NASP’s 36th Annual Financial Services Conference was held June 2 – 4, 2025 at the Hilton Downtown Hotel in Columbus, OH. Approximately 400 financial services professionals gathered for two dynamic days of networking around professional development, industry education and evolving leadership practices, underscoring the importance of inclusion as a business growth imperative. This prestigious event offered unparalleled opportunities for professional and business development, bringing together pension trustees and other fiduciaries, investment professionals from a wide range of industry disciplines, as well as local and nationally elected officials, — all united under the conference’s theme of Driving Economic Impact: The New DEI.
In case you missed it, the conference photo gallery is available here.
The 2025 NASP Annual Financial Services Conference metrics:
- 417 conference registrants
- 199 companies and industry stakeholder organizations represented
- Students and administrators from 9 universities for College Day
- 62 allocators/trustees
- 3 foundations & endowments
Survey Feedback highlights & metrics:
- Overall FSC2025 rating: 4.79/5
- How likely to recommend attending the NASP FSC: 4.96/5
- Quality of speakers overall: 4.79/5
Survey anecdotes summary:
- High-Quality Content & Speakers: relevance of topics like AI, regulations, and career transitions, and the uniqueness of the non-standard content offered across sessions.
- Exceptional Networking Opportunities: pre-conference events, College Day, networking receptions and informal moments throughout the day.
- Standout Sessions: Specific sessions mentioned as favorites included the “Navigating Success in Turbulent Times” women leaders’ panel, “Backing New & Small Managers,” “Business & Ballers: Building Your Client List,” and the “Risk & Regulation” plenary, which attendees found especially informative and engaging.
- Strong Execution & Positive Atmosphere: The event was praised for its seamless execution, welcoming energy, and people-centered environment that fostered meaningful engagement and learning.
Event Highlights:
The conference provided a welcoming environment for both new and returning attendees, students, and elected officials to connect, share industry trends, and discuss best practices to navigate the changing economic and political landscape. Our sponsor reception was graciously hosted at Nationwide’s headquarters, featuring special guests Congresswoman Joyce Beatty (D, OH-3), Franklin County Commissioner Kevin Boyce, County Treasurer Cheryl Brooks Sullivan, and County Administrator Kevin Wilson.
A memorial tribute Tuesday morning was dedicated to several NASP leadership members who passed away recently. NASP honored the lives and legacies of:
- Malik Murray, former NASP Board Member
- Ronald Parker, former NASP President & CEO
- Thomas Seabron, former leader of NASP Detroit
The NASP Awards Ceremony Program on Tuesday evening honored our 2025 award winners. We would like to congratulate again our 2025 honorees:
- Maynard Jackson Award Recipient: Tarrus Richardson, Founder & Chief Executive Officer, IMB Partners
- Lifetime Achievement Award Recipients:
- Michael Kennedy, Trustee, Senior Client Partner at Korn Ferry
- McCullough Williams, President & Chief Operating Officer, Xponance Inc.
- Travers J. Bell Award Recipient: Paul Thornell, Partner, Mehlman Consulting
- Young Professionals’ Award Recipient: DeAnna Ingram Jones, Senior Consultant & Co-Chair, Diverse Manager Committee, NEPC
- Joyce Johnson Award Recipient: Tina Byles Williams, Chief Executive Officer, Chief Investment Officer & Founder, Xponance Inc.
Content:
The conference featured 26 panels delving into topics of value for crucial to financial services professionals related to investing and skills development. Key sessions included trustee education on best fiduciary practices and vetting investment consultants, alternatives in private equity, private credit, opportunities to invest in the African continent, career opportunities in private wealth management and sports investing, and public finance sessions on site selection, transportation and water infrastructure. On the conference’s main stage, global economic trends and shifts in the political and economic environment were particularly emphasized throughout discussions, with sessions on changes in the regulatory landscape, the increased use of Ai and technology in venture capital and a panel of women leaders discussing navigating turbulent times—all highlighting inclusion as a business driver.
Additionally, the 3rd Annual College Day program hosted 24 students from 9 universities focused on empowering the next generation entering the financial services industry. This program featured hands-on workshops on professional development, interview skills training and resume reviews, connecting students with industry professionals and driving the talent pipeline for future leaders.
Thank You for Your Support of NASP:
We extend our deepest thanks to our outstanding sponsors and partners whose support made this event a reality. We’re honored to highlight each of you both at the event and on our website—your dedication fuels our continued efforts to advance inclusion and create lasting impact in the financial services industry. As we continue the conversation around inclusion and leadership in financial services, we invite all attendees to stay connected with NASP and encourage new voices to join us in this important work. Learn more and join us as a member here.
Upcoming:
NASP 7th Annual Consultant & Manager Retreat: October 14 – 15, 2025 at Wells Fargo in Charlotte, North Carolina
NASP… because inclusion IS business.