AAAA 2023 Annual V.I.S.I.O.N. Conference
Frequently Asked Questions
Please find answers to some of the frequently asked questions relating to V.I.S.I.O.N. conferences:
General FAQ
1. When is AAAA’s annual V.I.S.I.O.N. conference?
- Answer: The conference will take place from September 13th – 15th 2023 at the Gaylord Resort and Convention Center, National Harbor, MD.
2. What is the location of the conference?
- Answer: The conference will be held at the Gaylord Resort and Convention Center located at 201 Waterfront St, Oxon Hill, MD 20745, USA.
3.What are the times of the conference?
- Answer: The conference will start each day with breakfast at 7:30 AM. Professional Development sessions end at 5:00 PM. Please check the detailed schedule for information on specific sessions and events.
4. What safety protocols are in place due to COVID-19?
- Answer: We are adhering to all local and federal COVID-19 guidelines. This includes signs about mask wearing, vaccination requirements, social distancing, sanitization and other precautionary methods available.
5. Are there any accommodation options at or near the venue?
- Answer: Yes, the Gaylord Resort and Convention Center itself has accommodation available. There are also a variety of other hotels in close proximity to the venue. We recommend booking your stay early.
6. How can I register for the conference?
- Answer: You can register for the conference on our website at www.aaafainc.org/events. There you will find options for both individual and group registrations.
7. Is there a Conference Agenda?
- Answer: Yes, Please click here to view the agenda.
8. Are meals provided during the conference?
- Answer: Yes, we will provide breakfast, lunch, and dinner most days during the conference. Please notify us in advance if you have any dietary restrictions.
9. Who are the keynote speakers at the conference?
- Answer: We have a diverse group of experts in the field as our keynote speakers. The complete list can be found on our website.
10. What topics will be covered during the conference?
- Answer: This year's conference will focus on Navigating The Future Of Wealth Management for Black America.
11. Are there networking opportunities available during the conference?
- Answer: Absolutely! There will be several networking sessions and social events throughout the conference where attendees can connect with each other and with industry leaders.
12. Can I earn continuing education credits by attending the conference?
- Answer: Yes, attendees can earn continuing education credits. More details on this will be provided at the event.
13. What's the dress code for the conference?
- Answer: The dress code for the conference is Business. The Gala and Awards night dress code is Black Tie and Gown. The dress code for other social events is “dress to impress.”
15. Will my company pay or reimburse my attendance?
- Answer: As an event organizer, AAAA is not directly involved in the financial agreements between attendees and their employers. It is recommended that you speak with your manager, DEI leader or HR about your company's policies for conference attendance and reimbursement. In many of AAAA’s Corporate Partner organizations, it is common practice to cover costs for relevant professional development opportunities like this conference, but policies can vary widely. Please let us know if you need any supporting documentation for your reimbursement request, such as an invoice or a letter of attendance.
V.I.S.I.O.N. Conference Awards FAQ
16. How are licensed award winners’ profiles leveraged to alleviate Firm, SEC, FINRA, and other SRO’s concerns?
- Answer: AAAA understands the importance of compliance with SEC, FINRA, and other SRO’s regulations, particularly as they pertain to the use and promotion of award recognitions.
AAAA awardees and nominee profiles published are strictly for use in accordance with all industry regulatory guidelines.
All promotional content related to award winners and nominee profiles is factual, balanced, and therefore not misleading.
AAAA ensures that any representations about the awardees and/or nominee profiles in any of our communications clearly articulate the basis upon which the award was made, which includes the criteria for the award, the scope of nominees considered, and the selection criteria for determining winners.
AAAA refrains from using any language that could imply a guarantee of future investment success or that the award relates to any specific client experiences.
If /when applicable, we will include a clear disclaimer stating that the award and/or nominee profiles are not indicative of the future performance or that any investor will achieve similar results to selected asset managers.
Our communication also consistently emphasizes that investment decisions should not be based solely on award recognition.
We are committed to maintaining transparency and fostering trust in our engagements.
