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2025 MMI Thrive Forum

2025 MMI Thrive Forum

April 16 - 17, 2025

New York, NY | Morgan Stanley Offices

CE Credits

Charged admission

Open to MMI members and non-members

Press prohibited

CE Credits:

The Investments & Wealth Institute^® has accepted the 2025 MMI Thrive Forum program for 6 hours of CE credits towards the CIMA^®, CPWA^®, CIMC^®, and RMA^® certifications. The relevant approval code(s) will be shared with attendees after the event.

Overview

Blueprint for Success: Advancing Emerging Asset Managers

Join us for the 2025 MMI Thrive Forum. Emerging asset managers continuously navigate a shifting landscape marked by rising platform costs, fee compression, distribution challenges, and capital limitations. Success demands not just resilience but transformation—a blueprint for growth.

The Forum is designed for senior executives at firms managing under $25 billion in intermediary advisory assets. This exclusive event delivers expert insights on operational efficiency, talent alignment, agile decision-making, and industry trends. Through peer discussions and strategic guidance, gain the tools to strengthen your firm and build a Blueprint for Success—empowering emerging managers for 2025 and beyond.

Attendees will also have the opportunity to participate in a series of small-group discussions with top gatekeepers from the wirehouse, national, TAMP, and other distribution channels.

Space is limited and will be spoken for quickly. Attendance is limited to asset managers (AUM < $25 billion) and two participants per firm. 

Interested in registering?

Contact Arlen Oransky at aoransky@mminst.org or 646.868.8505.

Event Leads

Robbie Cannon

Head
MMI EAM Thrive Initiative

Heather Lindsey

Head of Distribution
Crossmark Global Investments

Mark Rewey

Managing Director
Segall Bryant & Hamill

Featured Platform Decision-Makers

Zoe Brunson

AssetMark

Damon Campbell

Osaic

Howard Choe

Bank of America Merrill Lynch

Jennifer DeSisto

CW Advisor Group

Carter France

LPL Financial

Brooks Friederich

Envestnet

Kristen Griffin

UBS Wealth Management

Chris Hart

Orion

Sean Lawlor

SEI

Michelle Morris

Morgan Stanley

Paul Newmann

Apex Advisory Solutions

Andy Read

Raymond James

Edwin Sze

United Capital Financial Advisors

Stephen Walsh

Fidelity Investments

Christopher Waters

Adhesion Wealth

Agenda

Day 1 (Click to Expand Agenda)

Wednesday, April 16, 2025

Time	Description
9:00 AM - 9:30 AM 30 Min	Registration and Networking
9:30 AM - 10:00 AM 30 Min	Welcome and Opening Remarks Arlen Oransky, Executive Vice President, Chief Membership Officer, Money Management Institute Robbie Cannon, Head, MMI EAM Thrive Initiative, Money Management Institute
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM 1 Hr	Your Blueprint Starts Here Build Your Blueprint – A Case Study on Clark Capital Brendan Clark, CEO of Clark Capital, knows the path from an under-resourced, unknown startup to a thriving industry leader. When he began, Clark Capital was small and relatively obscure—far from the scale of BlackRock or Vanguard. Over two decades, he led the firm through transformational success, overcoming the same challenges emerging managers face today. In this session, Brendan shares hard-earned lessons, strategic insights, and practical wisdom to help you frame your own growth journey. Learn how to build a resilient and scalable business model, overcome distribution roadblocks, and position your firm for long-term success. Brendan Clark, CEO, Clark Capital
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM 1 Hr	Be Ready When Your Moment Comes How to Recognize and Excel at Critical Positioning Moments on Your Firm's Blueprint Making the most of every resource is part and parcel of being a smaller manager, meaning that each firm must be at its best when an opportunity presents itself. This session will focus on how to create a sales and marketing culture across the entire firm, building the muscle memory needed to seize critical moments. We will discuss challenges related to staffing, budgets, and sponsorships, as well as how to effectively engage with platform decision-makers. A key takeaway will be learning the only three bullets you need when positioning your firm in front of decision-makers. Host: Brian Moran, CEO, FLX Networks Panelists: Colin Barber, Managing Director, Strategic Partnerships, Ocean Park Asset Management Heather Lindsey, Head of Distribution, Crossmark Global Investments
12:00 PM - 12:15 PM 15 Min	Networking and Refreshment Break
12:15 PM - 12:45 PM 30 Min	Thrive Steering Council Rapid-Fire Session Join several Thrive Steering Council leaders for a quick-hit session as they engage attendees on how to tackle the opportunities and challenges facing emerging asset managers in today’s environment. Speakers: Bonnie Belskis, Director of National Accounts, Confluence Investment Management Steve Carl, Principal, Chief Distribution Officer, Chairman of the Executive Committee, Madison Investments Mark Rewey, Managing Director, Segall Bryant & Hamill
12:45 PM - 1:45 PM 1 Hr	Networking Luncheon
1:45 PM - 2:30 PM 45 Min	Build Your Industry IQ. Spot Opportunity. Shape Your Strategy. Interactive Workshop – Mapping the Landscape: A Blueprint for Understanding the Wealth Management Industry This hands-on session will guide participants through constructing a comprehensive blueprint of the wealth management industry itself. We’ll examine the concentration of assets across major players, uncover the latest competitive dynamics, and identify where disruption—and opportunity—exists for emerging firms. Through collaborative exercises and data-driven insights, you’ll walk away with a clearer understanding of market segmentation, growth areas, and what it means to compete as a small manager in a rapidly shifting landscape. Michael Rose, Director, Wealth Management Research, Cerulli Associates
2:30 PM - 3:30 PM 1 Hr	Get Inside the Minds of the Decision-Makers Meet the Platform Decision-Makers – Small Groups Session 1 An exclusive opportunity to connect directly with key platform decision-makers in a small group setting. Gain valuable insights into what they prioritize, the challenges they navigate, and how your firm can differentiate itself in a competitive landscape. These interactive sessions are designed to address the specific questions relevant to your firm, allowing for open dialogue, strategic guidance, and a chance to refine your engagement approach with help from those who control distribution access. A brief introduction to your firm has been provided to these representatives in advance, ensuring a more focused and meaningful discussion.
3:30 PM - 3:45 PM 15 Min	Networking and Refreshment Break
3:45 PM - 4:45 PM 1 Hr	Meet the Platform Decision-Makers – Small Groups Session 2
5:00 PM - 6:00 PM 1 Hr	Cocktail and Networking Reception

