Attending the ACM Conference hosted by Advisors Capital Management this year was a powerful reminder of how important it is to continuously invest in education as a financial professional. The pace of change in our industry—new products, evolving regulations, shifting market conditions, and advances in portfolio construction—means that relying on what we learned five or ten years ago simply isn’t enough to serve clients well today.
Throughout the conference, the agenda was packed with sessions focused on current market dynamics, income-oriented strategies, and practical ways to incorporate new research into client portfolios. Hearing directly from specialists who live and breathe these topics every day reinforced how much depth sits behind the headlines and how valuable it is to step out of the day-to-day workflow to sharpen my thinking. That time away from the office isn’t a distraction from client work—it is client work, because it shapes the quality of the advice I bring back.
A highlight of the event for me was connecting with Michael Lieberman, Director of Strategic Partnerships at Advisors Capital Management. Our conversation centered on how advisors can better translate institutional-level insights into real-world planning conversations that resonate with families, business owners, and retirees. Standing there discussing strategy and innovation, I was reminded that partnerships like these—where specialists share their expertise and challenge our assumptions—are one of the best ways to stay ahead of industry trends.
What struck me most throughout the conference was how closely education is tied to trust. Clients don’t just hire an advisor for access to investments; they hire an advisor for judgment—our ability to interpret information, weigh tradeoffs, and make recommendations grounded in current reality rather than outdated thinking. When I commit to ongoing training and events like ACM’s, I’m making a commitment to ensure that the guidance I offer reflects today’s risks and opportunities, not last decade’s playbook.
In a world where markets can move quickly and innovation is constant, I believe it’s my responsibility to stay curious, keep learning, and regularly step into environments that challenge and expand my understanding. The ACM Conference did exactly that, and I’m grateful for the chance to bring those insights back to the clients and relationships I serve.
If you’re working with an advisor—or considering one—one of the most important questions you can ask is simple: “How are you staying educated?” The answer tells you a lot about the advice you’re going to receive.