Overview
Leading Forum where emerging managers connect and navigate top challenges.
Join us for the 2026 MMI Thrive Forum, part of MMI’s Thrive community – the premier destination for emerging asset managers navigating today’s increasingly complex growth environment.
Emerging asset managers are facing mounting pressure: intensified competition for advisor attention, fee compression, rising platform and technology costs, and constrained distribution resources. Building on 2025’s Blueprint for Success, this year’s Forum moves from strategy to action. Our 2026 theme, “Playbook for Execution: Activating Growth in Asset Management,” is designed to help firms quickly assess what’s working, pivot where needed, and set up practical strategies to gain market share.
The 2026 MMI Thrive Forum is designed for senior executives at asset management firms managing under $25 billion in intermediary advisory assets. Programming is tailored to the real-world challenges emerging asset managers face today, with focused sessions on digital marketing, distribution models, and technology roadmaps. A centerpiece of the Forum is a series of small-group, peer-level discussions with allocators from wirehouses, national firms, TAMPs, RIAs, and other key distribution channels. These sessions are designed to surface candid feedback, pinpoint custom opportunities, and translate insight into actionable next steps.
Space is limited and will fill quickly. Attendance is reserved for asset managers (AUM < $25 billion) and is limited to two participants per firm.
Interested in registering? Contact Joel Schiffman at jschiffman@mminst.org or 646.868.8509.
Day 1 (Click to Expand Agenda)
Tuesday, April 21, 2026
| Time | Description | |
|---|
9:00 AM - 9:30 AM
30 Min | Registration and Networking | |
9:30 AM - 9:45 AM
15 Min | Welcome and Opening Remarks
Joel Schiffman, Director of MMI Thrive, Co-Head of Membership Services , MMI
Robbie Cannon, Strategic Advisor, MMI Thrive | |
9:45 AM - 10:15 AM
30 Min | Cerulli Market Insights *Pre-submit anonymous questions Speaker: TBD | |
10:15 AM - 11:15 AM
1 Hr | Evolving Distribution: Compare Strategies and Drive ROI This interactive panel features asset managers sharing an actionable playbook for distribution strategies, how to benchmark against peers, and a look at what’s really working. Key topics: - 2026 AUM targets
- Allocated resources (budget, team size/structure)
- Strategic decisions (status quo vs. innovation)
- Increased distribution challenges vs. five years ago (costs, etc.)
- Targeted ROI and rationale
- Lessons learned
Inclusive for all firm sizes, this session validates or challenges your distribution approach with peer-driven insights for refinement. | |
11:15 AM - 11:30 AM
15 Mn | Networking and Refreshment Break | |
11:30 AM - 11:45 AM
15 Min | Thrive Going Forward Speakers:
Joel Schiffman, Director of Thrive, Co-Head of Membership Services, MMI
Robbie Cannon, Strategic Advisor, MMI Thrive | |
11:45 AM - 12:45 PM
1 Hr | Networking Luncheon | |
12:45 PM - 1:45 PM
1 Hr | Allocators Panel
| |
1:45 PM - 2:45 PM
1 Hr | Start Here: Build Your Actionable Playbook Speaker:
Bob Kendall, Global Head of Investment Management, William Blair & Company | |
2:45 PM - 3:45 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. | |
3:45 PM - 4:00 PM
15 Min | Networking and Refreshment Break | |
4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
1 Hr | Get Inside the Minds of the Decision-Makers: Meet the Platform Decision-Makers – Small Groups Session | |
5:00 PM - 6:00 PM
1 Hr | Cocktail and Networking Reception | |
Day 2 (Click to Expand Agenda)
Wednesday, April 22, 2026
| 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, Strategic Advisor, MMI Thrive | |
8:50 AM - 9:50 AM
1 Hr | Forensic Marketing: Under the Spotlight During this session, a Thrive peer participates in a live, unscripted interview led by an industry marketing professional, examining business strategy, market positioning, direction, and differentiation to uncover insights and develop a strategic marketing plan. The session begins with insights drawn from Thrive members’ current marketing, setting the stage for real-time analysis. The discussion prepares your firm by highlighting strengths, gaps, and how those signals resonate across the industry—both intended and unintended—equipping participants with a framework for self-assessment and refinement of their own marketing strategies. | |
9:50 AM - 10:50 AM
1 Hr | Unify Your Tech: Strategies for Scattered Firms Join us as industry experts cut through the noise of emerging technologies to help firms determine what to adopt, what to set aside, and what to monitor—so they can move toward decisive action. The discussion will explore where to start, how much capital to allocate, and how to distinguish between "nice-to-have" tools from those that are truly essential. Designed for firms that buy data but struggle with next steps or use AI on an individual level without firm-wide integration, this session examines how to build a more cohesive technology strategy. Participants will gain guidance on aligning new tools with existing operations, and practical moves to leverage existing data for broader implementation and impact. | |
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
1 Hr | Get Inside the Minds of the Decision-Makers: Meet the Platform Decision-Makers – Small Groups Session 3
| |
12:10 AM - 1:10 PM
1 Hr | Get Inside the Minds of the Decision-Makers: Meet the Platform Decision-Makers – Small Groups Session 4 | |
1:10 PM - 1:30 PM
20 MIn | Closing Remarks and Adjourn Robbie Cannon, Strategic Advisor, MMI Thrive | |
2026 MMI Thrive Bronze Sponsors
Sponsor & Exhibitor Opportunities
MMI’s Thrive 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:
Joel Schiffman
Executive Vice President, Head of Thrive, Co-Head of MMI Membership Services
jschiffman@mminst.org
646.868.8509
| Registration Date | Member Fee | Non-Member Fee |
| Launch – January 30 | $1,595 | $3,790 |
| January 31 – February 27 | $1,745 | $3,790 |
| February 28 – April 21 | $1,895 | $3,790 |
*A fee of $100 will be added to registrations processed on-site.
Morgan Stanley Offices
750 7th Avenue
New York, NY, 10019
Cancellation/Transfer Policy
All cancellations are subject to a $100 cancellation fee. Full refunds minus the $100 cancellation fee will be granted for cancellation requests received prior to 5:00 PM ET on Friday, April 10, 2026. After that time, no refunds or credits will be granted, however, your registration may be transferred to another individual at your firm. To cancel or transfer your registration, please contact MMI at 646.868.8500.
MMI Conference Code of Conduct/Antitrust
Money Management Institute (MMI) conferences and events provide an opportunity for MMI members and other industry participants to come together for educational and networking purposes. Inappropriate behavior, such: as possible illegal conduct; use of derogatory or discriminatory language, gestures or actions; verbal or physical abuse of any type, unwanted advances or invasions of privacy; or any activity that might be construed as harassment, racism, or sexism, is unacceptable and will not be tolerated.
If you are aware of, or are involved in, an incident at an MMI conference or event that violates this Code of Conduct, please contact MMI immediately. MMI will promptly and confidentially investigate any reported activities and take appropriate action.
Please also familiarize yourself with the MMI Antitrust Guidelines and Compliance Policy.
Health & Safety Protocols
By registering for this event, you acknowledge and agree to abide by any safety protocols and guidelines that MMI shall establish for the health and safety of 2026 MMI Thrive Forum attendees.
