Chicago · June 23, 2026
XXV Attucks · 2001 — 2026

The Attucks
eMergeAlpha
Conference.

One day in Chicago. A series of three interactive panels with allocators, consultants, and emerging managers in direct conversation.

A single-day gathering convened by Attucks. One luncheon keynote and three collaborative panels — allocators, consultants, and emerging managers in direct conversation.

Register on Eventbrite
XXV

Twenty-five years of allocating to emerging managers.

2001 · 2026
2026
The Attucks eMergeAlpha Conference

A collaborative day,
not a stage.

When
Tuesday, June 23, 2026
Where
225 W Randolph
Chicago, IL 60606
Format
By invitation
Business attire
Capacity
120 allocators & managers

A series of interactive panels and discussions with allocators, consultants, and emerging managers in direct conversation.

The Attucks eMergeAlpha Conference brings together a diverse group of investment professionals, institutional allocators, and industry leaders to explore opportunities, challenges, and innovations shaping the future of asset management. The conference is designed to highlight high-potential emerging investment managers while fostering meaningful dialogue around capital access, performance differentiation, and strategic growth.

Through a series of panel discussions, presentations, and networking sessions, attendees gain insight into current market dynamics, portfolio construction strategies, risk management practices, and evolving investor expectations. A key focus of the conference is bridging the gap between emerging managers and institutional capital by promoting transparency, track record development, and operational excellence.

Due to capacity constraints, limit 2 attendees per investment firm (does not apply to allocators).

The day at a glance

The Agenda.

A day structured for substance. The morning sets the intellectual frame; the afternoon brings allocators, consultants, and managers into direct conversation. Full speaker biographies on the speakers page.

10:00 – 10:45
Opening

Registration & welcome

Hosted byThe Attucks team
10:50 – 11:15
Opening remarks

Welcome & the day's narrative

Featuring Les Bond, CEO, Attucks
Melissa Conyears-Ervin
Chicago City Treasurer
11:20 – 11:50

Self-serve luncheon service

11:50 – 12:50
Luncheon presentation

Artificial intelligence: challenge, hype, and opportunity.

Keynote Dr. Davis Schneiderman
President, Ringling College of Art & Design
12:50 – 1:00

Transition break

1:00 – 1:50
Panel I

Private markets. Where emerging managers are building the next frontier.

Panelists Nadia Oumata, MEABF
Zeb McLaurin, McLaurin Development Partners
Arlene Shaw, Brightwood Capital Advisors
Rashaun Williams, Harbinger Sports Partners
Moderated by Karen Mair, Attucks
1:55 – 2:45
Panel II

The macro landscape & why this moment favors emerging managers.

Panelists Sarah Scranton, Longfellow
Ronald Holt, Channing Global Advisors
Claudia Sahm, New Century Advisors
Moderated by Vennie Lyons, Attucks
2:45 – 2:55

Networking break

2:55 – 3:50
Panel III

Inside the allocation decision. What gets an emerging manager selected.

Consultants Jamie Wesner, Marquette Associates
DeAnna Jones, NEPC
Samantha Grant, Cerity Partners
Moderated by Rosa Perez, IMRF
3:50 – 4:00
The throughline

Closing reflections

Hosted byThe Attucks team
4:00 onward
Reception

Social networking

Presented by Attucks Asset Management