Commonwealth’s 2025 National Conference Inspires Unlimited Possibilities for Advisors and Communities
Commonwealth Financial Network®, a leading national firm providing integrated business solutions to financial advisors, recently concluded its 2025 National Conference, held from October 19–22, 2025, in National Harbor, Maryland. The highly anticipated annual event brought together more than 2,000 attendees—including affiliated advisors, home office professionals, and industry partners—united under the inspiring theme, “One Community. Unlimited Possibilities.”
This year’s conference marked a significant milestone in Commonwealth’s history as the first flagship event since its acquisition by LPL Financial on August 1, 2025. For Commonwealth, the conference was more than just a gathering—it was a celebration of community, collaboration, and a renewed vision for the future of independent financial advice.
A Celebration of Unity and Vision
Opening the event, Wayne Bloom, CEO of Commonwealth, reflected on the enduring strength of the firm’s advisor community.
The heart of Commonwealth has and always will be our Advisor community,” Bloom said. “There’s something uniquely powerful about our National Conference and bringing this community together in one place. National is a chance to reconnect, reimagine what’s possible, and renew our commitment to providing best-in-class service and doing right by our Advisors and their clients.
Bloom emphasized that Commonwealth’s legacy of exceptional service and deep connection remains at the center of its identity—even as it embarks on a new chapter with LPL Financial.
Exceptional service and deep connection are what make Commonwealth, Commonwealth,” Bloom added. “And with our LPL Financial partners at this year’s event, the collective commitment to our bright, bold future was on full display. Standing with our Advisors in partnership and giving them access to resources that put their growth first is our promise, and I am proud of what we’re building together.
A Unified Force for Advisor Success
During a fireside chat, Bloom was joined by Rich Steinmeier, CEO of LPL Financial, who underscored the importance of collaboration and the shared mission to empower advisors.
This collective firm is going to be a force to be reckoned with,” Steinmeier said. “It is our job to create the conditions for advisors to succeed—to make sure they have the tools, the support, and the scale advantages to run their businesses the way they want. Commonwealth is rooted in values and focused on success—it’s exactly what we’re working to preserve and build on.
The partnership between LPL and Commonwealth aims to combine scale and flexibility with the personalized service and independent culture that Commonwealth has long been known for. Advisors are now positioned to leverage enhanced technology platforms, expanded resources, and broader investment capabilities to deliver greater value to clients.
Education, Collaboration, and Innovation
Throughout the conference, attendees participated in a rich lineup of educational sessions, interactive workshops, and peer networking opportunities. Sessions were led by Commonwealth and LPL experts, along with prominent external partners, addressing the evolving challenges and opportunities within the financial services industry.
The conference’s Networking Hub served as a central meeting point for advisors to connect directly with experts across all areas of the business—from compliance and technology to marketing and client experience. This hands-on environment enabled advisors to explore intuitive tools, personalized business solutions, and integrated support systems designed to help them thrive in a rapidly changing marketplace.
Inspiring Keynotes from Iconic Leaders
The 2025 National Conference also featured a star-studded lineup of keynote speakers who brought powerful messages of leadership, creativity, and resilience.
- Lin-Manuel Miranda, award-winning songwriter, actor, and director, inspired attendees with insights on creativity and perseverance.
- Doris Kearns Goodwin, Pulitzer Prize-winning historian, offered lessons from presidential leadership that resonate deeply with today’s business environment.
- Michael Kitces, chief financial planning nerd at Kitces.com, provided practical insights into emerging financial planning trends and advisor innovation.
- Mike “Coach K” Krzyzewski, legendary Duke basketball coach, closed the event with an unforgettable address on teamwork, motivation, and legacy.
Each speaker echoed the conference’s central message—unlocking unlimited possibilities through community, purpose, and excellence.
Empowering the Next Generation
Commonwealth continued its long-standing commitment to developing the next generation of financial advisors through its Next-Gen Preconference Program. This two-day experience provided emerging advisors with valuable tools and frameworks for business growth, leadership development, and client engagement.
Workshops covered topics such as succession planning as a growth strategy, brand building for young professionals, and navigating the modern client landscape.
In addition, Commonwealth welcomed students from George Mason University, the University of Akron, the University of North Texas, and San Diego State University as part of the Talent Exchange initiative. This program connects students with Commonwealth’s advisor community, fostering mentorship and helping address industry succession challenges.
Recognizing Excellence and Community Impact
A highlight of the conference was the presentation of Commonwealth’s Special Service Award, the firm’s highest honor recognizing exceptional compassion and community service.
This year’s recipients were James Ball, ChFC®, AIF®, President and CEO of EverRise, and Daniel Ball, ChFC®, CLTC®, of Ball Financial Services Company. The brothers were celebrated for their philanthropic contributions to organizations such as the Pan-Mass Challenge, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Walk to End Alzheimer’s, and The Jimmy Fund.
James and Daniel embody the spirit of service that defines Commonwealth,” Bloom said. “Their commitment to doing well by doing good reflects the core values that unite our advisor community.
Giving Back: A Core Tradition
Beyond professional development, Commonwealth reinforced its tradition of social responsibility by hosting multiple give-back opportunities during the event. Attendees supported several nonprofits, including:
- Friendship Place, dedicated to ending homelessness in the D.C. area.
- Comfort Cases, which provides essential items and hope to children entering foster care.
- Edesia Nutrition and Make-A-Wish Foundation, through the Miles That Matter Fun Run/Walk, raising funds to combat global malnutrition and grant life-changing wishes to children with critical illnesses.
These initiatives exemplified Commonwealth’s belief in purpose-driven prosperity—building stronger businesses while uplifting communities.
A Shared Future with LPL
With the acquisition by LPL Financial Holdings Inc. (Nasdaq: LPLA) completed in August 2025, Commonwealth now operates as a wholly owned portfolio company, with advisor onboarding to LPL’s platform expected to finish by the fourth quarter of 2026.
The integration marks the beginning of a new era of scale, technology, and opportunity for advisors under the Commonwealth brand. Together, Commonwealth and LPL aim to shape the future of independent advice—anchored by trust, collaboration, and the shared goal of helping advisors and clients alike reach their fullest potential.
As the 2025 National Conference concluded, one sentiment resonated deeply across all attendees: when advisors, partners, and leaders unite as one community, the possibilities truly are unlimited.
