Friday, August 1, 2008

Overview of the 2008 NexGen Conference

What an amazing experience this conference was! There is something to be said about the camaraderie between those in our field, especially when you have the same demographic together in one place. There is tremendous synergistic opportunities with the NexGen folks.

There are a couple of great articles written on the NexGen Conference that provide an overview of the topics presented as well as the breadth of attendees:

http://www.financial-planning.com/asset/article/642811/notes-nexgen.html

http://www.investmentnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2008162623074

The topics chosen for sessions were timely, relevant, and fulfilling. There were two types of tracks with each set of presentations: a technical track and a practice management type track.

There was a nice mix of work and play at the conference. Many opportunities arose to meet fellow NexGenners. There are many benefits of this experience. The chance to connect with other planners across the country opens the door to meet up in the future. Job opportunities arise out of getting to know one another. Being resources for each other is valuable as well. It does not hurt to know people. The face to face interaction solidifies the relationship.

It is great to have media cover these types of events. They do a good job of painting a pleasant picture which is verifiable by talking with attendees about their experience.

The topic of ownership is a big issue in this profession. Especially when the average age of a Financial Planner is 54-57 years old and most of those individuals will be out of the business in 15-20 years. They need some way to transition themselves out of the workforce into retirement. The potential is tremendous in this industry as the demographics of our country shift. I don't know of a more rewarding and fulfilling profession than the one the NexGenners are in.

A special thanks is given to all the individuals who made the NexGen Conference possible. The event could not have happened without the attendees as well.

There will be a Young Financiers meeting in August. A post will be created shortly to announce the logistics.

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