International
Responsible Investment Forum West 2024
4 - 5 September 2024,
Crowne Plaza, Palo Alto
Fusing responsible investing with innovation
The Responsible Investment Forum series brings together institutional investors, fund managers and highly recognized thought leaders. Providing an opportunity to discuss developing sustainable investment strategies that can enhance returns.
From pioneering climate tech startups to revolutionary AI-driven solutions, our discussions will uncover the latest trends and insights shaping the future of responsible investing on the dynamic West Coast. The Forum will explore topics including the impact of sustainability considerations on investor allocations, the evolution of US private funds in addressing sustainability in their portfolios, Scope 3 and California State, a deep dive into impact investing and much more.
Don’t miss your chance to connect with industry leaders, fund managers, and visionary thought leaders from across North America at this unique event.
2024 Key Themes
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Investor allocations and perspectives
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The role of AI in ESG monitoring processes
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Clean tech
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Building a coherent plan for biodiversity
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Scope 3 emissions California law
2024 Speakers Include:
Leading the way in responsible investment practices
Exceptional event content
Gain the latest insights and best practice from industry experts to transform your responsible investment strategies for the opportunities and challenges ahead.
Unparalleled Networking
Collaborate with your peers and benchmark your progress. Network during breaks, interactive working sessions, and invite-only breakfasts.
Meet Leading Investors
Secure your next investment from leading institutional and private investors. Previous attendees include CalSTRS, Canadian Union of Public Employees, NYC Comptroller, HOOPP, United Church Funds and many more.
Interested in sponsoring Responsible Investment Forum?
Shake hands with prominent global institutional investors, fund managers, consultants, and highly recognised associations to build effective ESG strategies focused on value creation and ROI.
3 global opportunities to:
• Raise your visibility as a figurehead in a crowded ESG market and align your brand with PEI’s global and diverse event portfolio.
• Differentiate your brand and stand out from your competitors by collaborating as a thought leader across leading global ESG events in private equity, infrastructure, and private debt.
• Raise your reputation as an expert in ESG amongst existing and future clients.
• Get ahead of ESG and impact fund regulations and be the go to provider in industry developments setting you apart from your competitors.
Get in touch with us today and let us put your company at the forefront of the industry.
Are you an institutional investor?
A limited number of complimentary passes are available for eligible institutional investors to join the event.
Complimentary investor passes are limited to foundations, endowments, trusts, insurance companies, single family offices, sovereign wealth funds and pension funds who are actively making fund commitments and do not engage in third-party fundraising activities or collect fees for advisory/consulting services.
Apply for a pass and a member of our team will be in touch to confirm your eligibility.
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”
Connect with global investors focused on the future of the market
Position your business with an authoritative content-led event portfolio focused on ESG & diversity and be recognised as a go-to solution provider for senior private markets professionals and institutional investors.
Don’t miss the opportunity to:
- Shake hands with prominent fund managers, global institutional investors, and highly recognised associations to discuss your effective ESG strategies focused on value creation and ROI.
- Stand tall from your competitors by showcasing your company’s ESG and sustainability solutions and your industry expertise with thought leadership opportunities on the event program.
- Discover brand opportunities to position your services and solutions to a global ESG community.
For more information on available sponsorship opportunities please fill in the enquiry form or contact Tyler Mitchell at tyler.m@pei.group or call +1 646 795 3279.
Pre-Event Resources
2024 Agenda
The Responsible Investment Forum: West will take place on September 4-5 2024 at Crowne Plaza, Palo Alto.
For agenda information or to inquire about speaking opportunities, please contact Kitty Watson at kitty.w@pei.group
Agenda
Day 1 - Wednesday 4th
Developing an ESG Contract Toolkit – Breakfast Workshop
- Explore some of the drivers for ESG contract uplift (e.g., commitments, regulation, risk mitigation), and provide an overview of different contract tools (e.g., reps and warranties, covenants, indemnities, information rights)
- Share experiences on integrating ESG into different types of contracts, including challenges and strategies for overcoming those challenges
- Discover how sponsors can identify key contracts with respect to both investments and portfolio companies, and then develop a set of tools that can be deployed by sponsor and portfolio company personnel
Moderators:
Mary Beth Houlihan, Partner, Kirkland & Ellis
Jennie Morawetz, Partner, ESG & Strategy, Kirkland & Ellis
Chairperson’s opening remarks
Allocators Panel: To what extent are sustainability considerations impacting investor allocations
- Investigating emerging areas LPs are focusing on when evaluating fund managers
- Are investors concerned that the weight of data requests are impossible for smaller funds to handle?
