Argyle Executive Forum memberships are closely managed though an invitation-only process to ensure quality and balance within each community. Memberships comprise senior operating leaders and board members from private and public companies, investment professionals, as well as public-policy makers. The memberships also maintain highly targeted sub-memberships/special interest groups that focus on a specific discipline, business topic or investment area.

Over 25,000 executives participate in one or several of our memberships, with over 200 new members joining every month.

Executive Function Memberships:
• Board of Directors
• Chief Financial Officer
• Chief Marketing Officer
• Chief Information Officer
• Corporate Development & Strategy
• Customer Care
• General Counsel
• Human Capital

Industry Memberships:
• Bankruptcy / Restructuring / Turnarounds
• Endowments, Foundations, and Pension Funds
• Energy
• Healthcare
• Investment Management
• Media
• Pharmaceuticals & Biotechnology
• Private Equity
• Retail / CPG
• Telecom
• Utilities

Argyle Executive Forum’s Bankruptcy / Restructuring / Turnarounds Membership currently represents over 1000 senior investment professionals focused on the distressed space, as well as buyout and bankruptcy deal makers from mid market (AUM between $500m – $1b) and large market (AUM greater than $1b) private investment firms. Click here for a sampling of the Bankruptcy / Restructuring / Turnarounds Membership.

Topic imperatives the membership is currently discussing include but are not limited to:
(Last Updated 8/12/2010)

Outlook on the Distressed Markets

• High-level review of experiences in 2010, and how they can influence policies going forward
• Discussion of recent notable deals and what they show about where to look for opportunities in 2011
• A look at the LBO market in light of its predicted resurgence in 2010, and what will happen in 2011

The "Private Equity Investor" vs. the Specific "Distressed Debt Investor"

• What to know when venturing into distressed investments
• Who is best positioned to take advantage of opportunities?
• Is there significant competition between parties?
• Common misconceptions/mistakes made in sourcing and executing deals in the distressed markets

Challenges and Key Principles for Securing Exit Financing

• How viable are the alternatives to bankruptcy?
• A look at strategies for growing value without new financing
• Navigating the complexities of securing DIP financing
• Issues surrounding timing and strategies for choosing the right moment and being prepared ahead of time. What factors cause the most detrimental delays?
• Best practices for choosing a lender: What information is most crucial?

Distressed Transactions and Value Opportunities 

• A look at some sectors opening up for distressed investors: banking institutions, healthcare, automotive, commercial retail 
• Where to invest and what to avoid
• The snap back of the loan and bond markets, and the implications for control investors who may now be refinanced out of their positions
• The wave of bank and bond maturities coming in 2011-2013

A Legal Perspective on the Re-Structuring Process and the Distressed Markets

• A look at the future for real estate bankruptcies and how regulators and banks will affect the process
• Should companies focus on coming to an agreement or fight in their corner during Chapter 11 proceedings?
• There was talk earlier in the year about how Chapter 11 was becoming a redundant way to help distressed companies, suggesting it was tilted in the interests of creditors. Is this still the thinking, and what would be the alternatives, or methods, to create a fairer balance between debtors/creditors?
• Opinions on the potential value of proposed bankruptcy courts focused solely on financial institutions

The Prizes and Pitfalls of Cross-Border Investments in Distressed Assets

• What are the hot international industries for a distressed investor?
• Examining the different approaches to due diligence: What are the most common misconceptions experienced within an international portfolio?
• What are the main obstacles and how can they be successfully navigated?

Successfully Managing Portfolio Companies through the Re-Structuring Process

• Perspectives on the turnaround process from the initial meetings through consummation, including consideration of when best to get involved and when best to get out?
• Current market trends in workouts and restructuring transactions, including trends in financing, value enhancement, and the participation of professionals
• When and how best to engage management, customers, and other creditor constituencies
• Best practices in any operational/managerial restructuring

For more information on membership activities and benefits, as well as to apply for membership,
please contact:

Lily Robertson
Argyle Executive Forum
Phone: (646) 839-2034
lrobertson@argyleforum.com

Argyle Executive Forum’s Board of Directors Membership currently represents over 3000 internal and external board members from mid cap (revenue between $500m – $1b) and large cap (revenue greater than $1b) organizations. Click here for a sampling of the Board of Directors Membership.

Topic imperatives the membership is currently discussing include but are not limited to:
(Last Updated 8/12/2010)

Corporate Board Member Outlook

• Lessons learned: looking back at the last 24 months
• Effectively using special committees to make important decisions while avoiding potential conflict
• Assessing board effectiveness through evaluations
• Risk oversight: What will corporate boards need to know going into 2011 and beyond?

The Changing Regulatory and Legal Landscape

• Assessing the immediate and long-term impact of the Dodd-Frank financial reform bill
• The ongoing impact of FCPA: What is the board’s role in monitoring compliance issues?
  
• What do corporate directors need to know about recent and upcoming changes in FASB/IASB accounting standards?

