2026 Investment Fund Symposium

Date: Thursday, Nov. 12, 2026

Time: 10 a.m. - 6:30 p.m. CT

Location: The Metropolitan Club, Willis Tower, 233 S. Wacker Dr., 66th floor, Chicago, IL 60606

Join us at our Investment Fund Symposium in Chicago on November 12, designed exclusively for investment fund CFOs, controllers, chief accounting officers, vice presidents of finance, and other senior finance and accounting leaders.

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From evolving tax legislation and increased regulatory scrutiny to the growing influence of AI, today's investment funds are being challenged to do more than ever before. The 2026 Investment Fund Symposium brings together investment fund CFOs, controllers, and other finance and accounting professionals for practical guidance and industry perspectives on the accounting, compliance, operational, and leadership challenges shaping the industry.

Throughout the day, you’ll hear insights from industry experts and connect with finance and accounting peers for thought-provoking discussions on today’s most pressing issues. From tax planning and exit structuring to SEC regulations and practical AI use cases, this year’s symposium offers valuable information that CFOs can apply immediately.

This exclusive, invite-only event will feature conversations centered on CFO effectiveness and the evolving role of finance leadership within investment funds. Presenters will explore how funds are improving operations and administration, supporting their portfolio companies, and driving stronger returns across the portfolio. A peer-led CFO roundtable will provide attendees the opportunity to exchange ideas, share challenges, and discuss industry best practices with fellow accounting and finance executives.

Agenda

10:00 – 10:30 a.m. | Check-in

10:35 – 11:00 a.m. | Middle-market update with Jim Baird

Plante Moran Financial Advisors Chief Investment Officer Jim Baird will provide a timely economic update, offering insights into the key developments shaping the outlook for the middle market.

Speaker:
- Jim Baird, CIO, Plante Moran Financial Advisors

11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. | Navigating the evolving tax landscape for investment funds

The tax environment continues to shift, creating both opportunities and complexity for fund managers and their investors. This session will explore key tax developments affecting the investment fund industry, including updates related to QSBS, SALT, and other areas attracting attention from fund sponsors, CFOs, and tax leaders. Through discussion and real-world perspectives, panelists will share insights on what fund managers should be monitoring and how organizations can position themselves for the future.

Speakers:
- Ken Buczkowski, partner, Plante Moran
- Kurt Beck, partner, Plante Moran
- Maddy Batug, manager, Plante Moran

12:00 – 1:00 p.m. | Lunch

1:00 – 2:00 p.m. | SEC compliance with Lindsey Simon

Lindsey Simon of Simon Compliance will examine new or clarified regulatory expectations, highlight key areas of focus from recent SEC examinations, and share practical strategies for maintaining compliance in a shifting regulatory landscape.

Speaker:
- Lindsey Simon, CEO, Simon Compliance

2:00 – 2:30 p.m. | AI in action

Moderator:
- Sean McBride, partner, Plante Moran

2:30 – 2:50 p.m. | Break

2:50 – 3:20 p.m. | The talent advantage

3:25 – 4:25 p.m. | CFO roundtable

This roundtable discussion will provide a platform for CFOs to exchange ideas and experiences, fostering a deeper understanding of industry standards and innovative approaches.

Moderator:
- Chris Jenkins, partner, Plante Moran
Speakers:
- Andrew Petri, CFO, PPC

4:30 – 6:30 p.m. | Networking

Register now

This event is exclusive to industry professionals. The Investment Fund Symposium may exclude any prospective participant from registering for or participating in the event at the organizer’s sole discretion.

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