Here’s a quick guide to the top 10 must-attend events for financial advisors. These conferences focus on professional growth, networking, and staying updated on the latest trends. Whether you're interested in behavioral finance, cutting-edge technology, or practice management, these events have something for everyone.
Quick Overview:
- Shift Conference (March 24-25, Orlando, FL): Behavioral finance & client relationships.
- WealthManagement EDGE (May 13-16, Hollywood, FL): Investments and wealthtech.
- Envestnet Elevate (May 14-15, Phoenix, AZ): CE credits, leadership, and innovation.
- TradePMR SYNERGY24 (June, TBD): Practice management and tech integration.
- LPL Focus (Aug 11-14, San Diego, CA): AI, client segmentation, and networking.
- Excell Conference (Sep 9-11, Orlando, FL): Advisor marketing & business growth.
- XYPN Live (October, TBD): Fee-only advisors and fintech tools.
- Fearless Investing Summit (Oct 23-25, Nashville, TN): AI tools & portfolio strategies.
- Schwab Impact (Nov 19-21, San Francisco, CA): RIA-focused trends and planning.
- FPA Annual Conference (December, TBD): Retirement planning & practice growth.
Why Attend?
- Learn: Gain insights into emerging trends like AI, personalized planning, and tech tools.
- Network: Meet industry leaders and peers to build meaningful connections.
- Apply: Walk away with actionable strategies to grow your practice.
These events are your chance to stay ahead in a fast-changing industry. Keep reading for detailed insights into each conference.
1. Shift Conference
The Shift Conference is set for March 24-25, 2024, at the Walt Disney World Swan Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. Known for its emphasis on behavioral finance and "human-first" financial planning, this event has built a reputation as the go-to conference for modern financial advisors.
By tackling the psychological side of financial decision-making, Shift gives advisors practical tools to strengthen client trust and improve results. The event brings together industry leaders, academics, and top practitioners to share actionable strategies for building better client relationships.
Key Conference Details:
| Details | March 24-25, 2024, Walt Disney World Swan Resort, Orlando, FL |
|---|---|
| Registration | $299 (Base price), $100 off with code RETHINK65 |
| Focus | Behavioral Finance & Human-First Planning |
"Shift is all about 'human-first' planning and explores the latest innovations in holistic financial planning." - Nitrogen
Attendees have consistently praised the conference's value. Shelley Funke Frommeyer, CEO of FFR Wealth Team, shared: "Everyone shared their best ideas. It was time and money well spent."
This year is especially noteworthy as 2024 will be the final Shift Conference. Advisor2x has announced it will not continue the event, making this the last chance to experience it.
For those looking for a broader perspective on wealth management, the WealthManagement EDGE Conference is another excellent option.
2. WealthManagement EDGE Conference
The WealthManagement EDGE Conference is happening from May 13-16, 2024, at The Diplomat Beach Resort in Hollywood, Florida. This event brings together three core components: Inside ETFs+, WealthStack, and RIA Edge. It’s designed to explore investments, wealth technology, and business growth, with a strong focus on industry trends like personalized financial planning, tech-driven solutions, and platform development.
Key Conference Details:
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Dates | May 13-16, 2024 |
| Location | The Diplomat Beach Resort, Hollywood, FL |
| Focus | Investments, Wealthtech, Business Growth |
| Registration | Free with code SavvyInvestorADV |
This conference is especially relevant for advisory firm leaders seeking strategies to grow their businesses. Topics include personalized portfolio management, integrating digital assets, and using technology to boost operational efficiency.
What makes EDGE stand out is its customized approach to professional development. Attendees can choose sessions and networking opportunities that align directly with their firm’s goals, offering actionable insights they can apply right away.
Looking ahead, EDGE’s focus on tech-driven growth leads into the Envestnet Elevate Event, which will dive deeper into using innovation to enhance practice management.
3. Envestnet Elevate Event
The Envestnet Elevate Event is set to celebrate its 25th anniversary on May 14-15, 2024, at the Phoenix Convention Center in Arizona. Known as one of the top conferences by Investopedia and Kitces, it offers attendees a chance to earn CE credits, gain leadership insights, and connect with peers.
| Event Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Dates | May 14-15, 2024 |
| Location | Phoenix Convention Center, AZ |
| CE Credits | Up to 6 hours (CFP & CIMA) |
| Key Features | Training Sessions, Leadership Insights, Networking Opportunities |
The event will feature an impressive lineup of keynote speakers, including Ian Bremmer, Angela Duckworth, and Charles Duhigg. Highlights include the Envestnet Asset Manager of the Year Awards, networking happy hours, and a celebratory event featuring live music.
