Conferences are planning in-person events in 2021

Nearly a year has gone by since the COVID-19 pandemic shuttered doors to in-person conferences, and the industry responded accordingly by converting most live events into virtual experiences. 

Today, the industry is hoping to meet face-to-face again as COVID-19 vaccines are being distributed across the country. In response, some technology firms are prepping for in-person events that are planned for the tail end of 2021. 

Riskalyze, for one, announced Monday that its 2021 Fearless Investing Summit is back as an in-person event in what “we all hope is a post-pandemic world — albeit one forever changed in so many ways,” according to the fintech’s announcement. 

The event will be onsite at the Hyatt Palm Springs from Sept. 29 through Oct. 1, but offers a full “no questions asked” refund policy — up to 90 days before the event — if for whatever reason attendees decide to change their plans, according to the announcement. 

“Riskalyze understands that the COVID-19 pandemic is far from over, but we’re betting on America, and believe that by the third quarter of 2021, there will be an effective national vaccine program in place, in addition to rigorous testing and safety protocols,” according to the announcement. 

Turnkey asset manager Orion, too, is hosting its annual user conference, Ascent 2021, in-person at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess Hotel from Aug. 30 to Sept. 2. The TAMP made the announcement last Friday, alongside a long list of initiatives the firm is pushing out to cater to breakaway advisers. 

However, Orion is still offering an optional virtual experience for users that would rather keep their distance. The TAMP anticipates its event will draw participation from more than 2,000 RIAs and 10,000 broker-dealer reps, according to the announcement, and plans to bring together users across each of their brands — Orion Advisor Tech, Orion Portfolio Solutions, and Brinker Capital Investments. 

The hybrid event is meant to cater to those who are vaccinated and ready to get face-to-face again, while still giving an option to those who want the experience from their home, according to Orion Advisor Solutions Chief Marketing Officer Kelly Waltrich. 

“We’re not in the business of predicting the comfortability level of all our advisers to be in person,” she said. “Arizona is operating at 50% capacity so we won’t be filling up ballrooms like we would have a year ago.” 

Over in Denton, Texas, the T3 Advisor / Enterprise Conference is also gearing up to host an in-person event from September 27 to October 1 at the Embassy Suites by Hilton at the Denton Convention Center. T3 President Joel Bruckenstein said he is optimistic everyone who wants a vaccine will be able to get one by that time, he wrote in an email. 

“We are, however, creating a contingency plan to move the date back in the unlikely event that the situation changes,” Bruckenstein said. “If that were to happen, my expectation is that we will have a liberal cancellation policy for those who cannot make it on the rescheduled dates.” 

Carson Group's financial adviser conference, Excell 2021, is also back as an in-person event in Las Vegas from October 12 -14.  

Tech giant Envestnet, however, is still planning for the 2021 Envestnet Advisor Summit to be hosted virtually and on-demand just as last year’s summit was formatted, according to a company spokesperson. As of now, there are no in-person events hosted by Envestnet. 

InvestmentNews, too, is continuing to embrace the virtual model as the second FinTech Virtual Summit is slated to hit screens Feb. 25.