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

11:00 am-12:00 pm

WIFS Membership Lunch & Annual Business Meeting

11:30 am-12:30 pm

Headshot Lounge

Sponsored by:

12:15 pm

Main Stage Doors Open

12:30-1:15 pm

Conference Welcome + Opening Ceremonies
Sue Kuraja, WIFS President

Mayor John W. Ewing Jr., City of Omaha

Capitol 1&2

1:15-2:30 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: AZ Leader Foundation

 Capitol 1&2

2:40-3:00 pm

Networking Break with Exhibitors

Pre-Function Capitol 1&2

2:40-3:00 pm

Keynote Speaker Book Signing

Harney

2:40-3:00 pm

Headshot Lounge

Sponsored by:

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, Local Vendor Fair

Kick off the conference with a lively welcome reception in the exhibit hall! Mingle with attendees, connect with our featured exhibitors, and get an exclusive first look at the innovations and offerings shaping the industry.

This event also features a curated selection of local vendors showcasing unique, high-quality goods — from handcrafted jewelry and luxurious skincare to ethically sourced leather handbags and stylish accessories (available Monday evening only!).

Enjoy refreshments, light bites, and a relaxed atmosphere as network and support small businesses and artisans.

Pre-Function Capitol 1&2

On own for offsite dine arounds

Morning Walk

Meet in the hotel lobby at 6:00 am to start your day with a morning walk with fellow conference attendees.

Hotel Lobby

Registration Open

Pre-Function Capitol 1&2

Chapter Leaders Meeting and Breakfast*

*By invitation only

Capitol 4

Headshot Lounge

Sponsored by:

7:30-8:30 am

Breakfast & Networking with Exhibitors

 Pre-Function Capitol 1&2

7:30 am-4:00 pm

Tech Pavilion

Sponsored by:

Pre-Function Capitol 1&2

8:30-9:25 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

9:25-9:40 am

NAIFA Legislative Update

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

Capitol 1&2

 9:40-9:50 am

Partner for Excellence Big Idea: PennMutual

Capitol 1&2

9:50-10:05 am

Headshot Lounge

Sponsored by:

9:50-10:05 am

Networking Break with Exhibitors + Tech Pavilion

Pre-Function Capitol 1&2

10:05-10:50 am

Breakout: Be Seen, Be Known, Be Paid: How to Go from Invisible to Irresistible

Keri Murphy, Video Marketing Expert, Speaker, Brand Builder

In an industry where trust is everything and competition is fierce, being invisible is no longer an option. If you’re ready to stop feeling like the best-kept secret in financial services, this session is for you. Keri Murphy will walk you through her signature IT Factor Method™ — a proven five-step framework to help you stand out with confidence, build lasting trust with clients, and convert visibility into consistent, aligned income. Whether you’re growing your book of business, stepping into leadership, or amplifying your influence, you’ll leave with practical tools to position yourself as the go-to authority in your market.

Key Takeaways:

• The IT Factor Method™: The five-step framework to stand out, amplify your authority, and turn visibility into aligned revenue.
• Differentiate Without the Noise: The secret to standing out in a crowded market — without cold pitching, pushing products, or chasing leads.
• Message that Builds Trust: How to craft a clear, compelling narrative that earns confidence and creates long-term loyalty.
• Authenticity Wins: Why showing up as your most authentic self (not perfect) attracts ideal clients who are aligned with your values and mission.

Dodge

10:05-10:50 am

Breakout: The Journey to Independence

Elizabeth Husserl, Author of "The Power of Enough: Finding Joy in Your Relationship with Money"
Lucila Williams, CFP, President & Financial Advisor, LOTUS Financial Partners
Alanah Phillips, MBA, Broker-Dealer Breakup Artist, Catalyst

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, CEO and Founder, KK Financial Solutions
Randall White, Co-Director of Membership, ASB Financial Services
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

10:50-11:15 am

Sponsored by:

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

Capitol 1&2

1:10-2:00 pm

Networking Break with Exhibitors + Tech Pavilion

Pre-Function Capitol 1&2

1:10-2:00 pm

 Headshot Lounge

Sponsored by:

 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: Trust, Change, & Money Scripts: How Behavioral Finance Deepens Client Connections

Dodge

 3:15-4:00 pm

Breakout: Jump Unlocks More Potential for Growth!
Jamie Kulik, Head of Partnerships at Jump

Join us for an interactive session with Jump AI, the industry-leading advisor AI assistant, as we explore opportunities to unlock growth and gain efficiency within your practice. Jump is proven to save advisors up to 90% of their meeting admin time, allowing you to focus on deeper client engagement to deliver more value for your clients. Whether you are new to Jump or an existing user, this session will provide you with an overview of the key features of Jump, best practices for implementation,  and a look into Jump's future roadmap.

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

 6:00-6:30 pm

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

The Gallery

 6:30-9:30 pm

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

The Gallery + Jewell 

WIFS Speakeasy

7:30-10:00 am

Registration Open

Pre-Function Capitol 1&2

7:45-8:45 am

Breakfast & Networking with Exhibitors

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 Yadav, Global Cloud Solution Architect, 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: Elevate, Differentiate, Lead: The Professional Impact of the CFP® Mark

Kathryn Berkenpas, CFP®, Managing Director, Corporate Growth, CFP Board

The Unique Differentiator of CFP® Certification: In today’s competitive financial services landscape, standing out is critical to career growth and leadership opportunities. The CFP® certification is more than a credential—it’s a differentiator that signals comprehensive expertise, a commitment to ethics, and the ability to deliver holistic financial planning. In this session, we’ll explore how earning the CFP® mark can expand your career trajectory, build credibility with firm leaders and clients alike, and open doors to advancement. Learn how women across the profession are leveraging the CFP® designation to not only elevate their careers but also to influence the future of financial services.

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

The newly enacted One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) has created more predictability in estate and tax planning. With long-awaited resolution on key TCJA provisions and the introduction of a host of new tax changes, this legislation demands a re-evaluation of established strategies.

Join us for an in-depth analysis of the OBBBA's impact. This session will provide the critical insights you need to navigate the new rules, identify opportunities, and proactively advise your clients. We will move beyond the headlines to dissect the specific provisions that affect your practice and expose common pitfalls to avoid.

Key Learning Objectives:

• Federal Tax Update: Gain a clear understanding of the new federal tax rates and exclusion amounts.
• Business Tax Implications: Analyze how OBBBA's business tax provisions will influence estate and business succession planning.
• Individual Tax Provisions: Get an actionable update on the individual tax provisions that are most relevant to your clients' financial and estate plans.

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: The Economic Landscape: Dialogue & Discussion

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

Gain timely insights into today’s shifting economic environment in this interactive session with the President and Chief Operating Officer of Ameritas, Sue Wilkinson. This candid conversation will explore market trends, challenges, and opportunities shaping the financial services industry and the broader economy. Attendees will have the opportunity to engage directly through an open discussion and Q&A.

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

As the closing keynote, Keri Murphy will challenge you to step into your next level of influence with courage, clarity, and conviction. With over 30 years on camera and more than a decade mentoring entrepreneurs and leaders, Keri shares how to embody your unique IT Factor® and use visibility as a catalyst for growth. This inspiring session will help you elevate not only your business results, but also your leadership impact and the legacy you’re building. You will leave energized, equipped, and committed to raising the bar in every area of your life.

Capitol 1&2

12:15-12:30 pm

President's Closing Remarks

Capitol 1&2