Overview
Blueprint for Success: Advancing Emerging Asset Managers
Join us for the 2025 MMI Thrive Forum. Emerging asset managers continuously navigate a shifting landscape marked by rising platform costs, fee compression, distribution challenges, and capital limitations. Success demands not just resilience but transformation—a blueprint for growth.
The Forum is designed for senior executives at firms managing under $25 billion in intermediary advisory assets. This exclusive event delivers expert insights on operational efficiency, talent alignment, agile decision-making, and industry trends. Through peer discussions and strategic guidance, gain the tools to strengthen your firm and build a Blueprint for Success—empowering emerging managers for 2025 and beyond.
Attendees will also have the opportunity to participate in a series of small-group discussions with top gatekeepers from the wirehouse, national, TAMP, and other distribution channels.
Space is limited and will be spoken for quickly. Attendance is limited to asset managers (AUM < $25 billion) and two participants per firm.
Interested in registering?
Contact Arlen Oransky at aoransky@mminst.org or 646.868.8505.
Featured Platform Decision-Makers
Day 1 (Click to Expand Agenda)
Wednesday, April 16, 2025
| Time | Description | |
|---|
9:00 AM - 9:30 AM
30 Min | Registration and Networking | |
9:30 AM - 10:00 AM
30 Min | Welcome and Opening Remarks
Arlen Oransky, Executive Vice President, Chief Membership Officer, Money Management Institute
Robbie Cannon, Head, MMI EAM Thrive Initiative, Money Management Institute | |
10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
1 Hr | Your Blueprint Starts Here
Build Your Blueprint – A Case Study on Clark Capital
Brendan Clark, CEO of Clark Capital, knows the path from an under-resourced, unknown startup to a thriving industry leader. When he began, Clark Capital was small and relatively obscure—far from the scale of BlackRock or Vanguard. Over two decades, he led the firm through transformational success, overcoming the same challenges emerging managers face today.
In this session, Brendan shares hard-earned lessons, strategic insights, and practical wisdom to help you frame your own growth journey. Learn how to build a resilient and scalable business model, overcome distribution roadblocks, and position your firm for long-term success. | |
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
1 Hr | Be Ready When Your Moment Comes
How to Recognize and Excel at Critical Positioning Moments on Your Firm's Blueprint
Making the most of every resource is part and parcel of being a smaller manager, meaning that each firm must be at its best when an opportunity presents itself. This session will focus on how to create a sales and marketing culture across the entire firm, building the muscle memory needed to seize critical moments.
We will discuss challenges related to staffing, budgets, and sponsorships, as well as how to effectively engage with platform decision-makers. A key takeaway will be learning the only three bullets you need when positioning your firm in front of decision-makers. | |
12:00 PM - 12:15 PM
15 Min | Networking and Refreshment Break | |
12:15 PM - 12:45 PM
30 Min | Sponsor Presentation – TBA | |
12:45 PM - 1:45 PM
1 Hr | Networking Luncheon | |
1:45 PM - 2:30 PM
45 Min | General Session – TBA | |
2:30 PM - 3:30 PM
1 Hr | Get Inside the Minds of the Decision-Makers
Meet the Platform Decision-Makers – Small Groups Session 1
An exclusive opportunity to connect directly with key platform decision-makers in a small group setting. Gain valuable insights into what they prioritize, the challenges they navigate, and how your firm can differentiate itself in a competitive landscape.
These interactive sessions are designed to address the specific questions relevant to your firm, allowing for open dialogue, strategic guidance, and a chance to refine your engagement approach with help from those who control distribution access. A brief introduction to your firm has been provided to these representatives in advance, ensuring a more focused and meaningful discussion. | |
3:30 PM - 3:45 PM
15 Min | Networking and Refreshment Break | |
3:45 PM - 4:45 PM
1 Hr | Meet the Platform Decision-Makers – Small Groups Session 2 | |
5:00 PM - 6:00 PM
1 Hr | Cocktail and Networking Reception | |
Day 2 (Click to Expand Agenda)
Thursday, April 17, 2025
| Time | Description | |
|---|
8:00 AM - 8:30 AM
30 Min | Networking Breakfast | |
8:30 AM - 8:50 AM
20 Min | Day One Recap
Robbie Cannon, Head, MMI EAM Thrive Initiative, Money Management Institute | |
8:50 AM - 9:50 AM
1 Hr | Position Your Products—and Your Firm—For Success
Investment Products as the Foundation of Your Firm’s Blueprint – Finding Market Fit and Differentiation
The products you launch are not just offerings—they are the foundation of your firm’s blueprint. While larger managers may introduce multiple product lines, smaller managers must be strategic in selecting where they can compete and win.
