Schedule
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2025
(Optional, at an additional cost)
(Advance registration required)
(Optional, at an additional cost)
(Optional, at an additional cost)
(Closed event, by invitation only)
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2025
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
Charity Partner presentation
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: Building career path and compensation models for an ensemble firm
(Registration on-site)
Robert Cullen, FCSP MBA
Open Session: Staffing, process development and team culture
Juli Y. McNeely CFP CLU and Gregory K. Large CLU ChFC
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
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2025
(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
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
(Registration on-site)
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
Deeper Dive: Unleashing AI: From bathroom ideas to business breakthroughs
Cameron Herold
Unleash the power of a COO (Second in Command)
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2025
Vernice Armour
You have permission to engage: Cleared HOT
Peter Baines
Charity Partner Check Presentation
Ryan Stramrood
PushPastImpossible
Amanda Stevens
Elevating every experience
Sessions
MAIN PLATFORM
Inspiring sessions that reveal best business practices, uncover innovative solutions, offer economic overviews, discuss trending technology and encourage work-life balance.
AFTERNOON SESSIONS
A variety of engaging presentation formats offered in 45-minute segments and 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
Golf Tournament – Cart-path only
Talking Stick Golf Club
Wednesday, October 22
6:45 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
USD 150 per person (includes breakfast, lunch and beverage cart; clubs are available to rent at an additional cost of USD 80 and includes two sleeves of golf balls)
Tee off in paradise at the Talking Stick Golf Club, where luxury meets exciting game play. Offering spectacular views of the McDowell Mountains, Camelback Mountain and Red Mountain, the O'Odham course provides a sophisticated blend of beauty with the demands every golfer enjoys. Take this time to clear your mind and soak up the scenery at this first-class golf club.
Golf dress code: Collared shirts, mid-thigh shorts, no denim permitted. Traditional styled golf shoes with soft spikes or flat sole tennis shoes may be worn.
Shuttle will depart at 6:45 a.m. from the Camelback Porte-Cochere entrance, which is located in the main building, first floor, conference level. If your golf clubs are stored with the hotel, they will be on the shuttle. If your clubs are in your room, you must bring them down to be loaded onto the shuttle before departure.
Due to required guarantees, cancellations must be received in writing to MDRT (tot@mdrt.org) on or before September 23, 2025, to receive a refund. No refunds will be given for cancellations received after September 23, 2025. No refunds will be given for no-shows.
5K Run/Walk
Wednesday, October 22
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 desert landscapes, lush resort grounds and Scottsdale's mountains. Join us for a luxurious wellness experience and outdoor adventure.
Old Town Scottsdale Walking Food Tour
Wednesday, October 22
10:45 a.m. – 2:15 p.m.
USD 265 per person
Ready to experience Scottsdale like never before? Join us on a mouthwatering, three-hour guided culinary tour through the heart of downtown Scottsdale, where history, culture and cuisine collide in the most delicious way.
Stroll through the vibrant streets of “The West’s Most Western Town” as your local foodie guide leads you to three handpicked dining gems, each serving up unforgettable flavors and stories. From hidden hotspots to legendary local favorites, you’ll enjoy cuisine that captures the essence of Scottsdale’s rich and evolving food scene.
But this isn’t just about great eats — this tour is your insider’s look at how Scottsdale grew from a rustic, western outpost to one of America’s most flavorful and beloved travel destinations. Along the way, you’ll soak in the local culture, explore the charm of downtown and discover why food lovers keep coming back for more.
Due to required guarantees, cancellations must be received in writing to MDRT (tot@mdrt.org) on or before September 23, 2025, to receive a refund. No refunds will be given for cancellations received after September 23, 2025. No refunds will be given for no-shows.
Savory Wine Tour
Wednesday, October 22
12:15 – 3:30 p.m.
USD 230 per person
Enjoy a taste of Old Town Scottsdale as you walk through the Main Street district. Guests visit beautiful tasting rooms, sample expertly crafted wines and learn about the growing and evolving Arizona wine industry while enjoying delicious food pairings.
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Visit three beautiful tasting rooms.
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Sample expertly crafted Arizona wines.
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Enjoy an appetizer at each stop.
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Learn from a sommelier or wine maker about the state’s evolving wine industry.
Due to required guarantees, cancellations must be received in writing to MDRT (tot@mdrt.org) on or before September 23, 2025, to receive a refund. No refunds will be given for cancellations received after September 23, 2025. No refunds will be given for no-shows.
First-Time Experience
Wednesday, October 22
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 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
Wednesday, October 22
7 – 10 p.m.
Picture the stunning backdrop of Arizona’s desert while you and your guest enjoy the Welcome Event. Meet, connect and unwind as you begin your week of meaningful conversation, education and inspiration.
Networking Breakfasts and Lunches
Thursday, October 23 — Breakfast/Lunch
Friday, October 24 — Breakfast/Lunch
Saturday, October 25 — Breakfast
See schedule for times
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 Thursday, Friday and Saturday mornings to fuel up for the day ahead.
During lunchtime on Thursday and Friday, 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
Thursday, October 23, and Friday, October 24
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 Thursday and Friday afternoons to share their takeaways and ideas from the day's sessions. This also is a great opportunity to network with some of the day's speakers.
Open Evening
Thursday, October 23
Enjoy an open evening at the resort or a local restaurant. Choose from several restaurants within the resort, each with a unique menu. Alternatively, you can venture outside of the hotel property to experience the culinary delights of Scottsdale. Feel free to make arrangements at the Restaurant Reservations Desk, located in the meeting registration area (see schedule for hours).
Sweet and Greet
Thursday, October 23
8:30 – 10 p.m.
End your evening with casual coffee, after-dinner drinks and dessert with fellow attendees.
Reception and Dinner Dance
Friday, October 24
6:30 – 7 p.m. Reception
7 –10:30 p.m. Dinner Dance
Join us for a delightful evening filled with great food, camaraderie and music. Start off with soft music and engaging conversations over dinner, then dance the night away. This is a semiformal event, so gentlemen are encouraged to dress comfortably in a sport coat or suit, while ladies can wear their cocktail attire. Don't miss this memorable experience.
