ESI Business Development Conference 2026

Conference Details

September 8^th at 2:00 PM – 10^th at 3:00 PM, 2026
Westin Alexandria Old Town, Virginia

Attendees

The ESI Business Development Conference (BDC) is open to all ESI Registered Representatives, Investment Adviser Representatives, Office Managers and Administrative Staff, Managing Directors and General Agents. Home Office Leadership and participating Strategic Partners attend.

BDC is designed for ESI professionals at every stage of their journey—from professionals annually attending the Elite Symposium, to experienced professionals focused on scaling, optimizing, and evolving their practice.

Whether you’re looking to accelerate growth, strengthen client relationships, improve operational efficiency, leverage new technology and AI tools, expand your advisory business, or gain fresh ideas in marketing, sales, and practice management, BDC delivers practical strategies and actionable insights designed to help you build a stronger business.

Costs
Attendees will be responsible for their own travel and hotel costs. ESI will cover expenses for all meals during the Conference from dinner on September 8^th through lunch on September 10^th. There is no registration fee for the Conference.

Strategic Partners, Technology Partners, and Marketing Partners
ESI’s Strategic, Technology, and Marketing Partners will once again play an active role in BDC. Throughout the conference, attendees will have opportunities to engage directly with partners in the Growth Resource Center, roundtable discussions, and networking sessions.

Check out the Partner listing below to plan ahead, prepare questions, and schedule time for more meaningful conversations around technology, investment solutions, practice management, and business growth opportunities.

Participating Partners
AAM, AcquireUp, Allianz, AMG Pantheon, AssetMark, Brighthouse, Brinker / Orion, Broadridge, Corebridge, eMoney, Equitable, Fidelity, FMG, Goldman Sachs, iCapital, Innovator ETFs, Jackson, Livewell, Maple Capital, Pacific Life, Prudential, Redtail, Summit Global Asset Management, Symmetry Partners, Vestwell, Voya, and Zocks.

What Makes BDC Different?
BDC is not designed as a traditional conference built around passive presentations and product pitches. It’s an interactive business development and practice management experience created specifically to help advisors grow stronger, more scalable, and more sustainable businesses.

Through a combination of mainstage sessions, breakout sessions, strategic roundtables, and the Growth Resource Center, attendees will engage in real conversations around growth, operational efficiency, technology, marketing, advisory business development, and the future of the industry.

The focus is not just on ideas — but implementation. Advisors will leave with practical strategies, actionable insights, and meaningful connections designed to help them build a business that is Bigger. Better. Bolder. — Built to Last.

 

Hotel & Location Details

Hotel Information

The Westin Alexandria Old Town

400 Courthouse Square

Alexandria, VA  22314

With a nice blend of modern convenience and boutique sophistication, The Westin Alexandria Old Town is perfect for conducting business and exploring historic charm. You'll find beauty along the cobblestone streets and red brick sidewalks in Old Town Alexandria, home to specialty shops, boutiques and museums. Just across the Potomac River, you can seamlessly discover first-class attractions at National Harbor and Washington, D.C. After navigating through Old Town, relax and recharge at the upscale hotel. Lounge in luxury in contemporary rooms, where you can seek entertainment on flat-panel TVs and prioritize productivity at ergonomic workstations.

Hotel Features & Guest Room Amenities include:

• Fitness Center - 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, complimentary access with cardio machines, free weights and strength equipment
• Onsite Restaurant - Trademark Drink and Eat. After visiting Old Town, indulge in innovative cuisine and a clever cocktail at Trademark Drink and Eat, in a setting inspired by the U.S. Patent & Trademark Office. Website: https://www.trademarkdrinkandeat.com/
• High-speed Wi-Fi
• Evening turndown service upon request
• Complimentary bottled water
• Coffee/tea maker

National Life Group and Equity Services have negotiated a room rate of $259/night, plus applicable taxes and fees, for the nights of the program. The resort fee has been waived for your stay. The room rate is applicable 3 days pre/post the program, as availability allows. If you wish to extend your stay at the Westin Alexandria Old Town, please make note of this in your registration.

Check In/Check Out:

As always, we highly recommend you pack a carry-on bag with necessities in the event you must wait for your room. Check-in time is 3:00 PM.  Check-out time is 12:00 PM.

The Westin Alexandria is a smoke free property.

Hotel Cancellation Policy/No Show Policy:

If a room is reserved for you and you do not show up as planned and do not notify Recognition & Conferences at least 72 hours in advance, you will be charged the applicable no-show charge.

Airport Transportation:

Airport transfers are the responsibility of the individual traveler.

The Westin Alexandria Old Town is located 5 miles/20 minutes from Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA), and 30 miles/45 minutes from Dulles International Airport.

Parking:

Onsite Parking is available at the Westin Alexandria.

Attire, Weather and Time Zone:

Suggested attire for meetings is business casual. Early September in Alexandria typically brings warm daytime temperatures in the upper 70s to mid-80s, with evening temperatures generally cooling into the 60s.

Alexandria, VA is in Eastern Standard Time.

Meals:

The program includes a welcome reception and dinner on Tuesday evening, dinner on Wednesday evening, with breakfast and lunch provided on meeting days for the participants.

Dietary Restrictions/Food Allergies:

If you have a food allergy or dietary restriction, please note this in registration.