The 2024 Agenda

Discover how Morningstar products are revolutionizing the role of financial advisors in today's intricate investment landscape. Despite escalating competition, fee constraints, and information overload, advisors remain pivotal in nurturing investor confidence. Join us for an illuminating session delving into strategies for advisors to elevate client value. Explore how recent advancements in solutions like Advisor Workstation empower advisors to swiftly identify optimal investments, customize their approach, and effectively showcase the value of professional advice.

How do you spark those meaningful conversations? It all starts with a braindate. Braindates are knowledge-sharing conversations that you book with others to have one-on-one or in small groups on-site in the Braindate Lounge. They’re the best way to brainstorm, solve challenges, share expertise or experiences, while connecting with new people.

The Braindate Lounge will close for lunch between Noon and 1 pm.

Sponsored by Capital Group | American Funds

Let’s Connect!  Stop by the Training Lab and meet with our success managers. They’ll be standing by to discuss best practices, common use-cases and answer any questions you have about Advisor Workstation, Direct, Office, Wealth Platform and TRX platforms. Network with other users, share your success stories to receive an exclusive gift, or simply hang out and enjoy some light snacks. We look forward to talking!

Increasingly personalized investing needs, the approaching generational wealth transfer, and driving business efficiencies are some of the challenges facing advisors in today’s market. Join us as we hear from a panel of advisor peers on how they navigate these and other pervasive headwinds to grow their business.  

Non-traditional investments are growing, it’s imperative to stay ahead of the curve to meet future client demands. Join us in a panel focused on alternative investments and cryptocurrencies, gaining insights into their real-world applications, the evolving markets they shape, and their transformative potential for empowering diversification.

John Belton (Managing Director, Growth Equities) will discuss his framework for identifying players in the AI value chain and talk through where he sees the most opportunity in this space.

As we witness an unprecedented generational wealth transfer from Baby Boomers to younger, more risk-tolerant investors, the need for higher returns to ensure financial longevity has never been more critical. Join Joe DaGrosa, CEO and Chairman of Axxes Capital, for an insightful session on how private investments can revolutionize client portfolios. Discover the strategies, benefits, and transformative potential of shifting from public to private markets and why this could be the defining opportunity for advisors in this generation.

Afford Anything is a movement rooted in one idea: You can afford anything, but not everything — and that’s true not only for your money, but also your time, focus, energy and attention. This opens two questions: 1) What do we value most? 2) How do we make smarter decisions accordingly? The Afford Anything Podcast explores these answers, helping you focus on what matters most. Listen to the Afford Anything Podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, or your favorite podcast playing app.

Experience a delightful lunch in the open air at Navy Pier, with a combination of delicious food and a refreshing breeze from the lake. Weather permitting.

Sponsored by Franklin Templeton

What innovative investment structures are emerging as powerful new tools in wealth management? The latest research from Cerulli Associates suggests a number of product trends shaping our industry, from SMAs to tax optimization strategies. In this session, we’ll cover how product structure influences investment success, including how to potentially position high-net-worth clients by pairing complementary models within a UMA.

Artificial intelligence, machine learning, and natural language processing may have exploded onto the popular zeitgeist in recent months, but they've long been the domain of quantitative investment managers and researchers. Join us in a conversation with portfolio managers of all stripes to get their take on the space, how those approaches already permeate their investment processes, and what to expect in this ever-evolving environment.

Fifteen promising emerging fintechs will showcase their innovative tech stacks, business models, and strategies, and competing for the Best-of-Show prize: a private lunch with Morningstar’s CEO.

Sponsored by Capital Group, home of American Funds Distributors, Inc.

Grow your business by redefining your role as a retirement income specialist. Acquire the modern retiree by positioning yourself as essential to helping clients achieve their retirement goals. This session will show you how to:

• Use five retirement realities to illustrate why clients should consider consolidating assets with you.
  
• Tailor your client engagement approach to clients’ retirement readiness.
  
• Build your website and LinkedIn profiles to showcase your retirement income focus.

