CANTINA: CHICAGO
A Charity Investment and Technology Conference to Benefit ALTSO
OCTOBER 21-22, 2026
Gleacher Center at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business
For any questions: events@alpineca.com
Event Partners and Participants
Agenda
Please note: The agenda is subject to change.
Wednesday, October 21, 2026
7:30am: Registration Opens (Light Breakfast Provided)
8:00am - 12:00pm: 1-on-1 meetings (30-minute windows) *
11:00am - 12:00pm: Boxed Lunch Provided
12:00pm - 5:45pm: LP-Only Panels, Demonstrations, Breakouts, and Debate on Investments, Careers, and the use of AI and technology
5:45pm - 7:30pm: Networking Cocktails
7:30pm - 9:30pm: Drinks and Dinner
Thursday, October 22, 2026
7:30am: Registration Opens (Light Breakfast Provided)
8:00am - 6:00pm: 1-on-1 meetings (30-minute windows) *
11:30am - 1:00pm: Lunch Provided
6:00pm - 11:00pm: Rocktoberfest (to benefit ALTSO) at the House of Blues Chicago - More Info HERE (Dinner Provided)
Overview
We are prioritizing registrations from GPs who have not previously attended the conference; however, all are encouraged to register.
This conference will feature two unique components:
1) LP-only programming on investments and careers, and LP collaboration and demonstrations on the use of AI and technology.
2) LPs, GPs, and technology providers will be able to schedule up to twenty-eight (28) one-on-one meetings with curated GPs and technology providers who have been referred by LPs. We will target a maximum 1:1 GP/tech-provider-to-LP ratio.
We will initially reserve at least half of the GP meeting slots for emerging managers, defined as:
1) Private markets managers raising Fund I–III, and
2) Public markets managers with firm AUM under $500 million.
Cantina: Chicago 2025 LPs That Registered Include:
Stay tuned for an updated 2026 list soon!
50 South Capital Advisors
Abbott Laboratories
Advocate Health
Alfred P. Sloan Foundation
Aksia
Bessley Capital
Bryn Mawr College
Carnegie Corporation of New York
Children's Health System of Texas
CornerStone Partners
Council on Foreign Relations
DePaul University
Doris Duke Foundation
Evanston Capital
Exelon Corp
Fiducient Advisors
Gore Creek Asset Management
Gresham Partners
Grinnell College
GVW Group
Harris Holdings
Inlihtan Capital
Kansas State University Foundation
Kathaka Family Office
Loch Alainn Capital
Louisiana School Employees' Retirement System
Loyola University Chicago
MacArthur Foundation
Marquette Associates
MBB Capital Partners
MCP Alternative Asset Partners
MEMCO
Mercer
Mesirow Private Equity
Michaud Capital Management
Millburn Ridgefield
Next Chapter Holdings
North Star Investments, Inc.
Northwestern University
Oxford Financial Group
Prada Assessoria
Pritzker Alternative Strategies
Rice Management Company
Rotary International
Sachem Hill
University of Chicago
University of Illinois
University of Iowa Center for Advancement
University of Minnesota
University of Rochester
Washington University of St. Louis
Windrose Advisors
W.K. Kellogg Foundation
Cantina: Chicago 2025 Recap:
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450+ 1-on-1 Meetings Facilitated - Meaningful connections between limited partners, general partners, and industry leaders.
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$231,000 Raised for Charity - Supporting ALTSO (A Leg To Stand On) and advancing life-changing care for children worldwide.
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LP-Led Thought Leadership - Exclusive LP-only sessions fostering candid dialogue under the Chatham House Rule.
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Curated, High-Quality Attendees - Bringing together institutional investors, family offices, and leading private markets professionals.
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Actionable Insights & Networking Opportunities - Panels, roundtables, and structured meetings designed to drive real outcomes.
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A Purpose-Driven Industry Event - Combining impactful discussions, meaningful connections, and philanthropic giving.
Pricing Information for GPs
Note: Registration is complimentary for LPs, subject to the approval of the organizer. For an additional cost, a limited number of private meeting rooms are available. To inquire, please reach out to events@alpineca.com. The platform will open in early September for attendee profile creation and document submission. This profile will be used for the one-on-one meeting request process, which will become available in mid-to-late September.
GP Registration
$5,000 -- $7,500
Early Bird: $5,000 (Valid until July 1)
Regular Registration: $6,000 (Valid July 2 -- September 19)
Late Registration: $7,500 (Valid September 20 -- October 21)
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Includes one (1) ticket to Cantina: Chicago 2026
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Access for one (1) attendee to cocktails and dinner on October 21st
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One (1) ticket to Rocktoberfest on October 22nd
Technology Providers
$6,000 -- $9,000
Early Bird: $6,000 (Valid until July 1)
Regular Registration: $7,500 (Valid July 2 -- September 19)
Late Registration: $9,000 (Valid September 20 -- October 21)
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Includes one (1) ticket to Cantina: Chicago 2026
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Access for one (1) attendee to cocktails and dinner on October 21st
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One (1) ticket to Rocktoberfest on October 22nd
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Access to one (1) dedicated table for hosting meetings and product demonstrations
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Technology providers may only attend with at least one (1) product specialist or a CEO/Founder
Sponsorship
$20,000
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Includes three (3) tickets to Cantina: Chicago 2026
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Your logo featured on the Cantina: Chicago 2026 website
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Recognition as a Rocktoberfest Sponsor: logo placement on the Rocktoberfest website and additional Rocktoberfest tickets for distribution
FAQs
What is the Cantina Conference?
Cantina is a private gathering of institutional investors, fund managers, and technology providers focused on thoughtful discussion around the private markets landscape. The event combines panels, presentations, 1-on-1 meetings, and informal networking opportunities designed to facilitate candid conversations under the Chatham House Rule.
Who typically attends?
Attendees include institutional LPs (pensions, endowments, foundations, family offices), fund managers, and technology providers.
Is there a registration fee?
There is no fee for LPs. The organizer determines the criteria of what qualifies as an LP. GPs and technology providers have a registration fee.
What is the ratio of GP/tech-provider-to-LPs?
We will target a maximum 1:1 GP/tech-provider-to-LP ratio.
Will there be networking opportunities?
Yes. In addition to panel discussions, the schedule includes dedicated networking sessions and informal gatherings.
Will session recordings be available afterward?
No. To encourage candid dialogue, sessions are not recorded. Key takeaways may be shared afterward.
Where is the conference being held?
Gleacher Center at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business
Will food and beverages be provided?
Yes. Light breakfast, lunch, refreshments, and dinner will be provided on Wednesday and Thursday.
Can I bring a guest or colleague?
Each attendee needs to register.
Who should I contact with questions?
Please reach out to the Cantina team at: events@alpineca.com
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