- LP views on the effectiveness of ESG strategies in driving long-term value and mitigating risks
- Engaging with third party data providers on data requests
Moderator:
Snehal Shah, Senior Reporter, New Private Markets
Speakers:
Lara Banks, Managing Director, Makena Capital Management
Kunal Doshi, Chief Investment Officer, Accelerate Investment Group
Katie Fackler, Associate Portfolio Manager, CalSTRS
Bruce Hao, Managing Director, Builders Vision
Mandira Reddy, Director, Capricorn Investment Group
Fireside chat: Why the integration of sustainability is crucial from an investment standpoint
- Why integrating sustainability in private equity investments is critical
- Concrete examples of successful integration of sustainability in PE
- Active and practical collaboration between investment professionals and sustainability professionals
Speakers:
Karl Eidmem, Head of Buyout, AP6
Anna Foller, Head of Sustainability, AP6
The evolution of US private funds in addressing sustainability within their portfolios
- Feast or famine – does impact / sustainability intentionality drive or constrain investible opportunity set?
- How do large investors view the sustainable investing across asset classes?
- Has the ESG ‘backlash’ had any impact on private funds’ approach to sustainability?
- How do current policies such as the IRA enhance or constrain technology risk appetite within sustainability-focused portfolios?
Moderator:
Verity Chegar, Board Member, International Sustainability Standards Board, IFRS Foundation
Speakers:
Jeff Cohen, Managing Director, Head of ESG & Sustainability, Oak Hill Advisors
Jacob Haar, Managing Partner, Community Investment Management
Matt Kaczmarek, Managing Director, Blackrock
Rhys Marsh, Portfolio Manager, LOIM Sustainable Private Credit
Brook Porter, Partner, G2 Venture Partners
Coffee & Networking
Scope 3 & California State – Strategies for reduction and compliance
- Exploring the current policies and regulations and how they drive positive change towards a more sustainable future
- How portcos are effectively measuring, managing and reducing their Scope 3 emissions
- Exploring methods to implement transparency and accountability in disclosing Scope 3 emissions
- What the Scope 3 Emissions California Law means for the rest of the US
Moderator: Snehal Shah, Senior Reporter, New Private Markets
Speakers:
Teresa Yu, ESG Product and Research, Novata
Tom Soto, Founder and Managing Partner, Latimer Partners
Adrienne Lindgren, Senior Vice President, Los Angeles Cleantech Incubator
Amanda Chang, Senior Associate, ESG, Kohlberg & Company
The integration of ESG into value creation plans
- How tech-driven solutions can drive value creation
- Balancing the long-term positive impact from sustainability initiatives when the benefits may be realised by subsequent owners
- Employing data-driven methodologies to move beyond anecdotal evidence, effectively demonstrating value and measuring outcomes of ESG initiatives
- Exploring the collaboration between the sustainability function, fund stakeholders and portfolio companies
Moderator:
Michael Littenberg, Partner, Ropes & Gray
Speakers:
Johan Nordenson, ESG Operating Partner, Altamont Capital Partners
Jessica Huang, Private Equity, ESG, Ares
Jennifer Flood, Sustainability, Head of North America, Investindustrial
Angela Jhanji, Managing Director, Sustainability – Private Capital, EQT Partners
Portfolio company perspectives on sustainability and ESG performance improvement
- How are portfolio companies balancing the expectations of their PE sponsors with their other stakeholders?
- Investigating the collaborative strategies employed by portfolio companies in partnership with their investors.
- What are the key ESG focus areas to improve performance and create real business value?
