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News from FPA of Minnesota
Your Partner in Planning
October 6, 2026
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ASCEND 2026: Two Days That Will Shape Your
Next Year of Practice
Mark your calendar: the 2026 ASCEND Conference comes to the Saint Paul RiverCentre on October 20–21. For two days, financial planning professionals from across Minnesota will gather to learn from nationally recognized and locally respected experts, trade ideas with peers, and bring home fresh thinking for their clients and their practices.
Whether you're a seasoned planner, a newer advisor building your book, or part of the team that keeps a practice running, ASCEND is built to help you grow. Expect engaging keynotes, practical sessions on financial planning and practice management, and plenty of time to connect with colleagues.
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Five reasons to be there:
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Earn up to 13 hours of CE. ASCEND offers credit across a wide range of designations: CFP® Board CE, NASBA/CPE, CIMA/IWI®, MN Insurance, NASAA IAR CE, and MN CLE (pending approval). It's one of the most efficient ways to meet your requirements while actually enjoying the process.
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Major league speakers at a minor league price. Hear nationally known voices without the travel or the big-city ticket.
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Walk away with your next client conversations. Year after year, attendees find that ASCEND sessions, along with monthly FPA programming, are their best source of timely topics to bring to clients.
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Top-tier education close to home. ASCEND has earned a reputation as one of the best financial conferences in the country for quality education and networking. Ready. Set. Grow!
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Build relationships that last. Connect with Minnesota's top financial planners and industry vendors, and leave with new friendships, referral partners, and business relationships.
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This year's keynote lineup
The 2026 program spans retirement income, tax strategy, client relationships, practice growth, technology, and the economic outlook.
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A few highlights to watch for: William Bengen, the researcher behind the original 4% rule, revisits his landmark work with an eye toward helping retirees spend more with confidence. The Great Economic Debate brings Dr. David Kelly, Brian Levitt, and Mona Mahajan together on one stage to spar over where markets and the economy are headed. And with AI reshaping both markets and practices, Jeff Hybiak's session tackles the question on everyone's mind: boom, bubble, or both?
Save your seat
ASCEND is just weeks away, and it's the one event each year that brings Minnesota's financial planning community together in one room. Come for the CE, stay for the ideas, and leave with connections that will serve you and your clients all year long.
Register now and join us in Saint Paul, October 20–21, at the RiverCentre. We can't wait to see you there!
| | Save the Date: November Chapter Event | |
Date: November 17, 2026
Time: 8:30-10:30am
Location: FPA of MN Offices | Assemble Training Room
| Thank you to our Event Partner: | | Book Club | Getting Naked by Patrick Lencioni | |
Date: December 18, 2026
Time: 2:00-1:00pm
Location: Virtual
What would happen if we stopped trying to look perfect and started being honest? Patrick Lencioni's Getting Naked tackles that question through an engaging business parable about a consultant who learns that vulnerability, not polish, is what earns lasting client trust. It's a quick, story-driven read with lessons that apply to anyone who serves patients, clients, or colleagues.
Our discussion will focus on three themes: leading with humility and transparency, overcoming the fear of losing business by telling hard truths, and building authentic relationships that last. Whether you've read Lencioni before or are new to his work, come ready to share your thoughts and hear how others are putting these ideas into practice. All are welcome, and you don't need to have finished the book to join the conversation!
| | Mark your calendars for 2027! | Planning ahead for next year? We've made it easy. Our Chapter education events will continue on the third Tuesday of every month, just like this year, so you can keep that standing spot on your calendar. And we're excited to add something new: a monthly networking event on the first Wednesday of each month, giving you even more chances to connect with fellow financial planning professionals across Minnesota. Block both dates on your calendar now and watch for event details and registration in upcoming communications. We look forward to seeing you in 2027! | | Monthly Impact Video from Joe Schmidt | |
Who is the toughest person you know—both mentally and physically?
My guess is you admire that person for their grit, resilience, and persistence. This month’s Impact Video is about someone who embodies all three—and what we can learn from the way they face adversity, keep moving forward, and make an impact along the way.
| | Member Benefit: FPA Marketplace | |
Did you know that as an FPA member you can access the FPA Marketplace? Powered by the Chalice Network®, the FPA Marketplace is your single source of savings on the products and services you need as a financial planning professional, including marketing, fintech, education, compliance, insurance, and more.
But your savings don’t stop there because the FPA Marketplace also gives you access to BenefitHub, which offers you potentially thousands of dollars in savings from a wide range of top companies like Verizon, Costco, Geico, Avis, Hertz, Disney, AMC, Gap, and many more. In fact, the savings you can access through the FPA Marketplace more than covers the cost of membership!
| | Get Connected with FPA of Minnesota Committees | |
Are you looking to make a difference, grow your professional network, and enhance your skills within the financial planning profession? Joining a committee with the FPA of MN is one of the most impactful ways to get involved, make connections, and contribute to our community.
Each committee serves a unique purpose, working together to fulfill the FPA of Minnesota's mission of advancing the financial planning profession and enriching our members’ experiences. Whether you’re passionate about event planning, financial literacy, advocacy, or creating inclusive spaces, there’s a committee for you!
Explore Our Committees
- ASCEND & Programs Committee
- Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) Committee
- Financial Education & Pro Bono Committee
- Membership Committee
- NexGen Committee
- Partnership Committee
- Professional Issues Committee
Why Get Involved?
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Grow Your Network: Build lasting relationships with fellow professionals.
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Enhance Your Skills: Develop leadership and collaborative skills while contributing to meaningful initiatives.
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Make a Difference: Play an active role in advancing the financial planning profession.
Take the Next Step
Visit our website to learn more about each committee and join the one that aligns with your interests and passions.
| | Thank you, 2026 Premier Partners & Chapter Partners! | | | | |
