The Loan Syndications and Trading Association's annual conference, set for Oct. 10, is to go ahead following a vote of confidence from a majority of members. A number of participants from as far afield as Los Angeles and London contacted the LSTA to say people want to talk and see each other, said Allison Taylor, executive director of the LSTA. Over 90% of the attendants are based in New York so will not need to travel, according to an e-mail being circulated to LSTA members.
The conference agenda is being modified to include a panel discussion covering an overview of the market after the terrorist attacks on New York and Washington. The LSTA also is considering a discussion that would address the effect of the tragedy on U.S. government monetary policy and fiscal policy and the roots of the tragedy in American foreign policy. To make room for the additional sessions a few panel discussions and speakers will be removed from the agenda, including the Euro-market developments, e-commerce committee panel, e-trading presentation and e-settlement presentation. In addition, the breakout sessions starting at 5:00 p.m. are cancelled. To allow more time for people to meet, cocktails will be served from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., rather than 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Taylor said.