REGISTRATION OPEN : 2026 ANNUAL GALA | | |
May 21, 2026 | Boston Marriott Copley Place
Join us for the 2026 BEPC Annual Gala at the Boston Marriott Copley Place—a special evening celebrating the Council, the 2026 Excellence Award recipient, the 2026 President’s Award recipient, and the transition of our presidents. A limited block of guest rooms will be available at the Marriott for those wishing to stay overnight. Secure your spot now!
Sponsorship Opportunities Still Available
As a BEPC Annual Gala sponsor, your company will gain premier visibility among 400+ members and guests at the event, as well as on the BEPC website before and after the Gala. This is an excellent opportunity to showcase your brand to Boston’s estate planning community.
| | | | Webinar | Guiding Clients and Families Through Cognitive and Emotional Change | |
Apr 28th | 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
Cognitive and emotional changes—from stress and health events to aging—can significantly affect how clients make decisions, communicate, and engage in planning, creating complex dynamics for families and advisors alike. This webinar equips advisors with practical strategies to recognize early signs of change, navigate sensitive conversations with confidence, and support clients and families through transitions while preserving trust and autonomy.
| | Networking | From Attendee to Insider | |
May 7th | 5:00 pm - 7:30 pm
Networking Reception: From Attendee to Insider is a dynamic, welcoming event where members and non-members can build meaningful connections, meet committee leaders, and explore ways to get more involved with the association. In a relaxed setting, attendees will discover how deeper engagement—through volunteering, leadership, and upcoming initiatives—can elevate their professional experience and turn participation into impact.
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FROM THE PRESIDENT
Dear BEPC,
As we enter April, we find ourselves in that classic Boston limbo… the time of year when we’re never quite sure if we should be reaching for our sunglasses or our snow shovels! But while the New England spring might bring a series of “broken promises,” the momentum at the Boston Estate Planning Council is undeniable. We are officially in the home stretch of the 2025-2026 fiscal year, and as I look toward my final few months as your president, I am energized by the work we still have ahead of us before the June finish line.
One of the greatest privileges of serving as BEPC's president is the opportunity to recognize those among us who go above and beyond for our Council. It is my distinct honor to congratulate Brandon P. Fink, CFP ® AEP® as the recipient of this year’s President’s Award. Brandon’s leadership and passion have been instrumental in ensuring our council remains vibrant and forward-thinking. Please join me in thanking Brandon for his dedication; we look forward to celebrating him formally at the BEPC Annual Gala on May 21st!
Spring Event Highlights
We have a robust calendar of events beginning after the tax deadline that offers something for everyone:
April 28th: Guiding Clients and Families Through Cognitive and Emotional Change Webinar
Join us for a practical look at the strategies needed to balance client autonomy with our professional responsibilities when families face cognitive and emotional change.
April 30th: NAEPC Information Session
Learn more about the National Association of Estate Planners & Council, including their programming and benefits available to BEPC members.
May 7th: From Attendee to Insider Networking Event
Interested in becoming more involved in BEPC? Looking to build your network? Hosted by the Member Involvement and Community Engagement Committees, this networking event gives you the inside scoop on volunteering within BEPC.
To learn more about BEPC events or to register, please visit www.bepc.org.
Be sure to secure your tickets for the Annual Gala on May 21st. It promises to be a night of celebration, and I look forward to sharing some exciting updates about the future direction of our council during the evening.
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I look forward to seeing many of you at our upcoming spring events and continuing our work to strengthen the estate planning community in Boston.
Best Regards,
Thomas E. Francione
President, Boston Estate Planning Council
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Liability surrounding AI tools remains an open question, and litigants are testing the limits of such liability via novel legal theories. As discussed in a recent alert, some litigants and legislators are trying to graft traditional product liability frameworks onto AI technologies
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WHY BEPC?
Hear It Straight From Our Members
What keeps professionals engaged in BEPC year after year? At the 60th Annual Heckerling Institute on Estate Planning, we asked both new and longtime BEPC members to share why this community continues to matter in their professional lives.
