LP Event Strategy
Planning and executing investor touchpoints beyond formal meetings: annual general meetings, site visits, LP dinners, conference co-attendance, informal networking.
Events build relationship depth beyond transactional interactions—preparing for re-ups, creating co-investor networks, and maintaining mindshare between funds.
Expanded Definition
LP event types include: AGMs (annual general meetings with portfolio updates and networking), site visits (portfolio company tours demonstrating value-add), LP dinners (intimate gatherings for relationship building), conference co-attendance (industry events with scheduled LP touchpoints), portfolio company events (board meetings, offsites with LP participation), informal gatherings (cultural events, sporting events, family-friendly activities).
Event strategy balances: frequency (annual AGM standard; quarterly touchpoints for engaged LPs), format (formal presentations vs casual networking), attendance (key team members present), value delivery (insights, access, network vs pure social), cost management (budget appropriateness), relationship progression (moving from transactional to partnership).
Signals & Evidence
Event strategy indicators:
- AGM execution: Annual (minimum), well-attended by team and LPs, substantive content, networking facilitated
- Site visit value: Portfolio company access, operational insights, relationship building with founders/operators
- LP dinner quality: Intimate groups (8-15 people), valuable content (not just social), strategic LP mixing
- Conference coordination: Pre-scheduled LP meetings at industry events, efficient use of travel time
- Participation rates: Strong turnout (50%+ LP attendance at AGMs) signals relationship strength
Decision Framework
- AGM planning: Annual minimum; substantive portfolio updates, networking time, Q&A with team
- Site visit selection: High-profile portfolio companies, LPs interested in sector/geography, meaningful insights available
- Event calendar: Space events appropriately (quarterly touchpoints for engaged LPs; annual minimum for all)
Common Misconceptions
"AGMs are compliance exercise" → Strategic LPs use them for relationship depth, co-investor networking, portfolio access. "More events = better relationships" → Quality and value matter more than frequency; poorly executed events harm relationships. "Events are expensive perks" → Well-executed events build re-up relationships and LP satisfaction; strategic investment, not cost.
Key Takeaways
- LP event strategy (AGMs, site visits, dinners, conferences) builds relationship depth beyond transactional fundraising interactions
- Event value comes from insights, portfolio access, and networking—not just social gathering
- Strategic event calendar balances frequency (annual minimum; quarterly for engaged LPs), format, and value delivery