2026 Virtual Kick-Off
Our Top Sponsors
Meet Our Platinum Sponsors
Our Platinum Sponsors represent the highest level of partnership. These distinguished organizations share our commitment to excellence and innovation. Click below to explore more sponsors.
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Keynote Speaker
Robert F. Engle
– Professor Emeritus of Finance
– Co-Director, The Volatility and Risk Institute
Robert Engle is the Michael Armellino Professor of Finance at NYU Stern and Co-director of the Volatility Institute and V-Lab, which provides real-time volatility and correlation estimates for global assets. He received the 2003 Nobel Prize in Economic Sciences for his work on time-varying volatility and the ARCH model. Dr. Engle holds a Ph.D. in Economics from Cornell University.
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Timothy C. Pfeifer
FSA, MAAA
Timothy C. Pfeifer has been President of Pfeifer Advisory LLC, offering expertise in retirement product and life insurance design.
Linus Sudzius J.D.
CLU, ChFC, Advanced Underwriting
In his 30+ year career in the tax law field, Linus Sudzius has become known as a go-to expert in the underwriting arena, serving clients nationwide and building a thriving consulting practice thanks to happy clients and glowing referrals.
Live Drawings and Giveaways
A Chance to Win
By registering and attending Ascend, you will be automatically entered into our drawing. IAMS will give you a dollar-for-dollar advertising/marketing reimbursement match for any IAMS vendor you use, up to $1,000 you spend.* When you invest to grow your business, we do too!
Live Schedule
Event agenda
We have an exciting lineup of guest speakers and presentations for you this year! Make sure you don't miss a single moment by checking out our line up this year. Click the button below to view the agenda.
Get in Touch
Reach Out Today
Need help with something or have a question about the event? Click the button below to contact us anytime and someone from our team will reach out to you to help get you what you need.
Featured Speakers
Voices of Our Guests
Get ready for in-depth discussions with industry leaders who help shape what we do and enrich how we serve our clients. Insightful presentations from our featured speakers will show what's in store this year for financial professionals, the economy, and our industry.