Reader Question: What are the best industry conferences to attend?

Q: "What are the best industry conferences to attend to network and learn about trends in the fund industry?" CEO smaller mutual fund firm.

A: Ever wonder why fund executives flock to mutual fund industry conferences? If you said golf and spa treatments at luxury resorts, you are correct. But if you said to learn about strategies to help their firms better compete and grow, you are also correct.

Conferences can be an efficient and effective way to learn about best practices from the competition and to share your own experiences. Presenters are among the best, most sought-after thought leaders in the industry. Topics range from sales, marketing and distribution, to product development, operations and compliance, and take the form of presentations and panels with interactive discussions and questions from the audience.

The networking that conferences offer is also essential to develop and enhance friendships with your peers. You will see many of the same people at various events, and in the course of attending, you will earn trust and respect in addition to making and receiving introductions that simplify getting to know others.

Reporters who cover the industry for the publications you and your customers read also attend. They want to hear what newsworthy issues are discussed and to meet new sources for future articles.

For those of you who attend these conferences, I look forward to seeing you at the cocktail hour. If you do not usually attend, I would like to take a moment to describe key meetings to consider.

• NICSA Annual Conference, (http://www.nicsa.org/). For over 25 years, members of The National Investment Company Service Association have convened at the NICSA Annual Conference in Florida. The industry's top executives from the U.S. and abroad gather to focus on operational best practices, new products, innovations and more. Attendees enjoy formal and informal networking opportunities on the legendary links at the Doral Golf Resort & Spa and at NICSA'S vendor expo. NICSA also offers other in-person events and Webinars.
• MFEA Strategic Summit (http://www.mfea.info/). This annual event brings together Mutual Fund Education Alliance leaders to discuss the challenges and opportunities in mutual fund marketing and distribution. MFEA also offers other in-person events and Webinars.
• ICI General Membership Meeting (http://members.ici.org/conferences.do). The Investment Company Institute's GMM is now held at the Marriott Wardman Park Hotel. A preliminary program and registration materials will be available by early spring. ICI also offers other in-person events and committee participation such as small funds committee, public information committee, etc.
• FRC MarkeTrends, November, Boston (http://www.frcnet.com/). MarkeTrends examines in-depth the evolving landscape facing investment product manufacturers and distributors. This year's program will be moderated by Financial Research Corp. experts, along with some of the industry's most dynamic leaders.