A unique, exclusive private event, by invitation only,
for open discussion and bond-building.

Wednesday, June 7

Thursday, June 8

Friday, June 9

Agenda subject to change

The RIA CEO Convergence is a private, invitation-only event, featuring CEOs from the nation’s largest RIAs. The agenda has been created by and for the participating CEOs.

This event is a small, intimate gathering, allowing discussion of topics that are of unique concern, interest and relevance to all of us. We’ll be seated at a boardroom or open-square table, with no head – quite appropriate considering the caliber of the participants. This setting will facilitate open and frank conversation.

No one other than the CEOs will be present at the sessions. Invited speakers will be present only during their presentations (with the exception of McKinsey’s Jimmy Zhao, who has been invited to stay for the entire event).

In order for us all to gain the most benefit, we need to engage with the following rules in mind:

1. What is said in the room stays in the room.
2. We are to share experiences, not advice. Instead of, “You should do this,” say, “When I was faced with X, here’s what I did/wish I did/saw others do.” This approach can be challenging for us, since we’re accustomed to telling people what to do. Thus, we must remember that we are in a room of peers, not subordinates. Here are two tips to help us all stick to this approach:
   1. Speak in first person: “Here’s what I did.” Avoid second person: “You should…”
   2. Use feel/felt/found.
      1. “I know how you feel.” [provide elaboration]
      2. “Here’s how I felt when I was faced with [situation].”
      3. “Here’s what I found out.” [explain]
3. Be authentic, open and vulnerable, not dictatorial or authoritative. If we’re willing to deeply share our thoughts, feelings and experiences, we’ll all derive greater value from the gathering.
4. We must be willing to:
   1. admit when we’re questioning our own competence, priorities or decisions;
   2. share our disappointments, regrets and dilemmas; and
   3. speak candidly about positive opportunities and successes.

Those who help people form study groups say the best ones foster listening, noticing, reflecting, and inquiring, as well as compassion, empathy and vulnerability – and no one hogs the stage. Engagement from all is essential, ensuring efficient, equitable and effective dialogue.

How will we know if we achieve these goals? We’ll leave the event with new and deeper friendships than when we arrived.

Casual dress throughout the event, with appropriate attire for the hike.

Brent Brodeski
CEO
Savant Wealth Management
Rockford, Illinois
$15 billion AUM
bbrodeski@savantwealth.com

Rick Frick
CEO
Integrity Wealth
Boca Raton, FL
$13 billion AUM
richard.frick@gladstonewealth.com

Joshua Gross
CEO
Mill Creek Capital Advisors
$10 billion AUM
Conshohocken, Pennsylvania
jgross@millcreekcap.com

Tom Haught
President & CEO
Sequoia Financial Group
Akron, Ohio
$10 billion AUM
thaught@sequoia-financial.com

RJ Moore
Executive Chair
Private Advisor Group
Morristown, NJ
$33 billion AUM
rj.moore@privateadvisorgroup.com

Michael Nathanson
CEO
The Colony Group
Boston, MA
$17 billion AUM
mnathanson@thecolonygroup.com

Harry O’Mealia
CEO and President
1919 Investment Counsel
Baltimore, MD
$21 billion AUM
homealia@1919ic.com

Bob Oros
CEO & Chairman
Hightower Advisors
Chicago, IL
$140 billion AUM
boros@hightoweradvisors.com

Shirl Penney
CEO
Dynasty Financial Partners
St. Petersburg, FL
$68 billion AUM
shirlpenney@dynastyfinancialpartners.com

Jack Petersen
Founder & Managing Partner
Summit Trail Advisors
New York, NY
$12 billion AUM
jack.petersen@summittrail.com

Avy Stein
Co-Chairman and Founder
Cresset Partners
Chicago, IL
$28 billion AUM
astein@cressetcapital.com

Dave Welling
CEO
Mercer Advisors
Denver, CO
$40 billion AUM
dave.welling@merceradvisors.com