LIFT AZ 2026

LOCAL INVESTMENT FUND TALENT
FOR ARIZONA

A panel discussion with five people, four men and one woman, sitting on stage in front of a large presentation screen. The screen displays headshots, names, titles, and affiliations of the panelists, with the title 'Growing Arizona's Investment Management Industry.' The panelists are holding microphones. The stage is set in a conference room or auditorium with lighting and audio equipment.

LIFT AZ - March 12, 2026

Advancing Arizona’s Investment Future Together!

LIFT-AZ is the flagship annual summit of the Arizona Fund Manager Association (AFMA), dedicated to elevating Arizona’s investment management industry to new heights. This one-day gathering brings together institutional investors, family offices, private fund managers, and leading investment professionals who share a commitment to advancing Arizona as a premier destination for capital formation and fund innovation.

This year's summit will be held on March 12, 2026 at the Heard Museum in Phoenix, AZ—an iconic setting that reflects Arizona’s culture and heritage. Following the day’s programming, guests are invited to connect and unwind at a private cocktail reception with live music in the Heard Museum courtyard.

OUR GOAL

Through thought leadership, networking, and collaboration, LIFT-AZ advances AFMA’s mission: to build a more connected, capital-efficient, and resilient investment management community in Arizona. By convening leading voices across private equity, venture capital, hedge funds, credit, real assets, and beyond, the summit generates meaningful opportunities for economic growth, educational engagement, and long-term impact in our state.

If you have any questions regarding registration, please reach out to info@azfundma.org for assistance

Interested in Sponsoring LIFT AZ 2026?

Sponsorship Information

Become a vital part of our mission by joining us as an event sponsor.

Your support at any level will contribute to the success of this transformative event, and further our shared commitment to elevating Arizona's investment ecosystem.

If you are interested in exploring sponsorship opportunities for LIFT AZ 2026, or have any inquiries about how you can get involved, please contact our Executive Director Ben Vega at Ben@azfundma.org.

Need to Book a Hotel Reservation?

Take advantage of our special group rate at the Fairfield by Marriott Inn & Suites Phoenix Midtown, offering rooms for $259.00 USD per night. Space is limited.

Click Here to Book your Hotel Reservation

AGENDA

Join us for breakfast and networking before the sessions begin.
Ben Vega | Executive Director, Arizona Fund Manager Association
Jack Selby | Managing Partner, Thiel Capital & Copper Sky Capital
Eric Berry | Managing Partner, Averin
Mark Steed | Chief Investment Officer, PSPRS
Moderated by Jessica Pacheco | Chair Elect, Arizona Board of Regents
Mark Divine, Ph.D. | U.S. Navy SEAL Speaker, New York Times and Wall Street Journal bestselling author, founder of SEALFIT and Unbeatable Mind
Moderated by Alex Chucri | CEO, Pravati Capital
Take time to connect and recharge between sessions.
Brian Lessig | Managing Director, Rockefeller Capital Management
Kenny Dillingham | Head Football Coach, Arizona State University
Moderated by Kyle Brown | CEO, Trinity Capital
Brett Caughran | Founder & Lead Trainer, Fundamental Edge
Seth Davis | Managing Director, Arixa Capital
Michael Perini, CFA | Founder & CIO, Perini Capital
Kevin Highmark | Principal & COO, Capital Fund I
Moderated by Marc Grayson | Co-Founder & President, RRA Capital
Enjoy refreshments and networking with fellow attendees.
David Herro | Partner and Co-CIO-International Equities, CFA, Oakmark | Harris
Moderated by Cole Smead | CEO & Portfolio Manager, Smead Capital
Ben Vega | Executive Director, Arizona Fund Manager Association
Enjoy delicious appetizers and beverages in the Piper Courtyard, just outside the Heard Museum.

CFA Institute members can record PL credits at LIFTAZ 2026!

Learn more here!

CFA Institute allows its members the ability to self-determine and self-report professional learning (PL) credits earned from external sources. CFA Institute members are encouraged to self-document such credits in their online PL tracker.