Yesterday was the first day of the 11th annual Performance Measurement, Attribution & Risk Conference at the Ritz Carlton Hotel in Philadelphia. As expected, we had great speakers who provided a wealth of information and insights.

The session kicked off with our omnipresent Stephen Campisi, CFA, who continues to push us into thinking of better ways to provide information to our clients.

For me, the highlight of the day was Brian Singer, CFA, this year’s recipient of The Journal of Performance Measurement’s(R) annual Dietz Award, which is given to the top article of the year, as judged by the journal’s advisory board. A well regarded industry veteran of roughly three decades, much of it with the legendary Gary Brinson, Brian shared not only key points from his article, but also his insights into how macro economics affects our capitalistic world, and thus our investments. His delivery, like Steve’s, is one that not only keeps the attendees’ attention, but also provides well timed levity.

We introduced, for the first time, Performance Jeopardy. Our contestants (Larry Campbell, Richard Mitchell, and Kathleen Seagle) competed for fame and fortune, and Richard, the former ball room dancing instructor, was victorious. It was a great way to end an exciting day and lead us to the awaiting cocktails.