The Alternative Investing  Summit will bring together trustees and representatives of institutions as well  as money managers and consultants to explore the roles of alternative  opportunities and strategies. Participants and delegates of this alternative investment conference will investigate a range of  critical investment issues, including discussion of the risks and benefits  involving private equity, investigating the risks and rewards involved with  hedge funds, examining means of cutting costs associated with implementation of  absolute returns strategies, reviewing the future of commodities and surveying  the landscape of emerging international markets.The label "alternative" describes a nebulous investment class to many  investors, especially those in the institutional world who have strict ethical  and fiduciary obligations to their organizations. However, pursuing alternative  investments is essential to maximizing returns while maintaining proper asset  allocation in plan portfolios of endowments, foundations, family offices, and  public and corporate funds.