The theme of this year's conference was "The Asia Factor: The Rising Influence of Asian Business on World Markets." Organized by the GSB's Chicago Asia Pacific Student Group, the focus was on political and economic issues relevant to doing business in Asia, including analyses of recent successes and setbacks.

Mr. Kinsella's keynote address, entitled "The Chances for Venture Capital and Private Equity Success in Asia - An American View," examined the Asia Pacific region as a focal point for investment firms. From strategic investment hubs in China, India and elsewhere, a number of multibillion-dollar funds, including KKR, Blackstone, Texas Pacific Group and JPMorgan Partners, have set up shop to tap into the region's growing economy and rapidly expanding consumer markets. A key question for Mr. Kinsella: Is this simply a trend capitalizing on short-term opportunities, or does this signal the beginning phase of long-term, sustainable investment? His conclusion: While caution is still required, the opportunities in this region are on the rise.

Following his keynote address, Mr. Kinsella moderated a panel entitled "Venture Capital and Private Equity in Asia: The Bandwagon to Wealth." Panelists included Jocelyn Choi, Senior Vice President in Equity Capital Markets for Lehman Brothers; Chris Freund, Founder and Managing Director of Mekong Capital, a private-equity fund based in Vietnam; and David A. Posner, Managing Principal of Cambridge Capital. Each of the participants gave a brief presentation, following which Mr. Kinsella began the moderated discussion.

Kinsella Group has particular expertise advising U.S. and Chinese clients on the intricacies of cross-border merger, acquisition and joint-venture transactions. In helping promote these transactions, Kinsella Group focuses on enabling Chinese businesses to enter into strategic transactions that also enhance the profitability and market share of selected U.S. businesses. For the past several years, Kinsella Group has seen a significant increase in these alliances, and is rapidly becoming the "go-to" firm for both U.S.- and China-based businesses interested in exploring these opportunities.

Kinsella Group's ongoing participation in these events is a result of its commitment to continue and expand its services and value to current and prospective business clients in both China and the United States. Acting as middle-market investment bankers, Kinsella Group helps clients and other key parties recognize and execute forward-thinking value propositions that build on the unique strengths of successful Chinese and North American enterprises.