Jerome Schneider, Pimco’s leader of short-term portfolio management and funding and the 2015 Morningstar Fixed-Income Fund Manager of the Year, explore the short-term bond market and its connections to the economy, the Federal Reserve, and the financial system. 


 

An overview of how Morningstar's Medalist Ratings work and how those ratings have performed, as well as a detailed look at how Morningstar's manager-research analysts evaluate the people, process, and parent pillars that are the basis for the Medalist Ratings they assign.

Small-cap stocks have badly underperformed their large-cap counterparts in recent years, so why invest in them? And if you do, where are the opportunities?

Funds that use covered call and defined outcome strategies aren't new, but investors' interest in them has exploded in recent years. The derivative income and options trading Morningstar Categories have seen inflows of almost $100 billion over the past three years. Our panelists are among the top portfolio managers in this burgeoning market, and they will discuss the advances made to these strategies and how they fit in an investor's portfolio.

With 10,000 people turning 65 years old each day in the United States, generating a dependable investment income stream in retirement remains a top desire for investors and their advisors. This panel discusses effective income strategies across asset classes and how they fit in investors' portfolios, as well as practical approaches to diversification, risk management, and maximizing returns in today's market.

Financial advisors serve clients with a diverse array of backgrounds, financial resources, goals, and objectives. But while no two clients are the same, nearly all clients share the common goal of paying the least amount of tax possible. It should come as no surprise then that clients of all income and asset levels are increasingly seeking “tax planning” guidance from their financial advisors.

Many advisors, though, have been reticent to engage in tax planning, often because they lack the knowledge to be able to competently do so, fear “stepping on the toes” of a client’s CPA or other tax professionals, or are concerned about running afoul of rules that prevent them from giving tax advice. This session with Jeffrey Levine seeks to address those concerns.

Sponsored by Capital Group, home of American Funds Distributors, Inc.

One way to find new clients? Turbocharge your brand. This session will help you renew your focus on the way your brand aligns to client needs. Learn strategies that help you define your brand and stand out, including:

• Identifying your key differentiators.
  
• Articulating the “who, what and why” of your brand in a conversational tone.
  
• Creating a brand that demonstrates your value to clients.

A new class of weight-loss and obesity drugs has shown to be highly effective at promoting a sense of fullness and may play a role in treating addictions to substances and behaviors. Concern swirls in the market about the sudden potential vulnerabilities this introduces to other industries, such as food-packaging companies, beverage companies, and tobacco companies. Other industries could be impacted, too, such as insurance. How much is hype versus hard evidence?

This moderated panel features managers from two of Morningstar Wealth’s well-loved strategies, the Active/Passive Asset Allocation Portfolio and Hare Select Equity SMA. You’ll learn how these strategies can be used to meet some of today’s most common investment needs, including our investment approach, what makes them stand out from the field, and key drivers of performance

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is progressing at an unprecedented rate,  prompting organizations to adapt swiftly to its rapid evolution. In the  ever-changing business environment, it is vital to comprehend the  convergence of cutting-edge AI advancements and their practical  implementations. We will investigate the current status of AI, its  trajectory, and how various industries are utilizing it to revolutionize  efficiency, alleviate employee burnout, and reshape work processes.  Zack will articulate his vision of a future enhanced by AI, offering  practical strategies for organizations to leverage this technology for  the betterment of their workforce. Additionally, we will explore the  ramifications of AI on financial advisory firms and the future prospects  of careers in an increasingly AI-dominated world.

For investors, the right path can be simply avoiding the wrong one: financial frauds. In recent years, we’ve seen the demise of FTX and Theranos. Before those scandals, there was Enron. The crimes vary, but the fallout left in their wake is similar: financial turmoil, defrauded investors, lost savings, and scrambling regulators.

Join us for an insightful conversation with two renowned journalists—Zeke Faux of Number Go Up and Bethany McLean of The Smartest Guys in the Room and All the Devils Are Here—as we discuss the notable financial frauds of our time. Together, we unravel their shared traits, empowering investors to navigate future frauds with greater insight.

