Blue Vault

This week we’re recapping Alts Summit 2025, and Day Two of the event was jam-packed with keynote speakers, asset manager presentations, and informative breakout sessions. It also featured a live recording of the popular Facts vs Feelings podcast with Carson Group’s Ryan Detrick, CMT and Sonu Varghese, Ph.D.! Other highlights included:? ? Michael Kitces’ eye-opening overview of the history of advisor business models and the impact that technology has played and continues to play? ? A roundtable on #alts adoption implications for advisors, led by Kimberly Ann Flynn, CFA of XA Investments LLC, that packed the room? ? Discussions on private credit strategies with Invesco Ltd.’s De'Juan F. Collins and JB Hayes of Variant Investments, respectively Breakout session topics were wide-ranging, covering everything from hashtag #DSTs, #721, and #1031 exchanges with WARREN THOMAS of ExchangeRight Real Estate to "future-proofing" your advisory practice with Frederick Hubler of Creative Capital Wealth Management Group, and even strategies for converting prospective clients' "no" into a "yes" with The Advisor Authority?'s Blake Hammerton. There were also sponsor-hosted huddles for advisors and gift giveaways in the exhibit hall. And that’s just scratching the surface. Day Two of the Summit had something for everyone and we want to thank everyone who participated and made it possible!

It was an incredible experience to attend and represent UGA at the Blue Vault Conference in Frisco, Texas, diving into the dynamic world of alternative investments! I thoroughly enjoyed connecting with industry leaders and gaining fresh insights into innovative financial strategies. A sincere thank you to Stacy Chitty and Kelli Chitty for orchestrating such an impactful event! I had the privilege of attending a presentation by Erin Botsford, CFP?, who offered practical wisdom on becoming an effective and efficient business owner—ideas I’m eager to put into practice. Additionally, Michael Kitces’ session on adapting to evolving technologies as a financial advisor provided thought-provoking perspectives on staying ahead in a changing landscape. The highlight of the conference for me was attending the prayer breakfast, where I thoroughly enjoyed hearing Nate Oltmans share personal stories and timeless wisdom that left a lasting impression. I'm thankful for the opportunity to attend and make many great connections that will undoubtedly shape my journey ahead.

We are back from the Alts Summit and oh, what a week it was! We got caught up on #alternativeinvestments, saw plenty of old friends, and made a whole bunch of new connections. If you happened to miss it, here’s a taste of what we learned on Day One:? ? Danielle Singer, CFA, CAIA of Invesco Ltd. presented an informative primer on all things alts.? ? Our Alts Community Groups for advisors met in person for the first time, generating lots of discussion around client interests and preferred strategies.? ? Erin Botsford, CFP? of The Advisor Authority? reflected on moments from her past to explain how she transformed her present advisory practice into a powerhouse.? ? Cherie Fournier of Marketing Intent led an all-star panel on the importance of building trust with women investors and how alts fit into that picture. We also got caught up on tax policy with Scott Hodge, got a market outlook from Bluerock’s Josh Hoffman, and wrapped up the day with a scenic outdoor welcome reception at the Omni PGA Resort in Frisco, Texas—complete with great food and a little golf. Thanks to everyone who helped make it a great first day of alts learning and networking! #AltsSummit2025 #AltsEducation #SummitRecap #BlueVault

Returned home today from my first industry conference of the year and wish to share that the Blue Vault ALTS Summit will be a tough act to follow in 2025! So impressed with and proud of Stacy Chitty, founder of Blue Vault, who put together a masterpiece of a conference. Stacy started his career as a card carrying, bag-toting wholesaler back in the day, yet followed his dream and vision of creating Blue Vault about 15 years ago. What he has built is beyond impressive,?and the guy is just about as nice as there is in our business, a total gentleman.?He even had his entire family engaged in the conference as well. Pretty cool! ? Hat tip to the entire Blue Vault team for putting on a first-class event at Omni PGA Frisco Resort & Spa, Texas, aka my new favorite place in Texas! ? Cade Chitty Betsy Ricks Mike Ricks Calli Beth Chitty Mary Kathryn Rozar Caroline Morris, CFP?, ChFC?, CLF?, CLU?, RICP? Kelli Chitty Jonathan Rickman Margaret Armour Luke Schmidt Sonya Andrews ? Highlights included: ? Erin Botsford, CFP? kicking off the meeting on Monday afternoon. Powerhouse presentation. Michael Kitces as strong as ever. Cherie Fournier, Nadia Shokohi PhD, CDFA, CPFA, Kelsey Syvrud, PhD, and Cynthia Yang, who all lead a fabulous panel on Women and ALTS investing. Tyler Green, CFA, Catherine Bowman, Carlos Mu?oz-Lucas, Peggy Wu, and Andrew Kaye-Skinner for fabulous insights in the home office PD discussions. Kimberly Ann Flynn, CFA, Emily Barringer, CAIA?, Bill Duffy, Mike Kell for a big time panel discussion on Alts adoption for advisors. Well done! Also great to see many long time friends at these events like Lee Bastidas and Joseph Ujobai. ? Special thanks to Great Point’s Suzanne Ngo for her contributions to this event. Great job, Suzanne. And to our partners at 1776ing, who have built an incredible platform for our advisors here at Great Point! ? Blue Vault ended the week with a classy and elegant brunch before the final speaker from First Trust and a golf outing on the PGA Resort’s West course, which was epic. ? Looking forward to the 2026 Blue Vault ALTS Summit already. ? Hope to see you all on the trail soon! ? WWW

