Quad-A Conferences & Awards
Conferences
Throughout the year, Quad-A hosts a variety of national and regional conferences. These events are the perfect time for our members to come together and create lasting professional and personal relationships with one another. Each unique conference holds a special purpose within our organization, allowing our members to grow personally and professionally.
Conference Dates
Registration Coming Soon…
V.I.S.I.O.N. Conference 2025
Date: September 11-13, 2025
Location: JW Marriott, Pennsylvania Avenue, Washington, DC
Contact email: aaaavisionconference@aaafainc.org
WIIN Conference 2026
Date: June 18-19, 2026
Location: Renaissance Hotel Downtown Chicago
Address: 1 W Wacker Dr, Chicago, IL 60601
Contact email: wiinconference@aaafainc.org
V.I.S.I.O.N. Conference 2026
Date: September 10-12, 2026
Location: JW Marriott
Address: 1331 Pennsylvania Ave NW, Washington, DC 20004
Contact email: aaaavisionconference@aaafainc.org
WIIN (Women’s Impact Initiative Network) Conference 2025
Unapologetically Ambitious: Redefining Success in Finance
Contact email: aaaavisionconference@aaafainc.org
V.I.S.I.O.N. Conference
This prestigious event serves as a gathering ground for top-tier financial professionals, advisors, and experts, all united with a shared vision of forging a path toward a prosperous future.
Regardless of whether you are an established B/AA Financial Advisor or just starting out in the profession, this conference offers a dynamic platform to elevate your expertise, broaden your professional network, and stay at the forefront of industry trends.
Regional V.I.S.I.O.N. Lite Conference
Introduced in 2023, Quad-A’s flagship V.I.S.I.O.N. conference was expanded to offer a series of shorter, regional conferences – V.I.S.I.O.N. Lite’s. Quad-A’s Regional V.I.S.I.O.N. Lite Conferences are a way for Quad-A’s organization to connect with its members at a regional level as well as support the communities where our B/AA Financial Advisors and home-office professionals serve with wealth management advice.
These regional conferences will also bring Black/African American Financial Professionals together from across the region to share insights, discuss industry trends, learn from experts in the field, and, in many cases, earn Continuing Education (C.E.) credits for participation.
During Quad-A’s Regional V.I.S.I.O.N. Lite conference, B/AA Financial Advisors, home-office professionals, and attendees will have exclusive access to a diverse array of sessions and workshops skillfully led by esteemed speakers. These engaging sessions cover a wide range of topics, including wealth management, investment strategies, retirement planning, and more.
WIIN Regional Conference
The Women’s Impact Initiative Network (WIIN), within the Association of African American Financial Advisors (Quad-A), was formed to serve the vital purpose of addressing the underrepresentation of women in the wealth management sector of the Financial Services Industry. WIIN is driven by the Financial Services industry’s historical gender disparities and the urgent need for a more diverse and inclusive workforce where there is shared equity and inclusivity. By fostering an environment of empowerment, continuous learning, and collaboration, this network aims to reshape the industry landscape and create new opportunities for Black/African American women, particularly in the field of wealth management.
Images from Past V.I.S.I.O.N. Conferences
V.I.S.I.O.N. Lite Conference NY 2023
V.I.S.I.O.N. Lite Conference MS 2023
Awards
Spirit of the V.I.S.I.O.N Leadership Award
Honoring Transformative Leadership in Financial Services
The Spirit of the V.I.S.I.O.N. Leadership Award is the highest honor bestowed by the Association of African American Financial Advisors (Quad-A). It recognizes a senior executive whose leadership, influence, and sustained commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion have significantly advanced the representation of Black professionals in the financial services industry. Presented annually at the V.I.S.I.O.N. Conference, this award honors individuals who embody the core pillars of V.I.S.I.O.N. – Value. Impact. Success. Influence. Optimize. Now. – through their work as champions of inclusive leadership, culture transformation, and equitable advancement across the wealth management, banking, fintech, and asset management ecosystems. Award recipients are trailblazers whose efforts have reshaped the industry landscape, created access to opportunity, and inspired a more equitable future for the next generation of Black financial professionals.
Selection Criteria:
Nominees for the Spirit of the V.I.S.I.O.N. Leadership Award must meet the following criteria and be a current member of Quad-A:
Executive-Level Status
- Must hold (or have recently held) a C-suite, President, Managing Director, or senior executive role within a financial services organization, including but not limited to banking, wealth management, fintech, or asset management.
