More than 200 ultra-high and high-net worth investors – entrepreneurs, executives and families – attended the conference. In addition to hearing keynote speakers, participants attended panel discussions on pressing topics including the US dollar’s future, commodities, emerging markets consumers, entrepreneurs’ lives after exiting their businesses and the future of mobile and cloud computing.

"Credit Suisse Private Banking USA designed this program to highlight views of leading experts in all areas of wealth management, with particular emphasis to guide clients in today’s fast-moving market environment," said David McGranahan, Head of the Chicago office. "Our aim is to provide the benefits of a boutique firm coupled with the resources of a leading global financial institution."

In his keynote address, York Capital’s Dinan touched on the Euro zone’s sovereign debt crisis and how it could potentially result in robust opportunities for event-driven investing. Sir John Major discussed the fundamental changes happening in the Middle East and Barbara M. Reinhard, Chief Investment Strategist of Credit Suisse Private Banking Americas, spoke about the investment landscape and how emerging markets are driving positive change worldwide.

The 2011 conference featured interactive polling, with wireless keypads allowing participants to vote instantly in response to a number of questions. Forty percent of respondents named the emerging markets as their top investment choice over the next 12 months, while 60% pointed to employment as the most important issue in next year’s U.S. elections, ahead of the budget deficit, economic growth and the Middle East.

Upcoming 2011 Private Banking USA Wealth Management Conferences will take place in New York City in October and Los Angeles in November.