, send fellow attendees a message, and schedule 1-on-1 or group meetings anytime during the conference. Meetings will take place as private, face to face video meetings.
Use the built-in search function to filter the list of attendees based on selected criteria such as fund type, sector focus, strategy, AUM, etc. Join your private meetings through your personalized agenda.
Network before and after the event
Begin filling out your profile and creating your personalized agenda 2 weeks prior to the event on February 17th.
Post event, receive access to select sessions and continue the conversation through the virtual platform for up to 12 months. Search and filter through the event attendees and send private messages.
2021 Preliminary agenda
View agenda page
Agenda
Day 1- March 3rd - Wednesday 3rd
Welcome remarks & think tanks
09:00 - 09:55
LP think tank (invitation-only)
Matt Schey
- How have ESG-related diligence efforts evolved or transformed because of COVID-19? Are you evaluating managers differently?
- Where is your organization looking to “do more” or “go deeper” with respect to ESG in 2021? Asked a different way: What’s next on your ESG roadmap?
- Where do you see opportunities for standardization or further clarification of best practice? What KPI’s / metrics are you collecting and reporting on at the PE portfolio level?
Facilitator:
Matthew D. Schey, Senior Director, Strategic Projects, Institutional Limited Partners Association (ILPA)
Matt Schey
Senior Director, Sustainable Investing and Strategic Projects, Institutional Limited Partners Association (ILPA)
Read bio
09:00 - 09:55
GP think tank (Invitation-only)
Alan Kao
- How detailed should an ESG policy be?
- How do you use your policy to drive ESG integration across your portfolio?
- Where have you had the most success driving ESG integration across your portfolio?
- What tools are you using to monitor ESG performance across your portfolio?
- What KPIs are you measuring?
- Are you able to collect ESG data from all of your portfolio companies?
- What ESG initiatives are your portfolio companies working on?
- Are you committing to a net zero portfolio?
- How are you measuring greenhouse gas emissions across your portfolio?
- How detailed should an ESG report be?
Facilitator:
Alan Kao, Global Director, ESG Services, Ramboll
09:55 - 10:10
PEI welcome & chairman’s opening remarks
Carol Jeppesen
Speaker:
Seth Kerker, Director of Events – Americas, PEI
Chairwoman:
Carol Jeppesen, CAIA, Head of US, Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI)
Plenary sessions
10:15 - 10:50
Opening keynote fireside chat
Jordan Stutts,
Chavon Sutton
Moderator:
Jordan Stutts, Senior Writer, Private Markets, PEI
Keynote Speaker:
Chavon Sutton, Senior Investment Director, Sustainable & Impact Investing Research, Cambridge Associates
11:00 - 11:40
Keynote CIO leadership discussion
Angela Miller May,
Jordan Stutts
Moderator:
Jordan Stutts, Senior Writer for Private Markets, PEI
Keynote speaker:
Angela Miller-May, Chief Investment Officer, Chicago Teachers’ Pension Fund
Networking break
11:40 - 12:00
Networking break
Plenary afternoon sessions
12:05 - 12:55
Delivering social impact in the healthcare sector
Molly Smith,
Jim Pieri,
Chanie Rubin,
Eli Rubin,
Jon Samuels
- In the wake of the coronavirus crisis, what do you consider to be the greatest ESG challenge facing the healthcare sector today?
- What are your LPs and other stakeholders asking for in the case of funds dedicated to healthcare?
- Emerging opportunities in healthcare
- Impact investing in healthcare and measuring impact
Moderator:
Molly Smith, Environmental, Social, and Governance Consultant, Bridge House Advisors
Panelists:
Jim Pieri, Managing Partner, Chief Investment Officer, Assured Healthcare Partners
Chanie Rubin, Chief Quality Officer, Proud Moments Behavioral Health
Eli Rubin, Chief Executive Officer, Proud Moments Behavioral Health
Jon Samuels, Partner, Impact & Policy, Vistria
13:00 - 13:50
Good sustainability reporting
Sarah Corrigan,
Lee Gardella,
Matthew Hershenson,
Keren Raz,
Candice Richards
How you can improve sustainability reporting and disclosure on Environmental, Social, and Governance issues in an evolving landscape.
