The Center for Global Development (CGD) is hosting an event next Wednesday entitled Eyes beyond the Prize: Envisioning the Next Thirty Years of Microfinance. The talk will look at critical issues for microfinance institutions including: What changes will technology bring? Which new products ought to be pursued, and for whom? How great is the threat of backlash against high interest rates?

The discussion promises to be quite interesting, featuring speakers:

• Alex Counts - Founder, President, and CEO, Grameen Foundation
• Elizabeth Littlefield - CEO, Consultative Group to Assist the Poor
• Elisabeth Rhyne - Senior Vice President, ACCION International
• Damian von Stauffenberg - Founder and CEO, MicroRate
• Moderated by David Roodman - Research Fellow, Center for Global Development

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It's been a busy week here at NextBillion – we're finishing the manuscript on a soon-to-be-published book detailing market size and business strategy at the base of the pyramid. Meanwhile, we've had to keep track of all the comings and goings at the World Economic Forum, in and around Washington, and all over the blogosphere. Here's a quick roundup, for your weekend reading and reviewing pleasure. Of course, we've missed quite a bit – so please be liberal in your use of the comment field (below) and the suggest a story function to keep us updated on what you're seeing, hearing, and reading.

Last night in downtown Washington saw the second monthly meeting of the DC International Private Enterprise Group. Oxfam was kind enough to host the 25 or so folks who braved snow showers in order to join the discussion. IPEG members heard from Agora's Ben Powell and New Ventures' Sara Standish (also a NextBillion contributor). Ben and Sara discussed their work in the field of venture capital and its connection to development; the discussion then branched off into microfinance, commercial finance, small enterprise development, and more. After an hour, we retreated to the nearby Post Pub for more conversations over beers and food. These IPEG meetings will be a regular occurrence; if interested, please contact us for more information.

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