Note: Registration is free but now required to view the event live.
Against the backdrop of a Presidential transition and major shift in many Federal government policies, along with a new technology revolution gathering steam, it is time to invite some special guests to the program to share what they think lies ahead in the economy, financial markets, investment opportunities, technology, and, of course, sports!
- Will the economic momentum generated by the steady advances in artificial intelligence propel the economy forward through 2026? Or will the potential AI bubble burst and take down the markets and consumer confidence?
- Will the Fed wring the last bit of excess inflation out of the system, or will they begin cutting rates to stimulate the labor market and spending, potentially leaving inflation above target?
- What economic trends should investors be following to capture opportunity in the year ahead? Which of the AI creators, enablers, or users fare best in the coming year?
- And what do the numbers tell us about the likely winner of the College Football Playoff and the Super Bowl this year?
Join fellow UW alumni and friends online for a livestream and Q & A with a panel of experts who will discuss these topics. The talk will be moderated by Mike Knetter, from the Wisconsin Foundation and Alumni Association.
Speakers
Laura Albert, PhD, is a Professor of Industrial & Systems Engineering at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Her expertise lies in the application of operations research methodologies to important societal challenges in homeland security, public safety, critical infrastructure protection, and election resilience. Her seminal work on aviation security provided the technical validation for risk-based screening and served as the model for TSA PreCheck, an achievement recognized with the INFORMS Impact Prize. She is also the author of two popular engineering blogs, “Punk Rock Operations Research” and “Badger Bracketology,” which together have reached approximately one million readers by making complex topics in engineering data analytics and optimization accessible to a broad audience. Her ability to bridge the gap between technical research and public understanding is a hallmark of her career.
Mike Stohler, PhD, is the chief investment officer of WISIMCO, or the investment arm of the Wisconsin Foundation and Alumni Association. Prior to accepting that position in 2021, he was a managing director of investments at Washington University in St. Louis, where he invested capital across all asset classes. Previously, Michael was a managing director and international head of portfolio construction for J.P. Morgan’s Wealth Management unit. Michael also served as the chief risk officer for the division’s alternative investments platform. He has a BA from St. Olaf College, an MBA from New York University, and a PhD in physics from Purdue University.
Brad Tank MBA’82 is an expert on macroeconomics and monetary policy. He is the chief investment officer and managing director of Neuberger Berman, as well as the global head of the Fixed Income Multi-Sector Group. He is a member of the firm’s Operating, Investment Risk, and Asset Allocation Committees and the Investment Strategy Committee for the Fixed Income Multi-Sector Group. He brings 38 years of industry experience in a variety of executive leadership positions and mutual fund management.
This event is hosted by the Wisconsin Alumni Association®.
