The 2025 Agenda

The asset management industry is at a crossroads, with the active versus passive debate continuing to dominate discussions. What trends will shape the industry’s future? How can financial advisors identify opportunities or risks while effectively adapting to change? Join us as two titans of the investment world discuss the strengths and challenges of their respective approaches, share insights on navigating market volatility, and reflect on how their firms are shaping the future of investing. This conversation promises to offer an insightful look at the evolving investment landscape and the impact of both active and passive strategies on long-term value creation.

Take a moment to reset and recharge! Use this time to transition to your next session, grab a snack or drink, check messages, or connect with fellow attendees. 

Join the healthcare equity research team from Morningstar to consider how revolutionary changes in therapies, devices, and diagnostics are poised to drive growth and counter pricing pressure. From the GLP-1 market in biopharma to new procedures for atrial fibrillation and hypertension in medical devices, we’ll discuss several ongoing and potential sector drivers, along with the stocks that are best positioned to benefit from these trends.

Attend a breakout session, walk the floor, and network with top industry contacts. Don’t miss the chance to catch a live podcast featuring industry experts. The Exhibit Hall is your hub for insights, connections, and hands-on experiences.

Use this time to stretch your legs, head to lunch, and shift your focus before diving into the next part of your day.

Enjoy a buffet lunch at Navy Pier, with food stations set up outdoors and seating available both inside and outside. Whether you prefer a lakeside view or an indoor spot, you’ll have a comfortable place to sit and enjoy your meal.

Take this opportunity to get moving, connect with others before the next session, and prepare for the next part of your day.

The popularity and rapid growth of collateralized loan obligations and strategies dedicated to this asset class have enticed investors with the promise of higher yields and limited credit risk. This session aims to help investors better understand how these instruments work, assess opportunities and latent risks, and discuss what's next for CLOs.

Join Philip Straehl, Americas Chief Investment Officer, and Dominic Pappalardo, Chief Multi-Asset Strategist, for a discussion of the best investment ideas from Morningstar across global equity and fixed income markets. Learn how to position your clients' portfolios to take advantage of the best opportunities in today's market environment.

The Exhibit Hall is buzzing! Whether you’re here to catch a breakout session, watch a product showcase, or tune into a live podcast, this is where connections happen.

Long synonymous with indexing, ETFs have entered a new phase characterized by active management, derivatives, crypto, and individual stocks. Morningstar Manager Research explores how ETFs have changed and what investors need to know.

In this keynote session, Morningstar CEO Kunal Kapoor will discuss how Morningstar drives innovation, delivers high-quality data, and fosters a shared language to connect investors, advisors, and fintech innovators. He'll share market trends, actionable strategies, and insights to help investors thrive as public and private markets converge.

2025 will be the year that AI evolves from building out the hardware & platforms to harvesting its power. From enhancing their products to increasing revenue growth and driving efficiency gains, the companies that successfully integrate AI will be next round of stocks to benefit from it. In this panel, we’ll highlight early adopters already successfully utilizing AI, as well as those we expect will benefit from AI in the future.

Join retired General Stanley McChrystal for an exclusive keynote session where he brings his unparalleled leadership experience to bear on the challenges facing financial advisors today. Drawing from his vast experience in high-stakes environments, McChrystal will discuss how today’s shifting geopolitical landscape affects global markets and what advisors need to understand to navigate uncertainty. He’ll also dive into the principles of leading teams in complex, high-pressure situations—crucial lessons for financial advisors managing their business. Gain actionable insights on how to build resilient teams, make strategic decisions under pressure, and stay ahead of global risks, all while helping clients achieve their financial goals in a rapidly evolving world.

Enjoy delicious food and drinks while taking in breathtaking, unobstructed views of Lake Michigan and Chicago’s iconic skyline at Offshore Rooftop. Recognized by Guinness World Records as the largest rooftop in the world, this one-of-a-kind destination offers an unforgettable experience with a stunning backdrop.

Registration remains open for check-in and assistance as you prepare for another engaging day. Enjoy a fresh and flavorful breakfast buffet indoors at Navy Pier, with a variety of options to start your morning right. Choose indoor or outdoor seating to relax, take in the views, and connect with fellow attendees before the day’s sessions begin.

Let’s gear up for another incredible day—get ready to engage, explore new ideas, and make the most of it.

This expert panel will dive into the critical retirement questions we’re all asking, offering clear, actionable strategies on longevity, intergenerational wealth transfer, and other key planning areas—with a special emphasis on considerations for women clients. Learn how women can navigate unique retirement challenges, how to manage healthcare and long-term care, and how to make the shift from saving to spending with confidence.

The Exhibit Hall is open! Discover cutting-edge solutions, connect with industry leaders, and experience live demos. Don’t forget to hit a session or two while you’re here!

Extreme weather events are becoming more frequent and severe. While they’ve devastated some areas, the broader municipal bond market has remained relatively unscathed. This panel will explore where some of the world’s leading muni portfolio managers are finding risk and reward in the markets.

Discover how behavioral science can help you navigate the growing role of AI in financial advising. In this session, we’ll dive into the psychological factors that influence client acceptance of AI and explore pitfalls to avoid when integrating it. You’ll walk away with actionable insights and a clear understanding of how AI can be put to work in your practice—whether you're just getting started or looking to refine your approach.

Bonds are often seen as the primary source of income, but equities and alternative assets can provide impressive yield opportunities as well. Learn from some of the industry’s highly regarded income investors on how incorporating different asset classes or approaches can enhance your income strategy without adding excessive risk.

As you head to lunch, it's the perfect time to network with fellow attendees or handle any quick calls.

Lunch buffets will be set up outdoors at Navy Pier, with seating available both inside and outside. Choose a spot that suits you and enjoy your meal with a great view or in a comfortable indoor setting.

Use this time to head to the next session, network with others, or set yourself up for the next part of your day.

Details to come.

The Economics and Fixed Income Research team from Morningstar speaks about what is changing in the economy and the impacts, risks, expected returns, and choices investors could face. This session is designed to help you frame your investment decision making in the context of the US economy and explain the key drivers of current economic conditions to your clients.

The landscape for financial advisors is shifting— growth-oriented practices increasingly prioritize business development and client relationships. Fidelity’s annual RIA benchmarking study reveals that advisors who strategically outsource key functions experience faster growth, higher revenue, and stronger client acquisition.

Whether you’re considering outsourcing or looking to refine your approach, this session is designed to offer valuable perspectives on optimizing your practice for long-term success.

It’s your final chance to explore, connect, and discover! Stop by to catch a last-minute session, grab key takeaways from industry experts, and make those final connections before the conference wraps up. 

Private investments in public funds are the new frontier of investing, but do they ultimately serve the end investor? ETFs are particularly susceptible to the liquidity mismatch between public and private investing. We bring together industry experts to discuss the hurdles facing the ETF industry to get private assets in ETFs and whether they are surmountable.

Additional speakers to be announced.

Active ETFs are the fastest-growing segment of the funds business. Find out why with two dynamic managers of active equity funds. Where are they investing, and how do ETFs impact their strategies?