By John Smith, March 10, 2026
Mr Property Services
Some of the most valuable hours in a financial advisor’s year don’t happen in client meetings. They occur at industry events—on ballrooms, over coffee between sessions, where the best ideas converge with the people driven to enact them. The engagement between peers can lead to innovative strategies, enhanced understanding of market trends, and strengthened professional networks, all of which are essential for success in today’s fast-paced financial landscape.
As we progress further into 2026, there is a remarkable lineup of conferences designed to cater to a variety of interests, whether you’re focused on advanced planning, technology, practice management, or establishing partnerships with accounting professionals. Attend these events and you’ll gain not only knowledge but also a renewed perspective on the best retirement planning approaches available in today’s market. Below, we delve into some must-attend financial advisor conferences for the remainder of the year.
Conferences to Consider in 2026
Here’s a curated list of conferences that financial advisors should have on their radar in 2026, presented in no particular order:
NAPFA Spring National Conference
Date: May 6–9, 2026 Location: Hilton Minneapolis, Minneapolis, MN Website: NAPFA Conference
The NAPFA Spring National Conference attracts over 400 fee-only advisors and more than 60 exhibitors. This event provides vital education on various planning topics and highlights the latest regulatory trends. If you are committed to maintaining a fiduciary standard and seek to connect with like-minded practitioners, this conference is an excellent way to kick off your conference season. Additionally, CE credits, including ethics requirements, are available throughout the event.
American College Horizons 2026
Date: May 4–6, 2026 Location: Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress, Orlando, FL Website: American College Horizons
Known as the Best Retirement Planning Conference by Kitces, Horizons 2026 will gather renowned thought leaders such as Wade Pfau and Michael Finke. This conference emphasizes deepening technical knowledge for those who work with clients approaching retirement, coupled with invaluable networking opportunities among professionals serious about this pivotal phase in retirement planning.
FPA NorCal 2026
Date: May 26–27, 2026 Location: The Palace Hotel, San Francisco, CA Website: FPA NorCal
The FPA NorCal 2026 has been recognized as the Best Overall Financial Planning Conference of the year by Kitces for its high-quality continuing education sessions and robust community engagement. This two-day event promises significant content and meaningful interactions, making it a worthwhile experience for advisors on the West Coast or those seeking an immersive, focused conference environment.
MDRT Annual Meeting
Date: June 7–10, 2026 Location: Anaheim Convention Center, Anaheim, CA Website: MDRT Meeting
The MDRT Annual Meeting is noted for its strong focus on life insurance producers and agents. This gathering of thousands from around the world is dedicated to fostering growth through invaluable learning and sharing innovative ideas. Many attendees have cited that ideas received at these meetings have translated into substantial revenue, demonstrating the tangible benefits of these interactions.
Morningstar Investment Conference 2026
Date: June 17–18, 2026 Location: Navy Pier, Chicago, IL Website: Morningstar Conference
In its 38th year, the Morningstar Investment Conference brings together influential voices discussing pressing investment challenges and delivering actionable strategies. This year’s agenda will cover the geopolitical and macroeconomic influencers affecting portfolios, the evolution of retirement planning, and behavioral insights for investors navigating complex markets. Confirmed speakers include leading figures from major organizations, with CE credits available.
Elite VFO Collective
Date: June 24–26, 2026 Location: Westin Gaslamp Quarter, San Diego, CA Website: Elite VFO Collective
This event targets financial advisors, accountants, and specialists focusing on advanced planning and Virtual Family Office services. It fosters an environment for sharing ideas and strategies unique to team-based planning, steering away from the generalist approach typical at many industry conferences.
Future Proof Festival 2026
Date: September 14–17, 2026 Location: Huntington Beach Boardwalk, Huntington Beach, CA Website: Future Proof Festival
The Future Proof Festival is notable for its unique approach, merging education with live music and artistic experiences alongside the beach. This broad wealth management event attracts a diverse audience, including a robust contingent of financial advisors, making it an excellent venue for innovation, networking, and the exploration of new technologies.
RTS Tax Summit 2026
Date: September 27–30, 2026 Location: Phoenix, AZ Website: RTS Tax Summit
With its designation as the Best Tax Planning Conference of 2026 by Kitces, the RTS Tax Summit delves into practical tax strategies that advisors can implement immediately. The hands-on sessions and real-world case studies provide an exceptional learning opportunity for those looking to advance their tax planning expertise.
Schwab IMPACT 2026
Date: October 27–29, 2026 Location: Boston, MA Website: Schwab IMPACT
Schwab IMPACT remains one of the leading events for the RIA industry, uniting top industry experts and advisors for a comprehensive educational experience. This conference draws a spectrum of advisory firms, ranging from solo practitioners to those managing billions in assets, ensuring a wide variety of perspectives and insights.
FPA Summit 2026
Date: November 15–17, 2026 Location: Palm Beach, FL Website: FPA Summit
The FPA Summit, the annual capstone for financial planners, is designed for those seeking community, inspiration, and growth. It promises to offer deeply technical content and CE credits across numerous planning disciplines, making it a comprehensive experience for all attendees.
Why Conferences Still Matter in 2026
While an abundance of webinars, podcasts, and online courses saturate the market, the experience of attending conferences provides irreplaceable value. In-person engagements yield opportunities for:
- The conversations that unfold after a session
- Unexpected introductions that develop into productive partnerships
- Candid discussions among advisors that reveal novel solutions to shared challenges
Conferences effectively compress the learning experience. A strategy that could take you months to uncover through trial and error can be presented to you succinctly in a 45-minute session. Connections that may require multiple calls to establish can blossom organically during a casual lunch conversation.
For financial advisors focusing on advanced planning, collaboration with accountants, and delivering premium client service, attending industry events sharpens your professional identity. You return to your practice with a clearer understanding of market trajectories, insight into your ideal client base, and an enhanced vision of how your offerings fit into the broader financial landscape.
As we venture further into 2026, consider the array of conferences available and select those that align best with your current objectives and aspirations. Each event is an invaluable opportunity for learning and growth. Make the most of it!
Interested in one conference specifically tailored around advanced planning and Virtual Family Office services? The Mr Property Services Elite VFO Collective takes place every June in San Diego.
Remember, the rest of 2026 promises significant opportunities for professional development, innovation, and networking. Make your plans today!
Disclaimer: This article is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial advice. Always consult with a qualified financial advisor or professional before making any financial decisions.
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