The Opening Night Celebration promises an evening filled with excitement, entertainment, and delicious food and drink. Attendees will be treated to captivating dueling piano performances by Howl at the Moon and two thrilling shows by the renowned Jesse White Tumbling Team. The night will also offer a variety of games, including pool, darts, foosball, and ping pong. The festivities will culminate in a spectacular fireworks display, ensuring a memorable experience for all.

Start your day off right by enjoying breakfast outdoors at Navy Pier, weather permitting.

The recent rise of the “robo-advisor” has called into question the relevance of financial advisors and the viability of current advisory business models. Yet the reality is that technology “disrupting” financial advisor business models isn’t new, and has actually happened repeatedly over the past several decades. Advisors have to adapt or be left behind. In this session, we look at how technology is once again driving major changes in the business model of financial advisors, driving a Great Convergence across historically-separate industry channels, triggering a Crisis of Differentiation, a Search for New Business Models, and rising pressure on improving the Client Experience. Join the conversation to prepare for the coming years as the consumers of financial planning shift from Baby Boomers to the Gen X and Millennial generations—digital natives who demand advisors to leverage technology and add value on top.  

In this session, Morningstar’s Daniel Needham and renowned geopolitical strategist Ian Bremmer delve into the complexities of navigating uncertainty. Needham poses the tough questions financial advisors need answered: how to prepare for unforeseen threats, manage emerging-markets risk, and capitalize on opportunities in a “G-Zero” world. Gain the tools to guide your clients toward success in a rapidly changing global landscape. Don't miss this dynamic exchange packed with actionable insights.

Let’s Connect!  Stop by the Training Lab and meet with our success managers. They’ll be standing by to discuss best practices, common use-cases and answer any questions you have about Advisor Workstation, Direct, Office, Wealth Platform and TRX platforms. Network with other users, share your success stories to receive an exclusive gift, or simply hang out and enjoy some light snacks. We look forward to talking!

Braindates are one-on-one or small group conversations based on topics posted by you and fellow participants in the Braindate Topic Market. They can be used to brainstorm, solve challenges, share expertise or experiences while meeting new people.

The Braindate Lounge will close for lunch between Noon and 1 pm.

Sponsored by Capital Group | American Funds

Investors often keep cash in their portfolios for liquidity needs and  defensive reasons, and cash balances are currently at record high  levels. Help investors overcome concerns about putting cash to work and  how best to position cash allocations in this environment to maximize  potential. Watch now to learn why the time is right to consider moving  cash off the sidelines into fixed income.

Join us for an insightful presentation on the findings from Morningstar’s latest Voice of the Investor survey, which garnered over 4,500 responses. Discover key insights into the enduring value of advisor relationships, effective communication strategies for diverse retail investors, the factors driving investment engagement, and advisors’ responses to these insights. This presentation will provide valuable strategies for enhancing advisory services through investor feedback.

Have you ever wondered what strategies successful financial professionals employ to not only retain but also continually attract new clients in all types of markets?

Capital Group's multi-year proprietary study of over 3,400 financial professionals identifies the key traits that helped top professionals more effectively engage new clients, add value to current relationships and lead teams optimized for growth. This live podcast will offer insight into how you can apply those skills in your practice. Plus, an advisor will share how these traits helped drive success in his practice.

What you’ll get:

• Examples that reveal how an intentional approach to client acquisition helped top financial professionals grow faster than their peers
• Insight on key wealth planning services that can increase client satisfaction and referrals
• Research-backed tips on how tools like standard operating procedures (SOPs) helped high-growth advisors do more for clients in less time 

Tony Bancroft, Portfolio Manager of the Gabelli Commercial Aerospace  & Defense ETF (GCAD), will provide an overview of Commercial  Aviation and Defense Spending and provide insights on the investment  landscape in this space.

