2026 Conference Program
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2026 Conference Program |
Thursday, July 30, 2026
6:30pm to Late
The Question| Rachel Carson Red Room
We start our Roundup each year mingling, introducing ourselves, and then debating “The Question”. The first evening is an excellent icebreaker and welcome to the whole shebang. We start outside in an informal atmosphere with a light buffet dinner and then move inside for a discussion in an even more informal atmosphere. The Question changes every year and a lively conversation is encouraged. Bring your beverage of choice to share.
Friday, July 31, 2026
8:30am to 10:10am
The Narrative Machine: How Stories Move Markets — and How to Measure Them
| Ben Hunt, PhD and Jeremy Radcliffe
Markets are as much narrative ecosystems as they are discounting mechanisms. Most practitioners are measuring the effects of narratives after the fact in the form of prices, flows and sentiment surveys - rather than the narratives themselves. There's a better way.
Ben will touch on game theory, Keynesian "Beauty Contests," the lifecycle of a market story, and practical implications for portfolios and client communications.
10:20am to 12:00pm
Adapting to Changing Client Expectations: Strengthening Relationships in a New Era | Amy N. Mullen, CFP®
This session builds on a foundational 15-year-old study by MQ Research & Education™ and Kansas State University, exploring the evolving factors that influence successful client-advisor relationships. With the effects of the pandemic, the increased demand for diversity, equity, and inclusion, and shifting client expectations, the way advisors communicate and connect with clients has undergone significant transformation. In this presentation, we will explore how these changes are reshaping trust and commitment in client relationships, and how financial planners can respond to new challenges like rising financial anxiety, increased use of virtual meeting platforms, and the growing need for cultural sensitivity. Attendees will leave with actionable strategies to adapt and thrive in modern client relationships.
1:30pm to 3:10pm
Tax Planning After the OBBBA | Tom Gorczynski, EA, USTCP
The One Big Beautiful Bill Act brought the biggest set of tax law changes since the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. This course reviews tax planning considerations for individuals and businesses, as well as the provisions that require analysis.
3:20pm to 5:00pm
Tax Management Toolbox | Kacie Jason
Join Dimensional subject matter expert Kacie Jason for an educational event focused on helping advisors address & plan for client tax management needs with various investment solutions. Attendees can expect to learn the use cases that may require less familiar investment solutions, the associated terminology/platforms/providers (SMAs, Exchange Funds, 351 Transfers), and how utilizing them can help improve the client and prospecting experience. Walk away confident in your understanding of the various investment solutions in your tax management toolkit and how they may apply to clients you serve.
6:00pm to Late
On Friday night we return to the Seymour Discovery Center at the Long Marine Lab off campus to dine, schmooze and admire the scenery of the Santa Cruz coastline. This gives us more chances to talk and exchange ideas over food and wine. We provide the food, the space and the sunset. You provide the beverage, the witty conservation and the admiration of the sunset.
Saturday, August 1, 2026
8:30am to 10:10am
Money & Memory: Beyond Retirement Planning | Christine D Moriarty, CFP®
Aging is not not easy and more complex for those experiencing any stage of cognitive impairment. By preparing for the possibilities ahead, individuals can live through retirement with peace of mind about their financial situation. In this session, Christine will present practical tools, resources, and strategies for working with clients who are experiencing cognitive constraints. This topic is crucial knowledge for financial professionals and for protecting the assets clients have worked hard to build.
10:20am to 12:00pm
Student Loan Repayment in 2026 and Beyond | Angie Pack, CFP®, CSLP® & Scotty McDonald, CFP®, CSLP®
We often talk about the run up to college and saving for a future education, but what about those who graduate with some debt? Join Angie Pack and Scotty McDonald as they give us a better understanding of payment options, potential pitfalls, and preferred strategies for those tackling student debt.
