The 2025 Agenda

AI-related stocks were on an absolute tear for the last several years, but the AI theme has seemingly stalled out. Is the upside in AI stocks over, or just starting a new phase? Join us as several of our key thought leaders from equity research share how they see AI technology developing over the next several years, what clues they see regarding demand, and which relevant stocks they think provide the best risk/reward. This session should answer some of your questions on this important investment topic.

Exhibit Hall doors open at 9:00 AM, and content kicks off at 9:30 AM. Attend a breakout session, walk the floor, and network with top industry contacts. Don’t miss the chance to catch a live podcast featuring industry experts. The Exhibit Hall is your hub for insights, connections, and hands-on experiences.

The Exhibit Hall will close for lunch between 11:40 AM and 1:00 PM

Experience the full potential of Morningstar data and solutions through live demos, interactive training, and expert insights. Explore the latest innovations, attend sessions in the Morningstar Theater, connect with the Customer Advocacy team, enjoy pop-up snacks, and join giveaways throughout the day.

Innovation Stations
Get a sneak peek at future Morningstar features and tools at the Innovation Stations in the Exhibit Hall. Test AI-powered workflows, new platform integrations, digital reporting tools, and advanced equity analysis. Share your feedback and help shape the next generation of solutions.

The Hub will close for lunch between 11:40 AM and 1:00 PM

Want to have meaningful conversations at the event? Start with a braindate. These are one-on-one or small group discussions where you can share knowledge, exchange ideas, and connect with others. You can book a braindate on-site in the Braindate Lounge.

The Braindate Lounge will close for lunch between 11:40 AM and 1:00 PM

Sponsored by: Capital Group | American Funds

Take a moment to reset and recharge! Use this time to transition to your next session, grab a snack or drink, check messages, or connect with fellow attendees. 

Kick off your exhibit hall experience with a special opportunity to meet Christine Benz and Carolyn McClanahan before they take the main stage. The first 150 attendees will receive a signed copy of Christine Benz’s book, How to Retire: 20 Lessons for a Happy, Successful, and Wealthy Retirement. This informal meet-and-greet offers a chance to connect more personally and set the tone for the insights ahead.

Be sure to attend the Day 2 session, How to Retire: The Advisor’s Guide to Retirement Planning for Women, where Christine Benz, Carolyn McClanahan, and Jean Chatzky will share strategies around longevity, healthcare, intergenerational wealth transfer, and the unique retirement planning needs of women.

Join the healthcare equity research team from Morningstar to consider how revolutionary changes in therapies, devices, and diagnostics are poised to drive growth and counter pricing pressure. From the GLP-1 market in biopharma to new procedures for atrial fibrillation and hypertension in medical devices, we’ll discuss several ongoing and potential sector drivers, along with the stocks that are best positioned to benefit from these trends.

Animal Spirits is a podcast about markets, life, and investing. Join Michael Batnick and Ben Carlson as they talk about what they're reading, writing, listening to, and watching.

Hear the latest on two of Gabelli Funds' active ETFs. Tony Bancroft, Portfolio Manager of the Gabelli Commercial Aerospace & Defense ETF (GCAD), will share his outlook on opportunities in commercial aviation and defense spending. Macrae Sykes, Portfolio Manager of the Gabelli Financial Services Opportunities Fund (GABF), will discuss current trends and investment prospects in the financial services sector.

Buffer ETFs have grown from a niche offering to over $60 billion in assets over the past five years. These ETFs use options to restructure risk, giving investors downside protection in exchange for some upside. Join this panel as we decode buffer ETFs, dig into their nuances, and discuss how they best fit in portfolios.

Your personal brand is the highest level of your reputation: who you are, what you offer, and what you’re known for. In today’s competitive wealth management landscape, a strong personal brand is your edge that helps you stand out and grow your business. Learn to shape and tell your story by joining this panel of marketing and branding industry leaders.

Join industry veteran CIO and Portfolio Manager George Maris for an in-depth discussion on international markets. George will share his expertise from 25+ years of investing in the international space and give insights into how he is viewing the international landscape for the remainder of 2025 and beyond.

Use this time to stretch your legs, head to lunch, and shift your focus before diving into the next part of your day.

Enjoy a buffet lunch at Navy Pier, with food stations set up outdoors and seating available both inside and outside. Whether you prefer a lakeside view or an indoor spot, you’ll have a comfortable place to sit and enjoy your meal.

Take this opportunity to get moving, connect with others before the next session, and prepare for the next part of your day.

TBD

The popularity and rapid growth of collateralized loan obligations and strategies dedicated to this asset class have enticed investors with the promise of higher yields and limited credit risk. This session aims to help investors better understand how these instruments work, assess opportunities and latent risks, and discuss what's next for CLOs.

Join Philip Straehl, Americas Chief Investment Officer, and Dominic Pappalardo, Chief Multi-Asset Strategist, for a discussion of the best investment ideas from Morningstar across global equity and fixed income markets. Learn how to position your clients' portfolios to take advantage of the best opportunities in today's market environment.

