We are all aware of the profound disruption that this pandemic is causing to our lives and our economy. It is the first pandemic we are facing in modern times and the level of uncertainty about how the situation will unfold is just unbearable. There are too many variables, and we really don't know how bad the economy will be impacted, and how long it will take for it to recover; we don't even know if and when this virus will leave our lives. What we do know for sure, though, is that, no matter what the central banks and governments do—no matter how much money they print and how they distribute it—an increasing number of people will delay and default on their loans, and more companies will declare bankruptcy, as it's already happening. There is no doubt that this is a grim environment for investors, especially for those who have exposure to the most affected sectors. However, the good news is that this disruption is also generating unprecedented opportunities that we are going to discuss with our guest panelists.

2 Interesting Data Points

PNC Financial Services Group said, it completed the sale of its stake in money manager Blackrock Inc. for some $14.4 billion. The Pittsburgh-based bank sold 31.6 million shares of common and preferred stock through a registered offering at $420 per share.

Blackstone COO, John Gray says distressed buying opportunities are still about a year away from full scale deployment of 44 billion dollars of dry powder while posting a 1st quarter write down of 30.3% on their distressed debt opportunities fund.

To discuss achieving investment returns in a turbulent, low interest rate environment, Nick Eskandari, President/CEO of Key Bridge Fund, and Brian Heller, Managing Director, will examine topics including commercial real estate perspectives in today’s market, positioning for resilience, and capitalizing on the opportunities in the capital market.

Tax efficient investing via Opportunity Zones has never been as attractive as today. The panel will look at how Opportunity Zones have matured and what investors should consider given the recent guidance and final regulations from the IRS. Our experts in tax efficient investing, accounting and fund management will also discuss what Family Offices need to consider when allocating capital to the various Opportunity Zone Funds.

Having a big idea in today's exceptional times, needs to be coupled with exceptional operating partners. Tax efficient investing needs to be aligned with proper planning, so join us to listen to our experts speak about different real estate investment opportunities to supplement this tax efficient structure.

Elizabeth is the Chief Marketing Officer for Applied Business Software. She has a proven record in senior operational roles and is known as an inspirational leader and a data-driven marketer. She has created full scale marketing platforms, handles media, public relations and brand management for ABS; a strategic planner and forward thinker. Elizabeth has a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish Literature and a Masters in Business Administration.

In an environment of uncertainty where cash is KING, what are Banks and Direct Lenders thinking about post-pandemic? But before I go there, where were we?

Pre-pandemic, the global economy was buzzing along on two and half or three cylinders and I say this because even though the US was steaming along on 4 cylinders, China, Germany and many countries in Europe and the rest of the world were showing signs of financial fatigue with slowing economic output as measured by GDP growth. 

Join us for a panel as we discuss how private lenders are benefitting from these current challenging economic times and explore other dislocated private market opportunities that will lead to the opportunities of 2020 and beyond. Our expert panel will reflect on past crises and discuss how they are adjusting to today's new realities and preparing for tomorrow's opportunities.

FLAIA launched an online digital platform in 2019 and has made great strides in rolling it out to supplement the Buy-Side Discovery and Due Diligence process. FLAIA designed the platform to conform to the rigors of a busy life not knowing that people would be further hindered by COVID -19. The platform uses investor preferences and deal highlights to make a market in alternative investments with the mission and vision of being the world's leading marketplace for alternative investments and alternative investment education. Michael Corcelli, the Founder & Chairman of FLAIA will demonstrate the platform in real time showing how the deal marketing, due diligence and fund raising process is fully digital and compliant with securities rules, regulations and compliance.

FLAIA launched an online digital platform in 2019 and has made great strides in rolling it out to supplement the Buy-Side Discovery and Due Diligence process. FLAIA designed the platform to conform to the rigors of a busy life not knowing that people would be further hindered by COVID -19. The platform uses investor preferences and deal highlights to make a market in alternative investments with the mission and vision of being the world's leading marketplace for alternative investments and alternative investment education. Michael Corcelli, the Founder & Chairman of FLAIA will demonstrate the platform in real time showing how the deal marketing, due diligence and fund raising process is fully digital and compliant with securities rules, regulations and compliance.

We will review the impact of COVID - 19 on Workforce Housing, Multi Family, Senior Living throughout the US. The panelists will also talk about the impact of lower interest expense while providing insight into their relationship with their lenders. We welcome audience participation and look forward to an interactive session.

Asset based loans, also called hard money loans, are widely used by real estate investors who appreciate fast approval with more flexibility and less invasive documentation. Hard money loans look first to collateral whereas traditional bank loans are based on cash flow. 

Join us to explore this fascinating niche in the lending market. 

Co-Investing vs Direct Investing is possibly the hottest topic today for both Investors and General Partners to consider. The panel will discuss strategies Investors and General partners should consider while considering a Co-Investment or DIrect investment opportunity. This diverse panel of experts will provide different points of view to consider while arranging an alternative investment offering. If you are an investor being approached by an operating business to be a lead investor or you are an investor tagging along a lead investor, what issues should you consider? Points of view vary depending on the role that you are playing in either transaction. No matter if you are an operating partner or a financial sponsor, this panel will look at everything from costs, legal and business considerations that are being proposed to you. Our experts will discuss and answer Q&A, and share their expert insights into structuring, legal issues, compliance and custody rules while contemplating a Co-Investment vs. Direct Investment opportunity. 

As the US and the global economies continue to simultaneously address both health and financial risks stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic, it is a natural time for investors to reassess their own portfolio and investment allocations. Join us as we see what lenders and credit providers are doing across the marketplace.

We're going to walk through an informal case study of a Direct Lender to reveal the truths around what drives traffic to their website. At DiamondLinks, we commonly find that providers aren't fully aware of why potential clients are finding them online, or more commonly, why they are not. This case study will serve as a representative sample of the opportunity that lies in influencing how potential clients can be funneled to your site and converted into leads. 

There are going to be opportunities in the development, redevelopment, and repurposing of hospitality projects, where our industry is going to develop into a “new norm” in “Demands” for design and functionality. Newer needs, newer concepts of comfort and a new definition for Hoteliers of how to be bigger within smaller experiences. Professional hospitality will be in higher demand. How are Hoteliers navigating the disruption now and how are they preparing for the uncertainty of the future?

Using Preqin data, Jesse will examine the impact that COVID-19 has had thus far on the private equity real estate and private debt industry. We will delve into fundraising trends across those two industries, the effect the virus has had on deal making, and lessons we can take away from the last recession for managers today. We will also look at how institutional investors have been reacting to the downturn and how they might allocate towards private capital over the longer term.