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SPEAKING / SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

If you're interested in speaking or sponsorship
opportunities please contact:

David Smith, EVP, Group Publisher
(732) 450-8866
ext. 26
[email protected]

MORE INFORMATION

For inquiries on registration or hotel information please contact:

Linda Dunn,
(732) 450-8866
ext. 36
[email protected]

PRESS INQUIRIES

If you are a member of the media interested in attending the event please contact:

Dana Taormina
973.850.7305
Dtaormina
@jcprinc.com

Jami Schlicher
973.850.7309
jschlicher
@jcprinc.com


2012 Sponsors/Exhibitors

Innovative Alternative Strategies Conference Sponsors/Exhibitors


Platinum Sponsor


 

 Guggenheim Guggenheim Investments represents the investment management division of Guggenheim Partners, LLC. Collectively, we have had a long, distinguished history of serving institutional investors, ultra-high-net-worth individuals, family offices and financial advisors. We offer clients a wide range of differentiated capabilities built on a commitment to investment excellence. Each of our investment teams brings a unique expertise and point of view about what drives asset and market behavior, and what drives risk and reward. Our clients have valued us for our traditions of independence, thought leadership, purposeful innovation and nimbleness. For more information, visit www.guggenheiminvestments.com.

Sponsors and Exhibitors

 


 

361 Capital 361 Capital is a firm with a long history of managing alternative investment portfolios. For almost two decades the company has been creating portfolios using alternative investments for major institutions, financial intermediaries, and wealthy individuals. We have a unique view resulting from our breadth of experience creating hedge fund of funds using some of the industry’s premier managers, and managing our own hedge funds, along with our affiliation with Lighthouse Partners, a $6 billion hedge fund of funds. The result is a deep understanding of the different strategies that make-up alternative investing.

 Advisor Shares AdvisorShares is one of the leading providers of actively managed ETFs.  As of 5/16/2012 AdvisorShares offers 13 active ETFs with approximately $550,000,000 of assets under management. AdvisorShares provides educational support to help investors understand ETFs, and the underlying investment strategy for each of the AdvisorShares ETFs.  AdvisorShares continues to seek qualified sub-advisor investment partners to offer compelling investment strategies in an active ETF structure. Visit our website at www.advisorshares.com to learn more about us. Follow the AdvisorShares Team on Twitter or ‘Like’ us on Facebook.

ALPS ALPS offers innovative investment solutions that help advisors and institutional investors build better portfolios. Through both our core and satellite investment products and access to specialty asset managers we strive to deliver portfolio solutions that allow investors to diversify their holdings and obtain exposure to attractive investment themes. Our exposure to satellite investments, alternative asset classes, and specialty managers is achieved primarily through ETFs, open-end funds, and Closed-End Funds so that we can provide access that is registered, liquid and fully transparent.

Altegris Altegris has one core mission— find the best alternative investments for our professional and individual clients.  Our specialized Research and Investments group focuses solely on alternatives.  We offer a range of alternative strategies, available through actively managed mutual funds, private funds and futures managed accounts. The Altegris companies are wholly owned subsidiaries of Genworth Financial.

 Arrow Funds Arrow Funds is a mutual fund company with a passion and energy for helping investors meet their financial goals. We believe in offering targeted portfolio solutions for the ever-changing capital markets that seek to enhance returns and mitigate risk. Our vision is to be recognized as the leading provider of alternative and tactical investment solutions for financial intermediaries and their clients. We have assembled a team of investment professionals with a breadth of experience and depth of industry knowledge. Education and research remain the cornerstones of our business, backed by our commitment to the highest level of service.

 Aston Funds Aston Asset Management, LP
Headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, Aston provides investment management services to the mutual fund and managed accounts markets by carefully selecting, monitoring and marketing experienced boutique investment managers, who seek to achieve consistent investment performance using disciplined investment processes and best in class business standards.  From the initial due diligence on an investment manager to the launching of a new Aston Fund, we take measured steps to ensure congruence between the requirements of Aston, the capabilities of the subadviser and the needs of clients. Our funds are distributed nationally through intermediaries including registered investment advisors, model platforms, broker-dealers, consultants, retirement platforms and wealth management teams.

 Baceline Founded in 2003, Baceline is a boutique real estate investment company that specializes in the acquisition, management, and sale of necessity-based neighborhood shopping centers in select secondary markets across America’s Heartland. This geographic focus allows investors to better diversify their investment portfolio while avoiding exposure to the highly cyclical and often over-priced coastal markets. Today, Baceline serves the real estate investment needs of nearly 600 individual, family, and institutional investors who have received over 250 uninterrupted distributions since 2003. Well known as a sponsor of unique real estate offerings, Baceline’s aligned investment structure ensures that investors gets paid first while incurring no acquisition, disposition, asset management, or financing fees. Highly applicable in today’s volatile low-yield investment climate, Baceline’s conservative approach is designed to deliver in all economies. For more information please visit www.bacelineinvestments.com.