In a short video captured by BEPC At‑Large Director and Marketing & Communications Committee Board Liaison Brandon P. Fink, CFP® AEP®, members reflect on what sets BEPC apart, including:
- The strength of BEPC’s cross‑disciplinary network
- Meaningful relationships and collaboration that enhance day‑to‑day practice
- High‑quality educational programming and forward‑thinking content
- Support for professionals at every stage of their career, from emerging leaders to seasoned advisors
BEPC is more than an association—it’s a community built on connection, learning, and shared growth. Membership offers access to:
- Educational programs led by trusted experts
- Networking opportunities across estate planning disciplines
- Leadership and volunteer pathways
- Member‑only resources designed to support your practice
We’d Love to Hear Your Why
Why did you join BEPC—and what keeps you involved? Your perspective helps bring our community to life and shows the value of BEPC through the voices of our members.
📣 Share your BEPC story by commenting on our LinkedIn post. Your experience could be featured in future BEPC content!
| | | | 2026 BEPC PRESIDENT'S AWARD | |
Brandon P. Fink, CFP®, AEP® Named 2026 President's Award Recipient
BEPC congratulates Brandon P. Fink, CFP®, AEP® with Claro Advisors as the 2026 President's Award recipient! This prestigious honor is bestowed to individuals who have displayed exceptional service and dedication to BEPC. Brandon will be among the honorees at the 2026 Annual Gala on May 21, 2026.
| | | | ANNOUNCING BEPC'S 2026-2027 OFFICERS | |
Congratulations!
The BEPC Board of Directors is pleased to announce the 2026-2027 officers. The officers shall begin their terms on July 1, 2026. Thank you to BEPC's Officer Nominations Committee for their work in preparing the slate for presentation to and approval by the BEPC Board of Directors.
| | | | FULL & EMERITUS MEMBERS INVITED TO VOTE | |
Vote for the 2026 At-Large Directors and Honorary Director Slate
In lieu of an annual meeting, an electronic ballot is presented to the full and emeritus members to vote on the slate of at-large directors and the honorary director. Cast your vote by April 20, 2026!
At-Large Directors
John Donahue, JD, LL.M.
Kristina L. Foreman, JD, CTFA
Jennifer M. Hall, CFP®, AEP®
Nikki Marie Sherwood, Esq., LL.M.
Honorary Director
Joshua S. Miller, JD, CFP®, AEP®, TEP
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April 19th to April 25th
Since 1974, National Volunteer Week has been an opportunity to recognize the impact of volunteer service and the power of volunteers to tackle society’s greatest challenges, to build stronger communities and be a force that transforms the world. We'd like to sincerely thank all 130+ BEPC volunteers for your dedication and service!
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Help Support Clarification to Massachusetts Powers of Attorney Law
The Boston Estate Planning Council’s Legislative Committee is asking BEPC members to take a simple but meaningful advocacy step: contact your Massachusetts state representatives and senators to urge their support for and amending the language within S1138 and H1911 – An Act Clarifying a Right of a Durable Power of Attorney.
How to Take Action
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Find your Massachusetts legislators: https://malegislature.gov/Search/FindMyLegislator
- Copy and personalize the sample letter included below.
- Email or mail your message directly to your representative and senator.
- Share this call to action with colleagues who may also wish to support the effort.
Why does this matter? Click here to for more background.
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Publish in the NAEPC Journal of Estate & Tax Planning
Submissions from estate planning professionals, members of estate planning councils, Accredited Estate Planner designees, and Estate Planning Law Specialist certificants are invited. Articles should be original, educational, related to the profession of estate planning or the individual disciplines within, topical, timely, and well-written. Issues will be published in May and October during calendar year 2026. The deadline for submissions for the May Issue has passed. However, the deadline for submissions for the October Issue is September 1, 2026.
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Melissa Darling | Baystate Financial Services
Niko Lucic | Paradigm Forensics, LLC
Marie St.Germain | Claro Advisors Inc
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During April, BEPC recognizes the following:
April 1-9 | Passover
April 5 | Easter Sunday
April 15 | Tax Day
April 20 | Patriot’s Day
April 22 | Administrative Professionals Day
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