Blu Vault Alts Summit. Time to get to work. Due Dilugence as a firm owner is work, no matter how nice the location.

??My first blue vault Summit in the books! ??This week we talked about “marketing” Admittedly, my definition of marketing may differ from others ??Marketing is what we can create to influence a certain outcome that leads to growth (education, events, experiences) ??Growth being new client acquisition AND consolidation from existing clients ??When you market, don’t forget to market TO and THROUGH existing clients ??We all know investors’ priorities, preferences, needs, wants evolve… They evolve because of life and the world around us 1??With more access than ever before to the market 2??And products being democratized and commoditized 3??Investors preferences are shifting to alternative solutions (ESPECIALLY younger U/HNWIs) ????Educational marketing can build credibility and authority as a go-to expert on a topic like Alts for younger UHNWIs When people don’t know what they don’t know, you may win an opportunity to grow with existing clients faster than new ones ????For example, after you’ve created an educational resource on Alts… share it with everyone! ??Existing clients, encourage them to share it, post it on LinkedIn and in your newsletter Let them self-identify what is relevant to them As you create your marketing plan, leverage the 4 C’s: CONTENT ?? CHANNELS ?? CURATE ?? CONSISTENCY ? HOOK Thank you Stacy Chitty and the entire Blue Vault team for having First Trust as part of your agenda! Fabulous group of future-focused professionals— I can see why this summit has such a big following! Grant Markgraf, Brian Pawlowicz, MBA

What a thrilling experience it was to attend the Blue Vault Summit Conference here in Frisco, Texas! I was able to engage with many financial service trailblazers that informed students like myself on the ins and outs of financial planning, advisory, and so much more. Thank you to Stacy Chitty and Kelli Chitty for this wonderful program and opportunity! I was able to attend a presentation given by Erin Botsford, CFP?, who gave insight on becoming an effective and efficient business owner in the financial service realm. Furthermore, I was given the opportunity to hone in on Michael Kitces presentation that discussed how financial advisors have to adapt to evolving technologies.

I had the chance to attend the Blue Vault Alts Summit 2025, and it was an incredible experience! One highlight was a session tailored for university students, where Tim Maurer and Frederick Hubler shared invaluable insights on the path from the classroom to the business world. The session provided practical advice on career opportunities, industry expectations, and key skills to succeed in wealth management. A huge thank you to Mark Evers, Ph.D., CFP?, CRPC? for the invitation and to Blue Vault for hosting such a fantastic event. I’m excited to apply what I’ve learned as I continue my studies and explore opportunities in financial planning!

Had a great time at the BlueVault Alts Summit this week! Thanks Stacy Chitty and the Blue Vault team. Michael Kitces and Erin Botsford, CFP? were terrific. Enjoyed making new friends and getting to know old friends better. Learned some stuff, had some fun and got to host a prayer breakfast!

After individual interviews and several prep sessions, I knew this panel of women would not disappoint, delivering open-book insight and perspective on #alternativeinvestments and the female #investor, at Blue Vault's Alts Summit. I mean, as female professionals in financial service, their credentials did a lot of the talking of their expertise: PhDs, business owners, wealth managers, a lot of industry designations. As I watched them from the wings, I was moved by their remarkable willingness to share, their clear desire to connect with the audience, and their confident poise from the stage. Ladies, thank you for volunteering your time to share your stories and experiences! Nadia Shokohi PhD, CDFA, CPFA Cynthia (Yuanyuan) Yang Kelsey Syvrud, PhD Cherie Fournier #altssummit #hostesswiththemostess #womeninbusiness #paneldiscussion #femmefinance #womensupportingwomen