We know that the decision to go to a conference is an investment. Conferences require time, resources, and energy. Our brains are wired to tell us to not take chances, but in reality things will be easier and better for us if we invest time and energy into our own development. Exchange gives advisors an opportunity to invest in themselves.
You are worth the time investment of a conference
Many professions burn the midnight oil, but financial advisors are particularly bound to their calendars. Taking three days off to travel seems steep, until you realize that conferences can actually boost productivity. And no, we don’t mean this as “you’ll learn tools to be more efficient” (though you will.) We mean that conferences are actually incredible venues to get work done.
Think about it: At Exchange, you have the entire financial services industry in one place. You can set up meetings and get weeks of business done in a few short days. Plus, you have access to sessions that provide CE credits. You can knock that out early in the year instead of scrambling at the last minute to find that elusive ethics credit.
How to think about conference costs
Travel is getting more expensive, but there are a number of ways to mitigate conference costs. For starters, registering early reduces costs. Hotels and flights are at their cheapest in advance. Accordingly, an early commitment makes the cost of attendance a pittance, especially when weighed against the benefits of attending. You’ll be gaining exposure to new investment ideas, networking opportunities, and all sorts of catalysts for AUM growth at the conference. Exchange offers breakfast and lunch, and special events from sponsors or the conference itself will give you access to delicious, affordable dinners should you be remiss to throw down some money on Las Vegas’ legendary dining scene.
Don’t settle for reading the post-conference coverage
It is true that you can glean some of the information from a conference by reading reporting on it, but that’s a shadow of what you get from attending in person. Live events matter. Being in the room hits differently and provides opportunities you can’t get outside of the room. For example, you could ask an industry leader or a generational talent a direct question that pertains to your current challenges and get that feedback in real time.
Plus, networking is a huge component of Exchange. Careers are made and broken by robust networks. Not attending means robbing yourself of future opportunities by missing out on a chance to strengthen and grow you network of professional contacts.
Why Exchange is worth it, even during tax season
One of the amazing things about Exchange is the depth and breadth of the content on-site. If you are doing anything professionally in financial services, chances are Exchange will have a session that will give you access to actionable information and insights you can immediately deploy. It may feel like you have a million problems to sort through and solve, but sometimes taking a moment to walk away from them will open up possibilities. Especially in an environment of learning and insight, like Exchange.
Perhaps you will meet people who have tackled similar problems. Perhaps a panelist or speaker will touch directly on your issue. Even if neither of those things happen, feeding you mind at Exchange will result in you returning to the table with more tools to work with as you tackle tax season.
