Investments & Wealth Institute Announces Plenary Speakers for 2024 Strategy Forum

The Investments & Wealth Institute (the Institute) has announced the lineup of distinguished plenary session speakers for its annual Investments & Wealth Strategy Forum, to be held at the Loews Chicago Hotel from September 30 to October 2, 2024. The event, themed 'Adaptive Wealth Management: Advanced Strategies for Forward-Thinking Advisors,' will feature notable executive education professors, acclaimed industry thought leaders, and elite investment and wealth advisors.

The plenary speakers will cover a range of critical topics, including market impacts of the presidential election, adaptive investing strategies, and fostering 'grit' within teams:

• Liz Young Thomas, CFA®, Head of Investment Strategy at SoFi, will analyze the evolving economic landscape and its effects on the capital markets, offering insights on how to adapt investment strategies to potentially enhance client portfolios.
• Bruce Mehlman, JD, Partner at Mehlman Consulting, will assess the potential impact of the 2024 presidential election on financial markets and regulatory policies, providing strategies for advisors to address client concerns in a volatile geopolitical and economic landscape.
• Lauren Eskreis-Winkler, PhD, Assistant Professor at Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University, will explain the concept of 'grit' and its significance, differentiating it from talent in predicting long-term success of team members.
• Merle Erickson, Professor of Accounting at The University of Chicago Booth School of Business, 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 and discuss how changes in tax rates may influence the planning of such transactions.
• Azish Filabi, JD, MA, Associate Professor of Business Ethics and Executive Director at the American College Cary M. Maguire Center for Ethics in Financial Services, will explore the ethical principles guiding the use of AI in financial services, addressing issues that concern financial regulators and practical implications for advisors and their clients.

Eric Flett, CEO and president of Concentric Wealth Management and volunteer chair of the Strategy Forum planning committee, stated, '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.'

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, featuring industry-leading speakers at the forefront of investment and wealth management innovation. Held annually in the fall, the event provides a 'Masters' level education, delivering impactful, cutting-edge programming for experienced investment and wealth managers.

Key topics 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®), 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.