In an industry full of scripted presentations, predictable formats, and a focus on a dealer’s proprietary products, Designed’s event provides a refreshing contrast. His team has crafted an experience that aligns with autumn’s spirit of reflection and transition, helping advisors reconnect with their purpose, explore real industry issues, and set a strong foundation for the coming year.
Curating speaking topics that challenge the status quo
Designed Securities is selective with its speaking topics and presenters, focusing on voices that push boundaries rather than reinforce the status quo. This year’s agenda included a speaker from Aviso Wealth who offered a practical look at artificial intelligence for advisors, moving beyond the hype to show how AI can improve daily workflows. “Most advisors aren’t even using ChatGPT,” Konopaski notes. “They want to know how AI will actually impact their work, not just theoretical advancements.”
Another session, titled “What Scares You in the Next 12 Months?” invited speakers to cut to the chase and confront real industry challenges and uncertainties. These topics, too bold for many conferences, resonate with the firm’s audience. By choosing speakers who don’t shy away from tough questions, Konopaski’s team ensures that advisors leave the conference with fresh, actionable insights they can’t get elsewhere. The conference is filled with opportunities to take conversations in directions you normally can’t.
Balancing content and compliance with advisor-centric sessions
In an industry governed by strict regulations, hosting a conference for financial advisors means navigating complex compliance rules. Konopaski’s team expertly balances these constraints with content that advisors truly want. Product presentations, often the focus at other conferences, are limited to less than two hours over the three-day event, ensuring that sponsors don’t overshadow the educational value. “Our advisors are here to learn and engage, not just sit through sales pitches the entire week,” he explains.
This advisor-first approach doesn’t go unnoticed by sponsors. The largest asset managers in Canada value the chance to connect with Designed Securities’ audience on a more authentic level. “For many asset managers, this conference is a rare opportunity to meet independent advisors who aren’t tied to proprietary products,” Konopaski shares. By keeping the conference’s focus on advisors’ needs, Designed offers an experience that stands out from the crowd.
