Breakfast & Networking

Breakout Session Block 1

Title: The Art of Relationship Building in Financial Planning: Essential Tools and Techniques for New Planners

Speaker: Megan McCoy and Jackie Cummings Koski

 

You know that trust is the cornerstone of any successful financial planning relationship. But did you know that it can make or break your clients' willingness to seek your advice or even follow through with your recommendations?

 

Let's face it, talking about money isn't always easy. Clients often feel vulnerable sharing their financial details with a stranger, and it can be anxiety-provoking for both parties. But fear not! We've got evidence-based financial therapy tools, techniques, and models to help you foster trust and commitment with your clients.

 

The presentation starts with the science of trust and commitment in planner-client relationships but moves quickly to the fun part – how to put this research into practice. We'll provide you with practical, actionable advice on how to apply these techniques to build lasting relationships with your clients. The conversation will be framed with an emphasis on new planners and how to overcome unique obstacles you face.

 

By fostering trust and commitment in your clients, your firm will benefit, but it will also help your clients achieve their financial goals and improve their overall well-being. So, join us and discover the power of trust in financial planning relationships!

Networking with Exhibitors

Breakout Session Block 2

Title: Elevate Your Onboarding Process to Create Lifelong Clients
Speaker: Libby Greiwe

You only get one chance to make a great first impression, and research shows that your clients’ experience in the first 100 days determines the longevity of their professional relationship with you. Once you get this formula down, your referrals will skyrocket, your communication issues will evaporate and your clients will confirm that their onboarding experience set you apart from any other financial professionals they had ever worked with. And, it’s easier than you think. Join us for this session to learn the 3 components that create a next-level onboarding process and how to implement it in your practice immediately. You’ll be provided an onboarding process template and lots of examples and ideas you can start work on right away.

Title: Communication Essentials for Planners: It’s More Than What You Say 

Speaker: Emily Koochel 

 

Good communication is fundamental to any relationship, but it is often what we are not saying that speaks the loudest. From verbal and non-verbal communication to well-practiced listening skills, clients often use good communication as a marker to assess a planner’s value and trustworthiness. In turn, financial planners rely on transparent communication from clients to ensure a well-informed financial plan, underscoring the importance of reciprocity and good communication in the planning relationship. Join Dr. Emily Koochel as she discusses various aspects of verbal and non-verbal communication, from both the client and planner’s perspective, to create trust, clarity, and commitment in the planning process. 

Title: The Evolution of ETFs
Speaker: Anthony Caruso

Since the launch of the first ETF in 1993, the industry has increased to nearly $7tn in AUM and over 3,000 strategies. With the proliferation of strategies and providers, financial professionals must learn to cut through the noise to make the best investment for their clients. In this session, we dig into the evolution of ETFs and how Dimensional is a part of the industry moving forward with systematic ETFs that provide the benefits of indexing, but go beyond that with higher expected returns and flexible implementation. Join us for this can’t-miss conversation with Anthony Caruso, Co-Head of Product Specialists and Vice President at Dimensional Fund Advisors.

Lunch and FPA NexGen Update: Panel with NexGen Leadership

Breakout Session Block 3

Title: Get Paid What You're Worth!

Speaker: Daniel Yerger

 

This session reviews the state of entry-level planning positions, including job responsibilities, compensation, and career paths. The presentation examines differences in compensation between types of firms, business models, firm sizes, and geography, as well as highlights the potential pros and pitfalls of the various career paths, and helps participants develop the skills and confidence to negotiate their compensation and career path.

Title: Why You?: Narrowing Your Focus to Get the Clients You Want

Speaker: Kofo Akosile

 

Do you find it hard to articulate who you work with when prospecting for new clients? Are you having trouble getting referrals in your target market? This session will focus on how to identify who you want to work with, what makes you marketable, and how to communicate who your ideal clients are to prospects. During this Q&A session with Kofo Akosile, she will share her own journey of finding of her niche, and you will have the opportunity to work through the process to identify your own target market.

Networking with Exhibitors

Cohort Conversations

Lead by an experienced mentor with content and direction sourced by the participants present, cohort sessions are an opportunity for attendees to connect and discuss in small groups.

Closing Night Reception

Breakfast & Networking

Cohort Conversations

Break

Closing Keynote with Chris Field: Disrupting for Good

From running for mayor as a teenager to breaking multiple Guinness World Records to helping save more than 250 children from slavery, Chris Field, Chief Growth Officer at Holistiplan and founder of Mercy Project, has been disrupting most of his life. Chris will share a memorable and motivational message featuring inspirational stories from his popular book “Disrupting for Good” on how passion plus persistence equals lasting change.  

Seamlessly weaving his own story with those of other ordinary people who became extraordinary disruptors, Chris offers a clear call to action: anybody, anywhere, can choose to disrupt for good. It's time to cannonball from the cliffs of complacency into the sea of bold dreams and big ideas. Are you ready?