Meeting for just the second time, the United Church Funds' Investor Conference in New Orleans resonated Jan. 13 and 14 with a broad array of participants.

"Our whole focus with this event is to build and strengthen skills around investing and management of endowments," said United Church Funds' President Don Hart of the gathering of 85 people.

 "Everyone found something that met their needs," said Hart. "For some, it was the quality of the workshops; for others, it was the plenary speakers."

Four keynote addresses, a panel discussion and two workshop opportunities covered topics including growing endowments, planned giving, best practices for endowment-related policies, developing solid committees, discussions of current economic conditions, and market outlets.

Attendance was about 40 percent greater than at the inaugural event in Oct. 2010, said Hart, and included a gamut of professionals, including new and experienced investors as well as pastors, Conference ministers and endowment committee members.

"We put this together to offer to the church at-large," said Hart. "Our work is oriented toward the national setting, the local church and all affiliated groups."

Of particular popularity at the conference, said Hart, was keynote speaker Karen Finerman, CEO of Metropolitan Capital Advisors and "The Chairwoman" on CNBC's Fast Money.

"She spoke to long-term investing, which for UCC endowments, is what we're all about," said Hart.

At one point, Finerman quipped, "You have eternity in mind, right? It doesn't get much more long-term than that."