Executive Compensation: A Balancing Act

• Ensuring that your executive compensation programs attract top talent while meeting shareholder expectations
• "Say-on-Pay": How this new legal provision can limit the board’s options
• Aligning pay with performance without incentivizing excessive risk taking
• External scrutiny: How do executive compensation programs stay competitive without drawing criticism from the public, unions, and other stakeholders?

The Challenge Posed by Activist Shareholders and Unsolicited Takeovers

• Responding to increased activism from institutional shareholders
• How to protect the long-term interests of a corporation against short-term goals of activist shareholders
• How should the board react on receipt of an unsolicited takeover proposal?
• How does SEC oversight affect the board and shareholders of a corporation targeted by shareholder activists?

For more information on membership activities and benefits, as well as to apply for membership,
please contact:

Jason Redlus
Argyle Executive Forum
Phone: (646) 839-0025
jredlus@argyleforum.com

Argyle Executive Forum’s Chief Financial Officer Membership currently represents the financial leadership from over 1000 mid cap (annual revenue $500m – $1b) and large cap (revenue greater than $1b) organizations. Click here for a sampling of the Chief Financial Officer Membership.

Topic imperatives the membership is currently discussing include but are not limited to:
(Last Updated 8/12/2010)

CFO Outlook for 2011

• What’s next? The economic outlook for 2011
• What types of spending will increase and which will be reduced?
• How aggressive are CFOs’ plans for growth in the coming year?
• Planning and forecasting: What steps can CFOs take to prepare for uncertainty and risk?

Update on Regulatory and Legislative Issues

• Assessing the impact of the Dodd-Frank financial reform bill
• Navigating new regulations and costs from healthcare reform
• What do recent and upcoming changes to tax laws mean for businesses?
• Standardization of federal and international accounting standards

The Changing Role of the CFO

• CFO as a strategic advisor to the CEO
• CFO as a team leader: best practices in financial staff management
• CFO as a board member: the benefits and risks of serving on the board
• CFO and the IT department: how technology is changing the role of finance executives

Expense Management Trends

• How CFOs can gain greater visibility into company expenditures
• When does business-process outsourcing make sense?
• Best practices in vendor management and contract negotiation
• Cloud computing to minimize costs

CFO Perspectives on M&A

• What M&A transactions mean for finance and accounting departments
• Will M&A activity increase over the next 12 months?
• With limited access to capital, how are companies financing deals?
• How to find and capitalize on new opportunities

For more information on membership activities and benefits, as well as to apply for membership,
please contact:

Marshall Moseley
Argyle Executive Forum
Phone: (646) 839-0109
mmoseley@argyleforum.com

Argyle Executive Forum’s Chief Information Officer Membership currently represents the senior IT executives from over 600 mid cap (annual revenue $500m – $1b) and large cap (revenue greater than $1b) organizations. Click here for a sampling of the Chief Information Officer Membership.

Topic imperatives the membership is currently discussing include but are not limited to:
(Last Updated 8/26/2010)

Chief Information Officer Outlook 2011

• What new technologies will have the biggest impact on business in the year ahead?
• How are IT departments responding to economic pressure to reduce costs and contribute to revenue?
• What are the biggest security challenges that IT departments are currently facing?
• Recent trends in the IT Workforce:  What steps are you taking to attract and utilize the right talent in the right positions?
• Expanding the role of IT:  What new business challenges are IT departments being asked to solve?

Cloud Computing:  Assessing the Benefits and Limitations

• What are the key benefits of cloud computing for a business?  Does it effectively cut costs? Improve productivity?
• What types of services and business processes best lend themselves to a cloud based approach?
• How are IT departments addressing the security issues presented by cloud computing?
• Best practices for moving an existing service to the cloud
• SaaS versus internally built cloud computing systems:  When does each approach make the most sense?

New Innovations in Mobile Devices and Wireless Technology

• Which new mobile devices will remain viable tools for business users?
• Where has wireless network technology made the most improvements in the last year?
• How does your organization choose which mobile devices and platforms to support?
• What security issues do mobile devices present, and how are IT departments responding to them?

Chief Information Officer Perspectives on Social Media

• How can social media campaigns and applications best be used to help companies connect with their customers?
• What effects are social media platforms having on your company’s internal communications and culture?
• What is your firm’s policy on social media use by employees, and how does your IT department handle the increased security risks posed by employee use of social media sites?
• Which social media platforms will be most important in 2011?

For more information on membership activities and benefits, as well as to apply for membership,
please contact:

Jason Redlus
Argyle Executive Forum
Phone: (646) 839-0025
jredlus@argyleforum.com

Argyle Executive Forum’s CMO Membership currently represents the marketing leadership from over 1000 mid cap (revenue between $500m – $1b) and large cap (revenue greater than $1b) organizations. Click here for a sampling of the Chief Marketing Officer Membership.