1:30pm to 3:10pm
The Family Office Mindset: Lessons For Everyday Financial Planners | Lazetta Rainey Braxton, MBA, CFP®
This session reframes the traditional financial planning approach through the lens of the family office mindset—an operating model that prioritizes coordination, legacy, and stewardship across generations. By translating key family office disciplines—such as governance, collaboration, and values-based decision-making—into practical strategies, financial planners can elevate their value proposition and deepen client relationships. Attendees will explore how to integrate human, social, and financial capital frameworks to design planning experiences that reflect the full spectrum of client wealth and well-being.
3:20pm to 5:00pm
Top Tips for Hiring Terrific Team Members | Teresa Riccobuono
Whether you are currently looking to add to your team or will do so in the future, in this session, you will learn tips and strategies to avoid common hiring pitfalls from someone with twenty years of recruiting experience.
Teresa will take you behind the recruiting curtain and share with you what you need to know to hire in today’s employment environment.
Come get your questions answered, and some you didn’t even know you had, by one of our industry’s top recruiters.
Saturday Evening Events - Times Vary
Option 1: I Scream For Ice Cream
What is a visit to sun, sand, and surfing without checking out some of the incredible ice cream shops Santa Cruz has to offer? Cruise around Santa Cruz tasting three local favorites-- Marianne’s Ice Cream, The Penny Ice Cream, and Mission Hill Creamery.
Activity Level: Approximate duration 90 minutes. We will be driving and walking—casual, layered, weather-appropriate clothing, sunglasses and flat walking shoes are suggested. Cash for purchasing your own scoop(s) is recommended.
Option 2: Boardwalk Excursion
It's the Santa Cruz Boardwalk! What's not to love?! Fun and activities for all ages. There's so much to do, in fact, that we can't lock this down to a specific event. Bowling, mini-golf, rides, and good times to be had by all.
Approximate duration 90 Mins (though this is activity dependent). We will be driving and walking—casual, layered, weather-appropriate clothing, sunglasses and flat walking shoes are suggested.
Option 3: Chardonnay Sail
Sail into the sunset aboard Chardonnay II! Take in the spectacular scenery while enjoying complimentary red & white wine, beer on tap, soft drinks and Hors d’oeuvres. A sunset sail is a perfect way to spend your evening and get to know your fellow attendees.
This event is a short 20 min drive to the Santa Cruz Harbor.
Activity Level: Approximate duration 2 hours. For passenger safety, no shoes with heels are allowed. This means no high heels, wedges, or heeled boots, or any shoes with leather soles, no exceptions. To prevent damage to the deck, only non-skid rubber or white-soled shoes are allowed on board. It is important that you dress warmly and comfortably. Bring a jacket and wear sunscreen. Following the sail, you might consider booking dinner at a nearby restaurant with your fellow attendees!
**NOTE that all sails are tentative due to weather and amount of sign-ups. Please keep in mind, we do not cancel sails due to poor wind quality. Attendees will be confirmed with/canceled 24 to 48 hours prior to their scheduled charter.**
Sunday, August 2, 2026
8:30am to 10:10am
Long-Term Care Insurance: A Financial Planner's Guide to Products, Claims, and CCRC Integration with Case Studies | Chris Acker, CLU®, ChFC®
Presentation Overview to come.
10:20am to 12:00pm
The Estate Audit: What You Hope Is Done Before Mom Dies | Josh Yager, Esq., CFP®
This presentation by Josh Yager, Esq., CFP of Anodos Law outlines the importance of preparing an estate before a parent's death to reduce burden and risk for the family. It introduces the EstateAudit, a structured process including document review, a detailed balance sheet, an estate tax pro forma, a “treasure map” of key assets and information, a settlement checklist, and a settlement risk assessment. It emphasizes common emotional and logistical barriers to getting organized, including fear of mortality and unresolved family conflict.
12:00pm to 1:30pm
Wisdom In Our Midst
This will be a free-wheeling session composed of Roundup participants exploring questions that have been submitted by the other participants on any planning-related topic.