Big Picture in Practice is a B2B podcast aimed at financial professionals across the asset and wealth management industry. The goal is to have lively conversations with industry experts across a variety of timely and topical subjects to keep listeners apprised of the latest industry trends and allow them to learn from their peers. The podcast is hosted by Ben Johnson, Morningstar’s head of asset management solutions, and Julie Willoughby, Morningstar’s head of global sales.

Model portfolios are revolutionizing investing by boosting productivity and enabling work tailored to individual clients. Discover how Morningstar is creating a connected infrastructure to streamline model portfolio creation, distribution, and oversight with maximum flexibility. 

With the rapid increase in Fixed Income yields over the last few years, the income levels available have started to draw investors back to Core Fixed Income asset classes. Our presentation will discuss why we believe this trend will continue and also why investors don’t need to “stretch” to add yield in lower quality securities. We will also touch on a question we are constantly getting in the marketplace…“What do we think about Fixed Income ETFs relative to traditional Open-ended Mutual funds?”With the rapid increase in Fixed Income yields over the last few years, the income levels available have started to draw investors back to Core Fixed Income asset classes. Our presentation will discuss why we believe this trend will continue and also why investors don’t need to “stretch” to add yield in lower quality securities. We will also touch on a question we are constantly getting in the marketplace…“What do we think about Fixed Income ETFs relative to traditional Open-ended Mutual funds?”

Join us as we present a compelling case for investing in commercial real estate debt. Considering the current challenges in commercial real  estate, including the rise in interest rates and the struggling office sector, this session unveils a strategic approach to capitalize on market dynamics. We'll show how the current landscape offers lenders a rare chance to access high-quality properties. Learn why multifamily stands out as the top sector, driven by strong demand, limited supply, and increased liquidity. Don't miss this chance to gain valuable insights and actionable strategies for navigating the complexities of the commercial real estate market.

Enjoy lunch outdoors on Navy Pier. Weather permitting.

Active ETFs have gained traction in recent years as more fund families have come around to them. What are the advantages and disadvantages of the vehicle, and what does it mean for the future of active management?

As a comanager of FPA New Income, Tom Atteberry shared the Morningstar Fixed-Income Fund Manager of the Year Award in 2008. Drawing on those experiences and his decades in the industry, he provides perspective on when and where it’s worth taking bond market risk—and when it’s not. From bond-fund blowups to opportunities that, in retrospect, were hiding in plain sight, Atteberry aims to help investors make better decisions with the bond portion of their portfolios.

Successful advisors are able to balance and address client needs throughout the lifecycle of advice: from attracting new clients, to serving existing clients, and then retaining those clients. Through a series of projects, we've uncovered ways in which advisors can address client needs throughout the cycle. In this presentation, we discuss what motivates investors to hire an advisor, what investors look for over the duration of their relationship with their advisor, and the precursors to why investors may choose to part ways with their advisor. The results point to a complex picture of engagement that requires financial advisors to adapt and anticipate the (sometimes unspoken) needs of their clients. 

ESG investing has gone from a fund manager's darling to a political lightning rod in less than 5 years. And while some investors are staunchly pro- or anti-ESG, most find themselves somewhere in the middle. Industry experts discuss the thorny questions you've always wanted to ask about ESG: when does ESG help or hurt a portfolio's performance, what should investors expect from ESG-branded funds, and what are politicians doing in the middle of it?

“The Way Forward” podcast from Barron’s Advisor gleans insights from top advisors and industry standouts on managing wealth, leading through crisis and planning for the future. In this live recording, join host Greg Bartalos as he speaks with Morningstar CEO Kunal Kapoor about recent market trends and how they are affecting the wealth management industry.

As our industry continues to consolidate, top wealth managers are working with 200+ clients – and still delivering exceptional experiences. In this open discussion with leaders from Morningstar Wealth and BlackRock, we'll cover the trend to move from Rep as PM to using models to scale your practice.

Sponsored by Capital Group, home of American Funds Distributors, Inc.