Topic imperatives the membership is currently discussing include but are not limited to:
(Last Updated 8/12/2010)

Integrating Social Media into the Marketing Mix

• Successful strategies to implement and pitfalls to avoid
• Balance in the marketing mix—avoiding too much reliance on any one medium
• Integrating mobile loyalty programs

Leadership Considerations

• Defining marketing for your brand—case studies from CMOs
• Fostering loyalty through customer engagement
• Impact of brand value and lifetime value of customers
• Efficiency of online marketing and achievement of ROI

Branded Entertainment & Integration

• Beating DVR: best practices in product placement
• Avoiding oversaturation and infomercials
• Crisis preparation: expecting the unpredictable

Turning the Crowd into a Community: A Look at the Forefathers of Crowdsourcing

• Moving beyond the notion that crowdsourcing is a new phenomenon
• Creating a sense of unity by bringing the audience together
• Incorporating customers into every aspect of the business model

Moving Forward by Going Backward: Reinvigorating a Brand

• Returning to core messaging
• Examining the impact of original branding on future sales
• How marketing that supports core company values increases the bottom line

Leading Marketing at a Turnaround Company

• Invigorating marketing at a financially distressed company
• Bringing a brand back into the public consciousness

Best Practices in Market Segmentation

• Define your consumers by understanding demographics, psychographics and behavioral trends
• How to create optimal consumer profiles and develop targeted messaging
• Leveraging analytics to understand performance indicators
• Drive change with consistency in marketing messaging and guidelines

For more information on membership activities and benefits, as well as to apply for membership,
please contact:

Brian Dershowitz
Argyle Executive Forum
Phone: (646) 839-5293
bdershowitz@argyleforum.com

Argyle Executive Forum’s Corporate Development & Strategy Membership currently represents over 1000 M&A, integration, divestiture, and strategy professionals from mid cap (revenue between $500m – $1b) and large cap (revenue greater than $1b) organizations. Click here for a sampling of the Corporate Development & Strategy Membership.

Topic imperatives the membership is currently discussing include but are not limited to:
(Last Updated 8/12/2010)

The Role of Corporate Development—Past, Present and Future

• A look back at 2009/2010: what we’ve learned and what lessons we can take with us into 2011
• Offense vs. Defense: how the role of the corporate development professional changes between periods of recession and growth
• Measuring ROI of M&A: how has your organization measured ROI in the past? Has the recession changed any of those measurements?

The Role of Divestitures in Today’s Environment

• Analyzing the strategic and financial objectives of your portfolio
• The internal decision-making process of divestitures
• Purchasing a business in a divestiture process: the buyer and seller’s perspective
• Finding common ground with asset valuations

Cross-Border Deals and Emerging Markets

• Unique characteristics of cross-border deals: due diligence requirements and the management of risk, timeliness and reputation
• How attractive are emerging markets? 
• New sources of geographic competition
• Applying cumulative experiences to emerging-market growth

Economic Conditions and Deal Activity

• With the credit markets tightening over the past 12–24 months, what are some alternative options used for financing M&A transactions?
• What does the future look like for financing M&A?

Unconventional Corporate Development

• The role of joint ventures and strategic alliances in your organization
• When to choose unconventional forms of M&A over a traditional M&A strategy
• Advantages and disadvantages of unconventional M&A
• How to successfully cut ties from a joint venture or strategic alliance

For more information on membership activities and benefits, as well as to apply for membership,
please contact:

Mina Chan
Argyle Executive Forum
Phone: (646) 839-0111
mchan@argyleforum.com

Argyle Executive Forum’s Customer Care Membership currently represents the customer care leadership from over 850 mid cap (revenue between $500m – $1b) and large cap (revenue greater than $1b) organizations. Click here for a sampling of the Customer Care Membership.

Topic imperatives the membership is currently discussing include but are not limited to:
(Last Updated 8/12/2010)

Controlling the Consumer Revolution: Methods to Create Great Customer Experiences

• Explore the experiences that matter most throughout the customer lifecycle
• Key steps to reduce costs and improve customer experiences
• Implement strategies to measure your contact center's success

The Changing World of Customer Care 

• What does the future hold for customer care?  What new technologies and trends will be seen in 2011? 
• Examine the growth and utilization of the home-agent model
• What does the future hold for outbound customer service and care?

Leadership Development

• Establishing the right talent to lead your contact center into 2011
• How to productively work with leadership to convey the organization's vision, strategy and values
• Maintaining solid leadership and succession planning to ensure longevity and stability

How Social Media is Shaping the Future of Customer Service & Contact Centers 

• How are social media outlets changing the customer experience, and creating modern day call centers?
• How has social media improved client retention, customer service and first-call resolution?
• How are customer care professionals preparing for the imminent changes associated with social media?
• Enable customers through social media

Call Center as a Pivotal Contributor to Corporate Success

• The adage “the customer is always right” is more important than ever in a challenging economy, making customer care a vital part of a company's overall business strategy
• Key tactics and tools for strengthening customer-satisfaction metrics
• How to partner with different sides of the business to get necessary support for a valuable call center
• How to measure call center ROI

Doing More with Less: Successfully Preserving your Customers in a Down Economy

• Smart practices for withstanding the downturn
• Worthwhile investments for retaining customers
• Explore new technologies that help reduce costs and manage staff more efficiently

For more information on membership activities and benefits, as well as to apply for membership, 
please contact:

Scott Robbin
Argyle Executive Forum
Phone: (646) 839-1013
srobbin@argyleforum.com

Argyle Executive Forum’s Endowments, Foundations, and Pension Funds Membership currently represents over 1,500 senior investment professionals from medium (AUM between $500m – $1b) and large (AUM greater than $1b) institutional investors, including endowments, foundations, pension funds, family offices, sovereign wealth funds, and institutional investment consultants. Click here for a sampling of the Endowments, Foundations, and Pension Funds Membership. 