 BOK Financial Advisor Trust Services BOK Financial Advisor Trust Services
BOK Financial Corporation is a $26 billion regional financial services company based in Tulsa, Oklahoma.  Advisor Trust Services are offered through our national bank affiliate, BOKF, NA, which is able to work nationwide with more than 125 trust officers and provide unsurpassed personalized trust services for your clients.

CAIS CAIS (www.caisgroup.com) is a New York-based financial technology company providing an alternative investment platform to the global wealth management industry. The CAIS end-to-end solution offers improved access and independent oversight to a diversified menu of top-tier alternative investment funds and products coupled with portfolio management tools, integrated reporting and streamlined execution. The CAIS secure web-based interface provides advisors a menu of products, strategy information, independent due diligence reports and a schedule of manager road-shows and educational events. As a dedicated service provider, CAIS avoids key conflicts of interest by neither managing a wealth management business nor trading internal funds. Securities offered through CAIS Capital LLC, member FINRA, SIPC.

 Causeway Causeway Capital Management LLC is a majority employee-owned, global equity manager with approximately $13 billion in assets under management (as of January 31, 2012).  Causeway (adviser to Causeway Funds) began operations in June 2001, and manages assets on behalf of corporations, pension plans, public retirement plans, Taft-Hartley pension plans, endowments and foundations, mutual funds, charities, private funds and trusts, wrap fee programs and other institutions located in the US, Canada and overseas.   Causeway manages five main equity strategies: non-U.S. developed, global developed, emerging markets, international opportunities (developed and emerging) and absolute return.

 CommonWealth Commonwealth is the partner for client-forward™ advisors—those with a single-minded focus on doing what’s right for their clients. Discover all the ways in which our vision is in sync with yours: Technology that integrates every aspect of your clients’ financial lives into a single holistic view. The advisory services, research, and investment insight to help you make the sound recommendations your clients rely on. And direct access to the support you need at every level, including from our managing partners. Contact us today at commonwealth.com—and keep moving client-forward.
Member FINRA/SIPC

 Compass EMP Funds The Compass EMP Funds provides multi-asset alternative mutual funds. The Compass EMP Funds seek to capitalize on significant rising or declining market conditions. The rules-based asset allocation methodology is designed to provide diversification among many asset classes, markets and economies around the world. The Funds have an emphasis on alternative asset classes compared to traditional stock and bond portfolios.

Credit Suisse Credit Suisse AG is one of the world's leading financial services providers and is part of the Credit Suisse group of companies (referred to here as 'Credit Suisse'). As an integrated bank, Credit Suisse offers clients its combined expertise in the areas of private banking, investment banking and asset management. Credit Suisse provides advisory services, comprehensive solutions and innovative products to companies, institutional clients and high-net-worth private clients globally, as well as to retail clients in Switzerland. Credit Suisse is headquartered in Zurich and operates in over 50 countries worldwide. The group employs approximately 49,700 people. The registered shares (CSGN) of Credit Suisse's parent company, Credit Suisse Group AG, are listed in Switzerland and, in the form of American Depositary Shares (CS), in New York. Further information about Credit Suisse can be found at www.credit-suisse.com.

 Direxion Direxion Funds, managed by Rafferty Asset Management, LLC, offers alternative-class fund products and leveraged index funds for investment advisors and sophisticated investors who seek to effectively manage risk and return in both bull and bear markets. Founded in 1997, the company has approximately $7.8 billion in assets under management as of 12/31/2011. The company’s business model is built on continuous product innovation, exceptional customer service and a commitment to building strategic relationships with distribution partners. For more information, please visit www.direxionfunds.com.

Discovery Data Discovery Data offers the only database with a single consolidated view of the financial services industry. The world’s largest, most successful and fastest growing organizations access our database through one or more Web applications, including a state-of-the-art online system, to identify, reach and do business with all RIA and BD firms, 2,300 trust companies, and 2 million professionals encompassing reps, advisors, insurance agents, executives and other key staff. In addition, clients rely on our data hygiene services, data-driven market insight and specialized consulting to understand the industry and keep up with an ever-changing marketplace.