- Case studies of PE firms working effectively with portfolio companies
Moderator:
Erica Rivera, Managing Partner, Crenshaw Associates
Speakers:
Amy Bevilacqua, Managing Partner, Green Street Impact Partners
Elizabeth Crowe, Vice President, Operations, Angeles Equity Partners
Cynthia Jaggi, Partner, Climate Adaptive Infrastructure
Lunch
A deep dive into impact investing
- As ‘impact hushing’ becomes a wider phenomenon, is the impact label a good thing for fundraising at present?
- Is the age of the generalist impact investor over, and the future in thematic and specialist managers?
- What is the breakdown of venture, growth and buyout strategies from impact-orientated managers?
Moderator:
Tom Jorgensen, Managing Director, North Sky Capital
Speakers:
Christina Anzel, Director, Generation Investment Management
Amy Francetic, Managing General Partner, Co-Founder, Buoyant Ventures
Deborah La Franchi, President, SDS Capital Group
Danielle Reed, Managing Director, Builders Vision
Transition investing and technology: marrying returns, impact and scale
- What are the megatrends in sustainability investing that are prudent to align investments with?
- Which technologies and innovations will be driving the creation of financial value and returns in the coming decade?
- How are investors in decarbonisation and climate thinking about scalability of their impact?
Moderator: Simone Balch, Chief Growth Officer, Sonen Capital
Speakers:
Daryl Kennedy, Vice President, IPI Partners
Pat Burtis, Partner, Amadeus Capital
Brian Wayne, Managing Partner and Co-Founder, CurvePoint Capital
Coffee & Networking
Addressing the G in ESG
- Highlighting governance practises that focus on ethical decision making, transparency and accountability
- Examining the integration of governance principles to ensure responsible management of environmental and social risks
- The importance of board oversight in setting and implementing ethical guidelines, risk management strategies and accountability frameworks related to data governance and privacy
Moderator:
Bill Glenn, Executive Chairman, Crenshaw Associates
Speakers:
Charles Buck, President and CEO, United Church Funds
Jesse Audet, Director, Sustainable Investing, KKR
Shaun Chaudhuri, Principal, The Westly Group
Interactive Workshop Navigating the maze of ESG regulations
- Exploring the methodologies and criteria used to evaluate sustainability labelling and ESG risks
- Discussing the implications for investors and how to incorporate sustainable regulations into their investment strategies
- Comparing the challenges and opportunities of the different reporting frameworks and standards and how they contribute to market transparency, investor confidence and risk management
Moderator: Alison Fenton-Willock, Director, Sustainable Investing, KKR
Speakers:
Isela Rosales, Managing Director, Global Head of Sustainability & Responsibility, Bridge Investment Group
Mark Green, Senior Responsible Investment Manager, UNPRI
Emily Pierce, Chief Global Policy Officer and Associate General Counsel, Persefoni
Adjusting to growing interest in climate adaptation
- Where are investment opportunities in climate adaptation?
- Examining the technologies capturing investor interest in climate adaptation
- To what extent do climate adaptation measures address the evolving challenges posed to the environment
Moderator: Nitesh Dullabh, Chief Executive Officer, 2POD Ventures
Speakers:
Chase Seklar, Growth Investor, Advaita Capital
Daniel Matross, Global Head of Research, CREO
Katherine Short, Associate Director, Sustainable Investing, OMERS
The Grid’s role in having a sustainable energy balance
- How strategies to balance the grid meet fluctuating energy demands
- The role energy storage technologies (such as batteries and pumped hydro storage) play to store renewable energy during periods of low demand and improve grid reliability
- Evaluating risk and return profiles associated with Grid investments
Moderator: Shomik Dutta, Co-Founder and Managing Partner, Overture
Speakers:
Michael Huerta, CEO & Co-Founder, PearlX Infrastructure
Peter Nulsen, Managing Director, Generate Capital
Colin Kim, Director, Temasek
Coffee & Networking
How to Turn Carbon Reporting Into Business Impact: Beat Practices for Engaging Portfolio Companies in Cost-Effective Energy Action
- Learn how to accelerate portfolio carbon reporting and decarbonization by engaging portfolio companies through innovative strategies
- Discuss how to convert carbon data into a blueprint for decarbonization and cost reduction, utilizing technology and analytics
- Breakdown successful transitions from carbon reporting to implementing energy projects that reduce costs for PE firms and portfolio companies
- Share cost-effective decarbonization strategies in mature investments, emphasizing technology-enhanced collaboration
Speaker:
Akshai Baskaran, VP of Decarbonization, Gravity
Tech & Innovations Showcase
This unique session will highlight innovations with the potential to accelerate global decarbonization and halt climate change. Former winners of the prestigious BNEF Pioneers program will present on how their technology can be part of the solution. The audience will have the chance to quiz the presenters, and vote on which technology they would be most like to invest in.
