ETF Architect

2026
ETF Architect
Client Conference
Logan Hotel, Philadelphia PA
Sept. 2–4, 2026

Two days in Philly with the ETF Architect crew. Real talk on the ETF business, great food, a black-tie party, and one optional (but highly encouraged) opportunity to sweat.

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Full schedule

Event Agenda

All times are Eastern. Schedule subject to minor changes.​

8:00 – 9:00
Breakfast & Registration
Coffee, breakfast, and early networking with peers
9:00 – 9:15
Welcome & Opening Remarks
Setting the stage: why we're here and what to expect
9:15 – 10:00
Keynote — The Next Decade of ETFs
Keynote
Where the industry is headed: flows, active ETFs, and structural shifts
10:00 – 10:45
351 Conversions: Where Deals Go Sideways
A frank look at what can go wrong in 351 ETF conversions
10:45 – 11:00
Coffee Break
Recharge and reconnect
11:00 – 11:45
Let's Build Together
Inside post-launch: services and support that turn a new ETF into a thriving one
11:45 – 1:30
Networking Lunch
Long lunch — eat, catch up on work, swap ideas
1:30 – 2:15
Stuff I Wish I'd Known
Panel
Battle-tested lessons from ETF founders who've been through it
2:15 – 3:00
Selling ETFs That Stand Out
What actually works: distribution, positioning, and winning shelf space
3:00 – 3:30
Afternoon Break
Coffee and snacks
3:30 – 4:30
ETF Trivia & Networking Game
Friendly competition, surprising prizes, and a fun way to close the day
4:30 – 4:45
Closing Remarks
Day one wrap and a preview of the USMC Ball and March for the Fallen
4:45 – 6:00
Break — Refresh & Change
Change into formal attire and meet at the ballroom
6:00 – 6:30
Arrival & Cocktail Hour
Bar opens, hors d'oeuvres, photos, and mingling
6:30 – 6:40
Welcome Remarks
Welcome and overview of the evening's program
6:40 – 6:50
Posting of the Colors
Ceremony
Color Guard presentation of the flag
6:50 – 6:55
National Anthem
Performance of the National Anthem
6:55 – 7:00
POW/MIA Recognition
Ceremony
A moment of remembrance honoring those still missing
7:00 – 7:15
Marine Corps Birthday Message
Tradition
Reading of the Commandant's birthday message
7:15 – 7:20
Cake Cutting Ceremony
Tradition
First slice to the senior Marine, second to the junior
7:20 – 8:15
Formal Dinner Service
Formal plated dinner
8:15 – 8:35
Guest Speaker
Keynote
A keynote on leadership, service, and Marine Corps heritage
8:35 – 8:45
Toast to the Marine Corps
A group toast honoring the Corps
8:45 – 9:15
Recognition & Awards
Recognizing Marines, veterans, and special guests in the room
9:15 – 9:30
Closing Remarks
Thank you, then on to the celebration
9:30 – 10:00
Dancing & Social
Music, dancing, bar, and photos to close the night
8:00 – 9:00
Coffee & Light Breakfast
Gather, fuel up, and connect before we head out
9:00 – 9:20
Opening Remarks
Why we march: a tribute to fallen service members
9:20 – 9:45
Featured Speaker — A Gold Star Family
Featured
A personal story of sacrifice and remembrance
9:45 – 10:00
March Logistics Briefing
Route, safety, regroup points, and what to expect on the trail
10:00 – 11:30
March for the Fallen
We march together — every step in their honor
11:30 – 12:00
Post-March Gathering
Water, snacks, photos, and time to decompress
12:00 – 1:30
Awards & Closing
Final remarks and awards ceremony

Featured Speakers

Who You'll hear from

Industry leaders, ETF founders, and practitioners. Click any speaker to learn more.

Eric Balchunas
Eric Balchunas
Senior ETF Analyst, Bloomberg Intelligence
Dave Nadig
Dave Nadig
President & Director of Research, ETF.com
Brent Sullivan
Brent Sullivan
Editor, Tax Alpha Insider
✕
Wesley Gray
Wesley Gray, PhD
CEO, Alpha Architect / ETF Architect
Patrick Cleary
Patrick Cleary
Senior Partner – Client Experience, ETF Architect
✕
Event Sections

Marine Ball

Thursday night we throw our version of the Marine Corps Ball. There's a short ceremony (we cut a cake with a sword!), then dinner, drinks, and dancing. Black tie or your sharpest suit. No marching required. If you've never been to one, this is the night people talk about until next year

6:00 – 7:00 Cocktail Hour with appetizers
7:00 – 10:00 Ball with plated dinner

MARCH FOR THE FALLEN

Friday we cap things off with the March for the Fallen — our way of honoring Gold Star families. All participants will carry a dogtag of a fallen service member. There will be different challenge levels, and everyone can achieve their personal summit. Here is a NY Times article on the event (note: this one will be a bit easier).

Where to Stay
Accommodation Information
The Logan, Curio Collection by Hilton
One Logan Square · Philadelphia, PA 19103

A room block has been reserved for conference attendees. Use the link below to book at the group rate.

Book Your Room →

The Department of War is not associated with ETF Architect or its affiliates. Use of Marine Corps imagery by ETF Architect does not imply approval or partnership with the United States Marine Corps.