8:00 AM WELCOME, REGISTRATION & NETWORKING BREAKFAST
8:50 AM HOST WELCOME
9:00AM Navigating Evolving Global Markets - Insights and Opportunities:
As global markets continue to face rapid shifts driven by economic uncertainty, geopolitical tensions, and changing monetary policies, RIAs must adapt to help clients navigate these complex dynamics. This panel will explore how advisors can interpret global economic trends, identify emerging investment opportunities, and mitigate risks in an ever-changing environment.
*CFP®, CIMA®, CPWA®, CIMC®, and RMA®
Moderator:
Michael Dow CAIA, CFA®, Chief Investment Officer, Beacon Pointe
Panelists:
Scott Martin, Chief Investment Officer, Kingsview Partners
Yussef Gheriani, CIMA®, Director of Investments, IHT Wealth Management
Rick Fradin, Partner, Chicago Capital
9:45AM COFFEE BREAK
10:00AM Journey: 5-hour ENERGY® to Family Office and Hedge Fund:
Manoj will share how he founded numerous billion-dollar+ businesses, including 5-hour ENERGY®, and how he channels his success into charitable efforts aimed at solving some of the world's largest problems. He will also explore the creation of his family office and the development of a hedge fund born out of necessity.
Moderator:
Cavitt Randall, Chief Executive Officer, MBX Group
Presented by:
Manoj Bhargava, Founder, TPlus3 Fund
10:30AM MORNING NETWORKING BREAK
11:00AM ROUNDTABLE BREAKOUT SESSIONS:
Join us for our interactive roundtable breakout sessions where industry experts will lead discussions on the latest trends and strategies in the investment world. Each session offers a unique opportunity to delve deep into specific investment topics, products, share insights, and network with peers.
— Roundtable 1: Client Retention and Engagement Strategies in a Competitive Market
— Navigating Compliance and Regulatory Challenges in Wealth Management
HOSTED BY: Deana Lewis Senior Director, Marketing, The Mather Group
— Next-Generation Planning: Succession and Talent Development
HOSTED BY: Tori O’Neill Shadaia, ChFC®, Senior Assoicate Wealth Advisor, Beacon Pointe
11:50AM Reflecting on the M&A Landscape: Lessons from 2024 and What’s Ahead
Join industry experts as they analyze the M&A activity that shaped the RIA industry in 2024. This panel will explore key trends and successful strategies for organic vs. inorganic growth, and challenges faced by firms that chose to build, buy, or sell. Gain actionable insights into how these outcomes are influencing the market in 2025 and what it means for your growth strategy moving forward.
Moderator:
Matt Powers, Managing Partner, Powers Advisory Group
Panelists:
William Shannon, CIMA®, CPWA®, Director of Strategic Growth, Altair Advisers
Rafia Hasan, CFA, CFP®, Chief Investment Officer, Perigon Wealth Management
Jennifer des Groseilliers, Chief Executive Officer, The Mather Group
12:25 NETWORKING LUNCH
1:15PM Quants presents: Innovations in Smart Beta Investing Technologies
David Lentz, Executive Director and Partner and Brent Peters, Partner/VP will be presenting the new smart beta ETFs in the works with derivative overlays.
Quants has been building platforms for constructing and clearing sophisticated derivatives overlays for over a decade to achieve better risk adjusted returns in equity portfolios.
1:45PM Leveraging Alternative Investments in Client Relationships: As advisors embrace three-dimensional portfolios combining stocks, bonds, and alternatives, access to strategies like hedge funds, private equity, private credit, and real estate is more critical than ever. This panel explores the role of alternatives in portfolios, steps for accessing these strategies, and how to enhance client conversations to drive better outcomes and win new assets.
Moderator:
Jack Ablin CFA®, Chief Investment Officer and Founding Partner, Cresset
Panelists:
Tiffany Irving, CFP®, CEPA®, Senior Vice President, Mesirow Wealth Management
2:15PM Women in the Wealth Management Industry:
Women control a third of total U.S. household financial assets yet have often been overlooked by the financial industry. Panelists share how their firms attract, develop, and retain female advisors and how that can help effectively empower women investors and their assets.
Panelists:
Heather O'Neill Fairbanks CFP®, ChFC®, Managing Director, Partner, Beacon Pointe
Kris Wano, Senior Vice President, SAGE Private Wealth Group
Tameca Reed, Senior Managing Director of Client Portfolio Management, 1834 Wealth Management
Jen Dawson, CFP®, Owner, Managing Director, Hemington Wealth Management
2:50PM AFTERNOON NETWORKING BREAK
3:20PM Leveraging Technology Solutions to Drive Advisor Success
In today’s rapidly evolving wealth management landscape, Independent RIAs are increasingly adopting technology-driven solutions to elevate client experiences and enhance financial planning strategies. This discussion explores innovative tools that streamline operations, expand service offerings—such as insurance, AI, and retirement solutions—and help advisors deliver differentiated value to clients. Join our panelists as they share actionable insights to fill critical gaps, improve efficiencies, and position RIAs for sustained long-term success.
Moderator:
Brian Taylor, Director of Engineering, The Mather Group
Panelists:
Christopher Horvath, Managing Director, Taiber, Kosmala & Associates
Jayant Walia, Head of Go to Market, Gainbridge
David Stone, Chief Executive Officer, Co-Founder, RetireOne
Nate Lukow, Account Executive, Practifi
4:00PM Increased Offerings in Holistic Financial Planning: Panelists explore ways in which market disruptions can present greater opportunity for Financial Planning and how to position clients for success outside of portfolios. Industry thought leaders discuss tax mitigation strategies, the generational wealth transfer, and wealth alignment.
*CFP®, CIMA®, CPWA®, CIMC®, and RMA®
Moderator:
Mike Bisaro AIF®, President, Chief Executive Officer, StraightLine
Panelists:
Nicholas Shaheen CFP®, CIMA®, Chief Compliance Office, Financial Advisor, Financial Services of America
Jared Funk, Director of Advisory, Embree Financial
4:35PM NETWORKING HAPPY HOUR