Moderator: Wajiha Tahir, Account Manager, BloombergNEF
Speakers:
Dan McCann, CEO and Founder, Precision AI
Shannon Miller, CEO & Founder, Mainspring Energy
Val Miftakhov, Founder and CEO, ZeroAvia
Cocktail Reception
Agenda
Day 2 - Thursday 5th
Invitation only Breakfast Briefings for LPs and GPs
Sustainability excellence presentations
Three fund managers will present innovative strategies that they use within their portfolios to address sustainability and drive value creation
- Ashim Paun, Head of Sustainable Investing, Triton Partners
- Angela Jhanji, Managing Director, Sustainability – Private Capital, EQT Partners
- Matt Kaczmarek, Managing Director, Blackrock
Ethical AI – Navigating the intersection of technology and morality
- What do tech ethics look like from an AI perspective?
- Navigating the regulatory landscape on how to integrate AI into ESG monitoring processes
- Mitigating the social risks of integrating AI and the importance of “responsible information”
- Establishing the need for frameworks and common standards on AI ethics to ensure responsible development, deployment and use of artificial intelligence technologies
Moderator: Stephanie Seale, Advisor, UN Human Rights
Speakers:
Peter Dunbar, Principal, Responsible Investment, StepStone Group
Zomo Fisher, Head of Sustainability & ESG, Hellman & Friedman
Christopher Kauffman, Partner, General Catalyst
Mohammad Rasouli, AI Expert for Investment, Stanford University
Navigating the Future: Exploring the impact of climate regulations
- Reviewing the CSRD and US SEC’s climate related disclosure requirements
- Analysing the importance of transparency and accountability in addressing climate risks
- Dissecting the implications of the regulations on investors in relation to climate reporting
- Practical guidance for compliance with the regulations on climate disclosure
Moderator:
Abbey Raish, Partner, ESG & Impact, Kirkland & Ellis
Speakers:
David Hood, Managing Director, Sonen Capital
Katherine Short, Associate Director, Sustainable Investing, OMERS
Nicole Systrom, Chief Impact Officer, Galvanize Climate Solutions
Networking break
Maximising value: ESG integration in exit strategies
- Evaluating ESG performance and alignment with investor expectations prior to exit
- Navigating the increasing complexity of balancing goals: growth, environmental sustainability, operational efficiency and social impact
- Success stories: ESG metrics and reporting within an exit plan that demonstrated long-term sustainability and value creation
Moderator:
Ashim Paun, Head of Sustainable Investing, Triton Partners
Speakers:
Jill Brosig, Senior Managing Director, Chief Impact Officer, Harrison Street
Andy Caine, COO & Partner, Frazier Healthcare Partners
Lindsay Gibson, ESG Lead, North America, Permira
David Robb, Managing Director, Frontier Group
Oxford style debate – This house believes ESG boosts returns in private equity
Moderator: Snehal Shah, Reporter, New Private Markets, PEI Media
Speakers:
- For the motion: Jill Brosig, Senior Managing Director, Chief Impact Officer, Harrison Street
- Against the motion: Mark Green, Senior Responsible Investment Manager, UNPRI
Interactive roundtable discussions over Lunch
A seated lunch enabling you to join a table of market participants with similar interests and expertise. Attendees will have a mix of tables to choose from, each table having a host to steer discussions.
