Luminaries 2024 Nominations Are Now Open

We will also highlight the bold steps the winners are taking to drive the wealth, investment and retirement industry forward in more dynamic and inclusive ways.

The program is not meant to emphasize asset levels or rankings — or the latest industry buzz. Rather, our awards and coverage of the winners ​will tell the stories of how top-performing industry participants are producing meaningful results in the areas that matter most to advisors.

The awards honor industry players that "aspire to greater heights of leadership, creativity and impact [through] a culture of continuous improvement and encourage the industry to embrace innovation and visionary thinking as essential components of success," Thompson explained.

"ThinkAdvisor Luminaries Awards are … symbols of the industry's collective commitment to pushing boundaries, driving positive change and shaping a brighter future for all," he added.

Details on the Award Categories

The criteria of the award categories that our judges will use to evaluate nominations in 2024 are as follows: 

• Corporate Social Responsibility Awards (Firms): In this category, formerly called Community Impact, we recognize firms that have shown exemplary commitment to philanthropy; diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI); environmental stewardship and other impactful initiatives.
• Excellence in Marketing/PR Awards (Firms) — New: Celebrating the ingenuity and impact of digital campaigns, educational programs, public relations and social media campaigns that drive advisor growth and long-term success.
• Executive Leadership Awards (Individuals): Honoring individuals who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, client service and innovation, serving as role models of industry excellence.
• Industry Disruption Awards (Firms) — New: Highlighting firms that have reshaped existing markets or pioneered entirely new segments through innovative strategies, technologies, or business models.
• Innovation Awards (Firms): Recognizing organizations that have demonstrated exceptional creativity and forward thinking through unique client programs or innovative approaches.
• Luminaries With Heart Awards (Individuals): In this category, formerly called Community Impact, we celebrate individuals who have made significant contributions in philanthropy, corporate social responsibility, DEI, ESG, or other impactful endeavors, positively influencing communities on local, national and global scales.
• M&A Leaders Awards (Individuals at RIA Firms) — New: Recognizing leaders in mergers and acquisitions within the RIA sector for their transformative contributions to the industry landscape.
• Next-Gen Rising Stars Awards (Individuals) — New: Shining a spotlight on individuals who have made remarkable contributions to their organizations through innovative programs, products or services, driving outstanding results and shaping the future of the industry.
• Thought Leadership & Education Award (Firms): Acknowledging firms that have advanced and widely shared new thinking and research in financial planning, retirement and related advisory services.
• Thought Leadership Awards (Individuals): Recognizing individuals who have led their firms in pioneering new frameworks and approaches that redefine excellence and achievement in their respective areas.

Please send any questions about the Luminaries nominations process to [email protected]; for help with the awards portal, write to [email protected]. 

(Credit: Chris Nicholls/ALM)