Future Proof – A conference like no other 

Key Takeaways: 

• Future Proof is redefining the advisor conference experience with its highly successful Breakthru one-on-one meeting format, interactive exhibitor activations and unique outdoor setting. 
• The conference is expanding its influence with strong media presence and by supporting organizations like The Foundation for Financial Planning to drive industry connections and career growth. 
• Looking ahead, the 2026 Future Proof City Wide conference in Miami will focus on Artificial Intelligence 

After attending the recent Future Proof Festival in Newport Beach, Calif., it is clear that CEO and Founder Matt Middleton and his partners Josh Brown and Barry Ritholtz have created an experience like no other. Conversations with numerous advisors confirm that it is working.

At the top of the list is the Breakthru meeting process, one-on-one meeting blocks scheduled throughout the conference that led to meaningful conversation for participants. The model of incentivizing advisors to schedule N number of meetings in exchange for attending inevitably leads to a few encounters that are less than constructive, but by most accounts the “duds” are far outnumbered by substantive introductions that are expected to lead to follow-up conversations. Morningstar and others are now attempting to replicate the success at their own events.

Other observations:

• Swag for an outdoor conference saw sun protection in numerous forms – hats of all types (golf, straw, fishing, visors), sun block, mini fans, beach towels and flip flops. Not surprisingly, snacks seemed harder to find, likely due to concerns about how the heat and sun might affect quality!
• Food trucks provided a wide variety of food that, while novel, perhaps left some hungry. Long lines and small plates of less-than-healthy food left many wanting more. Early one morning, we heard one attendee order healthy breakfast options knowing they’d unlikely find much at the conference.
• Successful exhibitors committed to their investment and made the most of it. We spoke to Tina Schippers, Head of Events & Experiences for Allspring Global, who noted the firm invested in a larger booth this year and scheduled several “activations” to support their investment. These included baristas serving coffee at their booth, scheduling in-booth breakout presentations with company leaders & guest experts, and joint sponsorship of an afterparty following Tuesday evening’s big concert blowout, among others. Schippers wasn’t disappointed as the Allspring booth seemed lively and full throughout the conference with conversations spilling out of their larger-than-average booth.