- Building a coherent plan for biodiversity
- Using ESG in fundraising – Andy Caine, COO & Partner, Frazier Healthcare Partners
- Working with portfolio companies – Jill Brosig, Senior Managing Director, Chief Impact Officer, Harrison Street
- ESG in due diligence – Stephanie Seale, Advisor, UN Human Rights
- The role of AI in responsible investing and value creation
Close of conference
2024 Speakers
For agenda information or to inquire about speaking opportunities, please contact Kitty Watson at kitty.w@pei.group
Institutional Investors at the Responsible Investment Forum: West 2024
The Responsible Investment Forum: West provides a leading platform for institutional investors, and allocators investing in sustainable investment in private equity, to gather.
Join over 200 institutional investors and fund managers to debate the latest trends and key themes.
A limited number of complimentary passes are available for responsible investment LPs and institutional investors. Check out the benefits of joining the conference, who among your peers attends and find out how to apply for a complimentary pass for you or your team below.
Agenda
Your investor highlights - Wednesday 4th
Allocators Panel: To what extent are sustainability considerations impacting investor allocations
– Investigating emerging areas LPs are focusing on when evaluating fund managers
– Are investors concerned that the weight of data requests are impossible for smaller funds to handle?
– LP views on the effectiveness of ESG strategies in driving long-term value and mitigating risks
– Engaging with third party data providers on data requests
Fireside chat: Why the integration of sustainability is crucial from an investment standpoint
– Why integrating sustainability in private equity investments is critical
– Concrete examples of successful integration of sustainability in PE
– Active and practical collaboration between investment professionals and sustainability professionals
Hear from leading investors
Christina Anzel
Director, Generation Investment Management
Charles Buck
President and CEO, United Church Funds
Peter Dunbar
Principal – Responsible Investment, StepStone Group
Kunal Doshi
Chief Investment Officer, Accelerate Investment Group
Karl Eidem
Head of Buyout, AP6
Katie Fackler
Associate Portfolio Manager, CalSTRS
Anna Follér
Head of Sustainability, The Sixth National Pension Fund (AP6)
Bruce Hao
Managing Director, Builders Asset Management, Builders Vision
Danielle Reed
Managing Director, Builders Initiative, Builders Vision
Katherine Short
Associate Director, Sustainable Investing, OMERS
What to expect at the forum?
Meet with the best and biggest impact funds globally
Network and arrange one-to-one meetings with leading institutional investors and benchmark your progress. Previous attending investors include CalSTRS, Canadian Union of Public Employees, NYC Comptroller, Seattle City Employees Retirement System, United Church Funds and many more
Network with your peers and other institutional investors
Build your network, understand their strategies, challenges and allocation approach to responsible investment
Get insight on the latest innovations and trends in responsible investment
Take advantage of expert insights from our leading speakers to stay aligned with developments in the market
Apply for a complimentary Institutional Investor pass
A limited number of complimentary passes are available for responsible investment Forum LPs, allocators and institutional investors.
Complimentary investor passes are limited to foundations, endowments, trusts, insurance companies, single family offices, sovereign wealth funds and pension funds who are actively making fund commitments and do not engage in third-party fundraising activities or collect fees for advisory/consulting services.
Apply below and a member of our team will follow up with you to secure your pass.
Network with the North American responsible investment industry
In a brand new venue in Palo Alto, join 200+ attendees this September 4-5 to connect with institutional investors, fund managers, specialist responsible investment and impact managers, and the wider ESG community for two days of learning and networking. This is a must-attend event for those with an interest in ESG in private markets.
The in-person networking experience
Meet investors with a focus on ESG
Network with active investors in responsible investment. Benefit from our expansive North American investor community who will be in attendance throughout the Forum.
Make lasting connections
Connect with your peers ahead of the event by utilising the event app. Arrange meetings ahead of time or connect during a range of interactive workshops, networking breaks, an evening drinks reception, roundtable discussions and invite-only breakfasts.
Build new connections at the forum
Past investors include CalSTRS, Canadian Union of Public Employees, NYC Comptroller, Seattle City Employees Retirement System, United Church Funds, and many more.
Connect with responsible investment professionals
Testimonials from attendees
“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”
Accommodation options - Crowne Plaza, Palo Alto
If you need accommodation for the event, rooms are available to book at the Crowne Plaza hotel where the forum is taking place.
Find out more and book your room via the link below.