Topic imperatives the membership is currently discussing include but are not limited to:
(Last Updated 8/26/2010)

Asset Allocation Strategies and Plan Structures

• How do you position an endowment/foundation portfolio to succeed in a low-growth, low-return environment, where concerns regarding deflation have overtaken concerns regarding inflation?
• How have your thoughts on diversification changed over the past couple of years? What are the benefits and limitations? Is the policy portfolio dead?
• How are you incorporating the following into your thinking about asset allocation: risk management, liquidity, and currency exposure?

Market Trends and Investment Opportunities 

• With the U.S. and Europe looking economically shaky, emerging markets are becoming more and more attractive to investors. Where specifically do you see opportunities?
• How to generate long-term returns to meet obligations. How to balance equity premiums and volatility for the best results.
• Given greater concerns about managing risk, how have investors’ outlooks changed on what constitutes an attractive opportunity? Are you taking a more conservative approach to new investments, or simply monitoring new investments more closely?
• Looking at due diligence: What can managers do to differentiate themselves? What strategies do investors find most attractive at the moment? What does it mean to build partnerships with managers/funds, and how have those relationships been affected through the crisis? Is being a good partner as important as being a good investor?

Risk Management 

• How have you changed your investment outlook or allocations in order to mitigate risk?
• What techniques are you using to track risk within your portfolio? Has this changed since 2008/9?
• Best practices for aligning risk appetite and strategy.
• Arguments for/against active and passive risk management.

Dealing with the Board

• In a period of uncertainty, and with less available information, how are you negotiating the concerns of your boards?
• What are the most pressing concerns of board members today? How have these differed from two years ago? 
• What are your biggest concerns when making investment decisions? What indicators do you track?

Key Issues for Endowments and Foundations

• What are main differences between running an endowment or foundation and a pension fund?
• In what ways do you think you are better off than a corporate fund?

Key Issues for Pension Plans

• How do your operations and goals differ from those of an endowment or foundation? 
• What are your primary concerns for the next 12 months? Will under funding remain the most pressing concern?
• Other issues for corporate funds: operating within corporate confines, dealing with accounting requirements, under funding, etc.

Investing in a Fund-of-Funds 

• Is a FoF only necessary when dealing with complex funds or do they add value in all circumstances?
• Where does an FoF add the most value? What are the pros/cons of investing in FoFs versus single-manager hedge funds? Which route should investors—especially new investors—take? Is it feasible to do both?
• How to cultivate the best relationship between FoFs and investors: How should an investor’s use of FoFs and consultants evolve as they gain experience with hedge funds?

For more information on membership activities and benefits, as well as to apply for membership,
please contact:

Lily Robertson
Argyle Executive Forum
Phone: (646) 839-2034
lrobertson@argyleforum.com

Argyle Executive Forum’s Energy Membership currently represents the executive leadership from over 1000 mid cap (revenue between $500m – $1b) and large cap (revenue greater than $1b) renewable energy, oil & gas, and power generation companies, as well as the founders and managing partners of investment firms that focus on the energy sector. Click here for a sampling of the Energy Membership.

Topic imperatives the membership is currently discussing include but are not limited to:
(Last Updated 8/12/2010)

Current State of the Deal Environment

• How has the economy affected energy investments? Which subsectors/technology have changed over the past 12 months?
• Debt and equity financing of energy projects: Has there been a difference in the availability of financing for traditional energy projects (oil & gas, LNG, etc.) vs. alternative energy projects (solar, wind, nuclear, etc.)?
• How to evaluate the value and risk of an investment: What variables are specific to energy investments? How do they affect the calculation of risk?

Financing the Future of Clean Energy

• How are projects, large and small, getting financed?
• Challenges and opportunities in obtaining financing and overcoming constraints on raising capital
• Where will money be made? What sectors are financiers reviewing with the most interest in the current policy and economic environment?
• Financially evaluating clean-energy projects and managing risk

The Regulatory Environment for Renewable Energy

• Current state of U.S. renewable energy policy
• A look at international energy policy: What are other countries doing in the area of renewable energy integration? What lessons can be learned from foreign energy policies?
• How might regional and federal cap and trade programs for carbon affect existing renewable energy markets?
• What might the future of US energy policy look like? What would it look like in a perfect world?

Renewable Energy Technology

• What technologies are emerging as leaders in the field? 
• Issues and challenges associated with bringing these technologies to market
• What technologies will get government funding?
• Application of these technologies to larger-scale energy production: When will they hit the grid?

Oil & Gas Industry Trends

• What is the current state of the oil & gas industry?
• Lessons learned: a look back at the past 12 months
• The future of offshore drilling after the Gulf oil spill
• What organizational changes need to be implemented to prepare for new industry developments?
• Highlights on subsectors within the industry: What looks strong over the next 12 months?

