NextBillion - An Initiative of the William Davidson Institute at the University of Michigan

The Microfinance CEO Working Group (MCWG) cordially invites you to join an intimate cocktail reception with the CEOs and their Digital Financial Services staff to discuss digital technology and the innovations that are shaping the industry.

The evening will feature presentations from Michael Schlein of Accion; Shameran Abed of BRAC; Rupert Scofield of FINCA International; Steve Hollingworth of Grameen Foundation; Maria Cavalcanti of Pro Mujer; and Mary Ellen Iskenderian of Women’s World Banking.

CDFIs are an essential part of our nation’s financial ecosystem. And we are here to stay. Our work takes us where mainstream capital is scarce. We empower people to act in the best interests of their communities, themselves, and future generations.

Highlights:

Keynote Sessions: The OFN Conference features top industry leaders speaking on our general session stage. Confirmed speakers include Counselor to the Secretary of the US Treasury Craig Phillips and CDFI Fund Director Annie Donovan.

Industry Awards: The OFN Conference is the place where we recognize leadership, commitment, and innovation in our field. Awards to be presented  include:

• Ned Gramlich Lifetime Achievement Award for Responsible Finance: Our industry’s highest honor, it is presented annually to an individual who has advanced the opportunity finance field through a lifetime of action and results.
• Native Awards Ceremony: The 12th Annual Native CDFI Awards ceremony on Wednesday night honors this year’s Circle of Honor and Visionary Leader awardees.
• Justice Grant: Selected by the Conference Co-hosts, this award is made on behalf of OFN Conference attendees to a nonprofit organization whose mission is consistent with OFN’s core purpose of aligning capital with social, economic, and political justice.

OFN Membership Meeting: This year, OFN Members convene to welcome new OFN President and CEO, Lisa Mensah! Members will cast votes to fill four open seats on the OFN Board.

CDFIsInvest on the Hill: As Congress continues to work on the FY18 budget, they need to hear from constituents like you who know first-hand about the impact CDFIs have nationwide. Register by Friday, August 25 to advocate for the CDFI industry on Capitol Hill! This event is open to all Conference attendees. Participants are responsible for scheduling their meetings with members of Congress and their staff.

Breakout Sessions: More than 60 breakout sessions across 12 tracks, including Financial Resources, Financial Management and Operations, Healthy Communities, Impact, Collaborations, Public Policy, and more!

Networking Opportunities: From facilitated networking sessions to designated networking locations to informal networking at the OFN Expo and in the halls, you’ll love all the opportunities to interact with your colleagues from across the country, and meet exhibitors serving the CDFI Industry.

Tours: Get out of the hotel and into our nation’s capital to see CDFI impact in action. This year’s Conference tours highlight D.C. neighborhoods, giving attendees a feel for the breadth and depth of CDFI impact by showcasing a variety of CDFI financed projects in each neighborhood.

An opportunity for institutional investors, family offices, investment advisors, foundations to meet impact and sustainable funds.

The event profiles five investment funds with differentiated criteria to Family Offices, Foundations, Institutional Investors and Advisers. Funds are selected based on multiple criteria including: management team, track record, and investment strategy. This event showcases innovative fund managers in the diverse sectors. The event is structured to include group presentations and one-on-one meetings to maximize attendees ability to interact with the fund managers. There is no fee for attendees.

September 26: Park City

September 27: San Francisco

September 28: New York