| ASI 2006 Conference Topics Outline
1. AIST Conference Primer - "Optional Extra"
This session is designed to help participants get the most out of the conference. It will provide participants with background information on the topics and investment concepts that will be discussed throughout the conference.
2. Welcome Lunch
Academy Award (R) winning director, Adam Elliot, has become one of the worlds most celebrated animators. for almost a decade his films, UNCLE, COUSIN, BROTHER and HARVIE KRUMPET, have been viewed by millions of people around the world and have participated in over five hundred film festivals. A naturally gifted, engaging and entertaining communicator, Adam shares his story: A Dream and Vision, years of success without wider recognition, numerous obstacles, rejections, limited funding, long hours, appalling work conditions to finally produce a global winner! He is an overnight success after years of hard work.
3. Global Climate Change - Politics And Energy
This session will address the Global Politics of Climate Change and how Pacific Hydro, a global company with interests in Australia, the Pacific, North and South America, and owned by Industry Funds has and is responding to this environment, and how it is managing to make money in it.
4. Alpha/Beta Separation – As A Trustee Why Am I Still Confused?
This session looks at getting behind some of the jargon used in funds management to understand what is alpha and beta separation. A practical approach will then be examined to explain how this may be a useful tool in an investment portfolio.
5. The Mayne Update
This session will look at the activities of corporate Australia over the past 12 months, and examine the big issues in the corporate governance arena.
6. Geo Political Tensions And Their Impact
The environment of world politics can be confusing and overwhelming, even if you are working in it! This session will provide an interesting overview of some of the areas of global political tension, and then look to apply how this might provide risks or opportunities for those investing in the global markets.
7. Commodities As A Portfolio Diversifier – A Fools Gold Or A Silver Lining?
Commodities are in the press every day and seem all the rage as the "next new asset class", due, at least in part, to the phenomenal rises in Energy and Metal prices in recent years. A number of large pension funds across the globe have had commodities as part of their asset allocation for many years. A handful of Australian funds have joined in and others appear to be considering it. This session will ask why we should invest in commodities, how do we invest, and when? Is now the right time to invest? Or have we missed the boat?
8. Venture Capital - A Global View
The Venture Capital industry has reached impressive highs and fallen to disappointing lows - all in the last decade. It remains an incredibly challenging area to invest and this discussion will consider the role of Venture Capital globally today, and the challenges that are ahead for investors in this rapidly changing market.
9. Moving The Environment, Social and Governance ("ESG") Debate Forward: Practical Implementation Perspectives
There is significant momentum building in the consideration of Environmental, Social and Governance ("ESG") issues and their incorporation into mainstream investment processes. To move forward requires an understanding of the investment performance impact as well as identification of the path to actual implementation.
This forward looking session aims to progress the ESG debate by examining practical implementation solutions. ESG thought leaders will offer perspectives from all stages in the investment chain as to how they have practically implemented ESG considerations.
10. Can Generation X Afford To Grow Old…? And what about Gen Y?
Despite a strong superannuation system for all working Australians, there are increasing challenges facing generation X and Y as they grow older, stemming from cultural beliefs, spending habits, and expectations. Can they afford to grow old, considering these factors? And can Baby Boomers rely on them to fund their retirement?
11. India – Is it the next China?
The economic impacts from the development of China have been strongly felt in Australia. There has been considerable speculation that India as a populous, educated, democratic country is set to be the next investment phenomenon. This session will examine the myths, facts, and investment opportunities.
12. BRICs – The Rise Of the New Super Powers – Different Approaches To Harnessing The Momentum
Brazil, Russia, India and China (known as the BRIC countries) have experienced stellar returns over the last few years, led by both the resources boom, industrialisation and strong capital flows from foreign investors. In this session, investment managers will examine different ways of being able to harness some of the return opportunities in these countries.
13. Practicalities of International Investing
The typical Australian superannuation fund continues to increase its allocation to offshore assets - first it was international equities and bonds, now there's international property, infrastructure, private equity, timber... the list goes on. However, the move to offshore asset classes, particularly in unlisted assets, can bring with it a number of operational pitfalls, including tax and legal structure. Given their significance, perhaps a tax and legal review should be our first step in the offshore manager due diligence process, not the last step?
14. Open Forum - The Speeches are Over And Finally It's Your Chance to Talk!
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