This year's Inside ETFs conference brings together a variety of must-see VIPs and got-to-attend sessions. The keynote speakers include tennis great Serena Williams, music legend Quincy Jones, economists Mohamed El-Erian and Alan Krueger, and U.S. Army Gen. Stan McChrystal.
"This is the 11th year of the conference, and we did make a big investment in upgrading the keynote speaking [lineup], which is the best we've ever had," said Inside ETFs CEO Matt Hougan, who adds that up to 2,500 guests are expected.
The event will take place at the Diplomat Beach Resort in Hollywood, Florida, from Jan. 21 to 24. Online registration is open through Friday at 5 p.m. ET; onsite registration begins at 12 p.m. ET on Sunday.
On Sunday, for instance, McChyrstal will focus on leadership. "This is the top subject after investing that advisors want to learn about. It's a great kick-off to the four-day event," according to Hougan.
Other themes of sessions that day include Bitcoin, smart beta and the future of ETFs. Popular speaker Michael Kitces, publisher of the Nerd's Eye View blog, will discuss how to differentiate your advisory practice.
After the keynote speech by Gen. McChyrstal, former commander of U.S. & international forces in Afghanistan, guests can enjoy an outdoor cocktail party. They also can watch the NFC Conference Championship game between the Philadelphia Eagles and the Minnesota Vikings.
"We know people are coming to the event from cold, dark and rainy places, so we want to get folks out a bit into the warmer weather and sunshine," Hougan said. "The facility has had a $100 million renovation and looks spectacular, especially the new indoor/outdoor bar."
ETFs Big & Small
On Monday, Vanguard President & CEO Tim Buckley will address the crowd. Buckley took the reins recently from Bill McNabb, becoming just the fourth executive to lead the fund giant.
His talk will be followed by a look at where to invest for the next three years and then presentations on and voting for the best new ETF of 2017. Next, there will be a broad discussion on the future of ETFs and then Tom Farley, president of NYSE Group, will answer questions fielded by Hougan. At lunch time, "The Daily Show" will entertain and inform guests about the current political economy.
