The speed and success with which Russia’s economy has opened up can be gauged by the number of investment conferences in the country and the international community’s interest in them. The first such event was held only 16 years ago and has mushroomed into an immeasurable number of forums.  These investment conferences have become as diverse and competitive as Russia’s economy itself – events  with similar goals and audiences are vying with one another to prepare relevant agendas and attract high-profile speakers.