 Double Line DoubleLine Capital LP, is an independent, employee-owned asset management firm specializing in proven solutions to Core Fixed Income, Mortgage-Backed Securities, Global Developed Credit, Emerging Markets Debt and Global Tactical Allocation among Fixed Income, Equity, Commodity and Currency sectors. These services are offered under a cardinal objective: to deliver superior risk-adjusted returns to the client. Senior members of the investment team have managed risk together for over two decades. Founded in December 2009, assets-under management exceeded $9 billion as of March 2011. According to a recent report by the research firm Strategic Insight, DoubleLine Capital was the fastest-growing U.S. mutual fund manager during any fund manager’s first year of operation for the last 25 years.

 Dundee Wealth DundeeWealth US, LP is a division of DundeeWealth Inc., one of Canada’s leading asset management firms and a member of the Scotiabank group.  Our firm offers numerous investment strategies, including U.S. and global equities and precious metals and natural resource equities to institutional investors and financial intermediaries. Services are available to U.S. investors in separate accounts and mutual funds.
LAST APPROVED BY DWUS COMPLIANCE 5/17/12 (Case 1648)

 EJF Capital LLC Established in 2005, EJF Capital LLC is an SEC-registered, alternative asset manager that leverages the asset management and capital market experience of a team of 35 industry professionals.  Emanuel Friedman and Neal Wilson founded the firm with key individuals from the alternative asset group at Friedman, Billings, Ramsey Group, Inc.  We believe we can best serve our clients and ourselves, as principal investors alongside our clients, by having a focused approach to investing in strategies in which we have demonstrable expertise, a proven track record of success and limited competitive landscape.

 EQIS EQIS empowers financial advisors with asset management, practice management, marketing support and administrative services seamlessly integrated into a user-friendly, cloud-based technology platform. Using EQIS allows the advisor to put their focus on client relationship development and wallet share maximization by automating back office, portfolio management and compliance operations. EQIS’s proprietary proposal generation system responds to the unique individual risk and return profile of each client, and gives accounts as low as $25,000 access to the power and flexibility of customized, unified managed accounts that feature diversification across asset classes, equity styles, geographies and, importantly, investment philosophies through the use of Alternatives.

Envestnet, Inc. Envestnet, Inc. (NYSE: ENV) is a leading provider of technology-enabled wealth management solutions to investment advisors. Envestnet's AdvisorSuite software empowers advisors to better manage client outcomes and strengthen their practice. Envestnet offers advanced portfolio solutions through its Portfolio Management Consultants Group, Envestnet | PMC.  Envestnet | Tamarac provides leading rebalancing, reporting and practice management software. Envestnet | Prima provides institutional-quality research and due diligence on investment and fund managers. Envestnet | Vantage gives advisors an in-depth view of clients' investments, empowering them to give holistic, personalized advice. For more information on Envestnet, please visit http://www.envestnet.com.

 First Trust Portfolios First Trust Portfolios L.P. and its affiliate, First Trust Advisors L.P. are privately-held investment services companies which were established in 1991 and operate nationwide and also in Canada. The firms provide a variety of investment services, including asset management, financial advisory services, and competitive municipal underwriting.

The firms currently have assets under management or supervision of over $53 billion through closed-end funds, unit investment trusts, mutual funds, separate managed accounts and exchange-traded funds (as of 5/31/12).

F-Squared F-Squared Investments was founded with the mission of redefining how investment solutions can be reliably delivered to investors.  We believe that severe losses during market downturns are the single greatest threat to investor goals.  Throughout our suite of investment solutions, the theme is quality of returns coupled with significant downside risk management.  We are not benchmark-centric, as downside risk management requires an ability to de-couple from passive benchmarks as markets weaken.  We target relative returns in in bull markets and focus on the risk of loss in bear markets.  F-Squared seeks to deliver consistently and repeatedly on clearly-defined client expectations.

GWG Holdings GWG Holdings, Inc. (“GWG”) acquires life insurance policies in the secondary market from policy owners who sell their policies at a price greater than the cash surrender value, but less than the face value of the policy’s benefit.  Our strategy is to continue to build a diversified and profitable portfolio of policies with proceeds from our publicly registered – renewable secured debentures. Since inception, we have acquired over $1.4 billion in face value of life insurance policy benefits in the secondary market and raised over $100 million in financing to support our portfolio of life insurance policies.


Hatteras Funds
 
Hatteras Funds provides unique alternative investment solutions for financial advisors and their clients. We believe that all investors should have access to the same sophisticated investment approach and superior portfolio management talent as the largest institutions. A boutique alternative investment specialist founded in 2003, Hatteras Funds offers a suite of innovative products designed to help financial advisors allocate to alternative investments.

