7:30 am-6:00 pm

Registration Open

Pre-Function Capitol 1&2

7:30 am-12:00pm

Exhibitor Set Up

Pre-Function Capitol 1&2

8:00 am-10:00 am

Chapter Leaders Meeting

*This is an invite-only event

12:15 pm-1:00pm

WIFS Membership Lunch & Annual Business Meeting

12:45-1:30 pm

Conference Welcome + Opening Ceremony
Sue Kuraja, WIFS President

Capitol 1&2

1:30-2:30 pm

Keynote Main Stage: Personalization is Everything
Elizabeth Husserl, Author of "The Power of Enough: Finding Joy in Your Relationship with Money"

Sponsored by:

Capitol 1&2

2:30-2:40 pm

Partner for Excellence Big Idea: Prudential

Capitol 1&2

2:40-3:00 pm

Networking Break with Exhibitors

Pre-Function Capitol 1&2

3:00-4:00 pm

Main Stage 1: Owning the Table, Not Just the Seat

Tiana Ronstadt, Founder, Power Women Investing
Anne Putnam, CEO, Fenimore Asset Management
Cindy Diccianni, RN, ChFC, CLTC, RICP®, AEP® Investment Advisory Representative, Owner and Founder, Diccianni Financial Group, Inc.

Capitol 1&2

4:00-4:10 pm

Partner for Excellence Big Idea: Ibexis

Capitol 1&2

4:10-5:15 pm

Main Stage 2: Voices at the Table: A Collaborative Networking Session

Capitol 1&2

5:15-6:30 pm

Welcome Reception with Exhibitors & Sponsors

Pre-Function Capitol 1&2

Dine Arounds

6:30-7:00 am

Morning Yoga

Registration Open

Pre-Function Capitol 1&2

Headshot Lounge

Sponsored by:

7:30-8:45 am

Breakfast & Networking with Exhibitors

 Pre-Function Capitol 1&2

7:30-8:45 am

Tech Pavilion

Sponsored by:

Pre-Function Capitol 1&2

8:45-9:15 am

Main Stage 3: By Leaders for Leaders Riverside Chat

Darlene Flagg, Vice President and Head of Retirement Business, National Life Group
Melissa Dailey-Newman, CDFA, AWMA, Wealth Advisor, Clearwater Capital Partners
Karen Roberts, Wealth Planner, Speaker, Author, Emerald Financial Group

Capitol 1&2

9:15-9:30 am

NAIFA Legislative Update

Diane R. Boyle, Senior Vice President - Government Relations, NAIFA

Capitol 1&2

 9:30-9:40 am

Partner for Excellence Big Idea: PennMutual

Capitol 1&2

9:45-10:05 am

Networking Break with Exhibitors + Tech Pavilion

Pre-Function Capitol 1&2

10:05-10:50 am

Breakout: Video/camera training

Keri Murphy, Video Marketing Expert, Speaker, Brand Builder

Dodge

10:05-10:50 am

Breakout

Elizabeth Husserl, Author of "The Power of Enough: Finding Joy in Your Relationship with Money"
Lucila Williams, CFP, President & Financial Advisor, LOTUS Financial Partners

Douglas

10:05-10:50 am

Breakout: Breaking Barriers in Finance: How Women are Redefining Success Growth

Susan Danzig, CEO/Founder, Susan Danzig, LLC

Kari Ellis, CEO/Founder, WayPoint Consulting Partners

Cameo Roberson, CEO/Founder, Atlas Park Consulting

Women in financial services are reshaping the industry—creating their own opportunities, building sustainable firms, and leading with purpose. Yet, many still face barriers in scaling their businesses, managing client relationships, and navigating the operational challenges of growth. Beyond The Broker is more than a book—it’s a movement, equipping women in financial services with the tools, strategies, and confidence to break through these barriers and take their careers to the next level.

This panel, featuring three esteemed co-authors of Beyond The Broker, Cameo Roberson, Kari Ellis and Susan Danzig will deliver an engaging, candid discussion on what it takes for women in finance to move beyond the role of “advisor” and become empowered business owners, industry leaders, and change-makers.

