Aerial photo of Capitol Federal Hall

2025 Silicon Prairie Finance Conference

The University of Kansas School of Business will host the 2025 Silicon Prairie Finance Conference in Lawrence, Kansas, from May 30 to May 31.

About the conference

2025 Silicon Prairie Finance Conference
Friday, May 30–Saturday, May 31
KPMG Classroom, 2001 Capitol Federal Hall
School of Business
The University of Kansas
Lawrence, Kansas

Now in its sixth year, the Silicon Prairie Finance Conference provides faculty and doctoral students with an opportunity to present academic research. Organized in collaboration with the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, the University of Kansas (KU), the University of Iowa, Iowa State University, and the University of Missouri, the conference is being hosted by KU this year.

Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to attend University of Kansas sponsored events. If you require a reasonable accommodation in order to participate in this event, please contact Lori Herpich at lherpich@ku.edu.

Conference Agenda

Overview of conference agenda for Friday, May 30, 2025
Friday, May 30 
11:45 a.m.–12:45 p.m.Welcome Lunch and Opening Remarks
The Hive, 1057 Capitol Federal Hall
12:45–1:30 p.m.“Learning, subjective beliefs, and time-varying preferences for different inflation ranges”
Presenter: Mohammad Ghaderi (University of Kansas)
1:30–1:45 p.m.Break
1:45–2:30 p.m.“The Role of Mandatory Director Retirement Policies in Corporate Governance”
Presenter: Feng Guo (Iowa State University)
2:30–2:45 p.m.Break
2:45–3:30 p.m.“The Implications of Concurrent Underwriting and Lending for Bond Underpricing”
Presenter: Jing Wang (University of Missouri)
3:30–3:45 p.m.Break
3:45–4:30 p.m.“Political Polarization and Investor Disagreement"
Presenter: Haocheng Xu (University of Iowa)
4:30–4:40 p.m.Closing Remarks
5:15–6:15 p.m.

Happy Hour

Location TBA

6:15–8:30 p.m.

Dinner

Location TBA

Overview of conference agenda for Saturday, May 31, 2025
Saturday, May 31 
8:30–9 a.m.Breakfast
The Hive, 1057 Capitol Federal Hall
9–9:45 a.m.“Fiscal Stimulus and Housing Booms: Evidence from the 2003 Tax Cuts”
Presenter: Xun Xiong (University of Kansas)
9:45–10 a.m.Break
10–10:45 a.m.“Winning at the Starting Line: Underwriter Connections and Municipal Bond Fund Performance”
Presenter: Bingkuan Cao (University of Nebraska-Lincoln)
10:45–11 a.m.Break
11–11:45 a.m.“Hiding in Plain Sight: The Global Implications of Manager Disclosure”
Presenter: Michael Young (University of Missouri)
11:45 a.m.–12 p.m.Break
12–12:45 p.m.“Fundamental Volatility”
Presenter: Tong Yao (University of Iowa)
12:45–2:15 p.m.Lunch and Doctoral Student Presentations
Danyang Ge (Iowa State University): “Does Mutual Fund Behavior Vary Over Time?”
Yao Ma (University of Nebraska–Lincoln): "Do Short-Sellers Target on Superstar CEOs?”
Yu He (University of Nebraska–Lincoln): “Stress-Tested: Municipal Bond ETFs During Market Turmoil”
Junchao Liao (University of Kansas): "The Impact of 401(k) Lawsuits on Mutual Fund Families"

Accomodations

Conference hotel options include The Eldridge Hotel, TownePlace Suites, or The Oread Hotel. To receive the conference rate at The Eldridge, attendees must mention they are with the KU School of Business when making a reservation by phone. To receive the conference rate at TownePlace Suites, attendees should use the booking link below. Standard rates apply at The Oread Hotel.

Photo of Bronze Jayhawk statue in front of Strong Hall

Transportation and parking

Find information and resources about getting to and from Kansas City International Airport.

Walking from The Oread to Capitol Federal Hall takes about 15 minutes through the heart of KU's campus. From The Eldridge or TownePlace Suites in downtown Lawrence, expect a 35–40 minute walk.

Those who plan to drive to Capitol Federal Hall should park in lot 90, directly south of the building, in any open yellow space. Rear license plates must be visible to KU parking staff. Conference participants who plan to park a car on campus must have a permit and should contact Lori Herpich at least a week in advance to obtain a parking permit.

Photo of a KU bus driving on Naismith Drive in front of Capitol Federal Hall

Explore Lawrence

Discover some of the many attractions, restaurants and more that you can find around Lawrence.

Photo of sunflowers in a field near Lawrence, Kansas

Capitol Federal Hall
The University of Kansas
School of Business
Capitol Federal Hall , KPMG Classroom, 2001 Capitol Federal Hall
1654 Naismith Drive
Lawrence , Kansas 66045