8:00 AM WELCOME, REGISTRATION, & NETWORKING BREAKFAST
8:50 AM WELCOME REMARKS
9:00 AM Chief Investment Officer Roundtable:
This panel brings together chief investment officers from across the West Coast for a dynamic discussion on portfolio strategy heading into 2026. Panelists will examine how different institutional models are approaching asset allocation, private markets, and risk management amid higher interest rates and ongoing global uncertainty. The conversation will offer a comparative look at investment priorities, governance frameworks, and the innovations shaping California’s diverse institutional investment landscape.
Moderator:
Andrew Elofson, Chief Investment Officer, Perkins Coie Trust Company
Panelists:
Elmer Huh, Chief Investment Officer, M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust
Roberto Hamilton, CFA, Chief Investment Officer, AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF)
Neeraj Rama, Chief Investment Officer, Comprehensive Blood & Cancer Center Family Office
9:50 AM CIBC Presentation: Multi-Strategy Approach
Join CIBC Global Asset Management for an insightful discussion exploring the power of an intentionally designed absolute return Multi-Strategy solution. Discover how this approach goes beyond traditional single-strategy methods to deliver enhanced portfolio outcomes—driving improved returns, reduced volatility and drawdowns, and higher Sharpe ratios, all while minimizing market beta exposure.
Through engaging case studies, our portfolio manager will illustrate the unique diversification benefits across asset classes and showcase the resilience of Multi-Strategy portfolios during challenging market conditions. Learn how CIBC’s Multi-Strategy platform stands apart from conventional “pod shop” solutions by offering high liquidity, strong net-of-fee risk-adjusted performance, and internally managed pods. This model enables cost efficiency, real-time risk management, dynamic capital allocation, and enhanced transparency at the position level.
Presented by:
Francis Thivierge, Senior Portfolio Manager, Multi-Asset and Currency Management, CIBC Asset Management
10:20 AM MORNING NETWORKING BREAK
10:50 AM LP Perspectives on Private Equity Strategies:
This panel will offer a comprehensive overview of the evolving private equity landscape. Participants will explore key strategies, risk management approaches, and emerging opportunities shaping the market. Designed to be interactive and insightful, the session will provide actionable takeaways for both established allocators and those seeking to deepen their exposure to private equity.
Moderator:
Roman Brent, Chief Investment Officer, Aerie Advisory Group
Panelists:
Daniel Becerra, Investment Officer, Private Markets, Los Angeles City Employees' Retirement System (LACERS)
Kelly Joy, Private Equity Investment Officer II, California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS)
Trevor Jackson, Managing Director, Aksia
Matija Fištrović, CIMA, Director of Investments, Marsh McLennan Agency
Steve Burt, CAIA, Private Equity Director, Alternative Investments, Pacific Life Insurance
11:30 AM Morning 1-on-1 Meeting Session:
During this session, attendees will have the opportunity to take four 15-minute meetings with firms/attendees at the summit. Meetings will take place at open tables within the summit hall.
12:30 PM NETWORKING LUNCHEON
1:30 PM Reframing CLOs: From Niche Strategy to Core Allocation
Presented by:
Stanton Ray, Senior Portfolio Manager, Head of CLO & Loan Platform, Columbia Threadneedle
Matt McLaughlin, CFA, Head of North America Institutional Sales, Columbia Threadneedle
1:50 PM A Debate on Public and Private Multi-Asset Credit Strategies:
This panel will offer a comprehensive overview of the evolving public & private credit landscape. Participants will explore key strategies, risk management approaches, and emerging opportunities shaping the market. Designed to be interactive and insightful, the session will provide actionable takeaways for both established allocators and those seeking to deepen their credit exposure.
Moderator:
Qing Gu, Managing Director, Wilshire
Panelists:
Derek Niu, Investment Officer II, Los Angeles Fire and Police Pensions (LAFPP)
Harris Ziskroit, Investment Partner & Managing Director, HRS Management
Chris Martin, CFA, Institutional Portfolio Manager, Alternative Strategies, RBC Global Asset Management
Riccardo Cumerlato, Co-Head of Public Fixed Income Investment Specialists Team, M&G Investments
2:30 PM COFFEE BREAK
2:45 PM Asset Class Specific Breakout Sessions:
During this session, attendees will break out into small groups of 10-15 to discuss different asset classes within the alternatives space. We will have two 20-minute sessions; attendees can get up and move to a different roundtable after the first session.
Table 1: Early vs. Late-Stage Venture
Hosted by:
Elizabeth Guan, Investment Officer II, Private Equity, California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS)
Table 2: Secondaries
Hosted by:
Richard Brekka, CEO, Second Alpha Partners
Table 3: Venture Investing in Emerging Tech: Blockchain
Hosted by:
Mason Nystrom, Junior Partner, Pantera Capital
3:25 PM AFTERNOON NETWORKING BREAK
3:40 PM Keynote Presentation: From $74 to a Successful Family Office
Presented by:
Steven Kriegsman, Chairman, The Kriegsman Family Office
4:00 PM A Debate on Real Assets:
As the financial landscape shifts, real asset investing is evolving, and investors must adapt to new opportunities and risks in a changing market. This panel explores the latest trends in real asset investing, from real estate and infrastructure to natural resources, offering expert insights on how to navigate the complexities of the evolving real asset market and capitalize on emerging opportunities for long-term growth.
Moderator:
Adele Lopez Tagaloa, Board of Trustee, Orange County Employees Retirement System (OCERS)
Panelists:
Darshan Honale, Investment Partner, Womack Family Office
Eric Speron, CFA, Managing Director of Equities, First Foundation
Charlie Smith, CFA, City Treasurer, City of San Clemente
Jay Rogers, President & Chief Investment Officer, Alpha Strategies Investment Consulting, Managing Partner, Global Rock Family Office
4:40 PM NETWORKING COCKTAIL RECEPTION