Demonstrated Commitment to DEI
- Has a proven track record of advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion, particularly for Black/African American professionals, through executive leadership, organizational strategy, or program sponsorship.
Tangible Impact
- Has led or sponsored measurable initiatives or outcomes (e.g., talent pipelines, strategic partnerships, workforce representation gains, culture-shifting programs, public advocacy).
Industry Influence
- Recognized as a thought leader or influential voice on matters of inclusive leadership, culture transformation, or racial equity in finance.
Mentorship and Legacy
- Has actively mentored or championed the careers of Black professionals and contributed to a lasting legacy of empowerment within and beyond their organization.
Alignment with Quad-A Mission
- Demonstrates values and leadership consistent with Quad-A‘s mission to promote meaningful inclusion and advancement of African Americans in the financial advisory profession.
Must not be a previous winner in the last 24 months.
Under 50: Leaders to Watch in Wealth
Selection Criteria:
- Must be a current member of Quad-A.
- Career Excellence
- Must demonstrate sustained and significant career achievements, such as professional certifications, promotions, successful project leadership, business growth, or recognition within their firm or industry.
- Community Engagement
- Must actively contribute to the community through volunteer work, mentoring, educational outreach, nonprofit leadership, or similar service. Involvement must be outside of regular job duties and reflect a commitment to uplifting others.
- Age Requirement
- Nominees must be 50 years of age or younger as of the date of nomination submission.
- Biographical Submission
- A brief biography (150–250 words) must be submitted, highlighting the nominee’s career path, accomplishments, areas of expertise, community involvement, and personal or professional passions.
Must not be a previous winner in the last 24 months.
Legacy of Impact Award
Selection Criteria:
- Must be a current member of Quad-A.
- Community Involvement Beyond the Workplace
- Must demonstrate consistent and meaningful engagement in community service efforts that extend beyond their professional responsibilities. This may include nonprofit leadership, pro bono financial literacy education, youth mentorship, civic engagement, or other impactful volunteer work.
- Recognized Leadership Within Their Organization
- Should hold a formal leadership role or demonstrate significant influence and mentorship within their firm, company, or institution. Leadership may be reflected through titles, responsibilities, committee involvement, or peer recognition.
- Documented Career Achievements
- Must have a proven record of success and advancement within the financial services or wealth management industry. Achievements may include measurable business growth, awards, innovation, publications, certifications, or notable client impact.
- Personal Biography Submission
- Nominee must submit a brief biography (up to 500 words) detailing their professional background, career journey, community service history, and personal interests or values that align with Quad-A’s mission.
Must not be a previous winner in the last 24 months.
Elite Advisor Achievement Award
Selection Criteria:
- Must be a current member of Quad-A.
- Industry Experience:
- Must have a minimum of 4 years of professional experience as a licensed financial advisor, planner, or financial services professional.
- Proven Top Performance:
- Must demonstrate a consistent track record of excellence in client service, production, or portfolio growth.
- Supporting documentation is required (e.g., production reports, client metrics, or peer rankings).
- Team Collaboration & Leadership:
- Recognized for being a collaborative team player and internal leader within their firm or practice.
- May include mentoring junior advisors, leading internal initiatives, or promoting a positive workplace culture.
- Professional Reputation:
- Must have a strong reputation among colleagues, peers, and industry partners for integrity, professionalism, and ethical conduct.
- Community Involvement:
- Demonstrated commitment to community service or advocacy, such as financial literacy efforts, pro bono advising, volunteer leadership, or involvement in civic or cultural organizations.
Must not be a previous winner in the last 24 months.
Exceptional Employers in The Wealth Management Industry
Celebrate the 2025 Esteemed Winner:
Merrill Wealth Management, a Bank of America Company
Selection Criteria:
(Minimum of two responses required to qualify.)
- High B/AA Employee Engagement Scores: The company should have high employee engagement scores. Engaged employees often reflect a positive workplace culture.
- High Employee Satisfaction Scores from B/AA Employees: Measures of employee satisfaction should indicate that employees are content with their work environment, compensation, and opportunities for professional development.
- Commitment to Diversity and Inclusivity for B/AA Professionals: The organization has committed to hiring B/AA talent and should have a diverse workforce. It should also demonstrate a commitment to promoting inclusivity at all levels. The company should promote and support a healthy work-life balance for its employees. Finally, the organization should have a strong commitment to maintaining high ethical standards in all its operations.
- Opportunities for Growth: There should be clear pathways for career advancement within the organization.
Must not be a previous winner in the last 24 months.
