United by Legacy: Highlights of the 2026 Fall Financial Adviser Conference
9/30/2026
The CFD Companies’ 2026 Fall Conference brought advisers, home office staff and wholesalers together around a timely theme: United 250.
As our nation celebrates its 250th anniversary, this year’s conference focused on ideas that have long been meaningful to the CFD community: independence and the strength that comes from being united. Throughout the conference, attendees had opportunities to learn from one another and grow relationships.
Pre-Conference Activities
Before the conference officially started on Wednesday, September 16, attendees engaged in a variety of pre-conference activities, including a golf outing, cornhole and pickleball tournaments, and an indoor board game session. These informal gatherings created space to reconnect with familiar faces and build new relationships before the conference sessions began.
Rees Hayes, Izzy Elliot, and Bailey Owens enjoy a few rounds of golf before starting the 2026 Fall Financial Adviser Conference.
Kyle Glenn faces Bethany Hartman during the pickleball tournament.
Kevin Lewin, Mark Magruder, Abbigayle O’Connor, and Cynthia Rodman determine their best throwing strategies during the cornhole tournament.
Rachel Morris, Alex Kichline, Louis Urbancic, Chris Trine, Kiersten Tate, John Kampen, Terry Bonnet, Shelbie Williams, Gary Oie, Mark Schick, Hannah Minns, Maria Barnes, and Todd Glenn challenge their skills during friendly board and card game competitions.Speakers and Presentations
The conference program included keynote speaker Stephen M.R. Covey, a sought-after and compelling keynote speaker and adviser on trust, leadership, ethics, and high performance. He connected his talk about establishing trust with running advisory practices, highlighting insights from his book Speed of Trust.
In addition, the CFD Companies’ president Brent Owens presented his highly anticipated Look Ahead to 2027, which offered a preview of priorities and opportunities coming next year.
The conference also included various adviser and home office staff presentations designed to provide insight to advisers at any stage in their practice. Even the Team CFD Meeting created an opportunity for connection; advisers put their knowledge of safe technology and sound business practices to the test while engaging in Friendly Feud, CFD's version of the popular game show Family Feud.
Keynote Speaker Stephen M.R. Covey discusses the importance of trust, especially in a financial advisory practice.
Tim Franklin laughs with Peter Passalacqua in an entertaining round of Friendly Feud during the Team CFD meeting.
As he starts his Look Ahead to 2027 presentation, Brent Owens invites his father, Mick, to share an inspiring message. Impact Beyond the Sessions
At its core, the annual Fall Financial Adviser Conference is about more than presentations. CFD hosts these gatherings to give advisers meaningful opportunities to connect with fellow advisers, home office staff and wholesalers, as well as exchanging experiences and empowering one another.
That sense of connection reflects the kind of relationship CFD strives to build every day: one where advisers are valued as members of the CFD family, not simply as a number.
Frequently Asked Questions
In this section, we answer common questions about our annual Fall Conference.
Who should attend the CFD Fall Conference?
The conference is designed for CFD financial advisers, and adviser assistants. Additionally, invited guests who want to grow their practice and connect with fellow professionals.
Where is the conference held each year?
Most of the conference will be held in the Creative Financial Centre® in Kokomo, Indiana, but there are some events that will take place in external venues. An agenda is released a few months prior to the conference with more details.
Will I have opportunities to ask questions?
There will be opportunities to connect with the CFD Home Office Team and advisers during session breaks for a deeper conversation. Home Office staff are actively visible during the conference.
Are there any networking opportunities?
While the sessions play a large part of the conference, networking happens quite frequently, especially during meals and pre-conference activities.
Is the Fall Conference the only one CFD hosts?
The Fall Conference is CFD’s main in-person conference, but there is another one in the spring. Typically, the Spring Conference changes from in-person to virtual every other year.
About CFD Companies
The CFD Companies are home to a fully independent Broker/Dealer and RIA that believe individuals are best served by a financial professional who possesses the freedom to implement personalized planning and investment strategies. The CFD Companies operate on the premise that an adviser’s Broker/Dealer and RIA should act as a partner and resource network, empowering adviser-client relationships through trust, innovative support and a shared commitment to mutual growth.
While others operate in cliché, CFD operates in commitment. To learn more about that commitment and the future of your business in partnership with CFD, reach out to us here.
