One of the largest events for the alternative investments industry will be taking place this weekend as The Real Estate Investment Securities Association (REISA) hosts its Annual Conference & Trade Show at Caesars Palace Las Vegas on September 14-16, 2014. With the largest expected attendance of industry professionals in its history and dozens of educational sessions ranging from topics on new financial products to regulatory changes taking place, the annual event has become a can’t-miss networking and meeting of the minds for registered representatives, broker-dealers, and advisory firms.

“REISA’s 2014 Annual Conference welcomes nearly 1,000 professionals from the alternative investments industry, who come to learn and take advantage of about 50 educational sessions covering all sectors of the market,” said REISA Executive Director/CEO John Harrison. “It’s the top networking forum for individuals and companies who are looking for new tips and tools, and a place to showcase their business or product.”

While it was established just a little over a decade ago, the trade association has grown aggressively over recent years, expanding into other areas of the alternative investments space. In fact, REISA has emerged as an active voice for the industry, recently sending a high-powered delegation of attorneys and industry leaders to Washington, D.C., to share concerns and exchange views about ongoing regulatory issues affecting the alternative investment space.

Meanwhile, the conference itself serves as a one of the few, albeit increasingly significant, occasions in which meaningful discussions that incorporate the diverse perspectives of the growing industry.

“Industry leaders, regulators and invited speakers will provide their knowledge and expertise to attendees, as they examine the economics, marketplace, and other legislative and regulatory issues,” Harrison said. “Industry leaders will also discuss new structures for REITs, private funds, BDCs, 1031 exchanges, oil and gas and other alternative vehicles.”

This year’s event will feature keynotes from influential figures such as NFL Hall of Famer Terry Bradshaw; Amy Lynch, President of Generational Edge; Tom Selman, FINRA Executive Vice President; and more.

“We have sessions designed for everyone in the alternative space, including broker-dealers, RIAs, registered representatives, sponsors, due diligence officers, attorneys and more,” added Harrison. “The REISA board members and staff are very much looking forward to what we believe will be an outstanding conference with exceptional networking and educational opportunities.”

REISA mission is to provide supreme education, networking and advocacy for its members, which includes sponsors and issuers, broker-dealers, accountants, attorneys, mortgage bankers, institutional lenders, qualified intermediaries, registered representatives, investment advisers, registered investment advisors, due diligence officers and other affiliated professionals.

“REISA is a leading trade association serving the alternative investments and securities industry, influencing more than 20,000 professionals who offer and manage alternative investments,” John Harrison said. “We are proud of our membership, which has grown by more than 20 percent in the past two years.”

To learn more about REISA, visit www.reisa.org. For more information on the 2014 REISA Annual Conference & Trade Show, go to https://www.reisa.org/events/2014-Annual-Conference.