Natural Gas in the 21st Century

• As the US and the rest of the world move forward with environmental legislation, natural gas will likely be the most eco-friendly hydrocarbon used on a large scale. What role will natural gas play in the coming years?
• How can natural gas be incorporated into your portfolios for the purpose of power generation?
• Will natural gas play a meaningful role in the vehicle fuel sector?

For more information on membership activities and benefits, as well as to apply for membership,
please contact:

Lauren T. Everhart, J.D.
Argyle Executive Forum
Phone: (646) 839-0046
leverhart@argyleforum.com

Argyle Executive Forum’s General Counsel Membership currently represents the legal leadership from over 1000 mid cap (revenue between $500m – $1b) and large cap (revenue greater than $1b) organizations. Click here for a sampling of the General Counsel Membership.

Topic imperatives the membership is currently discussing include but are not limited to:
(Last Updated 8/12/2010)

Lessons Learned: Looking Back on the Past 24 Months

• The renewed importance of in-house attorney-client privilege
• Managing costs in litigation and investigation:
  • Alternative fee structures
  • Outsourcing
• Internal investigations and responding to unethical behavior

Building & Protecting Core Assets

• Intellectual property as an asset versus a copyright
• Managing outside counsel fees, and the effect of third-party financing litigation
• Managing IP issues in M&A and strategic alliances
• Controlling IP assets in the global marketplace

Enhancing the Success of a General Counsel through Executive Development

• Utilizing executive coaches to build developmental plans
• Increasing efficiency and creating more success for the general counsel
• Understanding the role of the general counsel in advancing global business objectives

The General Counsel’s role in M&A and Strategic Alliances

• Examining the legal implications of cross-border transactions
• Due diligence/cost-benefit analysis of acquisitions
• Cost mitigation through contract management
• Protecting corporate reputation during growth periods

Global Compliance Best Practices in the Wake of Increased Anti-Corruption Enforcement

• Red flags to consider in designing effective compliance programs
• Third-party agent and distributor sales channel due diligence
• Maintaining compliance with FCPA and other international anti-corruption statutes

The True Role of a General Counsel

• Differences between the general counsel title and the day-to-day functions of the job
• Best practices in building a leading in-house team
• Moving beyond the “first lawyer” mentality by examining the general counsel’s role and impact throughout a corporation

For more information on membership activities and benefits, as well as to apply for membership,
please contact:

Melissa Quinn
Argyle Executive Forum
Phone: (646) 839-0022
mquinn@argyleforum.com

Argyle Executive Forum’s Healthcare Membership currently represents the executive leadership from over 1000 mid cap (revenue between $500m – $1b) and large cap (revenue greater than $1b) healthcare organizations, and from investment firms that invest in the healthcare and life science sectors. Click here for a sampling of the Healthcare Membership.

Topic imperatives the membership is currently discussing include but are not limited to:
(Last Updated 8/12/2010)

Sector Focus: What’s Hot?

• Investment in emerging markets: Which emerging markets provide the best opportunities? What types of investments will see the most ROI in emerging markets over the next 12-24 months?
• Investment in pharmaceuticals and biotechnology
• How has the recent uptick in M&A created additional investment opportunities in pharma and biotech?
• Investing in hospitals and healthcare facilities
• Healthcare IT

Healthcare Investment Abroad

• As developing countries mature, they will require extensive healthcare development and investment. What are the opportunities here?
• Best practices for investing in healthcare companies internationally: What you need to know before putting time and money into international investments
• Risk vs. value of investing in healthcare internationally: What types of investments have the most risk? What are the safest international investments? 

Accounting for the Impact of Healthcare Reform in Deal Making

• Approval of Obama’s healthcare bill
• What aspects of the healthcare bill will have the greatest impact on healthcare investment? 
• New opportunities created by the widespread expansion of insurance coverage
• Opportunities in pharmaceuticals, hospitals and other direct-to-consumer sectors

Strategic Considerations for Deal Makers in Today’s Healthcare Environment

• What criteria are, and should be, involved in the selection of a target?
• What sub-sectors of healthcare do you anticipate seeing the most activity over the next 12-24 months?
• Evaluating the value and risk of an investment: By what standards do you measure the value of your investment? What factors determine the risk?
• Has your approach to due diligence changed over the past year? What factors are considered foremost when determining the value and risk of a target company?
• What were the drivers of your firm’s healthcare-investment strategy in 2010? How will that differ in 2011?

Private Equity Perspective on Healthcare Deals

• What are private equity investors looking for? 
• The bottom line: debt levels vs. ROI
• Strategic partnerships and joint ventures within healthcare investment: new ways to capitalize on untraditional M&A

For more information on membership activities and benefits, as well as to apply for membership,
please contact:

Lauren T. Everhart, J.D.
Argyle Executive Forum
Phone: (646) 839-0046
leverhart@argyleforum.com

Argyle Executive Forum’s Human Capital Membership currently represents the HR leadership from over 850 mid cap (revenue between $500m – $1b) and large cap (revenue greater than $1b) organizations. Click here for a sampling of the Human Capital Membership.

