Since our founding in 2013, Kayo Conference Series has been a catalyst for connection, conversation, and community among women in alternative investing. Over the past 12 years, we’ve brought together a dynamic network of more than 8,000 trailblazing women (and men) in private equity, venture capital, and real assets.
Our events are known for their warm and welcoming atmosphere, candid conversations, best-in-class content, and the kind of access that puts you in the right room at the right time. Along the way, we’ve shared some unforgettable moments.
We’re looking back on 12 highlights that capture the energy, spirit, and impact of the Kayo community. Let’s reminisce, shall we?
1. The South Beach Series 10th Anniversary Event (June 2023)
An unforgettable celebration, this milestone event brought together our vibrant community across private equity, sustainable investing, and real estate. More than 850 attendees made the journey to sunny Miami Beach for four days filled with inspiring speakers, high-impact networking, and energizing experiences.
From beachside yoga to bold summer fashion, the atmosphere was electric. Connections happened everywhere, from meeting halls to poolside chats. With over 25 hours of curated programming and networking, we struck the perfect balance between the spirit of a summer getaway and the substance of a professional summit.
2. The Inaugural Family Office Retreat (July 2024)
Family offices are emerging power players in the investment world, with more women than ever leading the charge. In 2024, we hosted 60 accomplished women at the beautiful Salamander Resort for our first-ever Family Office Retreat. Attendees immersed themselves in discussions on legal, tax, and asset allocation strategies, all while bonding over pickleball and cooking classes. It was an energizing, intimate event—like summer camp for accomplished women in finance.
3. Jordan Rae Kelly’s Keynote Featured at the Real Assets Summit (November 2022)
Some moments stick with you, not just for what was said, but how it was delivered. At our 2022 Real Assets Summit in Austin, Jordan Rae Kelly, Senior Managing Director and Head of Cybersecurity for the Americas at FTI Consulting, delivered a standout closing keynote that combined expertise with extraordinary poise. As she began her talk on critical cybersecurity issues, a blaring fire alarm unexpectedly interrupted the session.
Luckily, there was no safety concern, but the alarm continued. Yet Jordan never missed a beat. With calm confidence, she pressed on, delivering one of the most compelling keynotes in Kayo history. It was a true masterclass in grace under pressure.
4. The First-ever Kayo Private Equity Summit (October 2013)
Every movement starts with a bold vision. Our founder, Lindsay Burton, a former M&A professional, created a space for career-driven women in finance when none existed. Starting in her home with a few interns, she launched the first Kayo Conference in Washington, D.C., gathering nearly 100 women ready to spark change. That initial spark has grown into a movement that continues to thrive.
5. The First LP Knockout Networking and Fireside (June 2022)
Knockout Networking sessions celebrate what happens when women in finance come together to solve real challenges and uplift one another. At the 2022 Private Equity Summit, we launched our first one featuring a conversation between two trailblazers in the institutional investing world: Elizabeth Burton, the former CIO for Hawaii’s Employees’ Retirement System, and Dana Johns, Head of Private Equity for New Jersey. Their candid stories and shared insights reminded us why women supporting women is a force to be reckoned with.
6. The 2023 Debt Finance Forum at One Vanderbilt (November 2023)
A sold-out event at just the right moment. In 2023, private credit was having its breakout year. We brought the energy to new heights, literally, gathering on the 72nd floor of One Vanderbilt, one of New York’s most iconic venues.
Against that stunning skyline backdrop, industry leaders came together to explore the future of credit. Among our standout speakers were: Ann-Marie Griffith, Beth Ann Bovino, Dianna Carr-Coletta, Elinor Hoover, and Morgan O’Neill.
7. Powerhouse Fireside Chats at South Beach Series (June 2023)
At the 2023 South Beach Series, our fireside chats were a high point, with industry trailblazers sharing heartfelt reflections on their career journeys. The candid, hard-won wisdom of speakers like Olivia Wassenaar (Apollo), Gilda Perez-Alvarado (formerly JLL), Lauren Leichtman (Levine Leichtman Capital Partners), Katherine Wood (TPG Capital), Onay Payne (formerly Lafayette Square), and Laura Rubin (Starwood) left attendees inspired and ready to make their own impact.
8. The Nashville Leadership Retreat (February 2023)
The Kayo experience isn’t just conferences. We’re also deeply committed to professional development. Since 2019, our executive leadership retreats and Masterclasses have offered immersive experiences for women to grow, lead, and thrive. At our Winter 2023 retreat in Nashville, held at the chic Noelle Hotel, participants experienced two transformative days of Vital Voice Training with facilitators Casey and Julie, empowering them to speak with clarity, confidence, and presence in any room. One of the most memorable lessons? “Let your butt be big.” A powerful reminder that women deserve to take up space.
9. Splitting One Summit into Two Bold New Experiences (October 2024)
The Kayo community understands that business success requires bold and decisive action. Following one of the most successful years for our Private Equity Summit, we decided to split it into two. Why? Because we saw an opportunity to create more intentional, targeted experiences for the groups within our growing community.
In 2024, we launched the Women’s M&A Summit (focused on dealmakers, including PE investors, bankers, and portfolio companies) and the Women’s Private Funds Summit (designed for capital raisers and LPs). The result? Deeper connections, more relevant conversations, and an even greater impact.
10. Fireside Chat with Sarah Schwarzschild and Sonny Kalsi (November 2022)
In 2022, we hosted a memorable fireside chat featuring Sarah Schwarzschild, former Co-Head of BGO Strategic Capital Partners, and Sonny Kalsi, Co-CEO of BentallGreenOak. While some questioned why a man would have a prominent voice at a women’s conference, we believe that advancement for women in the industry requires collaboration and open dialogue, regardless of gender.
Sarah and Sonny shared the story of BGO’s acquisition of Carlyle’s Metropolitan Real Estate platform, led by Sarah, and the power of mutual respect and inclusive leadership. It was a bold session that sparked conversation, challenged assumptions, and highlighted the strength of allyship. In a full-circle moment, Sarah returned to our stage in 2025 as a keynote, continuing to lead with courage and vision.
11. The Leveraged Finance Pop-Up in NYC (October 2022)
Kayo’s Pop-Up Series brings industry insight and connection to women in finance wherever they are. In fall 2022, we relaunched the series in New York City with a high-energy Leveraged Finance event hosted by our longtime partners at Kirkland & Ellis LLP. A packed room enjoyed a standout fireside chat with Christina Minnis, Global Head of Acquisition Finance at Goldman Sachs, followed by an afternoon of powerful networking. Since then, we’ve taken these events to 13 cities across North America.
12. The 2021 Energy Summit, a Reunion to Remember (September 2021)
After over a year of uncertainty and virtual meetings, the 2021 Energy Forum marked a triumphant return to in-person connection. Over 150 women gathered in Houston for our first live event since the pandemic began. This reunion was emotional, hopeful, and energizing, reminding us all of the power of coming together again.
Looking back on these moments fills us with gratitude and excitement that we’ve built something meaningful together. Check out our upcoming events, and let’s make new memories together. We can’t wait to see you there.