Plenary Speakers Announced for Investments & Wealth Strategy Forum, Held at the Loews Chicago Hotel, September 30 – October 2, 2024

This Fall Forum is an Exclusive Executive Education Program for Institute Members, Invited Advisors and Industry Influencers; Offers up to 14.5 Institute and CFP® Certification Credits

Denver, CO (July 8, 2024) – The Investments & Wealth Institute (the Institute) is excited to unveil the lineup of distinguished plenary session speakers for its annual Investments & Wealth Strategy Forum, set to take place at the Loews Chicago Hotel, September 30 – October 2, 2024. Under the theme "Adaptive Wealth Management: Advanced Strategies for Forward-Thinking Advisors," the Forum will feature top-tier executive education professors, acclaimed industry thought leaders, and elite investment and wealth advisors.

Our plenary speakers will explore critical topics including the potential market impacts of the presidential election, strategies for adaptive investing, and fostering "grit" within yourself and your team, among other timely issues:

• Liz Young Thomas, CFA®, Head of Investment Strategy, SoFi, who will analyze the evolving economic landscape and its impact on the capital markets, identifying ways in which to adapt investment strategies to potentially enhance client portfolios.

• Bruce Mehlman, JD, Partner, Mehlman Consulting, who will assess the potential impact of the 2024 presidential election on financial markets and regulatory policies and share strategies for advisors to address client concerns and guide their investment decisions in a volatile geopolitical and economic landscape.

• Lauren Eskreis-Winkler, PhD, Assistant Professor, Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University, who will explain the concept of ‘grit’ and its significance, as well how it differs from talent in predicting long-term success of team members.

• Merle Erickson, Professor of Accounting, The University of Chicago Booth School of Business, who will provide an overview of the types of privately held businesses that can be sold in a manner that creates substantial tax savings for the acquirer, as well as address how changes in tax rates under future U.S. government administrations may influence the planning of such transactions.

• Azish Filabi, JD, MA, Associate Professor of Business Ethics, Executive Director, American College Cary M. Maguire Center for Ethics in Financial Services, who will explore the ethical principles guiding the use of AI in financial services, the issues that concern financial regulators, and the practical implications for advisors and their clients.

“Given the uncertainties that lie ahead, we sought out these five provocative speakers for their expertise so that Forum attendees will have insights and solutions to apply in their conversations directly with clients during the last quarter of 2024,” said Eric Flett, CEO and president of Concentric Wealth Management and volunteer chair of the Strategy Forum planning committee. “The entire Strategy Forum program content is designed for successful, growth-oriented advisors to gain the knowledge and skills necessary to successfully meet the complex needs of their affluent clients.”

The Investments & Wealth Strategy Forum is the more intimate and advanced of the Institute’s two annual events, with the larger being its annual Experience conference held each spring. With an estimated attendance of over 300 elite and seasoned investment and wealth management practitioners, the Forum offers a focused and sophisticated learning environment. In addition to its plenary sessions, the Forum typically offers approximately 20 comprehensive sessions, with scores of industry-leading speakers who are at the forefront of investment and wealth management innovation. Held annually in the fall and in various cities across the country, the event provides a “Masters” level education, delivering impactful, cutting-edge programming for experienced investment and wealth managers.

Key topics encompassing the Forum’s programming this year include:

• Portfolio diversification, risk management, and asset allocation strategies in anticipation of policy shifts.

• Proactive income tax and estate planning for clients, anticipating and adapting to potential tax law changes for optimal financial outcomes.

• Guidance on retirement savings strategies, Social Security planning, and navigating potential changes to retirement policies.

• Communication skills to address client concerns, manage expectations, and provide reassurance during periods of uncertainty.

Registered participants this year can earn up to 14.5 continuing education (CE) credits for Certified Investment Management Analyst® (CIMA®), Certified Private Wealth Advisor® (CPWA®), and Retirement Management Advisor® (RMA®) and/or Certified Financial Planner® (CFP®) certifications.

Registration for the conference is now open. Early-bird pricing for registration is $1,295USD until September 2, 2024.

For more information, contact Allison Edmondson, Communications, Investments & Wealth Institute, at +1 303 850 3207 or at aedmondson@i-w.org.

ABOUT INVESTMENTS & WEALTH INSTITUTE

Founded in 1985, the Investments & Wealth Institute is the premier professional association, education provider, and standards body for financial advisors. Through its award-winning events, publications, courses, and acclaimed certifications—Certified Investment Management Analyst® (CIMA®), Certified Private Wealth Advisor® (CPWA®), and Retirement Management Advisor® (RMA®) certifications—the Institute delivers Ivy league-quality, highly-practical education to more than 30,000 practitioners annually in over 40 countries. Members of the Institute include the industry's most successful investment consultants, advanced financial planners, and private wealth managers who embrace excellence and ethics in applying a broad set of knowledge and skills in their daily work with clients. Learn more at https://investmentsandwealth.org.