- Defining your reporting objective and key audiences
- Considering crucial success factors when developing your report
- Gaining value from the reporting process
- Demonstrating improvement in your disclosures over time
Moderator:
Sarah Corrigan, Principal Consultant, ERM
Panelists:
Lee Gardella, Head of Investment Risk & Monitoring, Schroders
Matthew Hershenson, Head of Investor Relations, Paine Schwartz Partners
Keren Raz, Sr. Responsible Investment and Governance Specialist, Global Responsible Investment and Governance Team, APG Asset Management
Candice Richards, Compliance Officer, MidOcean Partners
Networking break
13:50 - 14:05
Afternoon networking break
Plenary session
14:10 - 14:45
Spotlight discussion: impact investing with Apollo Global Management
Dan Mistler,
Marc Becker,
Lisa Hall,
Joanna Reiss
Moderator:
Dan Mistler, Partner, Head of ESG Services, ACA Compliance
Panelists:
Marc Becker, Senior Partner and Co-lead of Impact, Private Equity, Apollo Global Management
Lisa Hall, Impact Chair, Private Equity, Apollo Global Management
Joanna Reiss, Partner and Co-lead of Impact, Private Equity, Apollo Global Management
Breakout sessions
14:50 - 15:40
Track A | Responsible investing for real estate investors
Ada Arevalo,
George Ashton,
Martin Muoto,
David Natt,
Arturo Sneider
Moderator:
Ada Arevalo, Founder & CEO, iimpact capital
Panelists:
George Ashton, President, LISC Fund Management
Martin Muoto, Chief Executive Officer, SoLa Impact Fund
David Natt, Senior Vice President Asset Manager, Avanath Capital Management
Arturo Sneider, Partner, Primestor
14:50 - 15:40
Track B | ESG in private debt
Chase Jordan,
Adam Heltzer,
Kristina Matthews,
Jessica Thompson
A forward-looking conversation discussing sourcing/screening, monitoring/engagement and how debt and equity providers can collaborate on ESG during the due diligence process.
Moderator:
Chase Jordan, Vice President, Malk Partners
Panelists:
Adam Heltzer, Head of ESG, Ares Management
Kristina Matthews, Managing Director, Head of Investor Relations & ESG, Brightwood Capital Advisors
Jessica Thompson, Executive Director, Debt Investments, Deputy Head of North America Infrastructure Debt, IFM Investors
14:50 - 15:40
Track C | Sustainable infrastructure investing
Dan Winters,
Andrew Kessler,
Sam Lissner,
Jim Pass,
Cassie Winn
- Laying the foundations for sustainable infrastructure investing
- Sustainable and inclusive recovery
- How can infra investors contribute to SDG outcomes?
Moderator:
Dan Winters, Head of Americas, GRESB
Panelists:
Andrew Kessler, Acting President, NY Green Bank
Samuel J. Lissner, Principal, Ridgewood Infrastructure
Jim Pass, Senior Managing Director, Guggenheim Partners
Cassie Winn, Executive Director, Infrastructure Investments Group, J.P. Morgan Asset Management
Cassie Winn
Executive Director, Infrastructure Investments Group, J.P. Morgan Asset Management
Read bio
Afternoon sessions
15:40 - 15:50
Networking break
Plenary sessions
15:55 - 16:30
Environmental, social, and governance integration
Robert Jenkins,
Michael Cappucci,
Amy O'Brien,
Mackenzie Turner
Effectively incorporating ESG factors into the investment underwriting process.
Moderator:
Robert Jenkins, Global Head of Research, Refinitiv
Panelists:
Michael Cappucci, Managing Director for Compliance and Sustainable Investing, Harvard Management Company (HMC)
Amy O’Brien, Head of Responsible Investing, Nuveen
Mackenzie Turner, Director of Impact, Vistria
16:35 - 17:15
Keynote Fireside Chat: Transitioning to Net Zero
Toby Mitchenall,
Connor Teskey
Agenda
Day 2- March 4th - Thursday 4th
Welcome remarks & women's roundtable
09:00 - 09:55
Women's roundtable
Aditi Mohapatra
09:55 - 10:00
PEI welcome
Speaker:
Seth Kerker, Director of Events – Americas, PEI
Plenary sessions
10:00 - 10:35
Keynote leadership discussion
Jordan Stutts,
Kip Kirkpatrick,
Marty Nesbitt
Moderator:
Jordan Stutts, Senior Writer for Private Markets, PEI Media
Keynote Speakers:
Kip Kirkpatrick, Senior Partner, Co-Chairman & Co-CEO, Vistria
Marty Nesbitt, Senior Partner, Co-Chairman & Co-CEO, Vistria
10:40 - 11:30
Emerging opportunities in impact investing
Meg Lentz,
Mark Berryman,
Antonio Marquez,
Megan Starr,
Julia Wittlin, CFA, CAIA, FRM
- Raising capital for impact
- Understanding how to effectively measure and manage impact
- Where in the market do you see the biggest potential opportunity – climate/carbon solutions, fintech/wealth inequality, education, healthcare, others?
