2024 Spring Conference

Featuring Guest Speaker
Renowned Astronaut Susan Kilrain

Commander Susan Kilrain is a renowned astronaut, a distinguished navy test pilot and aerospace engineer, and a world traveler. She is the youngest person, and one of only three women, to pilot the space shuttle. She served twenty years in the navy paving the way for women. She has flown more than 3,000 flight hours in more than thirty different aircraft, and she was awarded the Defense Superior Service Medal. Commander Kilrain flew as pilot of STS-83 and STS-94, spending a total of more than twenty days in space. Her first mission was cut short due to a potentially life-threatening shuttle system failure.

*All Spring Conference attendees are invited to attend!*

Location: Crystal Room

This session will bring a note cast of industry veterans to identify aspects of alternative investments and pass on their knowledge. We will examine typical varieties of offering structures and the corresponding related potential benefits and risks associated with investments in alts. Examples of topics covered will be the investment process of sales, suitability and required disclosures. Panelists will identify how certain rules and regulations apply to the various types of offerings and why due diligence is an absolute critical part of the process to identify potential risks. Alternative investments cover a wide variety of industry sectors, including but not limited to real estate, energy, equipment and commercial debt. This session will also address some of the legal, tax and regulatory issues surrounding alt offerings with some of the best minds in the industry!

Moderator: Greg Mausz, Skyway Capital Markets
Participants: Sean Hickham, Caliber Funds; Louis Rogers, Capital Square; Brandi Van Loon, Renaissance Growth Partners

Session coordinator: Greg Mausz, Skyway Capital Markets

Location: Gold Room

This is a "not to miss" session for due diligence officers, compliance officers, and selling advisors that market alternative investments to retail clients. In this session, we'll address the two components of Regulation BI and we'll talk about FINRA's exam priorities and expectations concerning Reg BI as it relates to the sales of non-traded investments to retail clients. We will discuss past enforcement cases relating to Reg BI, as well as some facts and circumstances that weighed negatively for the broker-dealers in those cases. We will also discuss certain practices that FINRA broker-dealers can adopt in their efforts to comply with Reg BI from a rules/exam perspective.

Moderator: Brad Updike, Mick Law
Participants: John Grady, ABR Dynamic Funds; Miriam Lefkowitz, Miriam Lefkowitz LLC; Lori Patterson, Baker Donelson; Chris Kelly, Chiesa Shahinian Giantomasi

Session coordinator: Brad Updike, Mick Law

Location: International Ballroom

In this session we will explore considerations for selling syndicate members, retail advisers and investors when making an investment which has a direct or optional 721 path, including investor suitability and planning needs, benefits/flexibility for investors, importance of due diligence of the REIT prior to initial investment, pricing, drivers of conversion into the 721 transaction, what liquidity really means, debt considerations, tax protection agreements, and operational considerations with the 721 transaction.

Moderator: Catherine Bowman, The Bowman Law Firm
Presenters: Aaron Wessner, Cantor Fitzgerald; Brian Sanborn, NexPoint; Nati Kiferbaum, Inland Private Capital Corporation; Geoff Flahardy, ExchangeRight Real Estate

Session coordinator: Catherine Bowman, The Bowman Law Firm

Location: State Room

This year continues to show signs of being a buyer's market in commercial real estate. The fundamentals of real estate haven't changed, but what has changed? Hear from industry expert Joshua Harris, Managing Partner, Magnolia Hill Partners and Executive Director, Fordham University's Real Estate Institute, on the state of the CRE market, where the trends lie, how to capitalize on today's market and what to avoid.

Moderator: Jade Miller, Bourne Financial Group
Presenter: Joshua Harris, Executive Director, Fordham University's Real Estate Institute

Session coordinator: Greg Mausz, Skyway Capital Markets

Location: International Ballroom

RIAs have many hurdles to overcome when using alternatives as part of their business model. From compliance to performance measures, integrations and fees, there are many factors to consider when choosing and implementing the right product for your client. Join us to learn how to streamline the process beginning with research, making the investment, and finally maintaining the investment through its lifecycle.

Moderator: Michelle Thomas, CNB Custody
Participants: Mat Dellorso, SEI Investments; Brad West, Alternative Investment Exchange (AIX); Sean O'Toole, 1776ing; Brian King, LODAS Markets

Session coordinator: Michelle Thomas, CNB Custody

Location: Gold Room

Come hear what the key deal terms are in DSTs, private funds, and other alternative programs. Our panel sees all types of deals and will discuss what the trends are with respect to the key terms for each of these products. Discussion on what we may be seeing and what to avoid, if possible.