Day 2 (Click to Expand Agenda)

Thursday, April 17, 2025

Time	Description
8:00 AM - 8:30 AM 30 Min	Networking Breakfast
8:30 AM - 8:50 AM 20 Min	Day One Recap Robbie Cannon, Head, MMI EAM Thrive Initiative, Money Management Institute
8:50 AM - 9:50 AM 1 Hr	Position Your Products—and Your Firm—For Success Investment Products as the Foundation of Your Firm’s Blueprint – Finding Market Fit and Differentiation The products you launch are not just offerings—they are the foundation of your firm’s blueprint. While larger managers may introduce multiple product lines, smaller managers must be strategic in selecting where they can compete and win. This session will explore the key factors in successful product development, including pricing strategy, firm expertise, and the right product wrapper—whether a mutual fund, ETF, SMA, or other structure. We’ll cover how to assess market demand, differentiate offerings, and strategically align your firm’s expertise with investor needs. Become prepared for the core undertaking—building a product lineup that not only fits the market but also serves as the foundation for your firm's long-term success. Host: Blake Spivey, Strategist, Direct Indexing & Model Portfolios, S&P Global Panelists: Eben Burr, President, Toews Asset Management Adam Grossman, Global Equity CIO, RiverFront Investment Group
9:50 AM - 10:50 AM 1 Hr	Stay Ahead. Stay Relevant. Build for the Future. Fireside Chat: Designing a Blueprint That Lasts – Factoring in AI and Emerging Technology Technology is evolving at an unprecedented pace, and AI is reshaping the landscape of asset management. From AI-driven analysts and recommendation engines to lead generation and crypto, the latest advances are significant and constant. If you feel behind, you’re not alone. This session will provide a clear framework for smaller managers to understand, evaluate, and adapt to key AI innovations. We will discuss the most impactful categories of AI advancements and how they can enhance investment strategies, operational efficiencies, and client engagement. The opportunity to learn how to integrate the right technologies into your firm's long-term blueprint elevates sustainability, competitiveness, and growth in the age of AI. Host: Robbie Cannon, Head, MMI Thrive Initiative, Money Management Institute Speaker: John Sweeney, President, Praxis Solutions, Inc.
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM 1 Hr	Meet the Platform Decision-Makers – Small Groups Session 3
12:10 PM - 1:10 PM 1 Hr	Meet the Platform Decision-Makers – Small Groups Session 4
1:10 PM - 1:30 PM 20 Min	Closing Remarks and Adjourn Robbie Cannon, Head, MMI EAM Thrive Initiative, Money Management Institute

Thrive Steering Council

Robbie Cannon, Head, MMI EAM Thrive Initiative, Money Management Institute
Bonnie Belskis, Director of National Accounts, Confluence Investment Management
Tiana Brenneise, Director of National Accounts, Ocean Park Asset Management
Steve Carl, Principal, Chief Distribution Officer, Chairman of the Executive Committee, Madison Investments
Heather Lindsey, Head of Distribution, Crossmark Global Investments
Robert Miller, Chief Executive Officer, Frontier Asset Management
Mark Rewey, Managing Director, Segall Bryant & Hamill

Partners and Sponsors

2025 Thrive Presenting Sponsors

2025 MMI Thrive Forum Sponsor

2025 MMI Platinum Partner

2025 MMI Cobalt Partner

2025 MMI Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Sponsor

2025 MMI Thrive Forum Host

Sponsor Opportunities

MMI’s Thrive initiative for Emerging Asset Managers represents a unique opportunity to build brand awareness with senior executives from forward-thinking emerging managers, showcase your firm's offerings, and make new connections. A limited number of premium sponsorship packages are available.

For additional information, please contact:
Arlen Oransky
EVP, Chief Membership Officer
aoransky@mminst.org
646.868.8505

Registration Fees

Registration Date	Registration Type	Member Fee	Non-member Fee
Launch date – March 14	Early	$1,695	$1,995
March 15 – April 16	Regular	$1,895	$2,195
Launch date – April 16	Academy, Leadership Pathway, and Executive IQ Participants*	$1,516	N/A

*Members of the 2024-2025 Academy classes, 2023-2025 Leadership Pathway classes, and 2023-2025 Executive IQ cohorts are eligible for a 20% discount off the standard registration fee. Email events@mminst.org for the appropriate discount code before registering.

A fee of $100 will be added to registrations processed on-site.