Fifteen promising emerging fintechs will showcase their innovative tech stacks, business models, and strategies, and compete for the Best-of-Show prize: a private lunch with Morningstar’s CEO.

Showcase features: Accountable Finance, ARQA, Habits Inc, Humanity Labs, Holistico, Linvest21, MDOTM, RAFA AI, Sandbox Wealth, TwoCents.ai, WealthVista Inc.

Learn how AI can transform your practice by addressing key business challenges, enhancing efficiency and driving smarter decision-making through practical, actionable strategies.

Sponsored by: Capital Group | American Funds

The new Vanguard CEO has been in his seat for a little more than a year. In this exclusive conversation, he will discuss his vision for the storied firm  and what he sees as the key challenges and opportunities for investors and advisors in the years ahead. 

Long synonymous with indexing, ETFs have entered a new phase characterized by active management, derivatives, crypto, and individual stocks. Morningstar Manager Research explores how ETFs have changed and what investors need to know.

Advisors must optimize their teams to capitalize on growth in the face of competition, uncertainty and evolving client demands. In this session we will provide insights on new client acquisition, generational wealth transfer, demonstrating how you are different from other advisors, building and retaining a cohesive, high-performing team, succession planning and maintaining profitability levels as you grow. 

Sponsored by: Capital Group | American Funds

In this keynote session, Morningstar CEO Kunal Kapoor will discuss how Morningstar drives innovation, delivers high-quality data, and fosters a shared language to connect investors, advisors, and fintech innovators. He'll share market trends, actionable strategies, and insights to help investors thrive as public and private markets converge.

As Vanguard marks a half century of serving investors, a new captain has taken the helm. In many respects, the firm has remained true to its roots and stayed the course. But it’s also plotting new headings as it looks to build its advice offering and expand access to private markets. In this interview with Vanguard CEO Salim Ramji, we’ll look back on how far the firm has come over 50 years and look forward to what might lie over the next horizon.

Since its 1930 founding, Dodge & Cox has never followed the herd. Its focused, low-turnover strategies have been staples among institutional portfolios for decades and have delivered enviable performance while most actively managed peers have struggled. In this session, we’llchat with CEO and Chair Dana Emery as she prepares to hand the reins at yearend to Dodge & Cox's next generation of leaders. We'll discuss why the Dodge & Cox model has worked, whether its moat is enduring, and what changes may be coming at the firm and in the industry.

Join retired General Stanley McChrystal for an exclusive keynote session where he brings his unparalleled leadership experience to bear on the challenges facing financial advisors today. Drawing from his vast experience in high-stakes environments, McChrystal will discuss how today’s shifting geopolitical landscape affects global markets and what advisors need to understand to navigate uncertainty. He’ll also dive into the principles of leading teams in complex, high-pressure situations—crucial lessons for financial advisors managing their business. Gain actionable insights on how to build resilient teams, make strategic decisions under pressure, and stay ahead of global risks, all while helping clients achieve their financial goals in a rapidly evolving world.

Enjoy delicious food and drinks while taking in breathtaking, unobstructed views of Lake Michigan and Chicago’s iconic skyline at Offshore Rooftop. Recognized by Guinness World Records as the largest rooftop in the world, this one-of-a-kind destination offers an unforgettable experience with a stunning backdrop.

Registration remains open for check-in and assistance as you prepare for another engaging day. Enjoy a fresh and flavorful breakfast buffet indoors at Navy Pier, with a variety of options to start your morning right. Choose indoor or outdoor seating to relax, take in the views, and connect with fellow attendees before the day’s sessions begin.

Let’s gear up for another incredible day—get ready to engage, explore new ideas, and make the most of it.

Public and private markets are converging. As a result, advisors are faced with an expanding menu of options to diversify clients' portfolios into previously inaccessible corners of private markets. In this discussion that’ll be simultaneously streamed live on LinkedIn, Apollo Global Management CEO Marc Rowan and Morningstar CEO Kunal Kapoor will explore the challenges and opportunities facing advisors as they navigate this new territory.

This expert panel will dive into the critical retirement questions we’re all asking, offering clear, actionable strategies on longevity, intergenerational wealth transfer, and other key planning areas—with a special emphasis on considerations for women clients. Learn how women can navigate unique retirement challenges, how to manage healthcare and long-term care, and how to make the shift from saving to spending with confidence.

Looking to connect with others and share ideas? Book a braindate. These are casual, focused conversations—one-on-one or in small groups—where you can explore topics, ask questions, and exchange experiences. All braindates take place in the Braindate Lounge.

The Braindate Lounge will close for lunch between 11:40 AM and 1:30 PM.