Capitol 3

10:05-10:50 am

Breakout: Follow the Money: Why Women Are the Future of Your Practice

Dr. Barbara Provost, Purse Strings, Founder
Maggie Nielsen, MBA, Purse Strings, Partner
Karen Koenig
Randall White
Sanja E. Noble, Silver Crown Credit Repair

While many sessions talk about theory, this Purse Strings panel proves results. Karen Koenig will share how she drove a 40% jump in website traffic with Purse Strings tools, while Sanja and Randall reveal how they expanded their businesses, sharpened their skills, and became the go-to advisors for women clients. This isn’t fluff—it’s the tested playbook your competition is already using to win. Miss this session, and you’ll be missing the strategies that are shaping the future of financial services.

Capitol 4

10:50-11:15 am

Networking Break with Exhibitors + Tech Pavilion

11:15-11:25 am

Partner for Excellence Big Idea: Cambridge

Capitol 1&2

11:25 am-12:25 pm

Awards Luncheon

Capitol 1&2

12:25-1:10 pm

Fast N' Furious

Fast n' Furious is a high-energy session at conference where quick thinking meets big ideas. Step onto the main stage and present your most powerful business insight, creative strategy, or game-changing advice—all in 45 seconds or less.

Participants will compete for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place gift cards, judged by a panel of respected industry leaders. Winners will be chosen based on both their pre-submitted idea and their live pitch delivery. Whether you're presenting or cheering from the crowd, this fast-paced session promises inspiration, excitement, and a few surprises along the way.

Think you’ve got what it takes? Step up and show us what you've got—Fast n' Furious style. Pre-submitted ideas are required to participate. The deadline to submit your idea online is October 3.

Capitol 1&2

1:10-2:00 pm

Networking Break with Exhibitors + Tech Pavilion

Pre-Function Capitol 1&2

 2:00-2:45 pm

Breakout: Telling Your Story and Building Your Team

Mary Trecek, Associate Research Director, LIMRA and LOMA

We often are told to “build your network,” and find a “center of influence,” but how does that actually work in practice, not just theory? Building on a framework of storytelling and sensemaking, this session empowers attendees to set goals and build the team they need to achieve what they want, with the support they need. Along the way, research from LIMRA and other industry sources will support the discussion.

Dodge

 2:00-2:45 pm

Breakout: 52 Million Reasons to Become More Referable
Julie Pinkerton, CLU, ChFC, LUTCF, Founder & CEO, Evozen

What would it feel like to unknowingly lose a $52 million opportunity—not because of a lack of skill, but because of silence?

In this high-impact session, I share the real-life story of an advisor who missed out on a $52 million investment account simply because they weren’t visible to the right Centers of Influence (COIs). This cautionary tale sets the stage for a compelling, practical conversation about what it truly takes to become referable in today’s relationship-driven marketplace.

As a 40-year industry veteran and proud member of this association, I’ve seen firsthand how even the most talented women in our field can remain hidden in plain sight. This session challenges that reality. With a blend of humor, humility, and hard-earned insight, we’ll unpack why referability isn’t just about being excellent—it’s about being known, connected, and visible. When you’re aligned with the right people at the right time, your talent and reputation don’t just shine—they seal the deal.

Douglas

 2:00-2:45 pm

Breakout: She Sells

Elyse Archer, International Sales Trainer and Speaker, Host of She Sells Radio, CEO of She Sells

Learn how to sell in a way that feels aligned with who you are a woman, understand what it takes to break through six or seven figures and redefine what's possible for you!

Capitol 3

 2:00-2:45 pm

Breakout: Soundbites that Stick, Show and Sell

Paul Kingsman, RICP, Director - Practice Management, Ash Brokerage

We must be memorable when talking with people if we expect to influence them with our ideas and have them follow our advice. But how do we stand out, be noticed, and most importantly, stay top of mind when everyone else is trying to make exactly the same impact? When you’re prepared with succinct, relevant, and helpful language you’ll be less distracted, more poised, and far more. Results will follow when you hit the mark with words that stick, show, and sell. After delivering the right words with conviction and confidence, people will see they’re talking with a careful listener and an understanding professional. Most important, they’ll see you as an advisor thoroughly equipped to help them with their needs, concerns, and choices.

