Costs
The Wespath Investment Forum is an invitation only event. Wespath will pay for up to one attendee and one guest (i.e., spouse, partner, family member, etc.) per room. Travel to and from this event is your responsibility. Wespath is not responsible for travel-related expenses, including airfare, airport transfers, airport parking, ground transportation or mileage expenses.
Lodging
Wespath will make hotel reservations for each person attending the Forum. Wespath will cover up to three nights of lodging for each invited guest. Please contact Tori Luke at (847) 866-2720 or by email at [email protected] for all lodging questions. Hotel accommodations will be based on your online registration form.
Monday, February 9
5:00 p.m.: Welcome Reception
Please join us for a welcome reception at the Francis Marion Hotel to kick off the Forum!
Tuesday, February 10
8:30-9:00 a.m.: Welcome and Announcements
9:00-9:50 a.m.: Wespath’s Investment Philosophy: Purposeful Diversification Through Complementary Asset Managers and Strategies
Delve into Wespath’s investment philosophy! This session explores the power of purposeful diversification, an approach that utilizes complementary strategies and asset classes to seek reduced volatility and enhanced long-term performance. Members of Wespath’s investment team discuss how we use this approach to build resilient portfolios aligned with client goals.
9:50-10:40 a.m.: The Global Political Chessboard and Your Portfolio
Political uncertainty remains a key driver of market volatility. Thomas leads a timely discussion on the intersection of geopolitics and global investing, examining how current conflicts and policy shifts are shaping economic outcomes.
11:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.: Meet and Greet with Wespath Staff and Managers
This time is dedicated to small group conversations with Wespath staff and asset managers. You will be divided into small groups and rotate tables, discussing various asset classes and areas of business. This activity aims to spark new relationships, address individual questions and be a catalyst for deeper conversations for the remainder of Forum.
12:00-1:00 p.m.: Lunch
1:00-1:50 p.m.: Wespath’s Investment Philosophy: Client-Centric Approach Rooted in Mission and Values
Continuing our deep dive into Wespath’s investment philosophy, this session highlights our collaborative approach to portfolio design, grounded in a deep understanding of each client’s purpose, risk tolerance and liquidity needs. Carl joins members of the investment team to share a real-world asset allocation case study, illustrating how this process comes to life for a Wespath client.
2:10-3:00 p.m.: A World of Opportunity: An International Market Outlook
Frank moderates a panel discussion featuring three of Wespath’s asset managers with diverse expertise in international investments. Together, they offer a multifaceted view of the international investment landscape and insights on key trends shaping global markets and investment opportunities across developed and emerging regions, as well as varying asset classes.
3:00-3:50 p.m.: From Wall Street to Wespath: Navigating the AI Revolution
Recognizing the transformative potential of artificial intelligence (AI), this session explores how AI is reshaping investment portfolios and processes across the industry. Both Wespath’s team and contributing asset managers will share how they are incorporating AI into portfolios and workflows as well as how they’re approaching the risks, opportunities, and ethical dimensions of this rapidly advancing technology.
5:30 p.m.: Dinner and Evening Reception aboard the USS Yorktown
Step aboard the historic USS Yorktown for a lovely evening of dining, networking and conversation. Tours will be available to learn more about the rich history of the ship including its service in three wars and role in the recovery of the Apollo 8 astronauts and capsule in 1968!
Wednesday, February 11
8:15-8:45 a.m.: Welcome and Announcements
8:45-9:35 a.m.: Wespath’s Investment Philosophy: Embracing Research, Rigor and Innovation
Rounding out the deep dive into Wespath’s investment philosophy, this session highlights how Wespath integrates rigorous research, inclusive manager selection and disciplined governance to guide investment decisions across client portfolios. Frank, Raj, Sumali and Evan will detail how this process considers diversity, incorporates systemic risk factors, and remains responsive to shifting market dynamics.
Breakout Session: 9:50-10:40 a.m.: Faith-Based Investing: Where We Are Today and How to Prepare for the Future
As an organization deeply rooted in faith-based values serving many like-minded entities, Wespath understands the evolving landscape of socially responsible investing. This session will examine the current realities, challenges and opportunities facing faith-based organizations seeking to align investment strategies with their values. We will also highlight how faith-based investors can support both long-term stewardship and impact.