"Envestnet Elevate 2024 celebrates what connects us - building relationships and a shared vision for a better financial future for all." - Envestnet[5]
A new 1:1 meetings program is designed to help RIAs connect and collaborate effectively. Tamarac workshops will focus on improving practice efficiency, enhancing client engagement, and driving business growth. Additionally, the Envestnet Women's Forum, held on May 14th, will feature Brooke Baldwin, TV host and bestselling author, emphasizing the importance of diversity in financial advising.
To get the most out of the event, attendees are encouraged to download the Envestnet Elevate app, which provides access to personalized agendas and in-app messaging.
As the event wraps up, advisors can dive deeper into advisory solutions at TradePMR's SYNERGY24, offering further opportunities to refine their practices.
4. TradePMR's SYNERGY24
TradePMR's SYNERGY24 is designed to support RIAs by focusing on practice management, integrating technology, and refining investment strategies. Inspired by events like Envestnet Elevate, this conference provides advisors with practical tools to put these strategies into action.
| Focus Areas | Highlights |
|---|---|
| Practice Management | Growth planning, operational efficiency workshops |
| Technology Integration | Platform demos, training on digital tools |
| Investment Strategies | Market trends, portfolio management tips |
| Professional Development | Expert-led sessions, peer learning opportunities |
The event helps RIAs tackle real-world challenges in wealth management. From platform demonstrations to workshops on operational efficiency, attendees gain practical insights tailored to their needs. Sessions with industry experts and peer discussions further enhance the learning experience.
SYNERGY24 also creates opportunities for financial advisors to connect with peers and explore new solutions. These networking and learning sessions are packed with actionable ideas that advisors can bring back to their practices.
For those looking to boost their marketing efforts, platforms like Financial Advisor Marketing offer additional resources to support practice growth.
To keep the momentum going, the LPL Focus Conference follows SYNERGY24, providing even more chances to refine skills and grow advisory practices.
5. LPL Focus Conference
Mark your calendars for August 11-14, 2024! The LPL Focus Conference is set to take place at the San Diego Convention Center, bringing together nearly 9,000 financial professionals. This event is one of the largest in the financial advisory world, offering a packed schedule of learning and networking opportunities.
| Conference Highlights | Details |
|---|---|
| Duration | 3 days of in-depth sessions and activities |
| Breakout Sessions | Over 200 sessions on topics like AI, alternative investments, and client segmentation |
| Expo Partners | More than 130 sponsors showcasing tools and solutions |
| Networking | A chance to connect with nearly 9,000 industry peers |
Attendees can look forward to over 200 breakout sessions, along with motivational talks from Olympic medalist Apolo Ohno and former NFL Super Bowl champion Jon Dorenbos. These speakers will share their personal stories of perseverance and success, adding inspiration to the event's professional development offerings.
"We are thrilled to gather in San Diego for the largest Focus event in LPL history. We define our success through the success of more than 23,000 financial advisors, including advisors at more than 1,000 institutions." - Dan Arnold, President and CEO, LPL Financial
The conference will also host a dynamic expo featuring the latest technology and practical tools for financial advisors. This is a prime opportunity to explore cutting-edge solutions and gain insights into emerging trends in wealth management.
LPL Financial continues to prioritize advisor growth, expanding its suite of business services from three to 14 over the past six years. According to LPL's Build Your Extraordinary Business study, the top 10% of advisors generate three times more revenue than their peers, all while working similar hours. This underscores the conference's focus on efficiency and strategies to optimize practices.
With a detailed agenda tackling key industry challenges, including balancing increased demand with service quality, the LPL Focus Conference offers actionable takeaways for every attendee. And the learning doesn’t stop there - advisors can further enhance their skills at the Excell Conference following this flagship event.
