Consortium 2021 was all about action. Building on the event’s 18-year heritage, attendees discussed real-time tactics and next-steps to increase allocations to diverse investment managers. Participants also heard from industry leaders about the positive double-bottom-line impacts that diversity and inclusion are having on their investments and their businesses. Throughout the virtual event, attendees connected in panel presentations, small group discussions, and one-on-one conversations, taking away tangible action items.
OVERHEARD
This year’s themes of action and leadership were the prevalent topics of discussion. Not only were these discussions thought-provoking and inspiring, but they were also calls-to-action for LPs and consultants to “put their money where their mouth is” and broaden their search for talent, and for GPs to tighten-up their presentations and use more modern methods to attract investment capital.
“GCM Grosvenor does a great job connecting LPs and GPs.”
“I appreciated the level of insight given by the panelists. I also appreciated that the questions I asked during the session were presented/answered.”
“We had two meetings, and while we of course would always love more, they were both top quality and there is follow-up to come.”
“This was a great way to get a quick 30-minute overview with multiple investors.”
GP BOOTCAMP: THE PERFECT PITCH
In this new session, attendees viewed 5-minute pitch videos prepared by a collection of diverse GPs, who received live feedback of their videos from notable LPs. Given that this was a new feature this year, we were pleased with the overwhelmingly positive response to the live and interactive experience.
Over 40 videos were submitted and 9 were selected for review. The compilation below highlights the practical advice and important takeaways given to the presenting managers and to all GPs who wish to improve their video pitch.
“I thought this session was the highlight of the Consortium. Amy and the panelists were insightful and unguarded in their evaluations.”
“I found it VERY informative. In fact, I’m reworking my pitch
materials because of the insight gained.”
“I was one of the featured funds. It was an invaluable experience.”
LP PERSPECTIVES
In multiple sessions, including the Investor Allocation Challenge and the LP Intensive, institutional investors and their consultants talked about the approaches and tactics that they took to make their businesses and investment programs more inclusive. In doing so, they not only highlighted to other LPs the benefits of allocating to diverse and women managers, but also provided real, tangible next steps in how to implement.
“The moderators’ questions were right on target for the most part and I thought the sessions were great!”
“It felt like the speakers were being candid about their interests and processes.”
BY THE NUMBERS
Consortium welcomed more than 420 participants, and we were excited to see 225 first-time attendees among them! The perspectives and insights brought by new attendees helped keep Consortium fresh and dynamic after all these years.
Investors and Consultants
Representatives from 129 LPs and consultants represented many different types of firms
80%have existing small, emerging, or diverse investments
More than half of which have programs over
$250 million
General Partners
Representatives from 184 diverse- and women-led firms gained valuable exposure to LPs, acquired knowledge, and made new connections.
Those who self-reported represented a range of diverse managers.
“The platform was easy to navigate! One of the best virtual conferences I have attended.”
SPOTLIGHT: INVESTORS IN ACTION
Several top institutional investors participated in the Investors In Action session. In these small, curated workshops, GPs heard from those who are actively investing with small, emerging and/or diverse managers, and learned about investors’ manager selection process.
We thank the Workshop Leaders:
- Michael Buchman, Vice President and Co-Chief Investment Officer, Conrad N. Hilton Foundation
- David Gilmore, Chief Investment Officer, Harry, and Jeanette Weinberg Foundation
- David Greenberg, Deputy Chief Investment Officer, The California Endowment
- Andy Greene, Managing Director, Investments, Toronto Transit City Pension Fund Society
- Nickol Hackett, Chief Investment Officer, The Joyce Foundation
- Harisha Koneru Haigh, Managing Director, Northwestern University Endowment
- Eddie Ramos, Head of External Advisor and Diversity Portfolio Manager, State of New Jersey Division of Investment
“This was a great way to get a quick 30-minute overview with multiple investors.”
WHAT’S NEXT
We look forward to hosting the 19th Annual Consortium in-person in the summer of 2022. Check back for updates on dates, venue, and other information. Until then, save the date for the 2021 SEM Conference October 12 + 14. Learn more here.
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