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.

NexGen Information

The time is here and now for NexGen to arrive. Over the past two conferences, there has not been a representative from Arizona present (as far as I know). This year is different. I've got my skin in the game now fully and I am ready to learn as well as contribute.


NexGen will be held in St. Cloud, MN at St. John's University from July 25-27, 2008. This is an opportunity for planners across the country to get acquainted with one another, learn from each other, and learn about the industry and how it relates to the next generation of financial planners. NexGen is not about replacing the Financial Planning Association. This is about supplementing it with a group that caters to our generation.

More information on this event can be found at the brand new FPA National website. The roster for this event can be found here. Also important is the registration form, which provides the sign up sheet. The other item on this section of the site is the brochure that describes the agenda and schedule for the event.

There is a lot to be said about building a network of like minded individuals that act as support and a resource to help us achieve our goals. Every single person has something to contribute and I am looking forward to seeing them shine.

I will provide a full report upon return from the conference of take-aways at NexGen 2008. This trip will help strengthen the Young Financiers as a group, which is a benefit in its own right.