Topic imperatives the membership is currently discussing include but are not limited to:
(Last Updated 8/12/2010)

Human Capital’s Influence in the Board Room

• Examining the scrutiny of executive compensation
• Best practices in overcoming the board’s reluctance to listen to HR professionals
• Helping the board understand the leadership pipeline
• Cost-benefit analysis of putting non-HR professionals in HR leadership roles

Keeping Employees Engaged and Developing Future Leaders

• Best practices in identifying, cultivating and maintaining talent
• Striking a balance between short-term needs and long-term goals of a company
• Ensuring that top management is engaged in the decision-making process

Managing Human Capital Risk

• Understanding human capital risk as part of broader Enterprise Risk Management
• Recognizing both predictable and unpredictable risk
• Linking human capital performance to business results and using analytics to correlate human capital performance

Delivering Results: HR Innovation Drives Strategic Planning and Business Outcomes

• Utilizing the economic environment to engage business leaders and drive transformational strategies
• Providing innovative ways to deliver greater value, provide deeper insights and drive business results company-wide
• Strengthening the role of HR at all levels of a company to ensure more effective processes 

The Role of Recruiting

• How does recruiting help enable the business by delivering critical talent?
• How can recruiting contribute to corporate culture, and affect engagement and retention?
• How does experience in global staffing impact current and future decisions?

For more information on membership activities and benefits, as well as to apply for membership,
please contact:

Shannon Coakley
Argyle Executive Forum
Phone: (646) 839-0043
scoakley@argyleforum.com

Argyle Executive Forum’s Investment Management Membership currently represents over 1000 investment professionals from mid market (AUM between $500m – $1b) and large market (AUM greater than $1b) hedge funds, fund of funds, and other investment management firms. Click here for a sampling of the Investment Management Membership. 

Topic imperatives the membership is currently discussing include but are not limited to:
(Last Updated 8/12/2010)

The Global Marketplace 

• How will globalization affect investment firms going forward? 
• What effects will the globalization of accounting standards have on the perception and valuation of companies? What sectors stand to be most negatively affected? 
• The role of emerging markets and frontier markets for investors: How do these compare with developed markets? 
• What specific regions and sectors are the most promising?

A New Paradigm of Asset Allocation 

• A look at the perceived failure of diversification. What are the new approaches to portfolio construction and how viable are they as alternatives? Can this "failure" be attributed to the circumstances of a specific time frame or does it reflect generally on previously established diversification strategies?
• Allocating to "factors" rather than asset classes: Looking at factor exposures and different underlying basic risks in the economy and ensuring optimal exposure to all those, as well as the use/need for specialized indices
• Structuring asset allocations and portfolios to be prepared for inflation or re-flation: Does an inflationary environment necessarily signal imminent inflation?

Role of the Government Going Forward

• Assessing the impact of the Dodd-Frank financial reform bill on investment managers and the markets
• What to expect from The Fed: How does interest-rate policy influence investors? What are the implications for retraction of liquidity in the marketplace?
• What will happen to the bond market without government demands?
• How will new bank regulations affect the availability of capital for fund managers?

Risk Management

• In the current market, where assumption on return is lower, should greater risk be taken on to compensate for lower returns?
• How to manage risks inherent with different managers/investors
• Risk allocation as opposed to dollar allocation, and its relationship to risk parity
• Best practices in effectively using benchmarking to manage risk

For more information on membership activities and benefits, as well as to apply for membership,
please contact:

Lily Robertson
Argyle Executive Forum
Phone: (646) 839-2034
lrobertson@argyleforum.com

Argyle Executive Forum’s Media Membership currently represents the executive leadership from over 600 mid cap (revenue between $500m – $1b) and large cap (revenue greater than $1b) media companies, as well as the founders and managing partners of investment firms that focus on the media sector. Click here for a sampling of the Media Membership.

Topic imperatives the membership is currently discussing include but are not limited to:
(Last Updated 8/12/2010)

Major Trends in the Media Sector

• What’s the M&A outlook for media companies? Are they still trying to re-settle before looking for new opportunities?
• Discussion of global user growth, and the subsequent new opportunities presented
• A look at specific growth sectors, such as video advertising and online music

The Decline of Print Media

• Amid the focus on print vs. online, where do TV and radio stand?
• E-ink and digital-reading: How will they fare over the next 12 months?
• Views on the ongoing debate over subscription-based content

The Role of Social Media in Business

• What kinds of platforms are most effective?
• Examples of companies that are making good use of social media
• A look at best practices for non-media companies to leverage social media opportunities

Media and the Consumer

• Consideration of the way consumers interact with media differently, and at a higher level, than other tools
• A look at the role of the FCC and the "net neutrality" debate
• With so many new technology and media opportunities for delivering content to customers, how can providers best engage audiences?

For more information on membership activities and benefits, as well as to apply for membership,
please contact:

Lily Robertson
Argyle Executive Forum
Phone: (646) 839-2034
lrobertson@argyleforum.com

Argyle Executive Forum’s Pharmaceutical and Biotechnology Membership currently represents the executive leadership from approximately 500 mid cap (annual revenue $500m – $1b) and large cap (greater than $1b) pharmaceutical and biotechnology corporations as well as the founders and managing partners of investment firms that focus on the pharmaceutical and biotechnology sector. Click here for a sampling of the Pharmaceutical and Biotechnology Membership.

