First of all,
Why should you invest your time and money in attending these annual conferences? A valid question to ask. Well, Investment conferences are essential networking and learning opportunities for serious investors in 2026.
You will get decision-makers, institutional investors, fund managers, and innovative fintech entrepreneurs under one roof – maybe even shake hands with Warren Buffett. Gain access to information that may take months to filter into mainstream industry knowledge. Most conferences offer continuing education credits alongside deep-dive sessions on technical topics, regulatory changes, and best practices. If you are a fund manager or wealth advisor, conferences may serve as fertile ground for sourcing new investments. Understand what your competitors are doing and which technologies they’re adopting. Gain the ability to track industry evolution year over year.
9 Best Investment Conferences in 2026
1. Berkshire Hathaway Annual Shareholders Meeting
Location: Omaha, Nebraska, USA (CHI Health Center)
Typical Timing: First Saturday in May (Next: May 2, 2026)
Nickname: “The Woodstock for Capitalists”
What to Expect:
In one word, this is a legendary gathering. It attracts approximately 40,000 shareholders and value investors from around the world to hear Warren Buffett. The event features a marathon Q&A session lasting 5–6 hours, with direct Q&A with Warren Buffett, Greg Abel (CEO successor), and Ajit Jain.
Cost Consideration:
You only need one share of BRK.B stock (approximately $450–500) to attend. The meeting itself is free for shareholders.
2. CFA Institute Annual Conference (CFA Institute LIVE)
Location: Rotates annually (major global financial centers)
Typical Timing: Spring (typically May)
Recent/Upcoming: Chicago (May 4–7, 2025), with 2026 location TBA
What to Expect:
This is the flagship event for CFA charterholders and investment professionals worldwide. It’s research-heavy and intellectually rigorous, reflecting the CFA Institute’s commitment to professionalism and ethics. Celebrated economists, best-selling authors, and leading researchers attend. Dedicated tracks on fintech, sustainable investing, and private wealth. Collect CE credits while attending.
Cost of Registration:
Exact 2026 pricing isn’t yet published publicly as of early 2026, but previous CFA Institute LIVE events have offered complimentary registration for in-person attendance to some delegates and digital content packages. Registration fees may apply for full in-person access; check the official CFA Institute events page for updates.
3. Morningstar Investment Conference
Location: Chicago, Illinois, USA
Typical Timing: June (annually)
What to Expect:
Morningstar’s annual conference is the gold standard for investment research and fund analysis. Expect in-depth presentations from Morningstar’s research team, as well as sessions on behavioral finance and investor psychology.
Cost of Registration:
The Advisor pass costs around $399–$499 for early/standard registration for advisors, and a General Attendee pass was roughly $999–$1,199, depending on timing.
4. SIBOS (SWIFT International Banking Operations Seminar)
Location: Rotates annually (major global cities)
Typical Timing: Late September/Early October
What to Expect:
SIBOS is the world’s premier financial services event, organized by SWIFT. The focus is on financial infrastructure, payments innovation, securities settlement, and financial crime compliance. Features 500+ expert speakers across 250+ sessions.
Cost of Registration:
SIBOS offers digital access passes (e.g., around €275 for on-demand digital access). Full in-person registration pricing for participants typically ranges from several hundred to over a thousand.
5. FPA Annual Conference (Financial Planning Association)
Location: Varies annually (major U.S. cities)
Typical Timing: September/October
What to Expect:
The FPA Annual Conference is the largest gathering of financial planners in the United States. It’s designed by planners for planners. Includes keynote speakers from the business and planning worlds and NexGen programming for newer planners.
Cost of Registration:
Recent FPA extended conference programs show early bird pricing around $3,400 for members and $4,000 for non-members, with regular rates above those levels.
6. Schwab IMPACT
Location: Varies annually (typically major U.S. cities)
Typical Timing: Fall (October/November)
What to Expect:
Schwab IMPACT is specifically designed for independent financial advisors who custody assets with Charles Schwab. It’s one of the largest custodian conferences. Includes a comprehensive technology expo with advisor-focused tools and regulatory compliance updates.
Cost of Registration:
Previous Schwab IMPACT registration was around $1,695 for standard advance registration and about $2,000 for on-site registration.
7. Ben Graham Conference (CFA Society New York)
Location: New York City, USA
Typical Timing: June (annually)
What to Expect:
This annual conference honors Benjamin Graham’s value investing principles. It features rigorous discussions on valuation methodologies, investment philosophy, long-term wealth creation, and applying Graham’s principles to modern markets.
Cost of Registration:
Typical fees from recent years included about $195 for members and approximately $525 for non-members
8. J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference
Location: San Francisco, California, USA
Typical Timing: January (annually, typically first or second week)
What to Expect:
This is the premier healthcare investment conference in the world. It features presentations from publicly traded healthcare companies, private biotech firms, and healthcare services organizations. Includes one-on-one meetings between investors and company management.
Cost of Registration:
Registration to the J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference is traditionally invitation-only and typically not publicly priced.
9. MIT Sloan Investment Conference
Location: Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA (MIT Campus)
Typical Timing: Spring (annually, running for 20+ years)
What to Expect:
This student-run annual conference brings together industry practitioners, academics, and students to explore timely investment themes. The 2025 theme was “From Dotcom to Reflation: 20 Years of Market Evolution.”
Cost of Registration:
Past conferences have been priced in the hundreds of dollars range for professionals, with lower rates for students or academics.
Do’s and Don’ts
DO:
-Set clear objectives before attending – know what you want to achieve (relationships, knowledge, partnerships).
-Prepare an elevator pitch – concisely explain what you do and what you’re looking for.
-Book meetings in advance – top people’s calendars fill up quickly.
-Bring plenty of business cards – digital exchange is great, but cards still work reliably.
-Follow up promptly – reach out within 48 hours while you’re still memorable.
-Attend social events – evening receptions often yield better connections than formal sessions.
-Dress appropriately – research the conference culture beforehand (some require suits, others are more casual).
DON’T:
-Don’t oversell yourself – listen more than you talk; build relationships first.
-Don’t collect contacts without purpose – quality over quantity in networking.
-Don’t skip meals – lunch and breakfast sessions provide valuable networking opportunities.
-Don’t stick with people you already know – branch out to maximize value.
-Don’t monopolize speakers’ time – be respectful of others waiting.
-Don’t bad-mouth competitors – the industry is smaller than you think.
-Don’t make commitments you can’t keep – only offer follow-ups you can deliver.
-Don’t forget to review badge info before exchanging contacts – know who you’re talking to.
-Don’t ignore virtual components – many conferences now have hybrid options.
That is it for today. Hope you find value.
Thank You.
Mehrab Musa,
Author, Asset Stories.
