The 7th Canadian Alternative Investment Forum (CAIF) was another sold out event at the St. Andrew’s Club in Toronto on April 6th, 2017. Over 200 sophisticated delegates filled the room throughout the day to learn about the inner motivations, professional aspirations and economic outlooks from some of the most interesting minds in the global alternative investment industry.  Introduction Capital has designed CAIF to offer unique access to under the radar managers, operators and entrepreneurs that the principals meet through their global travels. The agenda is carefully curated to foster new discussions and examine niche investment areas and structures. With seven successful forums to date, Introduction Capital has a proven track record of producing a conference that offers a unique delegate experience in terms of information access and meaningful networking.

​

The day kicked off once again with Gluskin Sheff & Associates’ Chief Economist and Strategist, David Rosenberg spoke on “The Trials and Tribulations of Trumponomics”.  CAIF’s candid conversations featured timely discussions on artificial intelligence and a compelling infrastructure play in the frontier industry of cannabis in the US as it pertains to compliance, technology and security.  With the shifting demographics highlighted in Rosenberg’s opening remarks, the investment opportunity in the seniors living space was closely examined as well as the increasing interest in the Canadian MedTech space. Mike Lipkin inspired the delegates after lunch to embrace disruption and to become game changers. Following the motivational presentation, Lipkin had a fireside chat with Marc Amrirault of Crystalline Management unpacking the genesis of the firm and unveiling the secret to its long-term success in the Canadian hedge fund industry.  The three panels of CAIF sparked a thought-provoking debate on the redesign of the alternative landscape from an institutional perspective; pros and cons of collaborative investment styles of family office investors; and the macroeconomic impact of investing in alternatives.

​

CAIF remains the top alternative investment industry thought leadership event welcoming returning investors and attracting many new family offices, institutions and institutional-grade investors. Once again, this year’s event surpassed the number of active allocators who have attended in previous years with over 100 investors present. The specific breakdown is as follows. 

​

• Institutional Investors/Private Investors (UHNW)/Family Offices/Dedicated Wealth Advisors to
  Private Investors and Family Offices: 53.5%

• Product Manufacturers (Private Equity, Hedge Funds, Debt Participation) and Institutional Fund Managers: 20%

• Investment Professionals: 17%

• Service Providers: 6%

• Industry Association Reps: 1.5%

• Non-Profit: 1.5%

• Media: 0.5%