3rd Annual Canada West Institutional Forum 2024 | Markets Group | 23 October 2024 | Paradox Hotel Vancouver, 1161 W Georgia St, Vancouver, BC V6E 0C6, Canada, USA

The 3rd forum is the region's leading conference for pension funds, insurance companies, foundations & endowments, hospital plans, sovereign wealth funds and consultants from throughout the region. The forum’s content is developed through hundreds of one-on-one meetings with the institutional investment community and the program's speaker faculty is primarily comprised of leaders in the sector across Canada.

Our agenda covers asset allocation and protection, equity markets, fixed income, alternative investments, as well as succession planning and an outlook of the financial markets and the global economy. This event is completely closed-door and invitation-only, and it is designed to enable genuine peer-to-peer learning and networking for the regional institutional community.

Key Discussion Topics:
Macro-Outlook & Asset Allocation: The Next 12 Months at a Glance
• Top thinkers and chief investment officers share their investment views about current US asset allocation strategies and their projected macroeconomic outlook for the next 12 months.

Fixed Income: Reassessing the Asset Class in Uncertain Times
• Federal Reserve rate cuts are undetermined, but what will result from the Federal Reserve’s balance sheet and the U.S. Government’s borrowing needs?
• Given this precarious moment in time, investors are left wondering what role bonds should play within their portfolios.

Alternatives & Private Market Investments – Time to Shine
• As investors search for additional sources of revenue and methods for portfolio diversification in the volatile and changing environment, alternatives stand out as an area of opportunities.

Emerging Markets in a Time of Profound Global Change
• In a time of profound global change, how has investor sentiment changed towards emerging markets?
• Which factors should long-term investors consider when debating how and whether to allocate to the asset class?
• Which regions, strategies and approaches will provide the best results for the objectives and needs of institutional portfolios?

The Best Upcoming Private Credit Opportunities Since ’08
• An allocation to credit can offer higher risk-adjusted returns, boost diversification, and provide new income streams.
• Factors such as Basel IV, the reduction of free capital, and the higher interest rate economy are changing the credit landscape.
• Having outperformed public markets in recent years, this discussion will explore how credit opportunities are evolving within the current economy, and vet some of the most attractive offerings on the market.

Institutional Uses of ETFs
• Institutional investors use Exchange Traded Funds in a variety of different investment strategies. In fact, ETFs are among the fastest growing vehicles in institutional portfolios.
• This session will look at the most used ETF strategies for institutional investors and how these valuable tools can support portfolio construction and asset allocation.
• ETFs will play an important role in portfolio strategies and solutions in the years to come.
• Gain perspective on common institutional ETF strategies, the growth of the global ETF landscape, and innovative ETF solutions

Addressing Inflationary Pressures in 2023
• Economic growth is like an aircraft carrier that has enormous momentum but is difficult to turn or stabilize if it starts to list.
• Persistent inflation and a looming recession, at opposite ends of the spectrum, may become tail risk events that keep the Fed and politicians awake at night.
• Awareness of key indicators could sharpen an investor’s edge, increase investment readiness and reduce their risks ahead.

The Equity Equation: Evaluating Impact on Portfolios
• The equities market faces substantial influence from earnings expectations, elections and policy considerations, sector bets, slowing economies and interest rates. Will the rally continue?

Navigating ESG - Considerations for a Successful Institutional Investment Strategy
• Numerous institutional investors think asset managers should be more proactive in developing new ESG products.
• ESG has moved from being a niche consideration to a central component of strategic institutional investment.
• This panel will delve into the crucial role of ESG in shaping institutional investment strategies, offering expert insights on navigating this evolving landscape.
• Panelists will share how they align with sustainable goals while seeking to enhance long term financial performance.

Real Estate in a Higher Rate Environment
• Surging inflation and interest rate shifts have led investors to look at real assets to help cushion their portfolios in times of volatility.
• Join our panel of experts as they examine investment strategies, trends, and risks for the year ahead.

Institutional Leadership Roundtable: Decision-Making in Disruptive Times
• Leading institutional investors and asset owners shed light on the most pressing investment and management issues facing their organizations.
• Under Chatham House Rules, they will vet tactics on global, social, market and environmental disruptions within the current environment.
• They will discuss topics that are strategically important to boards in today’s climate.
• They will explore how global, social, market and environmental priorities have shifted.
• They will debate reasonable expectations for investment returns this year, and relay how they are streamlining governance practices.
• This is an opportunity to hear best practices from institutional leadership, develop strategies to maximize opportunities, and explore solutions for challenges to come.

2024 Sponsors

TITLE SPONSORS:
• Amundi Investment Solution

PLATINUM SPONSORS:
• Fiera Capital
• Franklin Templeton
• MFS
• T. Rowe Price

GOLD SPONSORS:
• American Century Investment
• BMO Global Asset Management
• Golub Capital
• Store West Bluebird Partner