Impact investing has been gaining tremendous interest in recent years as investors seek to align financial returns with positive social and environmental impact. As the impact investing industry matures, conferences have emerged as premier venues for education, networking and deal-making. By bringing together various stakeholders, impact investing conferences play a critical role in shaping the future of the field. This article provides a comprehensive look at major impact investing conferences worldwide, examining their key features, topics, participants and objectives.
Global Impact Investing Network (GIIN) Conferences Gather Top Leaders to Discuss Trends and Opportunities
The GIIN hosts annual conferences that convene impact investing leaders from around the world. The flagship event is held in New York City, while regional conferences take place in locations like Africa, Asia and Latin America. These multi-day conferences feature keynote speeches, breakout sessions, networking events, awards programs and an exhibitor showcase. Programming spotlights emerging best practices, innovative deal structures, impact measurement and management, and new frontiers like gender lens investing.
SOCAP Conferences Connect Impact Investors with Social Entrepreneurs and Focus on Designing Solutions
SOCAP (Social Capital Markets) hosts several major conferences per year focused on social enterprises and impact investing. The flagship SOCAP conferences held in San Francisco and Europe use a ‘solutions lens’ to drive social change. Thousands of attendees participate in presentations, workshops, pitch events and networking sessions. Recent topics include sustainable agriculture, clean energy access, financial inclusion, healthcare and technology for good.
Conscious Capitalism Events Emphasize Business as a Force for Good and Shared Value Creation
Conscious Capitalism hosts an annual summit to showcase socially and environmentally responsible companies. The agenda covers conscious business practices, stakeholder orientation, and elevating humanity through business. Attendees gain insights into integrating purpose with profits to drive shared value creation.
Impact Investing World Forum Focuses on Mainstreaming Impact Investing in Financial Markets and Society
Organized by Impact Investment World Forum (IIWF), this event convenes investors, entrepreneurs, corporations and governments to discuss innovative financing models and partnerships that deliver positive impact. Conference programming facilitates constructive dialogue, knowledge exchange and concrete action toward mainstreaming impact investing.
Mission Investors Exchange Conferences Connect Foundations and Other Mission-Driven Investors
The Mission Investors Exchange hosts an acclaimed annual conference where foundations, banks, pension funds and nonprofit investors engage on impact investing best practices. Participating investors represent over $200 billion in combined grantmaking and assets devoted to social and environmental change.
In summary, major impact investing conferences like those hosted by GIIN, SOCAP, Conscious Capitalism, IIWF and Mission Investors Exchange play an invaluable role in driving discussion, education and deal-making to grow the impact investing industry. These premier events convene diverse participants, spotlight trends and opportunities, facilitate networking and collaboration, and ultimately aim to mainstream impact investing.