Program

Full Schedule

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 6, 2026

7 – 8 a.m.
5K Run/Walk

(Advance registration required)

7:30 a.m. - 2 p.m.
HOLLYWOOD SIGN HIKE

(Optional, at an additional cost)

8 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
WARNER BROTHERS STUDIO TOUR

(Optional, at an additional cost)

1 – 6:30 p.m.
Registration/MDRT Member Benefits & Foundation Booths Open
6 – 7 p.m.
FIRST-TIME EXPERIENCE

(Closed event, by invitation only)

7 – 10 p.m.
WELCOME EVENT

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 7, 2026

7 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Registration/MDRT Member Benefits & Foundation Booths Open
7 – 8:15 a.m.
NETWORKING BREAKFAST
8:30 a.m. – 12 p.m.
MAIN PLATFORM

Ian Freeman

Life beneath the suit

Edward S. Felsenthal, CLU

From rock around the clock to ticktock

Kyle Maynard

No excuses

Eric Termuende

One-degree shifts: How to navigate rapid change and uncertainty

Tripp Crosby

Emcee for Wednesday Main Platform

10 – 10:30 a.m.
COFFEE BREAK
12 – 1:15 p.m.
NETWORKING LUNCH
1:15 – 2 p.m.
AFTERNOON SESSIONS

Tim Daniel Clairmont, MSFS, LACP, Dana Mitchell, CFP, CLU, Paramjit Singh Sarai, Juli Y. McNeely, CFP, CLU

"The People Advantage" - How elite advisors recruit, develop, and retain client-facing staff 

Eric David Brotman, CFP, AEP

Merge ahead: The road map to strategic acquisitions, succession plans and internal equity transfers

Cecilia Tsang, CFP, B Com

Deepening client relationships: The power of personal touches

Izumi Osada

Fast alone, far together

1:15 – 3:15 p.m.
GUEST SESSION
2 – 2:30 p.m.
COFFEE BREAK
2:30 – 3:15 p.m.
AFTERNOON SESSIONS

Jaslyn Ng, Brandon J. Wellman, CFP, RICP

Tech workshop: Digital communication

R. J. Kelly, AEP, MSFS

The radical retirement road map: Creating an ideal retirement starting today

Brian D. Heckert, CLU, ChFC

Beyond the digital meeting to a single pane of glass

3:30 – 4:30 p.m.
THE DAILY DEBRIEF
4:45 – 8:15 p.m.
OPEN EVENING FOR DINNER
8:30 – 10 p.m.
SWEET AND GREET

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2026

7 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Registration/MDRT Member Benefits Booth Open
7 – 8:15 a.m.
NETWORKING BREAKFAST
7:30 – 8:15 a.m.
MDRT FOUNDATION INNER CIRCLE SOCIETY BREAKFAST

(Invitation only)

8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.
MDRT FOUNDATION BOOTH OPEN
8:30 a.m. – 12 p.m.
MAIN PLATFORM

Helen Jayne West, APFS

Where did my time go?

Ryan J. Pinney

BPA

Naoki Noda

How to access client emotions that drive real financial decisions

Juli Y. McNeely, CFP, CLU

Creating an internship strategy

Wade A. McFee, CLU, ChFC

3 lessons from climbing Mount Kilimanjaro

Sol Hicks

Building a practice that lasts beyond the numbers

Brad Brain, CFP, CLU

You are not as good as you think you are

Sarah Wells

The pursuit of excellence: How to cultivate unstoppable excellence every day

Alison Canavan

Leading from within, mastering your energy

Tripp Crosby

Emcee for Thursday Main Platform

10 – 10:30 a.m.
COFFEE BREAK
12 – 1:15 p.m.
Networking Lunch
1:15– 2 p.m.
AFTERNOON SESSIONS