Moderator:
Meg Lentz, Vice President, Malk Partners
Panelists:
Mark Berryman, Managing Director, Impact Investing, Caprock
Antonio Marquez, Managing Partner & Founding Principal, Comunidad Partners
Megan Starr, Global Head of Impact, The Carlyle Group
Julia Wittlin, CFA, CAIA, FRM, Managing Director and Senior Portfolio Manager, BlackRock Private Equity Partners (PEP)
Julia Wittlin, CFA, CAIA, FRM
Managing Director and Senior Portfolio Manager, BlackRock Private Equity Partners (PEP)
Read bio
Networking break
11:30 - 11:45
Morning networking break
Morning breakout series
11:50 - 12:40
Track A | Responsible agriculture investment strategies
Chris Janiec,
Atish Babu,
Jay L. Koh,
Allison Spector
- Identifying compelling investment opportunities through a thoughtful ESG lens
- ESG integration
- Ag climate challenges
Moderator:
Chris Janiec, Americas Editor, Agri Investor
Panelists:
Atish Babu, Senior Vice President, Agriculture Capital
Jay Koh, Managing Director, The Lightsmith Group
Allison L. Spector, Director of Responsible Investment, Real Assets and Private Markets, Nuveen
11:50 - 12:40
Track B | The impact of covid-19 on logistics and supply chain
Michael Rohwer,
Deborah Albers,
Dean Alborough,
Sean Barr
- Have we become too tight on logistics and supply chain?
- Managing ESG risk in the supply chains of private companies and assets
- The benefits of good ESG risk management in supply chains
Moderator:
Michael Rohwer, Director, Information and Communications Technology, BSR
Panelists:
Deborah Albers, Vice President, Responsible Business Alliance
Dean Alborough, Head of ESG, Old Mutual Alternative Investments (OMAI)
Sean Barr, Regional Vice President, EcoVadis
11:50 - 12:40
Track C | ESG in Venture Capital
Peter Dunbar,
Tracy Barba,
Uli Grabenwarter,
David Mott,
Susan Winterberg
Moderator:
Peter Dunbar, Private Equity Senior Specialist, Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI)
Panelists:
Tracy Barba, Global Executive Director ESG and Investor Market Development, 500 Startups
Uli Grabenwarter, Deputy Director of Equity Investments, EIF (European Investment Fund)
David Mott, Founding Partner, Oxford Capital
Susan Winterberg, Former Fellow, Technology and Public Purpose Project, Belfer Center, Harvard Kennedy School
Plenary sessions
12:45 - 13:35
Driving diversity for better results
Carmen Ortiz-McGhee,
Khalida Ali,
Sarah Bratton Hughes,
Sanjiv Shah,
Paul Yett
Diversity & inclusion are a business imperative.
Moderator:
Carmen Ortiz-McGhee, Chief Operating Officer, National Association of Investment Companies (NAIC)
Panelists:
Khalida Ali, Director, Diversity & Inclusion, Vista Equity Partners
Sarah Bratton Hughes, Head of Sustainability, North America, Schroders
Sanjiv Shah, Managing Director, Emerging & Diverse Managers Team, Harbourvest
Paul Yett, Head of ESG & Sustainability, Hamilton Lane
Carmen Ortiz-McGhee
Chief Operating Officer, National Association of Investment Companies (NAIC)
Read bio
13:40 - 14:30
Environmental justice
Brooke Dillon,
Dr. Michael K. Dorsey,
Tara Guelig,
Andrew Rodriguez
- Has ESG proven effective so far in making an impact? And is ESG saving the planet for everybody?
- Combating climate change
- Will the Biden administration boost inclusive sustainable investments?