This session will explore the key factors in successful product development, including pricing strategy, firm expertise, and the right product wrapper—whether a mutual fund, ETF, SMA, or other structure. We’ll cover how to assess market demand, differentiate offerings, and strategically align your firm’s expertise with investor needs.
Become prepared for the core undertaking—building a product lineup that not only fits the market but also serves as the foundation for your firm's long-term success. | |
9:50 AM - 10:50 AM
1 Hr | Stay Ahead. Stay Relevant. Build for the Future.
Designing a Blueprint That Lasts – Factoring in AI and Emerging Technology Technology is evolving at an unprecedented pace, and AI is reshaping the landscape of asset management. From AI-driven analysts and recommendation engines to lead generation and crypto, the latest advances are significant and constant. If you feel behind, you’re not alone. This session will provide a clear framework for smaller managers to understand, evaluate, and adapt to key AI innovations. We will discuss the most impactful categories of AI advancements and how they can enhance investment strategies, operational efficiencies, and client engagement. The opportunity to learn how to integrate the right technologies into your firm's long-term blueprint elevates sustainability, competitiveness, and growth in the age of AI. | |
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
1 Hr | Meet the Platform Decision-Makers – Small Groups Session 3 | |
12:10 PM - 1:10 PM
1 Hr | Meet the Platform Decision-Makers – Small Groups Session 4 | |
1:10 PM - 2:10 PM
1 Hr | Closing Remarks and Adjourn
Robbie Cannon, Head, MMI EAM Thrive Initiative, Money Management Institute | |
- Robbie Cannon, Head, MMI EAM Thrive Initiative, Money Management Institute
- Bonnie Belskis, Director of National Accounts, Confluence Investment Management
- Tiana Brenneise, Director of National Accounts, Ocean Park Asset Management
- Steve Carl, Principal, Chief Distribution Officer, Chairman of the Executive Committee, Madison Investments
- Heather Lindsey, Head of Distribution, Crossmark Global Investments
- Robert Miller, Chief Executive Officer, Frontier Asset Management
- Mark Rewey, Managing Director, Segall Bryant & Hamill
2025 Thrive Presenting Sponsors
2025 MMI Platinum Partner
2025 MMI Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Sponsor
2025 MMI Thrive Forum Host
MMI’s Thrive initiative for Emerging Asset Managers represents a unique opportunity to build brand awareness with senior executives from forward-thinking emerging managers, showcase your firm's offerings, and make new connections. A limited number of premium sponsorship packages are available.
For additional information, please contact:
Arlen Oransky
EVP, Chief Membership Officer
aoransky@mminst.org
646.868.8505
| Registration Date | Registration Type | Member Fee | Non-member Fee |
| Launch date – March 14 | Early | $1,695 | $1,995 |
| March 15 – April 16 | Regular | $1,895 | $2,195 |
| Launch date – April 16 | Academy, Leadership Pathway, and Executive IQ Participants* | $1,516 | N/A |
*Members of the 2024-2025 Academy classes, 2023-2025 Leadership Pathway classes, and 2023-2025 Executive IQ cohorts are eligible for a 20% discount off the standard registration fee. Email events@mminst.org for the appropriate discount code before registering.
A fee of $100 will be added to registrations processed on-site.
Morgan Stanley
750 7th Avenue
New York, NY 10007
Cancellation/Transfer Policy
All cancellations are subject to a $100 cancellation fee. Full refunds minus the $100 cancellation fee will be granted for cancellation requests received prior to 5:00 PM ET on Friday, April 4. After that time, no refunds will be granted. Your registration can be transferred to another individual at your firm without penalty. To cancel or transfer your registration, please contact MMI at 646.868.8500.
MMI Conference Code of Conduct/Antitrust Guidelines and Compliance Policy
Money Management Institute (MMI) conferences and events provide an opportunity for MMI members and other industry participants to come together for educational and networking purposes. Inappropriate behavior, such: as possible illegal conduct; use of derogatory or discriminatory language, gestures or actions; verbal or physical abuse of any type, unwanted advances or invasions of privacy; or any activity that might be construed as harassment, racism, or sexism, is unacceptable and will not be tolerated.
If you aware of, or are involved in, an incident at an MMI conference or event that violates this Code of Conduct, please contact MMI immediately. MMI will promptly and confidentially investigate any reported activities and take appropriate action.
Please also familiarize yourself with the MMI Antitrust Guidelines and Compliance Policy.
Health and Safety Protocols
By registering for this event, you acknowledge and agree to abide by any safety protocols and guidelines that MMI shall establish for the health and safety of 2025 MMI Thrive Forum attendees.