 ImpactAssets ImpactAssets is a financial services firm that offers investment strategies for philanthropists, investors and wealth advisors to manage their portfolios with equal regard to both problem solving and profit.
ImpactAssets’ mission is to help solve the world's toughest problems by catalyzing investment capital for maximum environmental, social and financial impact.  With a growing suite of investment strategies, a donor advised fund and an evolving resource and knowledge platform that tracks top private debt and equity impact investment fund managers, ImpactAssets is uniquely positioned to partner with a range of wealth holders and their advisors.

 Index Universe IndexUniverse.com is the leading independent authority on ETFs, indexes and index funds. It covers product and market developments related to index funds, ETFs, index derivatives, and the sophisticated investment strategies that use these financial tools. The web site aims to provide the industry's best news, columns, research and features about the dynamic field of index-based investing and trading. It also offers valuable tools and data to assess markets and investment products, and incisive commentary designed to help advisers cut through the clutter and find the right products for their clients.

IndexUniverse.com aims to be educational, thought-provoking and most importantly, rigorously independent.


Interactive Brokers Interactive Brokers is an automated global electronic broker that specializes in catering to financial professionals by offering state-of-the-art trading technology, superior execution capabilities, worldwide electronic access, and sophisticated risk management tools at exceptionally low costs.  The brokerage trading platform utilizes the same innovative technology as the Company’s market making business, which executes and processes trades in securities, futures and foreign exchange instruments on more than 100 electronic exchanges and trading venues around the world.  We provide professional traders and investors with electronic access to stocks, options, futures, forex, bonds and mutual funds from a single IB Universal AccountSM.

 INTL FCStone INTL FCStone Inc. is a Fortune 500 company and through its subsidiaries provides customers across the globe with execution and advisory services in commodities, capital markets, currencies, asset management and more.
INTL FCStone’s customers include the producers, processors and end users of virtually every major traded commodity; commercial counter-parties; governmental, non-governmental and charitable organizations; institutional investors; brokers; professional traders; commercial banks; and major investment banks.
We offer these customers a comprehensive array of products and services, including our proprietary Integrated Risk Management Program (IRMP®), as well as exchange and OTC execution and clearing services, designed to limit risk and enhance margins and bottom-line results; physical trading in base metals, precious metals and grains; a global foreign exchange and currency payment service; asset management; equities market-making; securities execution and trading; and investment banking advisory services.

 IRON Financial IRON Financial is an independent asset manager serving a diverse universe of financial intermediaries and institutions. We manage investment portfolios across both core and alternative asset classes, as well as providing comprehensive solutions to the qualified retirement plan marketplace.
Since 1994, we have prided ourselves on the integrity, independence and innovation that continues to earn us the trust and confidence of our clients. Our professionals have decades of experience in the investment management, qualified plan and financial services industries.
To ensure a superior client experience, IRON has vertically integrated a full complement of administrative and back office shared support services, as well as functional capabilities including operations, finance, technology, legal, compliance and facilities. We are an SEC registered investment advisor.

 JCR Capital JCR Capital is an alternative fund manager with over 40 years experience providing debt, mezzanine debt, preferred equity and joint venture equity to middle market commercial real estate transactions.

Since 1992, JCR's Principals have invested in over 275 real estate transactions totaling approximately $1.8 billion in assets.

JCR Capital prides itself on being a forward thinking company that is able to identify market trends and react accordingly.

JCR is an active contributor to the commercial real estate industry and is frequently represented at industry events.


 Jefferson National Jefferson National is a leading innovator of value-added products and services for independent RIAs and fee-based advisors. Jefferson National has pioneered a unique approach to tax-deferred investing with Monument Advisor, the first no-load variable annuity with a flat-fee of $20 per month and the industry’s largest selection of over 380 funds. Recognized as one of the lowest-cost tax-deferred investing solutions for retirement accumulation and the #1 RIA recommended VA, Jefferson National has topped $1.3 billion in sales, helping investors save over $40 million in insurance fees. Winner of over 30 industry awards, including DMA “Financial Services Company of the Year.”

