8:00 AM WELCOME, REGISTRATION & NETWORKING BREAKFAST

8:50 AM OPENING REMARKS

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® credits offered for this session.

Moderator:

Daniel Barotz, President, Senior Advisor, Focused Alpha

Panelists:

RJ Maunton, Director of Advisory Services, Alpha Principle, LLC

Jim Worden, Chief Investment Officer, The Wealth Consulting Group

Seth Merrill, Partner, Chief Investment Officer, Crewe Advisors

9:45AM COFFEE BREAK

10:00AM Roundtable Breakout Sessions:

These interactive roundtable breakout sessions will provide attendees with the opportunity to engage directly with top asset managers and investment experts in small-group discussions. Each session will focus on timely investment strategies, asset allocation trends, and market outlooks designed to help RIAs better serve their clients and grow their businesses.

— Table 1: Enhancing Client Relationships: Building Trust in a Competitive Landscape

• Hosted by: Kate Redden, Vice President of Client Experience, Partner, Wealth Manager, Merit Financial Advisors

— M&A Activity: Navigating the Next Chapter for RIAs

• Hosted by: Brad Smithy, Founding Partner, Head of Wealth Management,

  Elevation Point

— Table 3: Turning Taxes Into Relationship Alpha: How RIAs Harness Tax-Aware Strategies to Enhance Returns and Fuel Practice Growth

• Hosted by: Alex Hagmeyer, Co-Chief Investment Officer, Sr. Director

  Quantitative Research, SS&C ALPS Advisors

11:15AM MORNING NETWORKING BREAK

11:45 AM Building and Retaining High-Performance Teams:

As RIA firms grow, attracting and retaining top talent becomes essential to delivering comprehensive client solutions and increasing firm value. This panel will explore effective hiring practices, integrating specialized expertise, and creating a culture that supports career development and team collaboration. Learn how strategic talent decisions drive stronger client relationships, retention, and long-term business success.

Panelists:

Masha Hodi, Partner, Colleague Engagement Officer, Cerity Partners

Tony Parkin, Partner, Head of Advisors, Parallel Advisors

12:15 PM NETWORKING LUNCH

1:15 PM Leveraging Alternative Investments in Client Relationships:

Advisors are increasingly moving beyond traditional portfolios to integrate alternatives such as hedge funds, private equity, private credit, and real estate. This panel focuses on practical approaches to accessing and implementing alternative strategies, the trade-offs between different structures, and how to communicate these opportunities effectively with clients to build trust, differentiate your practice, and attract new assets.

Panelists:

Sam Redman, Financial Advisor, Director of Alternatives, LotusGroup Advisors

Kaley Kris, Portfolio Manager, Johnson Financial Group

1:45 PM 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.

Moderator:

Erin Hadary, Partner, Regional Director, Moneta

Panelists:

James Telfer, Director, Wealth Advisor, Mercer Advisors

Sydney Levy, Head of Wealth Planning, Invictus Private Wealth

2:30 PM AFTERNOON NETWORKING BREAK

3:00 PM Leveraging Technology Solutions to Drive Advisor Success

In an increasingly competitive landscape, the integration of financial planning and practice management remains a key factor to driving advisor success. RIA’s continue to explore strategies to help advisors deliver exceptional value to clients while building thriving advisory practices in today's marketplace. Our panelists discuss innovative ways to differentiate their firms beyond traditional portfolio returns; from cultivating a cohesive company culture to leveraging technology for digital transformation, AI, and more.

Panelists:

Michael Hewel, Director of Trading, Mercer Advisors

Shane Cummings, Wealth Advisor & Director of Technology/Cybersecurity,

Halbert Hargrove

3:30 PM 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®

Panelists:

Jason Miller, Partner, Chief Operating Officer, Crewe Advisors

Clarissa Hobson, Director of Financial Planning, Transform Wealth

Kate Redden, Vice President of Client Experience, Partner, Wealth Manager,

Merit Financial Advisors

4:15 PM NETWORKING HAPPY HOUR