William Blair today kicked off its 44th Annual Growth Stock Conference, a three-day event featuring nearly 260 companies and hosting almost 900 clients from around the globe.

The 44th Annual Growth Stock Conference, held at Loews Chicago Hotel, will feature companies spanning the market-cap spectrum in seven sectors—consumer; energy and sustainability; global industrial infrastructure; global services; financial services and technology; healthcare; and technology, media, and communications.

“William Blair distinguishes itself by consistently generating top-notch investment ideas and pinpointing innovative business models that have the capacity to succeed,” said Scott McLaughlin, William Blair’s head of equities.” These principles are prominently displayed in our Growth Stock Conference, which now more than ever showcases William Blair’s commitment to researching and investing in quality growth stock companies that can endure over time.”

In addition to the formal presentations by the management teams of presenting companies—nearly 99% of which will be represented by the highest ranks of management (chairman, chief executive officer, president, chief financial officer, or chief operating officer)—William Blair has scheduled more than 5,000 one-on-one meetings between clients and management teams.

“Our conference stands out due to the diverse range of presenting companies and the exceptional access it provides to top executives,” said John Kreger, William Blair director of equity research. “Consistently, our clients recognize this event as a leading platform for sharing high-quality investment ideas.”

William Blair is the premier global boutique with expertise in investment banking, investment management, and private wealth management. We provide advisory services, strategies, and solutions to meet our clients’ evolving needs. As an independent and employee-owned firm, together with our strategic partners, we operate in more than 20 offices worldwide. *

* Includes strategic partnerships with Allier Capital, BDA Partners, and Poalim Capital Markets.