 JP Turner J.P. Turner is an independent brokerage and investment banking firm headquartered in Atlanta. Advisory and financial planning services are offered through our affiliate company J.P. Turner & Company Capital Management, LLC.  We believe that being independent should not compromise the level of service advisors receive or the resources available to them and work to provide our advisors with the tools and technology they need to build practices that thrive. Industry publications consistently rank us as one of the top 50 independent-broker dealers. J.P. Turner has more than 200 independent branch offices located across the country. To learn more visit www.jpturner.com or www.jpturnercm.com. (Member SIPC)

 KBS Capital Markets Group Since 1992, KBS and its affiliated companies have invested/managed over $15.4 billion in 1,527 assets nationwide on behalf of large institutional clients, such as public and private pension plans, endowments, foundations, sovereign wealth funds and five non-traded REITs.* This same institutional expertise and tactical investment approach is available to individual investors through the publicly registered non-traded real estate investment trusts distributed by KBS Capital Markets Group. The company has one purpose: to help financial advisors and their clients tap directly into real estate opportunities historically available only to large institutions. Call 866-KBS-4CMG for more information or visit www.kbs-cmg.com. 
* As of March 31, 2012

Keating Keating Capital, Inc. (KIPO) is a publicly-traded Business Development Company (or BDC) that specializes in making pre-IPO investments in innovative, high growth companies that are committed to and capable of becoming public.
We provide individual investors with the ability to participate in a unique fund that invests in a private company’s later stage, pre-IPO financing round - an opportunity that has historically been reserved for institutional investors.
Keating Capital is managed by Keating Investments, LLC, an SEC-registered investment adviser founded in 1997, and based in Greenwood Village, Colorado.

LUMA Solutions Services Limited LUMA Solutions Services Limited (LUMA), we are pleased to introduce the LUMA managed account platform.  LUMA was formed to offer institutional investors access to offshore and onshore investment solutions, including UCITS structures. The LUMA managed account platform also offers hedge fund managers a cost efficient solution to set up, operate and help distribute regulated vehicles.
LUMA benefits from the operational and investment expertise of Gottex Fund Management, a leading provider of alternative investment solutions to institutional investors globally. As of December 31st, 2011, Gottex Fund Management held $8.6 billion of hedge fund assets, including $6.8 billion under management and $1.8 billion of fee earning assets. [1]
LUMA provides full managed account advisory services [2] including: (i) review of daily position reconciliation, (ii) daily estimated and monthly final NAVs with independent pricing process, (iii) risk monitoring and reporting through a web based secure portal, (iv) One-Click Partitioning approach to redemptions, (v) assistance in negotiation and monitoring of financing agreements, (vi) assistance in management of service provider relationships. For some managers on the LUMA platform, fund distribution may be available through various third-party entities.

Millennium Trust Millennium Trust leads the industry in administrative and custodial services. Millennium custodies alternative and traditional assets in Self-Directed IRAs and Solo 401(k)s and custody accounts, creates customized Automatic Rollover programs, provides integrated Health Savings Account solutions, designs unique trading platforms for Investment Advisors and supplies valued Personal Trust Administration.
Millennium Trust offers self-directed investment capabilities and access to a wide variety of non-proprietary products including traditional assets such as FDIC Insured money market vehicles, mutual funds, stocks, bonds, and alternative assets including futures, hedge funds, privately held stock, limited partnerships, real estate, mortgages, private placements, foreign currencies, and precious metals.

Montage Investments Montage Investments brings together world-class, institutional investment managers – each offering a distinct approach to asset management that reflects many decades of professional experience and proprietary investment strategies across global asset classes. Our organizational approach is to allow individual investment managers to retain boutique processes, talent and culture that have proven records of adding value to portfolios and meeting client objectives.

Today, we manage nearly $10 billion, while retaining organizational uniqueness and flexibility, allowing our investment managers to focus on what they do best.

For more information, please contact a Montage representative at 888.870.3088

Morgan Creek Morgan Creek Capital Management, LLC is a leading global alternatives asset manager that provides investment management and advisory services to institutions and wealthy families.  We offer “Customized Solutions” to clients in need of a comprehensive investment program, as well as discretionary strategies to assist clients in building investment programs based on the University Endowment Model.  Morgan Creek, an SEC-registered investment adviser, provides asset allocation, manager selection, and portfolio construction through advisory relationships and discretionary strategies.

 Northern Lights The Northern Lights Fund Trust is a shared mutual fund trust comprised of independent funds, all managed by separate investment advisors. Advisors have joined the trust, administered by Gemini Fund Services, to counteract the increasing costs of doing business and increased level of regulatory compliance in the mutual fund industry. We have taken the shared trust environment to the next level by providing a network in which advisors interact and share marketing and distribution ideas, gain additional fund exposure through our various marketing efforts, and have an opportunity to bring their funds together to form a more comprehensive fund family.
0702-NLD-5/19/2010

 Options Industry Council The Options Industry Council (OIC) is dedicated to educating individual investors, financial advisors and institutional investors about the benefits and risks of exchange-traded options.  OIC comprises the nine U.S. options exchanges and OCC.  Since 1992, the contributions that OIC has made to the investing and brokerage communities have been significant to the growth of the options industry.  OIC has a wide range of educational programs and offerings – software, literature, live seminars, online classes and Investor Services live help at 1-888-OPTIONS– tailored to meet the knowledge and experience level of individual investors who are willing to learn about the versatility of options.  The educational materials created by OIC are approved by exchange compliance professionals.