Capitol 4

 3:00-3:15 pm

Movement Break

 3:15-4:00 pm

Breakout: American College

Dodge

 3:15-4:00 pm

Breakout: JumpAI

Douglas

 3:15-4:00 pm

Breakout: Navigating Retirement Transitions for Clients: Beyond the Numbers
Kirsten Meneghello, JD, PCC, CPRC, Owner and Principal, Illumination Coaching

Advisors play a critical role in helping clients retire financially secure—but what happens when the money is in place and fulfillment is still out of reach? Many retirees find themselves unprepared for the emotional and psychological shifts that come with leaving their careers behind. As their trusted advisor, you may witness clients struggling with identity loss, a lack of purpose, or dissatisfaction after the initial honeymoon phase of retirement fades. This session will equip you with a practical toolkit to navigate these complex, non-financial conversations. Kirsten Meneghello, a Certified Professional Retirement Coach and attorney, will show you how to spot when a client may be stuck, initiate meaningful dialogue, and connect them with the right resources to help them thrive in their next chapter.

Capitol 3

 3:15-4:00 pm

Breakout: Beyond the Bias - Building Truly Holistic Financial Plans in the AI Age

Dr. Amanda Yoho, President, Proformex

The financial services industry is at a turning point. As AI and digital tools become embedded in retirement and insurance planning, we face both a massive opportunity and a real risk: reinforcing old silos. Today, financial planning often focuses primarily on investment assets while sidelining protection products like life insurance, annuities, and long-term care coverage. Left unchecked, those blind spots can compound as technology scales.

By integrating protection assets into the same digital ecosystems that already manage investments, we can create a more complete, resilient financial picture for clients that balances growth, risk management, and long-term income security.

In this session, we'll explore:

• Industry technology gaps that have historically made holistic planning a challenge
• The balance between human judgment and AI scale, and why the future belongs to those who combine the two
• Opportunities for leaders and professionals to shape how this next generation of planning tools gets built and applied

Capitol 4

 5:45-6:45 pm

Partner for Excellence Reception
*This is an invite-only event

 6:30-9:30 pm

Thrive! Reception - A Century in Celebration: From the 1920s to the 2020s

Step into a time-traveling celebration at our themed THRIVE! reception, "A Century in Celebration: From the 1920s to the 2020s," where we bring to life this year’s conference theme: Honoring Tradition and Inspiring Innovation.

This unforgettable evening invites you to journey through the decades, highlighting how tradition has shaped progress and how innovation continues to redefine our future. From the elegance and energy of the Roaring Twenties to the bold ideas and technology of the 2020s, each era will come alive through décor, music, and experiences that reflect both the heritage and the evolution of our industry.

The Gallery + Jewell

7:30-10:00 am

Registration Open

Pre-Function Capitol 1&2

7:30-11:15am

Headshot Lounge

Pre-Function Capitol 1&2

7:45-8:45 am

Breakfast & Networking with Exhibitors + Tech Pavilion

Pre-Function Capitol 1&2

8:45-9:30 am

Breakout: Responsible AI in Financial Services: From Compliance to CoPilot

Moderator: Nicole Johnson, VP, Business Development, Cambridge
Suresh Yada, AI MACP Partner, Microsoft
Brooke Ramos Fritz, AVP, Client Experience, Cambridge

Explore how firms can balance innovation with compliance, discover real-world use cases like Copilot, and gain insights into building a culture that embraces technology while preserving human connection.

Capitol 3

8:45-9:30 am

Breakout: CFP

Capitol 4

8:45-9:30 am

Breakout: Advanced Practice Considerations for 2026

Andrew Rinn, Advanced Sales Strategies, Sammons Financial Group Companies, NAIFA Board of Trustees

Douglas

9:30-10:00 am

Networking Break + Exhibitor Raffles

Pre-Function Capitol 1&2

10:00 am

Exhibitor Breakdown

Pre-Function Capitol 1&2

10:00-11:00 am

Main Stage 4: Economic Update

Susan K. Wilkinson, President & Chief Operating Officer, Ameritas

Capitol 1&2

11:00-11:15 am

Movement Break

 Pre-Function Capitol 1&2

11:15 am-12:15 pm

Main Stage 5: Raising the Bar: Redefine What's Possible in Life, Leadership and Legacy

Keri Murphy, Video Marketing Expert, Speaker, Brand Builder

Capitol 1&2

12:15-12:30 pm

President's Closing Remarks

Capitol 1&2