ESI’s national growth conference is getting a new name, a new location and an even bigger commitment to your growth.
Last week, ESI financial professionals, home office associates and strategic partners gathered in Alexandria, Virginia, for the 2026 Business Development Conference (BDC)—three days of ideas, connections and conversations focused on helping financial professionals and advisors build businesses that last.
And before the conference came to a close, attendees got the first look at what’s next.
Beginning in 2027, BDC will become APEX: The ESI Growth Conference.
Announced during Wednesday evening’s conference dinner, APEX represents the continued evolution of ESI’s flagship national sales conference and its growing focus on helping financial professionals navigate their individual paths to growth.
No two paths look the same.
Whether the next summit is attracting new clients, deepening existing relationships, creating capacity, building a team, adopting new technology or preparing a practice for the future, APEX will bring together the relationships, insights, technology and strategies to help financial professionals move forward.
APEX 2027 will take place in Atlanta, Georgia, in October 2027. More details are coming soon.
Bigger. Better. Bolder. in Alexandria
The APEX announcement capped a BDC built around the theme Bigger. Better. Bolder. — Built to Last.
ESI President and CEO Alex “AD” David opened the conference by challenging attendees to recognize the opportunity already around them. With an unprecedented transfer of wealth underway, attendees were encouraged not to prejudge opportunity, but to remain curious, ask more questions and be prepared to serve clients whose needs—and potential—may be greater than they first appear.
That focus on preparation continued throughout the conference.
Across mainstage sessions, workshops and breakouts, attendees explored topics ranging from artificial intelligence and technology to advisory solutions, alternative investments, retirement plans, client relationships, marketing and practice growth. BDC also offered a first look at new technology coming to ESI, including Wealthbox and Zocks, with opportunities for attendees to see the platforms in action and learn how they can help create greater efficiency and capacity within their practices.
Keynote speaker Cam Awesome brought his own perspective on growth, resilience and what it takes to keep moving forward when the path doesn’t go according to plan. The winningest heavyweight boxer in U.S. history showed attendees that he not only knows how to throw a punch—he knows how to land a punchline. His candid storytelling, comedic timing and powerful message had the room both laughing and reflecting, ultimately earning him a standing ovation.
The Value of the Unscripted Moments
Of course, not everything that makes BDC valuable appears on the agenda.
Some of the best moments happen between the sessions: an idea exchanged over breakfast, a conversation with a strategic partner, a question for an ESI subject-matter expert or a connection with another attendee who has faced the same challenge.
Those unscripted moments are an important part of bringing the ESI community together—and a reminder that growth doesn’t always come from one big idea or one giant move.
It compounds through the relationships we build, the ideas we exchange and the actions we take when we return to our businesses.
This Is Just the Beginning
Thank you to everyone who joined us in Alexandria and helped make the final BDC one to remember—and to the strategic partners, speakers and home office associates who made the experience possible.
Now, we’re looking toward the next summit.
APEX: The ESI Growth Conference
October 2027 | Atlanta, Georgia
Your path. Your practice. Your next summit.
TC9128826(0926)1