AMHERST, MASS, April 1, 2007 - The Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst Association® (CAIAA)-an independent, not-for-profit international organization that provides a charter program for professionals in alternative investments-will host an informational seminar and lunch event in Chicago on April 19.  The event will run from noon to 1:30 p.m. at the Chicago Mercantile Exchange Club, 30 S. Wacker Drive.

At the lunch, CAIAA's executive director, Craig Asche, will make a short presentation about the CAIA designation, its importance to the alternative investment world, the organization's growth and reach, and will take questions from attendees.  Following the presentation, fellow members, candidates or anyone interested in the CAIA Association and charter program are welcome to attend the CAIA Chicago reception.  The reception will be held at the Chicago Mercantile Exchange Club, 20 South Wacker Drive, Mezzanine Level, from 5:00-8:00 p.m. The featured speaker will be long-time Chicago Mercantile Exchange board member and present Vice-Chairman James Oliff.

"As alternative investing strategies become more widely available and popular with investors of all income levels, industry professionals must raise the level of their education to ensure a comprehensive understanding for the risks and benefits of the various asset classes and investment strategies," said Mr. Asche.  "Today, alternatives encompass not only hedge funds but private equity, real estate, venture capital, managed futures and more.  Regardless of one's particular specialization, we remain committed to educating industry professionals in all aspects of the alternative universe so that they can better service the needs of the public at large."

The Chicago event is one of several planned for 2007.  The Association will host a similar event in San Francisco on April 17 and several more throughout Europe, Asia and North America later this year.

More than 70 attendees have already confirmed attendance to the event, including individuals planning to take the exams, executives seeking to learn more about the CAIA designation on behalf of their companies, financial advisors and planners and other members of the public interested in learning more about AI education. 

To register, contact CAIAA at events@caia.org. To RSVP for the cocktail reception, please call (413) 253-7373 or send an email to events@caia.org.

About The CAIA Association
The Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst Association® is an independent, not-for-profit global organization committed to education and professionalism in the field of alternative investments. Founded in 2002, the Association is the sponsoring body for the CAIA designation.  Recognized globally, the designation certifies one's mastery of the concepts, tools and practices essential for understanding alternative investments and promotes adherence to high standards of professional conduct.