NAIFA will host the 10^th annual Congressional Conference May 22-23 in Washington, D.C. The event will feature targeted advocacy training with briefings on legislative issues that affect members’ businesses and the clients they serve. Expert presenters will offer best practices for conducting Congressional meetings and tips for developing impactful long-term relationships with legislators.

On the second day of the Congressional Conference, attendees will go to Capitol Hill for meetings with their Senators, Representatives, and Congressional staff. They will discuss legislative issues important to their businesses and clients. Their stories offer unique insights into the important work they do providing Main Street USA consumers with opportunities to achieve financial security and prosperity.

“Once again, we are pleased to return to Washington, D.C., for NAIFA’s signature advocacy event,” said NAIFA CEO Kevin Mayeux, CAE. “NAIFA is the One and Only when it comes to protecting the interests of agents, advisors, and consumers with grassroots advocacy at the federal level and in every state capital.”

NAIFA President Bryon Holz, CLU, ChFC, LUTCF, CASL, LACP, stated, “We are One NAIFA speaking with a single voice on behalf of our industry, colleagues, clients, and communities. Nowhere is that more apparent than at Congressional Conference. More than 500 agents and advisors taking our message in support of financial security directly to members of Congress resonates clearly and has a powerful influence. Our members’ stories and expertise inform policymakers whose decisions impact the ability of Americans to plan for retirement, protect their families, mitigate financial risks, and achieve their financial dreams.”

Featured speakers on Monday, May 22, include the Honorable Monica De La Cruz (R-TX) and the Honorable Brad Schneider (D-IL). Both members of the U.S. House of Representatives were financial professionals and NAIFA members before they entered public service.

Through events like the Congressional Conference, state-level legislative days, and in-district meetings during the summer congressional recess, NAIFA develops and recognizes members who are politically involved. NAIFA also offers members a training course known as the Financial Security Advocate Academy, which covers a continuum of topics for how to be effective in grassroots advocacy. Those who complete the course receive the Financial Security Advocate badge, which is displayed online, on social media, and on NAIFA’s consumer-facing website found at financialsecurity.org.

The Congressional Conference bolsters NAIFA’s prestige among lawmakers and industry partners and enhances the association’s standing as the leading voice for producers. It is crucial for ensuring lawmakers thoroughly understand the important role financial services professionals play in:

• Providing products, services, and advice that improve the financial security of 90 million American families
• Promoting financial literacy and self-sufficiency in diverse communities
• Strengthening the U.S. economy and contributing to the financial health of communities in every Congressional district
• Representing the best interests of their clients and promoting the success of Main Street Americans and businesses

“The personal stories financial services professionals tell profoundly illustrate how public policies impact their clients,” said NAIFA Senior Vice President for Government Relations Diane Boyle. “These are stories lawmakers want and need to hear. No one can tell them better than NAIFA members, and the Congressional Conference is our best vehicle for reaching a large, attentive audience of policymakers.”

The event is open to all financial services professionals, including those exploring membership in NAIFA.