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6. Excell Conference
The Excell Conference is set for September 9-11, 2024, at the Orlando World Center Marriott in Orlando, Florida. This event offers financial advisors a chance to grow, connect, and learn in a dynamic environment.
| Conference Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Dates | September 9-11, 2024 |
| Location | Orlando World Center Marriott, FL |
| Early-Bird Price | $499 (until April 30) |
| Regular Price | $799 |
| Focus Areas | Advisor Marketing, Practice Management |
| Format | In-Person Event |
This will be the 37th year of Excell, featuring keynote speakers like Harris III, Liz Bohannon, and Kyle Scheele. The event’s structure revolves around three main themes: "Imagine & explore," "Design & build," and "Amplify & ignite."
"Excell isn't your typical conference – it's a transformative journey where you'll be immersed in a dynamic exploration of how creativity and innovation can help you transcend the ordinary." - Carson Group
The conference boasts a 100% net promoter score from past attendees, reflecting its strong reputation. This year, the agenda emphasizes strategies for turning advisory firms into thriving, scalable businesses.
Participants can look forward to sessions covering:
- Growth strategies driven by innovation
- Transforming practice management
- Strengthening client relationships
- Techniques for scaling businesses
One of the highlights is the Community Hub, where over 1,000 industry professionals come together to network and exchange ideas. Additional features include the Advisor Tech Awards and live podcast recordings.
For those passionate about diversity and inclusion, the Excell Represent program showcases women leaders in wealth management. This track includes the "Women in Wealth Management" awards and panels led by top industry voices.
The venue itself offers 25 restaurants and plenty of spaces designed for networking and collaboration. Early registration is recommended for discounted rates and to secure accommodations.
After Excell, advisors can delve deeper into specialized topics at XYPN Live, which is tailored to fee-only advisors and independent practices.
7. XYPN Live Event
XYPN Live is a must-attend event for fee-only financial advisors, attracting over 1,000 professionals each year. Unlike general industry conferences, this event is specifically designed to address the needs of fee-only advisors, offering focused insights and practical tools.
| Event Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Organizer | XY Planning Network |
| Target Audience | Fee-Only Financial Advisors |
| Network Size | 1,500+ member firms |
| Attendee Count | 1,000+ professionals |
| Format | In-person conference |
| CE Credits | Available |
The event zeroes in on three main areas: improving practice management, adopting cutting-edge technology, and elevating client service. Attendees can join workshops led by experienced professionals that focus on scalable business strategies and modern financial planning tools.
The Technology Hub is a standout feature, offering live fintech demos to help advisors make smart technology decisions.
Workshops cover a range of topics, including practice management, marketing, technology, and compliance updates.
"XYPN Live isn't just another conference – it's where fee-only advisors come together to shape the future of financial planning. Our focus is on providing actionable insights that advisors can implement immediately in their practices", states XY Planning Network's leadership team [1].
The event also includes the Advisor Match program, which sets up one-on-one meetings to build meaningful connections.
Continuing education (CE) credits are available through specialized sessions, and attendees can access presentation materials and session recordings after the event. The growing network of over 1,500 member firms across the U.S. and Canada reflects the conference's impact [3].
After XYPN Live, advisors can further their growth strategies by attending the Fearless Investing Summit.
8. Fearless Investing Summit
The Fearless Investing Summit, hosted by Nitrogen, is a must-attend event for wealth management professionals. Scheduled for October 23-25, 2024, at the Grand Hyatt Nashville, this gathering is set to attract over 1,000 industry leaders and experts.
| Event Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Date | October 23-25, 2024 |
| Location | Grand Hyatt Nashville |
| Host | Nitrogen |
| Expected Attendance | 1,000+ professionals |
| CE Credits | Full year's CFP credits available |
The lineup of speakers includes NFL legend Emmitt Smith, alongside financial experts Michael Kitces and Joe Duran. With more than 100 sessions, the agenda covers topics like wealth technology, investment strategies, and advanced financial planning. Attendees will find plenty of opportunities to sharpen their skills and expand their knowledge.
Tiered pricing makes it accessible for professionals across various roles in the industry.
"The Fearless Summit isn't to just talk about the future, it's to shape it", says Aaron Klein, CEO of Nitrogen [2].
The event places a strong emphasis on technology, particularly AI-powered tools for portfolio management. Advisors will gain practical strategies to incorporate these advancements into their practices, helping them stay competitive as the industry evolves.
Networking is a key feature, with curated lunch sessions and a kickoff event designed to foster meaningful connections.
