GAIM USA 2009

On January 25-28, over 500 Asset Allocators, End-Investors and Asset Managers from across the globe gathered at GAIM USA, the Largest Gathering of Hedge Funds and Their Investors in the US, to discuss how the rapidly changing economic conditions are shaping the alternative investment community and to identify ways to take advantage of current market opportunities.

Speakers and attendees expressed a “get to work” attitude as they discussed the tough decisions the industry faces in light of current issues including lower leverage, lack of liquidity, Madoff and the possible rise of separately managed accounts.

INSIGHT

GAIM USA Chairman, George Main of DIVERSIFIED GLOBAL ASSET MANAGEMENT opened the conference by introducing GAIM’s first keynote speaker, James G. Rickards, Senior OMNIS, INC., who gave a special geopolitical address which dovetailed well with Moderator Jerome B. Baesel, JBAES & ASSOCIATES and panelists John Ryding, RDQ ECONOMICS, and Jonathan J. Wilmot, CREDIT SUISSE following session which evaluated the global economic outlook for 2009.

In special panel led by Theodore Economou, CFA, ITT CORPORATION, investors discussed the challenges they faced and the strategic investment opportunities they for their funds in 2009.

Eugene A. Ludwig, PROMONTORY FINANCIAL GROUP, LLC, in his geopolitical address, discussed the new Administration’s views on the hedge fund industry and prospects for change in the regulatory framework for financial markets.

Afternoon track sessions included discussions on the investment opportunities of 2009 including global macro, credit, mortgage sector, oil, gas, coal and equities, futures and distressed debt

Chairman Alan J. Andreini, ARMORED WOLF LLC kicked off the second day of the conference by introducing Dr. Benn Steil, COUNCIL ON FOREIGN RELATIONS. And, Alan S. Blinder, PRINCETON UNIVERSITY gave an address on the future of the dollar and global monetary system where he identified the evolving roles of the banks and hedge funds in delivering financial market stability and resolving the current liquidity crisis.

Two panel discussions led by Family Office, Endowment and Foundation investors sparked lively discussions on fee structures, transparency and oversight.

After opening remarks from Peter Carey, NEW YORK COMMON RETIREMENT FUND, the final day of the conference kicked off with The Corporate Pension Roundtable and The Public Pension Roundtable. A lively discussion on Asset Allocation Strategies for 2009 was lead by Roger G. Ibbotson, ZEBRA CAPITAL MGMT., LLC. Risk management in the aftermath of the failures of risk management models was debated in a panel lead by Nikos Latsos, ALPHEUS GROUP. Final panels, moderated by Rachel S.L. Minard, COGO WOLF ASSET MANAGEMENT, LLC and Jim Neumann, NORTH FORK CAPITAL LLC respectively discussed how to raise capital in down markets and can smaller managers continue to deliver alpha.

NEW IDEAS

New formats at the 2009 GAIM USA created buzz this year as attendees crowded around Quickfires Showcases and joined in on the new session “How Robust Is Your Alpha?”

During the Quickfire Showcases, portfolio managers had the opportunity to showcase their funds competitive advantages in two minutes or less whereas during the “How Robust is Your Alpha” presentations, Managers had a full 10 minutes to win investors over. In the Robust Alpha show case Managers’ Funds were put to the test as a panel of institutional investors grilled them on fund performance, track record and strategy.

CONNECT

Attendees enjoyed ample opportunities to connect with peers, investors and industry experts during our hosted champagne round tables, seated luncheons, extended networking breaks and cocktail receptions.

By all accounts, the opening night champagne reception was a success as attendees gathered at the Fountainebleau’s Glow Bar to meet and network with other attendees. During the hosted champagne round tables investors and thought leaders took a more serious tone to networking as they sat around topic tables and discussed ways to overcome barriers to succeed in 2009.

Spotme enabled attendees to access the entire list of GAIM USA 2009 participants during the event, send messages, schedule appointments with other participants and exchange electronic business cards. Participants were also able to identify themselves by company type and strategy, making it easier for investors and all attendees to find the exact person they were looking to meet.

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