ADAM Smith SOCIETY
FREE MARKETS. Open minds.
The Adam Smith Society is modeled on the Federalist Society and seeks to do for free-market principles what the Federalist Society has done for constitutionalism. We host speakers and debates that unpack key policy challenges facing the business community and our country at large, examining questions like:
How do we train the American workforce for jobs of the future?
Does the free market promote inequality or opportunity, or both?
Must firms prioritize social and environmental ends?
How does capitalism affect the least privileged?
Is Big Tech a problem for our democracy, and if so, should it be regulated?
The Adam Smith Society Student Club is the perfect platform for business school students passionate about exploring the vital role of free markets in driving human flourishing and creating opportunities for everyone. By joining, students gain access to thought-provoking debates, engaging discussions, and a dynamic network of peers and professionals who share a vision for advancing economic growth and individual potential through market-driven solutions.
For more information on the Adam Smith Society mission visit: https://www.adamsmithsociety.com/
"Our chapter has established a great culture for the open exchange of ideas. I feel like many of the deepest and most thoughtful conversations I've had have been either with members of the Society or stemmed from one of our events." — Chris Payne, Chicago Booth
Joining the Adam Smith Society is more than club membership—it's an opportunity to be part of a community shaping the future of business and society through the power of free-market ideas.
Oct 9, 2026 12:00pm - 1:15pm
The Trump Administration has recently moved to open up private equity assets to 401(k) investors, deregulating this sector. For example, in August 2025, President Trump signed an executive order titled "Democratizing Access to Alternative Assets for 401(k) Investors." Will this move enable retail investors to boost their portfolio returns with previously inaccessible assets, or is this a self-serving attempt to saddle retail investors with underperforming portcos? If this intersection of finance and policy interests you, join the Adam Smith Society for a conversation with Booth Professor Steven Kaplan on October 9th. Prof. Kaplan has taught at Booth since 1988 and is a leading scholar in the areas of private equity, venture capital, entrepreneurial finance, corporate governance, and corporate finance. He co-founded the entrepreneurship program at Booth and helped start the New Venture Challenge. He serves on the board of Morningstar and several fund and company advisory boards. This will be a timely discussion of private equity, public policy, and financial regulation, with plenty of time for Q&A. Lunch will be provided.
(Chicago Booth School of Business users only)