Access a client-centric method for generating new referral streams with a center-of-influence (COI) engagement strategy. Deep engagement with clients is the key to client loyalty and growth, but how to get there isn't always obvious. This program provides you with disciplines and tools that can help elevate client satisfaction and deepen client engagement.

Learning Objectives:

• Understand why social currency is the key to referrals.
• Identify the engaged clients likely to generate COI introductions.
• Build partnerships with our three-step COI referral strategy.

Sponsored by Vanguard

Has the role of fixed income in client portfolios changed? In this session, we’ll explore the evolving fixed income market and how you should consider adapting your strategies to maximize client outcomes.

Hear Vanguard experts Chris Tidmore and Chris Pettit, senior managers of Vanguard’s Investment Advisory Research Center, give their takes on portfolio strategies and implications for bonds. The session will cover all things fixed income—including timing duration, risk premiums, private credit, putting cash to work now or later, and more.

The model portfolio landscape continues to grow at a rapid pace, with an abundance of offerings to choose from. This panel discusses the evolution of model portfolios with participants across the model portfolio ecosystem, including gatekeepers and how they select models for their platforms, as well as model providers and how they assemble their model offerings.

In this session, we’ll discuss the current state of the private equity market, including AUM growth, historical performance, liquidity considerations, and how private equity compares to public equity markets. We’ll also cover various other alternatives strategies on offer, including private credit, venture capital, private real estate, and secondaries funds. Last, we’ll discuss various access points for private markets, including how institutional investors and HNW individuals commonly allocate to private equity funds.

When paired strategically, model portfolios can be an effective way to balance risk with reward. Looking at the current market environment, Morningstar Wealth covers investments strategies that can complement each other within a holistic financial plan.

Let investing happen behind the scenes, too. This session explores trends and actionable insights from the passives team's top research projects, like the Morningstar Active/Passive Barometer, Mining for Alpha With Index Funds, and research into active ETFs, plus how to combine insights from our research to make better investing decisions.

Standard finance describes people as computer-like “rational,” aiming at maximizing utilitarian wealth and immune to cognitive and emotional errors. 

The first generation of behavioral finance described people as bumbling “irrational,” aiming at maximizing utilitarian wealth, but hampered from striking it perfectly by cognitive and emotional errors.  

The second generation of behavioral finance described people as “normal,” neither rational nor irrational. Normal people aim for expressive and emotional benefits in addition to utilitarian ones.

The third generation of behavioral finance also describes people as “normal,” but is explicit in describing life well-being as people’s overall want. This generation broadens its lens to see people as whole persons and show them in the domain of finances, but also in the domains of family, friends, health, work, education, religion, and society.

David Bodamer delves into the strategic insights of financial advisors and Chief Investment Officers from leading RIAs, including the increasing adoption of alternative investments to enhance the conventional 60/40 portfolio. Episodes also showcase engaging discussions with top asset managers, shedding light on the ever-evolving landscape of private investment offerings, alternative investments, cutting-edge technology, and the latest developments in traditional ETFs and SMAs.

The businesses of asset management and advice continue to evolve and, in some cases, the two are increasingly converging. While asset managers and advisors continue to specialize, relying on each other to drive better outcomes for their clients, the relationship between these pieces of the value chain is changing. Some advisors feel that asset managers are encroaching on their territory, while others have embraced innovative new solutions from asset managers to grow their business and deepen client relationships.

In this session, Bob Oros and Katie Koch discuss issues critical to both registered investment advisors and asset managers, including consolidation, regulation, fee pressure, the evolving advisor tech stack, the rise of exchange-traded funds, models, and direct indexing. Attendees will come away from the session with a fresh understanding about the evolving roles of asset managers as key suppliers and the changing demands of the advisors they serve in their joint efforts to empower investor success.

In a special live taping of Morningstar's The Long View podcast, two veteran international equity managers discuss why U.S. investors should keep the faith in investing overseas and where they're finding opportunities today. They also share how they navigate geopolitical risk factors when investing in non-U.S. stocks.