The Investments & Wealth Institute (the Institute) has announced the distinguished speakers for its annual Investments & Wealth Strategy Forum, scheduled to take place at the Loews Chicago Hotel from September 30 to October 2, 2024. This year's theme, 'Adaptive Wealth Management: Advanced Strategies for Forward-Thinking Advisors,' aims to provide attendees with cutting-edge insights from top-tier executive education professors, acclaimed industry thought leaders, and elite investment and wealth advisors.
The plenary speakers will delve into crucial topics such as the potential market impacts of the upcoming presidential election, strategies for adaptive investing, and fostering 'grit' within teams. Key speakers include:
- Liz Young Thomas, CFA®, Head of Investment Strategy at SoFi: She will analyze the evolving economic landscape and its impact on capital markets, offering ways to adapt investment strategies to potentially enhance client portfolios.
- Bruce Mehlman, JD, Partner at Mehlman Consulting: He will assess the potential impact of the 2024 presidential election on financial markets and regulatory policies, sharing strategies for advisors to address client concerns and guide investment decisions in a volatile geopolitical and economic landscape.
- Lauren Eskreis-Winkler, PhD, Assistant Professor at the Kellogg School of Management, Northwestern University: She will explain the concept of 'grit' and its significance, highlighting how it differs from talent in predicting long-term success of team members.
- Merle Erickson, Professor of Accounting at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business: He will provide an overview of privately held businesses that can be sold to create substantial tax savings for the acquirer and discuss how future 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: She will explore the ethical principles guiding the use of AI in financial services, addressing issues that concern financial regulators and the 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, emphasized that the lineup of speakers was carefully selected to provide attendees with the knowledge and solutions necessary to navigate the complex needs of their affluent clients. The forum aims to equip growth-oriented advisors with advanced skills and insights, ensuring they can effectively manage client conversations during uncertain times.
The Strategy Forum is known for its intimate and advanced setting, attracting over 300 elite and seasoned investment and wealth management practitioners. The event offers a focused and sophisticated learning environment, featuring approximately 20 comprehensive sessions with industry-leading speakers at the forefront of investment and wealth management innovation. Held annually in various cities, the forum delivers a 'Masters' level education, providing impactful programming for experienced investment and wealth managers.
This year's forum programming will cover key topics such as portfolio diversification, risk management, and asset allocation strategies in anticipation of policy shifts. Other areas of focus include proactive income tax and estate planning, guidance on retirement savings strategies, and enhancing communication skills to manage client concerns and expectations during periods of uncertainty.
Registered participants can earn up to 14.5 continuing education (CE) credits for certifications including Certified Investment Management Analyst® (CIMA®), Certified Private Wealth Advisor® (CPWA®), Retirement Management Advisor® (RMA®), and Certified Financial Planner® (CFP®).
Registration for the conference is now open. Early-bird pricing is available until September 2, 2024.