Topic imperatives the membership is currently discussing include but are not limited to:
(Last Updated 8/12/2010)

The Impact of Healthcare Reform 

• What is the role of the pharmaceutical industry in healthcare reform? What legislation should we be pushing for? What legislation should we aim to avoid?
• How will a government-run component of healthcare legislation affect pharmaceutical and biotech companies? Will prescription drug sales increase in conjunction with the creation of a government component?

Deal Making 

• How will economic recovery play a role in pharmaceutical M&A? As the recession begins to subside, will we continue to see an uptick in deals?
• Predictions on where deals will be discovered going forward
• Structuring deals in the changing regulatory landscape

New Drug Development

• Innovation at Big Pharma companies
• Pipeline issues
• Discovery process vs. strategic alliances for drug development

Role of Generics

• As drugs come off a patent, how can a pharmaceutical or biotech company deal with impending generic competition?
• How can we use emerging markets as an outlet for new profit? What are some other areas of growth?
• Lifecycle management issues
• Drug portfolio diversification: How to avoid putting all the eggs in one basket

Biologics Legislation

• What types of regulatory requirements allow for innovation?
• What are the key issues surrounding the debate over biologics legislation?

For more information on membership activities and benefits, as well as to apply for membership,
please contact:

Kevin Lind
Argyle Executive Forum
Phone: (646) 839-1014
klind@argyleforum.com

Argyle Executive Forum’s Private Equity Membership currently represents over 1000 investment professionals from mid market (AUM between $500m – $1b) and large market (AUM greater than $1b) LBO and growth capital firms. Click here for a sampling of the Private Equity Membership.

Topic imperatives the membership is currently discussing include but are not limited to:
(Last Updated 8/12/2010)

Outlook on the Deal-Environment

• A detailed look at recent deals: lessons learned, and any interesting or unconventional approaches
• Deals for the future: specific sectors or geographies of interest
• Increased opportunities in “carve outs” from larger corporate sellers trying to raise capital
• The state of strategic vs. financial acquirers

A Look at the State of Exits/Divestitures in the Current Market

• Broad look at current exit strategies, how strategies have changed over the last 18 months, and emerging trends 
• What effect has the lack of leverage had on exits, and what are the best solutions?
• A look at the bid/ask gap: Where is it and where is it going in 2010/2011?
• Timing: What factors should be considered when determining when to exit?
• What are the key tax concerns for a company leading up to, and following, an exit?
• Discussion of best practices when interacting with C-suite/management during and post transaction. What are the CEO's primary concerns?

Successfully Managing and Adding Value to Portfolio Companies

• A look at the IPO/exit environment for portfolio companies
• Discussion of best practices for cultivating good working relationships with C-suite executives, including the best way to incentivize collaboration through performance-based compensation
• Thoughts on “growth capital” type investing in portfolio companies in lieu of acquisitions (i.e., providing additional capital to fund a “build” strategy as opposed to a “buy” strategy; "Add-ons" and "tuck-ins" around existing portfolio companies rather than whole new deals)

Institutional Investors' Outlook on the PE Industry

• How LPs are viewing the PE industry: What are they looking for/where do they see the most value?
• A look at speakers’ opinions on the tensions between GPs and LPs caused by ILPA guidelines
• What is the current appetite or concerns about illiquidity among LPs?
• LPs' tolerance for longer hold periods
• With the "Yale Endowment Model" being abandoned by a number of institutions in favor of more conservative approaches, will more LPs (pensions, sovereign wealth funds, etc.) follow suit?

Future of Commercial Real Estate

• Is there a trend of foreign investments in domestic real estate? 
• Should the emphasis be on strategy or investment vehicle when investing in real estate? Is there even a correlation between them?
• Government’s role in banking institutions to fortify the CRE market and its implications for the recovery of the economy 
• Will there be a distressed cycle this year in the real estate market?

State of the Emerging Markets

• As the credit markets froze up in the US and Europe, what were the most significant repercussions in the global markets?
• As the bond market in developed nations sinks, are emerging-markets bonds staying strong? And while the growth of the emerging economies makes them a good bet, is the consequent decrease in yield a cause for concern?
• Has there been an uptick in institutional investors' interest in the emerging-markets asset class as a means of portfolio diversification?
• PE investments in India declined significantly in 2009. Will investment there pick up in 2010/11?
• Best practices in understanding and navigating political risks and differing international regulations

The New Role of Regulation and Compliance in Private Equity

• What are the most important preparations a firm can make in anticipation of the Registration Act’s implementation?
• Best practices in ensuring minimal impact to the ongoing investment and operational activities of a firm
• Whose job is it to oversee compliance? Does it require a chief compliance officer?
• What are the most significant implications for changes to carried interest rates? 