Moderator: Thomas Voekler, Williams Mullen
Participants: Ann Moore, International Assets Advisory; Russell Putnam, FactRight; Bryan Mick, Mick Law; Stephen Mark, Emerson Equity

Session coordinator: Thomas Voekler, Williams Mullen

Location: State Room

Location: International Ballroom

Moderator: Joanna Venetch, Hana Solutions

Presenters:
Economic Outlook for 2024: Gene Goldman, Cetera
Stanger Report: Kevin Gannon, Robert A. Stanger & Co.
Mountain Dell Report: Taylor Garrett, Mountain Dell Consulting
Oil & Gas Update: Matthew Iak, U.S. Energy Development Corporation

Location: International Ballroom

Location: Exhibit Hall (Imperial Ballroom)

Location: Exhibit Hall (Imperial Ballroom)

• DOL Fiduciary and Independent Contractor Rules
• SEC Rulemaking
  • Private Fund Adviser Rule
  • "Accredited Investor" Rule Change
  • Generative Artificial Intelligence Rules
• NASAA Conduct Standards and Program Guidelines
• Congressional Efforts to Expand the Definition of Accredited Investor

John Grady, ABR Dynamic Funds; Catherine Bowman, The Bowman Law Firm; and Thomas Rosenfield, HillStaffer, will have a roundtable discussion with special guest Caitlin Reilly, a reporter with Congressional Quarterly Roll Call. 

Location: International Ballroom

Join a group of real estate executives as they discuss recent developments in various real estate sectors, challenges encountered, and opportunity sets available and on the horizon. Key areas of focus will include navigating a higher interest rate environment, operational updates and lessons learned.

Moderator: Jacob Heidkamp, FactRight
Participants: Stephan Sakhai, Sovereign Partners; David Leavitt, ElmTree Funds; Keith Lampi, Inland Real Estate Investment Corporation; Aaron Wessner, Cantor Fitzgerald

Session coordinator: Jacob Heidkamp, FactRight

Location: International Ballroom

You never think a cyber breach would happen to your company -- until it does. Cybersecurity poses a unique challenge at the intersection of technology, regulators, and a motivated adversary. This session will discuss the forces of all three, and what you can do to maintain your fiduciary responsibilities in cyberspace.

Speaker: Mike Lefebvre, SEI Sphere

Session coordinator: Mat Dellorso, WealthForge

Location: Gold Room

With the Fed Funds rate at the highest level since 2001, atypical volatility in the 10-year treasury yield and declining bank lending, securing debt and estimating one's cost of debt capital is challenging. Meanwhile, with real estate values 21% below their March 2022 peak, the buying opportunity across many real estate property types appears lucrative. Hear from industry experts on how they are navigating this market amidst the challenges they face to capitalize on deals and provide returns.

Moderator: Daniel Oschin, Shopoff Realty Investments
Participant: Steve Case, Bourne Financial Group; Kevin Kennedy, Red Oak Capital Holdings; Tim Witt, Peachtree

Session coordinator: Jade Miller, Bourne Financial Group

Location: State Room

Get a jump on what's coming down the pike. This session will introduce several new, differentiated products being brought into the retail and accredited investor space. The speakers will discuss their offerings, focusing on what makes them "new" and how they differ from existing offerings. Included in the lineup are funds that seed other funds but using a commitment letter approach, impact investing in Africa, and opportunity zone investing focused on mining.

Moderator: John Grady, ABR Dynamic Funds
New Products: R.J. Johnson, Tri-Land Equity Investor Fund; Jeff Shafer, Fortis Group Renewables Fund; Josh Phair, The Wyoming Reserve Opportunity Zone Fund

Session coordinator: John Grady, ABR Dynamic Funds

Location: International Ballroom

Over the past two years, changes and disruptions in the real estate capital markets space, and the macroeconomic environment in general, have flipped the script on what market participants have come to expect as the typical life cycle of a Section 1031 syndicated DST. As a result, the realities of the changed market conditions have shone a light of the need for sponsors to more thoughtfully approach the end game, including being prepared to execute on an outcome that deviates from the initial plan. This panel will discuss various restructuring options that are available when the intended "sell the property for a big gain" outcome is not on the table, including kicking out to a "springing LLC;" modifying deal terms within the bounds of Rev. Rule. 2004-86 exceptions; open market UPREIT transactions, and dispositions of unsold interests to alternative structures.

Moderator: Peter Matejcak, Baker & McKenzie
Participant: Kristin Orlando, Inland Real Estate Corporation; Eric Paul, LaSalle Investment Management; Josh Hoffman, Bluerock

Session coordinator: Dan Cullen, Baker & McKenzie

Location: Gold Room

AI has tremendous potential to enable financial services, as well as accelerate opportunity, access and impact.

Speaker: Beth Ziesensis, YourNerdyBF

Session coordinator: Mat Dellorso, SEI Investments

Location: State Room

Location: Exhibit Hall (Imperial Ballroom)

Committee meetings TBA.

Industry experts provide a thorough examination of the bridge capital landscape for DST offerings. The panelists will be doing a deep dive into the various aspects including structure, terms, length, and how the landscape has changed during this market cycle. The panelists provide a deep understanding on the intricacies of this capital structure, and will help industry participants know what to be looking for on current and future offerings.

