Attending industry conferences allows advisors to network, hear from experts, and explore relevant challenges and opportunities facing today’s financial services industry.
Attendees take the knowledge gained from these events and integrate it into their practice to further deliver value to clients.
Many of these conferences were interrupted in 2020 by the coronavirus pandemic – shutting down all in-person events after the March outbreak through the end of the year. Planned events were canceled or rescheduled, while most pivoted to a virtual format.
Virtual events
For the first time in eight years, our own AdvisorEngine >drive conference was not held in person. Instead, we designed an immersive, virtual experience focused on engagement. This event allowed our community to gather virtually – advisors, CEOs, firm principals, administrative assistants, and operations leaders alike – to share ideas, knowledge, and experiences. Many others follow suit.
No one knows whether or not advisor conferences will be in-person events this year. As health concerns and social distancing demands continue, I imagine most will be held virtually.
Like conventional conferences, virtual events are highly engaging and include extensive sessions run by industry leaders who present and interact with attendees. Attendees can choose sessions and engage through polls, chats, and live Q&As during these sessions. Some virtual event technologies automatically break attendees into small groups to discuss topics – bringing together like-minded advisors.
This sense of community is the motivation to attend any event, whether in-person or virtual. The opportunity to engage with people, other advisors, to learn and be inspired is invaluable.
This year, I sat down again and made a list of some conferences that I would recommend you add to your list to consider. Some have already occurred, but I linked to the information anyway to get an idea of the schedule. Others haven't happened yet, so it's not too late to register.
Your custodian’s annual conference
Your relationship with your custodian is a partnership, and their yearly events offer an opportunity to get an update on your custodian’s roadmap for products and services. Here are some examples listed in alphabetical order:
These conferences offer the chance to interact with peers and custodian representatives – discussing industry trends, practice management ideas, and challenges. The agenda for custodian events is usually very comprehensive, with many sessions to choose from; there’s something for everyone.
National or regional industry association events
With the trend of virtual events, chances are you can catch a national or even a local industry association conference online. These associations provide opportunities for both continuing education (CE) as well as networking. These events offer insights into what’s going on in our industry and the latest regulatory issues.
- AICPA & CIMA ENGAGE
- Bloomberg Breakaway
- Bob Veres’ Insiders Forum
- Financial Planning Association
- Morningstar Investment Conference
- NAPFA National
- Tiburon Summits
- XY Planning Network Live
Technology and vendor conferences
I also recommend that you tune into events hosted by your technology partners. Like our own AdvisorEngine >drive conference mentioned above, it’s a place to learn, interact with executives, and provide feedback in real-time.
Technology is critical in an advisor’s business model; these conferences are designed to maximize your return on investment with your tech stack. These events are an opportunity to get a sneak peek at product roadmaps while learning about exciting new features and functionality that are in the works.
Community Matters
Connecting with your community matters, especially during this time when limiting face-to-face interactions is the norm. Consider joining a virtual meetup or forum with fellow advisors – a place to share knowledge, ideas, and best practices. Many of these events are designed to provide effective insights and strategies. Learn by engaging and developing real-world tools to help you distinguish yourself.
AdvisorEngine wants to help you connect. As your technology partner, we want to be there every step of the way to help future-proof your business. Our team is here to support you.
