Full Schedule
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 6, 2026
(Advance registration required)
(Closed event, by invitation only)
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 7, 2026
Carla Brown FPFS CFP, Mark Gaunya GBA, Ian Green DipPFS, Ryan J. Pinney
Panel discussion: How MDRT members use and benefit from AI
David C. Blake
Foundation President Welcome & Ask
Peter Baines
Together We Can
Alison J. Flaum ChFC CLU
Sanity at the top
Ben Nemtin
Powered by purpose
Stacey Hanke
Influence elevated: Maximizing your connection Monday to Monday
Brian Joseph Haney, CFS, CLTC
The 4 secrets of digital marketing success
Lee Min Shing
From water to wealth: An elite athlete's journey to the top
Jason L. Smith
Strategic Succession: Proven structures to take care of your best people
Robert Cullen, FCSP MBA
Open Session: Staffing, process development and team culture
Juli Y. McNeely CFP CLU, Gregory K. Large CLU ChFC, Timothy M. Reis, LUTCF
Panel discussion: Building a business of value
Alison J. Flaum, ChFC, CLU
Deep dive in staying sane
Stacey Hanke
Beyond influence: Mastering executive presence and connection
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2026
(Invitation only)
Robert Cullen FCFP MBA, Dana Mitchell CFP CLU, David C. Blake
MDRT Academy: Accelerating success and efficiency as you grow your team
Benjamin Harding CFP ChFC
Decisions using data
Regina Bedoya CLU ChFC
A homecoming on the Camino
D. Kyle Atkins CLU CFP
"E" does not equal "O"
Tim Daniel Clairmont MSFS LACP
Lessons I've learned from mistakes I've made
Christopher V. Kimball CFP MSFS
Just ask!
Karl Hartey
Unleashing AI: From bathroom ideas to business breakthroughs
Stef Reid
The adaptive mindset: Turning setbacks into superpowers
Cameron Herold
2 ladders: How growing your people grows your company
Ellis N. Liddell, BS
Paying it forward through internship, mentorship and scholarship
Kathleen R. Benjamin, CFP, CPA
Process, process, process: The foundation of firm growth
Eric David Brotman, CFP, AEP
Planning for the future: Essential succession strategies for financial advisors
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Thomas Chan, BSc
Secrets to sustaining Top of the Table success with zero prospecting
D. Kyle Atkins CLU CFP, David Pritchard DipPFS, Darren Ryan CFP CLU, Francis J. Ryan CEBS CFP, Darrell Wade
Planning forward: How to position your continuity, transition and succession of your financial practice
Karl Hartey
Write a book and bring your ideal clients to you
Cameron Herold, Jennifer Borislow
Unleash the power of a COO (Second in Command)
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 9, 2026
Sessions
MAIN PLATFORM
These inspiring sessions reveal best business practices, uncover innovative solutions, offer economic overviews, discuss trending technology and encourage work-life balance.
AFTERNOON SESSIONS
Covering a variety of topics, these engaging sessions are offered in 45-minute segments and are open to all attendees.
Focus Sessions are more technical in nature and offer educational content to help you stay on top of your game, professionally and personally.
Open Sessions create an environment for brainstorming and sharing best practices in a relaxed, conversation-style setting.
Deeper Dives deliver bonus content from exceptional Main Platform speakers.
Networking
Elevate your experience with exclusive optional activities.
5K Run/Walk
Tuesday, October 6, 2026
7 – 8 a.m.
Whether you prefer to walk or run, you will enjoy participating in this year's 5K event. Experience breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean and the lush grounds of the Terranea Resort. Join us for a luxurious wellness experience and outdoor adventure.
First-Time Experience
Tuesday, October 6
6 – 7 p.m.
If this is your first Top of the Table Annual Meeting, please join us at a special orientation reception designed specifically for first-time attendees and their guests. It is the perfect opportunity to get to know other members, including the Top of the Table Advisory Board and committee members, in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. You will be able to mingle, make new connections and learn more about what to expect while attending the meeting. We can't wait to help you make the most of what promises to be a wonderful experience.
Welcome Event
Tuesday, October 6
7 – 10 p.m.
Picture the stunning backdrop of the Terranea Resort while you and your guest enjoy the Welcome Event. Enjoy food, drinks and entertainment throughout the evening. Meet, connect and unwind as you prepare for a week of meaningful conversation, education and inspiration.
Networking Breakfasts and Lunches
Wednesday, October 7 — Breakfast, 8 a.m. / Lunch, 12 p.m
Thursday, October 8 — Breakfast, 8 a.m. / Lunch, 12 p.m.
Friday, October 9 — Breakfast, 8 a.m.
Start your day off right with a delicious hot breakfast buffet, freshly brewed coffee and plenty of opportunities to network with your peers. Join us on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday mornings to fuel up for the day ahead.
During lunchtime on Wednesday and Thursday, continue the conversation over a delectable buffet. Enjoy a variety of options to satisfy any craving, and engage in lively discussions with fellow Top of the Table members and their guests.
These networking opportunities are an integral part of your overall meeting experience, and we encourage you to take full advantage of them.
The Daily Debrief
Wednesday, October 7 and Thursday, October 8
3:30–4:30 p.m.
After a long day of learning, take some time to unwind and connect with fellow members outdoors. Join us for the Daily Debrief, a designated time for attendees to come together on Wednesday and Thursday afternoons to share their takeaways and ideas from the day's sessions. This is also a great opportunity to network with some of the day's speakers.
Open Evening
Wednesday, October 7
4:45 – 8:15 p.m.
Wednesday evening is your opportunity to enjoy the resort, spend time with friends or explore the South Bay. You can choose from several restaurants within the resort or venture out of the hotel to experience the surrounding areas. Feel free to contact the hotel concierge at +1 (310) 265-2862 for assistance in reserving dining reservations within the resort or off-site. Availability at restaurants may become limited closer to the event date, so we encourage you to arrange for dinner reservations as well as transportation in advance.
Sweet and Greet
Wednesday, October 7
8:30 – 10 p.m.
End your evening with live entertainment, after-dinner drinks and dessert with fellow members and guests.
Reception and Dinner Dance
Honoring 50 years of this remarkable and exclusive event.
Thursday, October 8
6:30 – 7 p.m. Reception
7 –10:30 p.m. Dinner Dance
Get ready to step back in time to celebrate 50 years in true retro style. Join us for a 1970s shakedown-themed Reception and Dinner Dance, where the music is groovy, the vibes are electric and the memories will last long after the night ends. Start off with soft music and engaging conversations over dinner, then dance the night away. Come dressed to embrace the decade. Think rich colors, statement silhouettes, luxe textures, metallics, wide lapels, bell-bottoms, flowing fabrics, platform shoes and disco-era glamour. Don't miss out on this extraordinary event.
