Beyond the deal: Nurturing relationships at the PE/VC Conference

Each year, The Kellogg Private Equity & Venture Capital Conference (PEVCC) brings industry leaders and aspiring investors together for thought-provoking discussions and hands-on learning. Seen as a pivotal experience for students looking to break into these industries, PEVCC offers direct access to top investors, founders and Kellogg alumni who are leading the charge in private equity and venture capital (PE/VC). 

We spoke with the conference co-chairs Ben Wideman ’25 JD-MBA and Clarissa Cheng ’25 Two-Year MBA to learn more about their experience in crafting a compelling conference experience including introducing new initiatives to foster deeper connections and launching the inaugural pitch competition. They also highlight some of the challenges that came with organizing a high-profile event and invaluable lessons they gained along the way. 

Kellogg: What inspired you to take on the role of co-chairs for last year’s PEVCC? Can you share a bit about the vision you had for the conference and how it reflects the unique spirit of Kellogg? 

Clarissa Cheng: PEVCC serves as one of the first major touchpoints for incoming first-years to dive deeper into private equity and venture capital, and I was excited to help shape the educational experience that fosters meaningful connections. Our vision centered on leveraging the school's incredible alumni network to create a more intimate and engaging setting where students could interact directly with industry leaders. This led to the introduction of the first-ever assigned discussion group happy hour, giving attendees a structured way to connect beyond the panels.  

Additionally, we saw an opportunity to highlight the venture capital side of the conference by launching PEVC’s inaugural pitch competition, which was a huge success. Our goal was to make the conference both insightful and interactive, reflecting the collaborative and forward-thinking spirit at Kellogg. 

Organizing such a high-profile event is no small feat. What were some of the biggest challenges you faced, and how did your experience at Kellogg help you overcome them? 

Ben Wideman: Organizing this high-profile event was an incredible undertaking, spanning multiple weeks of programming including workshops, alumni and networking events, a pitch competition and dynamic discussion panels — all requiring extensive operational and marketing support. The months of preparation involved a dedicated team of more than 40 students, along with faculty, administration and alumni advisors; each playing a critical role in bringing the vision to life.  

One of the biggest challenges was ensuring that this vision remained clear and consistent across all moving parts while empowering team members to take initiative and ownership of their respective roles. Balancing strong leadership with delegation required constant communication, alignment and adaptability — skills that Kellogg has deeply reinforced through its emphasis on collaboration, leadership development and strategic problem-solving. Navigating such a complex event has been both demanding and rewarding. Seeing it all come together so seamlessly is a testament to the incredible teamwork and support that defines the Kellogg community. 

Crafting an impactful experience

Kellogg: This conference brings together industry thought leaders and pioneers. What were some of the key takeaways or moments from last year’s conference that you think resonated with attendees? 

Wideman: One of the most impactful moments from last year’s conference was the showcase panel on private capital in defense — a topic I was especially excited to organize given my military background. Having distinguished speakers such as General (Ret.) Jim McConville, the former highest-ranking member of the U.S. Army, elevated the discussion to an entirely new level, providing attendees with deep insights into the intersection of defense and private capital.  

The panel sparked an incredibly engaging, thought-provoking dialogue, and I had countless attendees approach me afterward to say that, despite having no prior knowledge of the defense industry, they found it to be the best panel they had ever attended at a conference— truly high praise.  

Another standout success was the resounding success of the inaugural pitch competition, which highlighted some of Northwestern’s most promising startups. The event provided an unparalleled platform for these ventures, connecting them with the PE/VC community at Kellogg and industry leaders who mostly would not have otherwise encountered them if the competition was done as an isolated event. Several alumni and professionals have reached out expressing excitement about specific startups they had discovered during the competition. The visibility and connections created through this event were not only a major win for Kellogg but also invaluable for the startups themselves. 

Kellogg: How did working with your peers, faculty and alumni deepen your understanding of private equity and venture capital? 

Wideman: The Kellogg PE/VC community is truly world-class, and working alongside my peers, faculty, and alumni through the conference was an incredible opportunity to deepen my understanding of private equity and venture capital. Our faculty advisors — professors Mitchell Petersen, JoseLiberti, Harry Kraemer and Sean Higgins — were instrumental in shaping our understanding, offering both strategic guidance and hands-on support.  

Professor Petersen even stepped in at the last minute to moderate a panel and pulled it off with flying colors. Equally impactful were our alumni advisors: Meranee Phing ’05 MBA, Jalak Jobanputra ’99 MBA, Elizabeth Browne ’13 MBA and Andy Cohen ’90 MBA. They generously shared their time and expertise in the months leading up to the event and played active roles on the day of the conference.  

Having direct access to such experienced professionals and being connected to countless others during the process expanded my knowledge of the PE/VC ecosystem and provided me with relationships that I will carry forward. 

Kellogg: For prospective students looking to dive into private equity, venture capital, or entrepreneurship at Kellogg, what advice would you give about seizing leadership opportunities like co-chairing a conference? 

Cheng: For prospective students looking to break into private equity, venture capital or entrepreneurship, I’d strongly encourage taking advantage of the experiential learning opportunities at Kellogg such as PE Lab and VC Lab to gain firsthand industry experience. Don’t hesitate to step into leadership roles within the PE/VC Club or take on a position with PEVCC — these experiences not only build your expertise but also expand your network in meaningful ways.  

Lastly, leverage the school's incredible alumni community. Reaching out to alumni who have navigated these fields can provide invaluable insights and open doors to future opportunities. 

A look behind the scenes: Moments from the 2024 PEVCC

Read next: Kellogg unveils the Advanced Private Equity Experience (APEX)