One North Wacker Drive, Suite 500
Chicago, IL 60606
1-888-OPTIONS
(1-888-678-4667)
Email:  [email protected]
Web site:  OptionsEducation.org

 Permanent Portfolio Permanent Portfolio Family of Funds Inc., is a no-load mutual fund family that’s investment philosophy is founded on protecting what you have and producing consistent, above-average, after-tax returns. Its family of funds consists of four separate “Portfolios,” each with its own investment objective and strategies. The Permanent Portfolio is a unique balanced fund that invests in a diversified mix of asset classes and is designed to preserve and increase the purchasing power value of its shares over the long-term. 600 Montgomery Street, Suite 4100, San Francisco, CA 94111.   866-792-6547

PerTrac PerTrac provides sophisticated analytics, reporting and communications software and services for investment professionals, including RIAs, family offices, pension hedge funds, long-only managers, endowments, sovereign wealth funds, funds of funds and industry service providers.   More than 1,400 organizations in 50 countries rely on PerTrac software solutions to help them maximize returns, reduce risk and operate more efficiently.  PerTrac is a private, equity-owned growth company that has been partnering with clients from almost every corner of the alternative and traditional fund investment community since 1996.  The company is headquartered in New York with offices in London, Hong Kong, Tokyo, Reno and Memphis.

Principal funds Principal Funds is a leading provider of mutual fund solutions with more than $68.9 billion in assets under management.1 Principal Funds brings special expertise in global investment management, asset allocation, and retirement leadership to financial professionals and investors. Principal Funds are managed by many leading sub-advisors, including the extensive asset management capabilities of Principal Global Investors. Including its target-risk and target-date offerings, Principal Funds, distributed by Principal Funds Distributor, is the fifth-largest manager of lifecycle funds in the industry.2 Retirement tools and resources available through Principal Funds help investors prepare for and enjoy retirement while also helping financial professionals expand their opportunities. The companies that make up Principal Funds and Principal Global Investors are members of the Principal Financial Group®.
1As of December 31, 2011. Includes all share classes of the Principal Funds, Inc and Principal Variable Contracts Fund, Inc.
2 FRC Quarterly Lifecycle Report Q4 11.

 Pyxis Pyxis Capital, L.P., headquartered in Dallas, TX, is an SEC-registered investment adviser with 22 funds under management. The Firm is one of the industry's most respected and experienced alternative investment managers serving the registered product market. As a manager of managers, we are dedicated to identifying and retaining best in class asset managers to serve as sub-advisers to our funds on behalf of our clients and the advisers that serve them.
The Pyxis family of mutual funds is designed to represent a comprehensive offering spanning many value-added, non-correlated investment strategies that serve to enhance and improve the risk-return profile of our clients’ portfolios.

 Realty Capital Securities Realty Capital Securities (“RCS”), member FINRA/SIPC, and a subsidiary of American Realty Capital, is a purpose-built open architecture wholesale broker dealer focused exclusively on the distribution of public and private direct investment programs.  The products offered on RCS’ platform target specific real estate sectors with varying investment strategies and have been expanded to now include a non-traded business development company.  RCS’ sales, operations, compliance and executive management teams provide expertise in investment program distribution as well as marketing and educational initiatives designed for the broker dealer community.  To learn more about the RCS organization please call the company at 877-373-2522.

 Rock Maple Rock Maple Services, LLC was founded in 2002 as an independent multi-strategy fund-of-hedge-funds (FOHF) manager. It is a registered investment advisory firm focused on alternative strategies and currently oversees $850M in assets.  Rock Maple Funds is a strategic Wilmington Trust partner, providing manager selection and due diligence, portfolio construction, and risk management services to the Wilmington Rock Maple Alternative Fund.

 RiverNorth RiverNorth Capital Management, LLC is an SEC-registered Investment Adviser that specializes in opportunistic investment strategies. Based in Chicago, RiverNorth manages approximately $1.8 billion in assets and is the Investment Adviser to RiverNorth Funds as well as the General Partner of multiple Limited Partnerships.

 RS Investments RS Investments At the core of our business are multiple world-class investment management and research teams, each operating autonomously and offering our clients their unique perspectives. Our specialized investment teams deliver research-driven value, core, and growth strategies as well as sub-advised international and fixed-income strategies. Staffed with experienced professionals, each team employs distinct and well-defined investment processes. The dedicated research team approach assures that our clients benefit from process consistency, investment excellence, and choice across disciplines. Founded in 1986, RS Investments manages separate accounts and mutual funds for individuals and institutions. Offices are located in San Francisco and New York.

