Come together … virtually

Let’s start with the single most obvious statement about 2020: Nothing is the same today as it was six months ago.

There is nowhere that statement is borne out out more than in the way we have to conduct personal interactions since the pandemic started. In a conversation for our Retirement Income Summit (Aug. 10-11), Will Fuller of Lincoln Financial emphasized the change this has had on adviser-client interactions.

It got me thinking of the changes advisers are making in their professional interactions.

The striking thing about this industry has always been the volume, and quality, of its conferences. It’s likely attributable to the extroverted nature that’s practically a personality requirement to succeed in the industry, but those glad-handing opportunities have come to a halt.

Now, just as we’ve all adapted to new realities elsewhere in business, we’re adapting to the new conference reality. Last week, InvestmentNews hosted our most recent Women Adviser Summit, and we have many more coming.

This week and next is the aforementioned Retirement Income Summit, and the end of the month brings another Women Adviser Summit. Through the fall we will host no fewer than 16 conferences, covering topics including ESG, fintech and retirement, as well as celebrating industry leaders.

Though we can’t get together like we used to, we can still come together. So, please join us — even if it’s from your kitchen.