For more information on membership activities and benefits, as well as to apply for membership,
please contact:

Lily Robertson
Argyle Executive Forum
Phone: (646) 839-2034
lrobertson@argyleforum.com

Argyle Executive Forum’s Retail/CPG Membership currently represents the executive leadership from over 1000 mid cap (revenue between $500m – $1b) and large cap (revenue greater than $1b) retail and CPG organizations. Click here for a sampling of our Retail/CPG Membership.

Topic imperatives the membership is currently discussing include but are not limited to:
(Last Updated 8/12/2010)

Deal Making in Retail and Consumer Products

• Looking at transaction trends over the last year, how have valuations and deal terms changed?
• What retail sectors look attractive from an investment standpoint? Where do you see the most growth potential?
• Best practices for managing retail investments to maximize ROI
• Structuring the deal: What deal structures have worked in the past, and which do you anticipate working in the future? How has the changing retail landscape altered your approach to deals?
• The future role of private equity in retail
• Strategic buyer perspective 

Perspectives on Leadership

• Top management and board issues facing leaders in retail
• Driving performance through effective leadership
• Consumer confidence: What do retailers need to do to rebuild and maintain the trust of their buyers?
• Supply chain and inventory concerns
• How can retailers find the right balance of inventory and fix the supply chain issues resulting from the recession?
• As the economy picks up, where should retailers be cutting costs? Where should they be deploying capital?

The Changing Consumer

• Latest thinking on customer behavior, engagement and retention
• Building strategies for an era of post-recession purchasing restraint
• Will the move to value retailing last beyond the recovery? How should retailers consider the mix of value lines and premium?

The Future of Retail

• Impact of technology on shopping
• Multi-channel retailing
• The effect of social media on retail
• Changing attitudes towards sustainability and green purchases

For more information on membership activities and benefits, as well as to apply for membership,
please contact:

Lauren T. Everhart, J.D.
Argyle Executive Forum
Phone: (646) 839-0046
leverhart@argyleforum.com

Argyle Executive Forum’s Telecom Membership currently represents the executive leadership from over 1000 mid cap (revenue between $500m – $1b) and large cap (revenue greater than $1b) telecom and communications organizations, as well as the founders and managing partners of investment firms that focus on the telecom sector. Click here for a sampling of the Telecom Membership.

Topic imperatives the membership is currently discussing include but are not limited to:
(Last Updated 8/12/2010)

The Future of the Industry

• Outlooks on trends in telecom for the next 12 months
• A look at the winners and losers resulting from industry consolidation
• With far fewer companies offering just telecom services, a look at innovative and strategic opportunities for developing and maintaining influence in all communications sectors

A Look at Recent Notable Deals in the Industry

• Deal volume in the first half of 2010 surpassed $1b, following a number of international deals 
• Consideration of the factors that spurred a bounce back in M&A activity
• How long will this surge continue?

The Role of the FCC

• As "telecom" becomes less about just phones, the industry's relationship with the FCC has changed 
• The FCC's influence on service providers
• Updating telecommunications laws in the US

Cross-Border Deal Making in the Telecom Sector

• Advantages of international acquisitions
• Common pitfalls of cross-border investing
• Opportune geographies

For more information on membership activities and benefits, as well as to apply for membership,
please contact:

Lily Robertson
Argyle Executive Forum
Phone: (646) 839-2034
lrobertson@argyleforum.com

Argyle Executive Forum’s Utilities Membership currently represents the executive leadership from approximately 500 mid cap (annual revenue $500m – $1b) and large cap (greater than $1b) utility, power generation, and transmission companies, as well as the founders and managing partners of investment firms that focus on the energy and utilities sector. Click here for a sampling of the Utilities Membership.

Topic imperatives the membership is currently discussing include but are not limited to:
(Last Updated 8/12/2010)

Regulatory Issues and Challenges in the Utilities Sector

• What is the current role of government in driving carbon-emission reduction?
• Are regulators doing enough to incentivize investment in critical infrastructure?
• How can government and industry be more collaborative in their efforts to profitably and sustainably deliver quality service to customers, all while implementing the changes necessary to meet carbon-reduction requirements?
• Does current energy policy adequately facilitate investment in key areas?

Industry Trends & Outlook

• The future of the utilities sector in the US: a look where we came from and where we need to go
• The carbon debate and renewable portfolio standards
• Key strategic challenges and the role of smart technologies in industry growth 
• The development and integration of the "smart grid": Which approaches and technologies are most practical? What is the time frame for large-scale integration?

The Role of Clean Energy

• The link between cost efficiency and carbon efficiency
• Developing sustainable energy policies to support smart initiatives
• The role of utilities in tackling long-term climate change
• What new technologies can help utilities meet future carbon-reduction targets?

Deal Making and Investment in Utilities

• What are the current trends and hot investment areas?
• Debt and equity financing for energy and utility projects
• Evaluating the value and risk of utility investments
• How can utilities seek to balance large-scale investments in critical new infrastructure with fair and competitive prices for customers?

For more information on membership activities and benefits, as well as to apply for membership,
please contact:

Lauren T. Everhart, J.D.
Argyle Executive Forum
Phone: (646) 839-0046
leverhart@argyleforum.com