The NASP Conference brings together more than 600 financial services professionals from across various sectors to learn about the latest concepts, trends, and solutions to pressing community issues. It takes place across 3 days with specific tracks for professional development, African infrastructure, investments, institutional finance and municipal investing.
The 36th Annual NASP Financial Services Conference: Driving Economic Impact: The New DEI
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.
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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:
The NASP Awards Ceremony Program on Tuesday evening honored our 2025 award winners. We would like to congratulate again our 2025 honorees:
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.
The NASP Consultant Retreat offers a unique setting for minority-owned asset management firms and consultants to network and build potential business relationships. The event includes a half-day of one-on-one sessions between asset management firms and consultants, as well as panels that discuss industry trends and initiatives.
As part of the organization’s advocacy initiatives, NASP hosts a Legislative Symposium with key financial oversight representatives and decision-makers from congressional committees, federal and regulatory agencies and quasi-public private sector entities.
The retreat aims to increase access to institutional investment consulting firms for our members, enabling more research meetings and providing opportunities for consultants to learn about investment managers from a wide range of professionals and their products.
Through networking, dialogue, and exposure, asset managers and consultants can strengthen their client base and share best practices in areas such as pitching to consultants and marketing firms. The event concludes with virtual small group meetings for consultants and managers.