The label “alternative” describes a nebulous investment class to many investors, especially those in the institutional world who have strict ethical and fiduciary obligations to their organizations. However, pursuing alternative investment is essential to maximizing returns while maintaining proper asset allocation in plan portfolios of endowments, foundations, family offices, and public and corporate funds. The Alternative Investment Summit will bring together trustees and representatives of institutions as well as money managers and consultants to explore the roles of alternative opportunities and strategies in an educational environment. Participants and delegates will investigate a range of critical investment issues, including discussion of the risks and benefits involving private equity, investigating the risks and rewards involved with hedge funds, examining means of cutting costs associated with implementation of absolute returns strategies, reviewing the future of commodities, and surveying the landscape of emerging international markets.