 Schooner Schooner Investment Group is an independent asset manager specializing in volatility managed equity portfolios. The firm is the advisor to the Schooner Fund, a 40Act Mutual Fund, and provides sub-advisory services to advisors and financial intermediaries. Since 1995, SIG’s investment team has a history of providing hedged equity and convertible strategies to global banks, and institutional investors. The Schooner Fund (SCNAX) is an investor friendly vehicle for advisors seeking the structural efficiencies and benefits of a mutual fund, with the trading and risk management strategies traditionally only available through hedge funds. The firm’s strategies seek to capture the returns of equity investing, with significant downside protection and lower volatility.

 SCS Financial Founded in 2002, Boston based SCS Financial Services is an investment and wealth management firm, serving families, family offices and institutional investors. We manage approximately $8.2 billion in assets, as of February 29, 2012, including $2 billion in our funds of hedge funds. We thrive on partnering with our clients, exceeding expectations and delivering superior investment results.

SCS has never compromised. Our business model is conflict-free. Our professionals are world-class. Our team-based approach, both internal and external, produces a work environment and culture that is centered on consistently serving the best interests of our clients.

 SQN Capital Management SQN Capital Management ("SQN") is an alternative investment management firm targeting asset-backed, income producing, collateralized investments. We invest directly in hard assets with the objective of creating returns that are not correlated with the equity, fixed income or real estate markets. Inclusion of these types of funds offers diversification potential for your clients’ portfolios.  Our funds may provide a hedge against inflation as well as business cycles. We are strong believers in our core principles of alignment, transparency and a low cost structure.

 Steben & Company For over 20 years, Steben & Company has specialized in bringing managed futures to sophisticated investors. An industry leader, Steben & Company uses its experience to help investors and their financial advisors understand managed futures and the potential benefits to be gained from adding them to an investment plan.
Steben & Company is registered with the Commodity Futures Trading Commission as a commodity pool operator and introducing broker, the Securities and Exchange Commission as a broker dealer and investment advisor, and is a member of the National Futures Association and Financial Industry Regulatory Authority.

 SteelPath SteelPath is a leading investment manager of Master Limited Partnership (MLP) portfolios. The firm has been investing in MLPs since 2004, and is based in Dallas, Texas. Products offered include mutual funds, separately managed accounts, and investment limited partnerships. SteelPath employs a fundamental, research‐driven portfolio selection process to invest predominately in U.S. based energy infrastructure companies structured as MLPs. Energy infrastructure MLPs transport, store, and process liquid hydrocarbons and natural gas, and generate revenues largely through fee or fee‐like contracts. SteelPath believes these companies generally offer potential growth profiles due to the substantial need for new energy infrastructure domestically, robust acquisition opportunities and the benefit of operating leverage which is inherent in the energy infrastructure business model. SteelPath’s investment team has over 50 years of combined investment experience in the MLP asset class.

 Sterling Trust Sterling Trust is the industry leader in providing alternative investment custodial services to brokers, advisors and sponsors, with $10 billion under custody and serving more than 130,000 clients.  We make it easier for financial professionals, broker-dealers and registered investment advisors to use alternative investments to diversify client portfolios with non-traditional investments such as private equity/private debt, real estate, precious metals, promissory notes, and oil and gas.
 

 Strategic Capital SC Distributors' goal is to be the premier distribution platform for select “best in class” alternative investment products. Our mission is to connect investors and financial advisors with a focused group of leading alternative investment managers. Our current product line-up includes…
Carter Validus Mission Critical REIT
Carter Validus Mission Critical REIT is a non-traded real estate investment trust that intends to acquire Mission Critical real estate assets in the Data Center and Healthcare sectors – two growth-oriented sectors of our economy supported by undeniable demand drivers.  Mission critical assets are essential, non-discretionary real estate assets that support the most critical business operations of tenants.  Carter Validus currently has an annualized distribution rate of 7%.
Sierra Income Corporation
Sierra Income Corporation is a non-traded business development company (“BDC”) focused on U.S. middle market debt investments. Sierra plans to invest primarily in senior debt, and to a lesser extent, subordinated debt of U.S. middle market companies – typically the least risky positions when investing in a company’s capital stack.  Sierra intends to create a diversified portfolio of debt investments that generates superior risk-adjusted returns and differentiates itself with its robust origination capabilities.  Sierra currently has an annualized distribution rate of 8%. 

