Explore the Must-Attend Financial Advisor and RIA Conferences in 2026
The year 2026 offers a wealth of opportunities for financial advisors and registered investment advisors (RIAs) to learn, network, and grow their practices. A comprehensive list of financial advisor and RIA conferences across the USA is available, showcasing top events designed to help advisors improve client outcomes and expand their businesses.
These conferences cover a range of topics, from wealthtech innovations to practice management, providing valuable insights into industry trends and technologies.
Leveraging Artificial Intelligence to Enhance Advisory Services
Artificial intelligence (AI) continues to transform financial advisory practices. Notably, Zocks, a privacy-first AI platform, recently secured $45 million in Series B funding to accelerate its AI-powered automation tools. This investment aims to deepen automation and introduce enterprise features tailored for financial advisors, helping them streamline client communications and other time-consuming tasks.
Advisors can also benefit from AI without sacrificing the personal touch. Platforms like ChatGPT provide valuable assistance in client communications, freeing up advisors’ time to focus on core competencies and personalized service.
Estate Planning Gains Momentum with New Technology Partnerships
Estate planning remains a critical component of wealth management, and 2026 shows promising developments in this area. LPL Financial has partnered with Wealth.com, an end-to-end estate planning platform, to bring these tools to more than 32,000 advisors on its platform.
This strategic relationship enhances advisors’ ability to deliver comprehensive estate plans using AI-powered tools, helping clients safeguard their wealth and plan for the future effectively.
Insights on Financial Advisor Growth and Industry Dynamics
The financial advisory industry is witnessing notable shifts, including acquisitions and team expansions. For example, Merit Financial Advisors recently acquired SSC Wealth, a Georgia-based wealth management firm overseeing $259.6 million in assets, to optimize its client specialization. Similarly, Allworth Financial expanded its footprint in North Texas by acquiring a $500 million wealth management team.
Meanwhile, LPL Financial continues to grow its advisor base by adding new advisors and enhancing its wealth management platform, focusing on valuation support and estate tools.
Understanding Market Movements and Investment Strategies
Advisors and clients alike are paying close attention to market trends and economic signals. Learning how to interpret Federal Reserve odds and signals is crucial for forecasting potential impacts on portfolios and personal finances.
Additionally, crypto asset allocations by financial advisors reached an all-time high in 2025, reflecting growing acceptance and integration of digital assets within wealth management strategies.
Tax and Succession Planning: Where Advisors Deliver Real Value
Tax planning is increasingly recognized as a significant value driver for financial advisors. The edge in wealth management does not just come from market returns but from coordinating sound advice and ensuring effective implementation.
Succession planning also presents a major opportunity, as many advisors currently lack formal plans. Firms like Raymond James emphasize the importance of preparing for business exits and transitions to sustain long-term success.
Collaboration Between Wealth Managers and CPAs
During tax season and beyond, the collaboration between financial advisors and certified public accountants (CPAs) proves essential. Strong partnerships go beyond referral handoffs, enabling advisors and accountants to work closely in optimizing clients’ financial situations.
Additional Newsworthy Highlights
- UBS announced that four financial advisor teams in its Southeast region ranked #1 in their respective cities on the Forbes Best-in-State Wealth Management Teams list for 2026.
- SoundRidge Private Wealth, affiliated with Wells Fargo Advisors, recently added a managing director and reached approximately $500 million in assets under management.
- Financial planning expert Jennifer Prosise of The Voyager Group explains how financial advisors support long-term goals through a thoughtful, ongoing process.
- Innovations in wealthtech continue, as seen with Pave Finance integrating with Fidelity to automate wealth management for RIAs.
Practical Tips and Takeaways for Financial Advisors
- Attend key industry conferences to stay updated on trends and connect with peers.
- Explore AI-powered solutions to automate routine tasks while maintaining personalized client service.
- Enhance estate and tax planning capabilities through strategic partnerships and technology adoption.
- Develop formal succession plans to secure the future of your practice.
- Foster deeper collaboration with CPAs to maximize client value.
- Stay informed about market signals, including Federal Reserve moves and cryptocurrency trends, to advise clients effectively.
By embracing these insights and innovations, financial advisors can better serve their clients and position their practices for sustainable growth in 2026 and beyond.