Program

Schedule

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2025

6:45 a.m.  - 2:30 p.m.
Golf Tournament

(Optional, at an additional cost)

7 – 8 a.m.
5K Run/Walk

(Advance registration required)

10:45 a.m. - 2:15 p.m.
Old Town Scottsdale Walking Food Tour

(Optional, at an additional cost)

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

(Closed event, by invitation only)

7 – 10 p.m.
WELCOME EVENT

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 23, 2025

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

Brian Joseph Haney, CFS, CLTC

The 4 secrets of digital marketing success

Alison J. Flaum ChFC CLU

Sanity at the top

Alison J. Flaum, ChFC, CLU

Deep dive in staying sane

Lee Min Shing

1 day or day 1: DCA your way to success

Jason L. Smith

Strategic succession: Building career path and compensation models for an ensemble firm

Stacey Hanke

Beyond influence: Mastering executive presence and connection

Ben Nemtin

Stacey Hanke

Influence elevated: Maximizing your connection Monday to Monday

10 – 10:30 a.m.
COFFEE BREAK
10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
RESTAURANT RESERVATIONS OPEN
12 – 1:15 p.m.
NETWORKING LUNCH
1:15 – 2 p.m.
AFTERNOON SESSIONS
More Information to come
1:15 – 3:15 p.m.
GUEST SESSION

(Registration on-site)

2 – 2:30 p.m.
COFFEE BREAK
2:30 – 3:15 p.m.
AFTERNOON SESSIONS
More Information to come
3:30 – 4:30 p.m.
THE DAILY DEBRIEF
OPEN EVENING FOR DINNER
8:30 – 10 p.m.
SWEET AND GREET

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2025

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

Benjamin Harding CFP ChFC

Decisions using data

Ellis N. Liddell, BS

Paying it forward through internship, mentorship and scholarship

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

Kathleen R. Benjamin, CFP, CPA

Process, process, process

Eric David Brotman, CFP, AEP

Planning for the future: Essential succession strategies for financial advisors

Thomas Chan, BSc

Secrets to sustaining Top of the Table success with zero prospecting

Karl Hartey

Deeper Dive: Unleashing AI: From bathroom ideas to business breakthroughs

Cameron Herold

Unleash the power of a COO (Second in Command)

Stef Reid

The adaptive mindset: Turning setbacks into superpowers

Ryan Stramrood

PushPastImpossible

Cameron Herold

2 ladders: How growing your people grows your company

10 – 10:30 a.m.
COFFEE BREAK
12 – 1:15 p.m.
Networking Lunch
1:15– 2 p.m.
AFTERNOON SESSIONS
More Information to come
1:15– 2 p.m.
GUEST SESSION

(Registration on-site)

2 – 2:30 p.m.
COFFEE BREAK
2:30 – 3:15 p.m.
AFTERNOON SESSIONS
More Information to come
3:30 – 4:30 p.m.
THE DAILY DEBRIEF
6:30 – 10:30 p.m.
RECEPTION AND DINNER DANCE

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2025

7:30 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Registration/MDRT Member Benefits & Foundation Booth Open
7:30 – 8:45 a.m.
NETWORKING BREAKFAST
9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
MAIN PLATFORM

Vernice Armour

Peter Baines

Charity Partner Check Presentation

Amanda Stevens

Scott Bloom

Emcee

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

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.

View All Speaker Information

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)

Prepaid event, advance registration required

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 () 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.

The Phoenician Golf Course, golf range and putting green will be closed for overseeding. See the concierge, located in the hotel lobby, for additional golf course options in the area.

5K Run/Walk

Wednesday, October 22

7 – 8 a.m.

(Advance registration required)

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

Prepaid event, advance registration required

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 () 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

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 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.