Breakout Session: 9:50-10:40 a.m.: The Purpose of Liquidity: Strategy, Stability and Stewardship
This session explores how nonprofits can optimize their use of cash and cash alternatives, balancing accessibility, risk and returns. Attendees gain practical insights using cash as a strategic asset that supports mission continuity, financial resilience and operational flexibility.
Breakout Session: 10:55-11:45 a.m.: Adapting for Impact: Key Trends and Tools for Nonprofits
In a rapidly evolving landscape, nonprofits face growing pressure to manage assets strategically amid funding cuts, economic volatility and potential shifts in tax policy. This session explores how organizations can enhance their investment impact by reinforcing governance, applying fiduciary best practices and embracing emerging technologies like AI. We’ll also highlight key trends for nonprofits to watch and the risks of falling behind in an increasingly uncertain world.
Breakout Session: 10:55-11:45 a.m.: Revitalizing and Reimagining: Church Property Strategic Outlook
During a period of profound change surrounding church property ownership and purpose, this session aims to discuss the theological, financial and regulatory challenges and opportunities facing faith communities today. Together, we will identify key gaps in resources, services and strategic partnerships critical to successful redevelopment of church real estate.
11:45-12:30 p.m.: Lunch
12:30-1:20 p.m.: The Search for Stability in a Changing Global Economy
As global inflation trends normalize, investors face a new set of challenges shaped by shifting interest rate expectations and evolving central bank strategies. In this session, Dr. Kelly will explore the implications of a post-disinflation environment, offering insights into how long-term rates may behave and what that means for market stability. He’ll also examine the role of central banks in this new landscape and how their actions continue to influence global economic momentum and investor confidence.
1:35-2:05 p.m.: The Future of Wespath’s Positive Social Purpose Lending Program
This session explores the future of Wespath’s Positive Social Purpose (PSP) Lending Program. Karen talks with Sylvia and Trent, members of Wespath’s impact investments team, to discuss how the program continues to generate measurable social impact alongside market-rate returns and how Wespath plans to expand its reach through the launch of a dedicated PSP investment fund.
2:05-2:35 p.m.: Updates to Wespath’s Private Market Offerings
This session details the evolution of Wespath’s private equity offerings, including recent changes to the Alternative Asset Fund – I Series (AAF-I) and the upcoming launch of a new dedicated private equity strategy. Amy and Hoa will dive deep into these different offerings, highlighting everything from the advantages of investing in private equity to investment eligibility requirements, the differences between private fund structures, how investors can access Wespath’s offerings, associated fee structures and more.
2:35-2:45 p.m.: Concluding Remarks
Travel Details
The Francis Marion Hotel is located 11 miles from the Charleston International Airport (code: CHS) and 209 miles from the Charlotte Douglas International Airport (code: CLT).
Entertainment
There are two optional events planned during the Forum:
Attire
Business casual dress is appropriate for the meeting portions of the Forum. Please be sure to dress in layers as the temperature in the meeting rooms may vary. Casual dress is appropriate for the welcome reception and the entertainment outing.
Confirmation
You will receive a confirmation email from Tori Luke, Meeting and Event Planner, one week in advance of the Investment Forum. This email will include your hotel confirmation number and directions for traveling to this event.
Managing Director and Chief Investment and Portfolio Strategist for the Americas, BlackRock
Lead Portfolio Manager, DGI
Chief Global Strategist and Head of the Global Market Insights Strategy Team, J.P. Morgan Asset Management
Managing Director and Geopolitical Strategist, Wellington
Managing Director and Senior Portfolio Manager, Systematic Global Equities, Xponance
Fixed Income Portfolio Manager, Capital Group
Co-Founder, Focus Impact Partners
Product Owner for Investment Solutions Technology, PGIM
Managing Director, HarbourVest
Questions?
Meeting Agenda: Contact Sarah Metroff, [email protected], (651) 333-0898
Lodging and Registration: Contact Tori Luke, [email protected], (847) 866-2720
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