Moderator: Taylor Garrett, Orchard Securities
Participants: Matt Leiter, Trilogy Real Estate Group; Karlton Kleis, Arete Wealth Management; Jacob Heidkamp, FactRight; John Leterra, Fairbridge Asset Management

Session coordinator: Joe Laganza, Laganza Capital

Location: State Room

The Corporate Transparency Act (CTA) went into effect on January 1, 2024, and requires businesses to report certain details on individuals who are associated with that business. Failure to comply with the CTA may subject your business to criminal or civil penalties. With an interactive flair, learn whether your current business, funds or other entities must report, when they must report and what information is required to be included in those reports. Thinking about starting a new fund or other entity? Learn how the CTA could impact the formation of those new entities and the provisions that should be included in the formation documents for those entities in order to comply with the CTA.

Facilitator: John Harrison, ADISA
Presenter: Deborah Froling, Kutak Roc

Session coordinator: Deborah Froling, Kutak Rock

Location: Gold Room

Delving into the evolving landscape of the oil and gas industry, industry experts explore cyclical changes. By examining key factors such as technological innovation, cost management, environmental concerns, and geopolitical dynamics, the presentation offers valuable insights inside the oil and gas market, as well as discussing innovative product offerings currently available in energy investing.

Moderator: Michelle Galeski, Rep Driven Results
Participants: Matt Iak, U.S. Energy Development Corporation; Shanna Keaveny, Texakoma; Woody Soemantoro, MDS Energy Development; Chad Willis, Renaissance Growth Partners

Session coordinator: Joanna Venetch, Hana Solutions

Location: International Ballroom

RIAs face numerous challenges when incorporating alts into client portfolios, including valuation, custody and subscription issues. Join the panel for an in-depth discussion on how advisers can meet and overcome these challenges.

Moderator: John Grady, ABR Dynamic Funds
Presenters: Sylvia Kwan, Ellevest; Mat Dellorso, SEI Investments; Mark Lancaster, Great Lakes Fund Solutions; Nick Rosenthal, Griffin Capital Company

Location: state Room

In the 12 years since preferred stock was introduced to the independent broker-dealer channel, we have seen innovative structures and additional sponsors emerge. While the benefits and features of offerings vary from sponsor to sponsor, the potential to generate cash flow from an investment vehicle that offers liquidity has not. Join our panel of experts to explore the structure and potential benefits of non-listed preferred stock and gain an understanding of what to consider when comparing offerings, conducting due diligence, and evaluating for investor suitability.

Moderator: David Sengstock, Mick Law
Participants: Ben Hilgers, Ashford Securities; Eric Graber, Preferred Capital Securities; David Pittman, Cottonwood

Session coordinator: Heidi Wheatley, Keystone National Properties

Location: Gold Room

This panel of real estate experts will discuss increasing popularity of renting versus home ownership. As interest rates and housing prices increase, the barrier to entry to homeownership is increasingly more difficult. Millennials and Gen Z are now waiting to buy, if they buy at all. We will explore the home rental multifamily topic from all angles, including urban to suburban markets, as well as traditional multifamily to single-family rentals.

Moderator: Gavin Macphil, Opencasa
Participants: Alex Samoylovich, CEDARSt Companies; Dominic Vaccaro, Burlington Capital; Adam Larson, Cottonwood

Session coordinator: Carolyn Sumner, CEDARst Companies

Location: International Ballroom

Location: Exhibit Hall (Imperial Ballroom)

Presenters: Tom Voekler, Williams Mullen; Darryl Steinhause, DLA Piper

Location: International Ballroom

Location: Exhibit Hall (Imperial Ballroom)

Location: Exhibit Hall (Imperial Ballroom)

Speaker: Jeff Nash, Bridgemark Strategies

Location: International Ballroom

Join our group of panelists as they explore key developments in credit markets. Topics will include how borrowers and lenders are navigating through a higher interest rate environment, the expansion of private credit, default trends and areas of opportunity in the market.

Moderator: Peter Magnuson, Osaic
Participants: Jonathan Cohen, Oxford Funds; Sam Jolly, Prospect Capital; Robert Behan, Calamos Investment 

Session coordinator: Joanna Venetch, Hana Solutions

Location: State Room

Back by popular demand, your Nerdy Best Friend unravels what is going on in Artificial Intelligence, the latest apps and what you need to know to keep moving forward without getting swept up with what will not be more productive.

Speaker: Beth Ziesensis, YourNerdyBF

Session coordinator: John Harrison, ADISA

Location: Gold Room

Moderator: Sean O'Toole, 1776 Wealth
Participants: Fred Baerenz, AOG Wealth Management; Dean Zayed, Brookstone Capital Management

Session coordinator: Rajeev Kotyan, Innovative Advisory Group

Location: International Ballroom

Discussions on (1) Rulemaking for RIAs; (2) RIA products (is it important); and (3) other topics specific to RIAs.

Facilitator: Rajeev Kotyan, Innovative Advisory Group

Location: International Ballroom

This BDAC session features Gaby Aguero from FINRA in a moderated Q&A session.

Moderator: Catherine Bowman, The Bowman Law Firm
Speaker: Gabriela Aguero, FINRA

Location: Gold Room