Hotel Information FAQ
17. Is there a discounted room rate available for attendees at the Gaylord Resort and Convention Center?
- Answer: Yes, we have negotiated a special rate for conference attendees. Please mention you are attending the AAAA V.I.S.I.O.N. conference when making your reservation. If the Gaylord Resort is booked please Click here to book a room at a nearby hotel.
18. How can I reach the Gaylord Resort and Convention Center from the airport?
- Answer: The resort is easily accessible by taxi, ride-share services like Uber or Lyft, and public transportation from Reagan Washington DCA, (closest to the Gaylord Resort and Convention Center), Washington Dulles IAD and Baltimore Airport BWI (furthest from the Gaylord Resort and Convention Center).
V.I.S.I.O.N. Conference FAQ
19. Are there opportunities to present at the conference?
- Answer: Yes, we encourage submissions for presentations. You can find more details about the submission process on our website.
20. Is there a virtual attendance option for the conference?
- Answer: No, virtual attendance is not currently permitted.
21. Will there be any social or cultural events as part of the conference?
- Answer: Yes, we've planned several social and cultural events as part of the conference, allowing attendees to relax and network informally. Please check our schedule for more details.
22. Is there a deadline for conference registration?
- Answer: Yes, the deadline for registration is September 12th. We encourage early registration to secure your place.
23. Are there any volunteer opportunities available at the conference?
- Answer: Yes, we do have volunteer opportunities available. Please contact fill out the volunteer form.
24. What type of programming can I expect at the conference?
- Answer: Our conference will feature a variety of programming, including keynote speakers, workshops, panel discussions, networking events, and sessions on Practice Management, Succession Planning, AI and Data, Regulations, Leadership, and many others.
25. What facilities are available at the Gaylord Resort and Convention Center?
- Answer: The Gaylord Resort and Convention Center boasts a variety of facilities, including multiple dining options, a spa, a fitness center, and easy access to local attractions.
26. Will there be Wi-Fi access at the conference?
- Answer: Free Wi-Fi will be available for all conference attendees.
27. Is the AAAA V.I.S.I.O.N. conference exclusive to Black/African American attendees only?
- Answer: No, the conference is not exclusive to Black/African American attendees. While the Association of African American Financial Advisors (AAAA) is dedicated to the professional development of Black/African Americans in the financial services industry, our annual V.I.S.I.O.N. conference is inclusive.
The conference presents a platform for learning, networking, and the exchange of ideas, and AAAAs believe that this diversity of perspectives enriches the experience for everyone involved.
By attending, you support the goal of increasing diversity and representation in the financial services industry, regardless of your own racial or ethnic background.
Media Pressence & Photo/Video Consent FAQ
28. Is media presence permitted at the V.I.S.I.O.N. conference?
- Answer: Yes, we do allow media at our conference. We appreciate the role of the press in highlighting important discussions and developments in our industry.
To facilitate this, we provide a designated meeting room where media teams can conduct interviews with attendees.
However, please note that media access is granted only to certain sessions, not the entire conference. All media personnel are required to be properly credentialed.
We also ask that these credentials be visibly displayed at all times to ensure a smooth experience for all attendees. This is crucial to maintain the integrity and privacy of our conference sessions and participants.
29. Is there a consent policy for the use of photo & video content captured at the conference by AAAA?
- Answer: Yes, For AAAA’s V.I.S.I.O.N. Conference Photo, Video, and Cancellation Policy, click here.
The Association of African American Financial Advisors seeks to ensure transparency when obtaining consent for the use of captured photographs and video footage during the Association of African American Financial Advisors (AAAA) Regional and National Conferences. This policy outlines the guidelines for using such content and provides attendees the opportunity to control the use of their image and likeness. Click here to view the full policy.
Dine-Around with a Corporate Partner FAQ
30. How would attendees register for Dine-Around?
-Answer: AAAA emails all conference attendees the Dine-Around with a Corporate Partner registration link.
31. Can a registrant still register if they did not select a Dine-Around Option? What is the deadline?
-Answer: Absolutely will provide a registration link to all registrants. The Deadline to register is September 1st, 2023.
32. Can attendees book two Dine-Around options, and can registrants switch their selection (instead of a no-show)?
- Answer: AAAA’s Dine-Around registration link allows only one submission, and users cannot change their selection.