Moderator:
Brooke Dillon, Senior Managing Consultant, Ramboll
Panelists:
Michael K. Dorsey, CEO & Co-Founder, Around the Corner Capital (USA), Managing Director, IberSun (Spain) & LP Pahal Solar
Tara Guelig, Director of Sustainability and Impact, The Lightsmith Group
Andrew Rodriguez, CEO & Chief Investment Officer, Change Finance
Dr. Michael K. Dorsey
CEO and Co-Founder, Around the Corner Capital (USA), Managing Director, IberSun (Spain) & LP Pahal Solar
Read bio
14:30 - 14:45
Networking break
14:45 - 15:30
How to use impact and ESG data to drive value creation
Kirk Hourdajian,
Bob Conlin,
Erin Mulligan Nelson,
Rick Needham
Moderator:
Kirk Hourdajian, Head of ESG & Impact, Vista Equity Partners
Panelists:
Bob Conlin, CEO, NAVEX
Erin Mulligan Nelson, CEO, Social Solutions
Rick Needham, Partner & Energy Sector Lead, The Rise Fund
15:30 - 15:40
Chairwoman's closing remarks
Carol Jeppesen
Chairwoman:
Carol Jeppesen, CAIA, Head of US, Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI)
2021 Speakers
Interested in speaking at the 2021 Forum?
Please contact Zakira Ralling at zakira.r@peimedia.com or +1 646 545 3321.
Michael Cappucci
Managing Director - Compliance and Sustainable Investing, Harvard Management Company
Dr. Michael K. Dorsey
CEO and Co-Founder, Around the Corner Capital (USA), Managing Director, IberSun (Spain) & LP Pahal Solar
Lee Gardella
Head of Private Equity North America, Member of the Investment Committee, Schroders Capital
Keren Raz
Sr. Responsible Investment and Governance Specialist, Global Responsible Investment and Governance Team, APG Asset Management
Matt Schey
Senior Director, Sustainable Investing and Strategic Projects, Institutional Limited Partners Association (ILPA)
Chavon Sutton
Senior Investment Director, Sustainable and Impact Investing Research, Cambridge Associates
Jessica Thompson
Executive Director, Deputy Head of North America Infrastructure Debt, IFM Investors
Julia Wittlin, CFA, CAIA, FRM
Managing Director and Senior Portfolio Manager, BlackRock Private Equity Partners (PEP)
2021 Sponsors
The Responsible Investment Forum New York offers a unique opportunity for organizations to raise their profile by meeting with the largest gathering of investors, fund managers and organizations shaping the future of ESG in private equity.
For exclusive sponsorship packages,
contact Tyler Mitchell at tyler.m@peimedia.com or call +1 646 795 3279.
Pre-Event Resources
Frequently asked questions
What about the timezone difference? How do I set meetings on my timezone?
The platform shows available meeting times as per your computer’s timezone. For example, if you are based in New York, a meeting you set for 12 pm from your account will show to a recipient in Los Angeles as 9 am, reducing the human error impact of incorrectly guessing timezones.
It is worth noting that event timings will be running on the Eastern Time Zone. The platform will note the timezone abbreviation next to most timings to avoid confusion.
How do I access sessions?
All attendees will be sent a link to access our virtual conference app two weeks prior to the event. As a registered attendee, you will be sent a unique link to access the platform. That link is unique to you and cannot be shared with anyone else.
What is included in the ticket price?
Every registration ticket will include access to all general sessions, breakouts, interactive discussions, virtual networking sessions & private video chat, and on-demand playback of select sessions.
Do I need to sit in front of my laptop all day or all night?
No. There will be live content (which is where you can take part in live Q&As) and select sessions will be made on demand, so you can watch sessions at a time convenient to you.
I have watched enough webinars over the past 6 months, why would I want to watch more?
We hear you – which is why we have structured the platform to ensure you are part of the conversation. You will be able to:
- Ask questions of panel speakers during the session
- Spend time face-to-face via video conference with speakers to ask questions after the
session - Join roundtables to discuss the topics that matter to you with like-minded peers
- Focused networking breaks where you can discuss the strategies and opportunities you are interested in
- Pop in to sponsor booths to connect via video and discuss their offerings or a presentation that they have given
Additional questions?
Please feel free to contact us directly at regny@peimedia.com.