ESG Investing Breakfast Briefing 2018 - Chicago | Pensions & Investments | 22 May 2018 | The Standard Club, 320 S Plymouth Ct, Chicago, IL 60604, USA

ESG investing is being applied in all asset classes and investment approaches. The debate as to the impact of incorporating ESG considerations on performance has now been largely answered with the acknowledgement that ESG considerations contribute to a more holistic view of risk, allowing for long-term performance growth and not just short term rewards. Integrating ESG factors leads investors toward higher quality investments with lower volatility and stronger returns.

The challenges of data and integration are being met as institutional investors increasingly require data needed for increased transparency and consideration of ESG criteria. Investment managers are finding more efficient ways to collect and integrate data into the investment decision-making process. There are also better performance analysis and risk management techniques.

While initially ESG considerations were applied in the equity market, they are increasingly a factor in the debt market and alternatives investing. There is an especially strong desire to incorporate ESG considerations into emerging market debt investing and a growing market for green bonds.

Though institutional investors have shown a demand for ESG investing, many are still experiencing practical hindrances to implementation. The 3rd annual ESG Investing Breakfast Briefing is designed to provide institutional investors with tools and strategies for incorporating ESG considerations into investment operations across the portfolio. Topics to be discussed include:

• Accessing, managing and integrating ESG data
• Performance analysis tools and techniques
• Understanding ESG as a risk management tool
• Using ESG considerations to improve financial as well as social returns
• Creating a holistic ESG investing operation
• Review of ESG considerations in various asset classes and strategies

2018 Speakers and Panelists:

Michael C. Schlachter, CFA
Mercer Investments, Partner

Mahesh Jayakumar, CFA, FRM
State Street Global Advisors, Vice President and Senior ESG Investment Strategist

Anna Lester
State Street Global Advisors, Vice President and Senior Portfolio Manager, U.S. Active Quantitative Equity

Todd Arthur Bridges, Ph.D.
State Street Global Advisors, ESG Research

Scott Conlon, CFA
Aberdeen Standard Investments, Equity Investment Specialist

Ingrid S. Dyott
Neuberger Berman< Managing Director, Co-Portfolio Manager of the Core Equity and SRI strategies

John Streur
Calvert Research and Management, President and CEO

Jenny Waits
Principles for Responsible Investment, Senior Policy Analyst

Alison Schneider
BA., MBA, ICD.D, Alberta Investment Management Corporation (AIMCO), Director of Responsible Investment (RI)

2018 Sponsors:

LEAD:
• ClearBridge Investments
• State Street Global Advisors

CO-SPONSORS:
• Aberdeen Standard Investments
• Calvert
• Candriam Investors Group
• Natixis Investment Managers
• Neuberger Berman