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IPA 2014 Annual Conference Was a Hit

Held October 28-30 in Phoenix, Arizona, IPA’s 2014 Annual Conference for members was a roaring success. The pertinent theme, “Transformation: Leading Change in our Dynamic Industry,” reflected the expansion of opportunities in the industry and sparked thoughtful discussions throughout the conference.

A robust turnout of nearly 450 attendees, representing 150 companies, had the chance to hear a number of high-profile guest speakers discuss a variety of topics. Featured keynote speakers included Tucker Carlson, a political commentator and journalist and Ken Schmidt, a communications visionary who launched Harley Davidson into the famous brand we know today.

“This year’s IPA Annual Conference came at an important crossroads for Direct Investments, and our members spent two days discussing the strength of our industry going forward,” commented Kevin Hogan, President and CEO of the Investment Program Association.

Some topics of discussion included the transformation of product marketing, technology solutions, due diligence, as well as product development and structure.

Dale Brown, President and CEO of FSI led a discussion with broker-dealer executives about the future of product distribution. Inland’s CEO, Mitchell Sabshon, led a discussion on capital markets and the path to liquidity.

Other sessions included LPL’s Ryan Parker discussing product strategy and structure with executives from W.P. Carey, Inc., NorthStar Realty Finance Corp., Behringer Securities, LP, Franklin Square Capital Partners, and CNL Financial Group while Nathan Headrick of Triloma Capital, LLC explored the regulatory environment with executives from FINRA, the SEC, and NASAA.

“The IPA and its members have worked tirelessly on enhanced product transparency, industry standards and broker dealer and financial advisor education, and that important mission continues. Direct Investment products are an important part of a diversified portfolio for suitable investors, and we believe that positive awareness is growing every day,” added Mr. Hogan.

In addition to the educational discussions at the conference, the IPA honored Louisa Quarto, President of Realty Capital Securities, LLC, with the “Outstanding Service Award” for her contributions to creating and organizing the Women’s Initiatives Network (WIN).

Keith Allaire, Managing Director of Robert A. Stanger & Co., Inc., was recognized with the Lifetime Achievement Award for his dedication to the success of the Direct Investments industry.

With a past history of such impressive lineups, be sure to save the date for IPA’s 2015 Annual Conference taking place in Chicago, November 3-5, 2015.