Sponsored by Capital Group | American Funds

Experience the full potential of Morningstar data and solutions through live demos, interactive training, and expert insights. Explore the latest innovations, attend sessions in the Morningstar Theater, connect with the Customer Advocacy team, enjoy pop-up snacks, and join giveaways throughout the day.

Innovation Stations
Get a sneak peek at future Morningstar features and tools at the Innovation Stations in the Exhibit Hall. Test AI-powered workflows, new platform integrations, digital reporting tools, and advanced equity analysis. Share your feedback and help shape the next generation of solutions.

The Hub will close for lunch between 11:40 AM and 1:30 PM.

It’s your chance to explore, connect, and discover! Stop by to catch a last-minute session, grab key takeaways from industry experts, and make those connections before the conference wraps up. 

The Exhibit Hall will close for lunch between 11:40 AM and 1:30 PM.

Severe weather events, alongside debates over taxes, tariffs, and the future of tax-exempt status, have added new layers of volatility to the municipal bond market. Join the world's leading municipal bond managers as they share their proven methods for assessing risk, uncovering high-potential investments, and maximizing your returns in the municipal bond sector for 2025 and beyond.

Big Picture in Practice is a B2B podcast aimed at financial professionals across the asset and wealth management industry. The goal is to have lively conversations with industry experts across a variety of timely and topical subjects to keep listeners apprised of the latest industry trends and allow them to learn from their peers. The podcast is hosted by Ben Johnson, Morningstar’s head of asset management solutions, and Julie Willoughby, Morningstar’s head of global sales.

Discover how behavioral science can help you navigate the growing role of AI in financial advising. In this session, we’ll dive into the psychological factors that influence client acceptance of AI and explore pitfalls to avoid when integrating it. You’ll walk away with actionable insights and a clear understanding of how AI can be put to work in your practice—whether you're just getting started or looking to refine your approach.

Despite ongoing volatility, absolute yields remain attractive. Bonds once again provide meaningful income and value for investors.

Stay with us after "Peer to Pier: All Aboard" as we delve deeper into the practical applications of Direct Advisory Suite. Join us to gain actionable knowledge and skills to fully utilize the software in your own workflows.

Bonds are often seen as the primary source of income, but equities and alternative assets can provide impressive yield opportunities as well. Learn from some of the industry’s highly regarded income investors on how incorporating different asset classes or approaches can enhance your income strategy without adding excessive risk.

Join Gabelli Funds Director of Growth Equities, John Belton, for an overview of the Gen AI market, where we are in the cycle, who benefits  and a discussion of how to monetize opportunities in this space going forward. 

Advice isn’t just about data—it’s about the story you tell, the value you deliver, and the trust you build. In this session, discover how Morningstar’s Direct Advisory Suite empowers advisors to transform complex insights into personalized, interactive narratives that resonate. Learn how to elevate every client interaction with reporting that doesn’t just inform—but inspires. When your insights are delivered with clarity and context, they become impossible to ignore.

As you head to lunch, it's the perfect time to network with fellow attendees or handle any quick calls.

Lunch buffets will be set up outdoors at Navy Pier, with seating available both inside and outside. Choose a spot that suits you and enjoy your meal with a great view or in a comfortable indoor setting.

Use this time to head to the next session, network with others, or set yourself up for the next part of your day.

Starting with its 1982 founding, Baron Capital has developed its reputation through a long-term, fundamental, active approach to growth investing. Decades of data shows that their approach has paid off, with consistent performance decade over decade. In this conversation, Baron Capital founder and CEO Ron Baron will share key insights about his unique investment approach, explore some of his top stock ideas, and reveal stories from his over 40 years of investing.

Leverage key components of leadership to create a succession plan that both helps ensure your legacy and puts clients first.

• Prepare clients for your exit and your firm’s next generation of leaders
• Get your team ready to serve clients’ needs into the future
• Set your business up for ongoing success

Sponsored by:  Capital Group | American Funds

The Economics and Fixed Income Research team from Morningstar speaks about what is changing in the economy and the impacts, risks, expected returns, and choices investors could face. This session is designed to help you frame your investment decision making in the context of the US economy and explain the key drivers of current economic conditions to your clients.

The landscape for financial advisors is shifting— growth-oriented practices increasingly prioritize business development and client relationships. Fidelity’s annual RIA benchmarking study reveals that advisors who strategically outsource key functions experience faster growth, higher revenue, and stronger client acquisition.

Whether you’re considering outsourcing or looking to refine your approach, this session is designed to offer valuable perspectives on optimizing your practice for long-term success.

Private investments in public funds are the new frontier of investing, but do they ultimately serve the end investor? ETFs are particularly susceptible to the liquidity mismatch between public and private investing. We bring together industry experts to discuss the hurdles facing the ETF industry to get private assets in ETFs and whether they are surmountable.

Additional speakers to be announced.

Active ETFs are the fastest-growing segment of the funds business. Find out why with two dynamic managers of active equity funds. Where are they investing, and how do ETFs impact their strategies?