 TD Ameritrade The TD Ameritrade Institutional Difference
TD Ameritrade Institutional is a leading provider of comprehensive brokerage and custody services to over 4,000 independent Registered Investment Advisors (RIAs) and their clients. We deliver smart operational solutions, innovative technology, customized practice management and flexible investment solutions, all with one goal in mind—impeccable service. As steadfast advocates for independent advisors, we continually speak out to ensure that RIA needs and the needs of investors are always considered within the regulatory environment. When you choose to work with us, you’ll see how deeply we are committed to your success. Visit us at www.tdainstitutional.com or call us at 800-934-6124. 
TD Ameritrade Institutional, Division of TD Ameritrade, Inc., member FINRA/SIPC.

 Van Eck Global Founded in 1955, Van Eck Global was among the first U.S. money managers helping investors achieve greater diversification through global investing. Today the firm continues this tradition by offering innovative, actively managed investment portfolios in hard assets, emerging markets, precious metals including gold, fixed income, and other alternative asset classes.
Van Eck’s investment products include mutual funds, Market Vectors exchange-traded funds and notes, variable insurance product funds, separate accounts and alternative investments.  Market Vectors ETPs have been offered since 2006 and span many asset classes, including equities, fixed income (municipal and international bonds) and currency markets. 

 Virtus Virtus Real Estate Capital, based in Austin, Texas, is a real estate private equity sponsor focused on recession resilient asset classes.  Since Virtus was established in 2003, the firm has launched 35 investment funds and partnerships that have invested in 120+ commercial properties with a combined acquisition value of more than $1.65 billion. Virtus has established a strong track record in making real estate investments that have proven to be successful in all phases of the real estate market cycle.

 Wells Fargo Advantage Funds Wells Fargo Advantage Funds skillfully guides institutions, financial advisors, and individuals through the investment terrain to help them reach their financial objectives. Everything we do on behalf of our investors is built on the standards of integrity and service established by our parent company, Wells Fargo & Company; the expertise of our independent investment teams and rigorous ongoing investment review; and the collaborative level of superior service that is our trademark. When you work with Wells Fargo Advantage Funds, you tap into a common goal that guides our actions: to help investment professionals grow and manage their businesses. We set out to achieve this objective through a combination of strength, expertise and partnership.

 Whitebox Advisors Whitebox Advisors, LLC, a Minneapolis-based institutional asset management firm with over $2.2 billion under management, announced its first alternative mutual fund. Whitebox Tactical Opportunities Fund (WBMAX) started trading on Dec. 1, 2011. Whitebox Tactical Opportunities Fund seeks to identify and exploit mispricing, dislocations, and anomalies in and between markets and asset classes.

 William Blair & Company William Blair & Company is a global investment banking and asset management firm. We are committed to building enduring relationships with our clients and providing expertise and solutions to meet their evolving needs. An independent and employee-owned firm, William Blair is based in Chicago, with office locations in 10 cities including London, New York, Shanghai, and Zurich. We currently manage 24 actively managed mutual funds in asset classes where we have long-term experience and depth in investment talent.

 Wilmington Trust Wilmington Trust is now a part of M&T Bank Corporation, one of the largest and strongest holding companies in the eastern United States with $73 billion in assets under management as of 12/31/11. Together, M&T and Wilmington Trust represent one of the country's leading depository and lending franchises, a premier wealth advisory firm, and the partner of choice for corporate transactions and structures.

 WisdomTree WisdomTree launched its first ETFs in June of 2006, and is currently the industry's seventh largest ETF provider. WisdomTree sponsors 48 distinct ETFs that span asset classes and countries around the world. Categories include: U.S. and International Equity, Currency, Fixed Income and Alternatives. WisdomTree pioneered the concept of fundamentally weighted ETFs and active ETFs and is currently an industry leader in both categories. WisdomTree is the only publicly traded asset manager exclusively focused on the ETF industry.
On July 26, 2011, WisdomTree listed on the NASDAQ Global Market under the ticker: WETF.
 

Official Educational Partner / Sponsor


 CAIA The Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst Association® is the global benchmark for alternative investment education.  It administers the CAIA Designation and exams; sponsors research and publications; connects alternative investments experts around the world, and advocates the highest standards in professional conduct.  The CAIA Association has more than 5,000 members in 75 countries and 15 affiliated Chapters.  More information can be found at www.caia.org.
The CAIA Association has 15 chapters worldwide in the following locations: San Francisco, Los Angeles, New York, Boston, Chicago, Canada, London, Switzerland, Luxembourg, Spain, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Singapore, and Korea.