About the 2026 Series
Kayo is replacing one large conference with a curated series of intimate, regionally focused gatherings bringing ~100 senior leaders together for relevant content and high-quality, designed networking. Attendees get prime positioning, real relationship-building with key decision-makers, and a program tailored to their market and team, delivering stronger ROI through deeper access and more durable connections.
Driving Business Opportunities in the Midwest
An intimate, invitation-caliber gathering of senior private equity professionals anchored in Chicago and the greater Midwest market — built around dealmaking, regional market insight, and high-quality access to the people who matter most to your business.
The Details
WHO ATTENDS
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Private equity, private credit, corporate M&A, secondaries, and other asset managers
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Investment bankers and equity and debt capital market professionals
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Endowments, foundations, pension, insurance, OCIOs, family office and other institutional investors
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Select advisors to asset managers and allocators
WHY THE ROOM IS DIFFERENT
Every attendee is reviewed before a pass is issued. We limit attendance to ~100 senior leaders so that every conversation in the room is worth having. No generalist crowd. No wasted time. The people you need to meet are the people in the room.
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis and a member of our team will respond within 5 business days.
CATEGORY AVAILABILITY - CHICAGO
WHAT CO-SPONSORSHIP INCLUDES
- Speaking opportunity on a market-focused panel
- Structured 1:1 networking with senior GP attendees
- Prominent brand positioning across all Forum materials
- Attendee list access 4-weeks prior to the event
- Association with post-Forum content distribution
Category slots are first-come, first-served. One firm per category.
AGENDA - CHICAGO
| Time | Agenda |
|---|---|
8:00 AM |
Registration & Connection Café |
8:15 AM |
Opening Remarks |
8:30 AM |
Private Equity M&A Outlook |
9:15 AM |
Fireside Chat |
9:45 PM |
Connection Café & Meet the Speakers |
10:15 AM |
Private Debt Markets |
11:00 AM |
Investing in Healthcare |
11:45 PM |
Connection Café & Meet the Speakers |
12:00 PM |
Networking Lunch: Table Talks |
1:30 PM |
Conclude |
Full agenda with confirmed speakers coming soon
The quality of the networking events and the [sessions] were unmatched, and I am looking forward to continuing the discussions and collaboration.”
Principal, St. Cloud Capital
What to Expect
5 hours
of content across panels and networking, covering insights on regulatory shifts, market trends, and innovative deal structures shaping alternative investing.
100 attendees
that form a thoughtfully-designed, warm, and inclusive setting where meaningful conversations happen naturally. Meet the people you want to connect with most, organically.
1 day
of networking through thoughtfully designed experiences such as the Connection Café and Meet the Speakers. Kayo's secret sauce is intentional introductions that create opportunities.
Past Speakers
Elizabeth Govea
Managing Investment Officer
Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund
Suzanne Yoon
Founder & Managing Partner
Kinzie Capital Partners
Molly Hughes
Director
Madison Dearborn Partners
Teresa Sexton
Managing Partner
Claritas Capital
Rebecca Converse
Partner
Pritzker Private Capital