As the summit concludes, attendees can transition to the Schwab Impact Conference for even more opportunities to grow professionally and expand their networks.
9. Schwab Impact Conference
The Schwab Impact Conference, the largest event for registered investment advisors (RIAs) in the U.S., is set for November 19-21, 2024, at the Moscone Center in San Francisco. This in-person event is designed to help RIAs stay competitive, offering key insights and opportunities to advance their expertise.
| Event Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Date | November 19-21, 2024 |
| Location | Moscone Center, San Francisco |
| Format | In-person |
| Focus Areas | Advanced Planning, Behavioral Finance, FinTech, Investment, Practice Management |
| Target Audience | CFPs, RIAs (Invitation-only for Schwab platform users) |
The lineup of keynote speakers includes bestselling author Daniel Pink and AI specialists Ethan Mollick and Allie K. Miller. The program emphasizes practice management, leadership strategies, and the latest industry developments.
"Every year we have the chance to see the power and promise of the RIA industry reflected in the vibrant community that gathers at IMPACT® to share ideas, ask questions, and take a step back from the day-to-day to think about the future ahead", says Jon Beatty, Head of Advisor Services [3].
Key topics include integrating AI into advisory practices, fixed-income strategies, Medicare planning, enhancing client experiences, and investment management solutions.
Attendees can also look forward to networking opportunities, such as client territory dinners and a celebration at the Palace of Fine Arts. The conference supports industry growth by welcoming 80 students and professors to a dedicated Student Union space.
For financial advisors aiming to sharpen their skills and connect with leaders in the field, this event offers a chance to explore emerging technologies and gain actionable insights to elevate their practices.
After the Schwab Impact Conference, advisors can continue their learning journey at the FPA Annual Conference, the last event on this year's list.
10. FPA Annual Conference
The Financial Planning Association's Annual Conference is one of the top events for professional development in the financial planning industry. With over 2,000 attendees and more than 100 educational sessions each year, it offers a packed agenda of hands-on workshops and interactive panels. Topics include retirement planning, investment management, and practice growth.
| Event Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Format | In-person |
| Focus Areas | Retirement Planning, Practice Management, Investment Strategies, Ethics |
| Target Audience | CFPs, Financial Planners, Investment Advisors |
| CE Credits | Available |
| Session Types | Keynotes, Workshops, Panel Discussions, Roundtables |
"The FPA Annual Conference is a must-attend event for financial planners and advisors looking to stay ahead of the curve and network with industry leaders", says David Yeske, CFP, Past Chair of the FPA Board of Directors.
This year, the 2024 conference highlights advancements in technology, focusing on how artificial intelligence and digital tools are transforming financial advisory practices. Attendees will gain practical strategies to tackle current challenges and make the most of new opportunities in the field.
The event also emphasizes networking, offering activities such as:
- Territory-based discussions and peer learning sessions
- Consultations with industry experts
- Social gatherings and receptions
For those looking to grow their practices, the conference includes sessions on marketing and business development. These complement resources like Financial Advisor Marketing, which provides tools tailored to advisory firms.
Representing a community of over 20,000 members, the Financial Planning Association offers discounts for new advisors and students. As the final event on this year's list, the FPA Annual Conference provides an ideal opportunity to consolidate knowledge gained throughout the year and gear up for what's ahead.
Wrapping Up
As the FPA Annual Conference concludes the year, 2024 promises numerous opportunities for advisors to excel in their field. The ten conferences mentioned here stand out as top-tier events for professional development in wealth management.
Take the Wealth Management EDGE conference, for example. It attracts over 1,000 advisors, with 70% managing portfolios exceeding $500 million [4]. These events also host more than 22,000 professional meetings, offering unmatched networking opportunities [4].
Key topics covered across these conferences include:
- Portfolio personalization, ESG integration, and direct indexing
- Cutting-edge tools for managing practices more efficiently
- New approaches to delivering exceptional client service
| Focus Area | Action Items | Expected Outcomes |
|---|---|---|
| Learning | Attend sessions aligned with your goals | Build expertise and expand knowledge |
| Networking | Plan meetings with industry professionals | Strengthen your professional network |
| Technology | Evaluate new platforms and tools | Boost operational efficiency |
| Implementation | Create a post-event action plan | Turn insights into actionable results |
Beyond these events, advisors can leverage online resources and marketing tools to continue improving their practices year-round.