Ian Green, DipPFS, Elli Schochet, CFP, Chad Willardson, AWMA, CRPC

Working in the ultra-high-net-worth market: A panel discussion

Amanda Cassar, MFP, AFP

Aligning vision, commitment and action in leadership and financial planning

Paresh B. Shah, CFP

Technology is the best scalability tool

Josh Ketchie, CPA, CFP

Thriving in a fully virtual practice

1:15– 2 p.m.
GUEST SESSION
2 – 2:30 p.m.
COFFEE BREAK
2:30 – 3:15 p.m.
AFTERNOON SESSIONS

Panos Leledakis, LUTCF, Maryam Rasouli Habibi

Tech workshop: How to deploy AI chatbots

Gregory B. Gagne, ChFC

Leading well and living well: Lessons in leadership and time that actually work

Alison Canavan

Habit stacking and daily energy alignment

3:30 – 4:30 p.m.
THE DAILY DEBRIEF
6:30 – 10:30 p.m.
RECEPTION AND DINNER DANCE

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 9, 2026

7 – 8:15 a.m.
NETWORKING BREAKFAST
7:30 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Registration/MDRT Member Benefits/Foundation Booths Open
9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
MAIN PLATFORM

Amy Turk

MDRT Foundation Check Reveal

Manley Feinberg

Exponential commitment: Build breakthrough momentum in the storm of change and uncertainty

Suneel Gupta

The game of now: Leading, deciding and taking action in an uncertain world

Tripp Crosby

Emcee for Friday Main Platform

10:30 – 11:30 a.m.
COFFEE BREAK
Schedule is subject to change.
View All Speaker information

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.

View All Speaker Information

Networking

Elevate your experience with exclusive optional activities.

Warner Brothers Studio Tour

Tuesday, October 6, 2026

8:30 a.m. : Shuttle departs hotel

10 a.m.–12 p.m. : Guided tour

12–2 p.m. : Lunch, shopping and self-guided tour

2–3:30 p.m. : Shuttle returns to hotel

This experience brings you closer than ever to the entertainment you love with more stories from behind the camera featuring the Friends Central Perk Cafe, DC superheroes exhibit, The Big Band Theory sets and more. Light refreshments in a screening room will kick off this private event before you embark on a tour with your expert guide. Explore the historic 110-acre studio while learning how the magic of TV and film is brought to life. Lunch will be provided in an expanded Central Perk Cafe, which will include a tour, a New York deli-inspired menu and recreated sets from the hit show "Friends." The tour will last about two hours, with an additional two hours provided for self-guided touring, shopping and lunch. Transportation to and from the tour is included.

Due to required guarantees, cancellations must be received in writing to MDRT () on or before September 8, 2026, to receive a refund. No refunds will be given for cancellations received after September 8, 2026. No refunds will be given for no-shows.

Hollywood Sign Hike

Tuesday, October 6, 2026

7:30 a.m. : Shuttle departs hotel

9–11 a.m. : Hike

12:30–2 p.m. : Shuttle returns to hotel

A privately guided tour, this hike is designed for those who crave an active and memorable Los Angeles experience, with incredible views, photo opportunities and a true connection to one of the most iconic landmarks in the world. The hike is led by a professional Los Angeles guide and includes bottled water and light snacks. Hiking boots are not required, as athletic shoes, sneakers or trail shoes are sufficient for this four- to six-mile hike. Wear comfortable active attire, and bring sunglasses, sunscreen and a hat, especially since there is limited shade on portions of the hike. This experience is best suited for those who are interested in a moderate intensity walk/hike rather than an easy stroll. Transportation to and from the hike is included.

Due to required guarantees, cancellations must be received in writing to MDRT () on or before September 8, 2026, to receive a refund. No refunds will be given for cancellations received after September 8, 2026. No refunds will be given for no-shows.

5K Run/Walk

Tuesday, October 6, 2026

Advance registration required.

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.

Golf

Tuesday, October 6, 2026

7 – 8 a.m.

While a hosted golf tournament will not be available this year, attendees are still welcome to enjoy the scenic golf offerings in the area. The Terranea Resort features The Links at Terranea, a beautiful 9‑hole, par‑3 course overlooking the Pacific Ocean, and individual tee times can be arranged directly through the resort. 

The following additional local golf courses are also available:

(Public, 18 holes)

Upscale coastal course located nearby in Rancho Palos Verdes.

For those who may have reciprocal play arrangements, the closest private course is:

(Private, 18 holes)

Historic private club located in Palos Verdes Estates.

First-Time Experience

Tuesday, October 6

Invitation only

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.