Key Takeaways
- • CAIS announced the 2026 lineup of CAIS Live events, the third year of the in-person education series for independent financial advisors, with nine regional and national events scheduled from March through September.
- • According to the 2026 CAIS and Mercer Survey cited in the release, nine in 10 advisors allocate to alternatives, and nearly half dedicate more than 10% of client portfolios to these strategies.
- • CAIS reports that CAIS Live engaged more than 3,000 advisors in 2025, with events offered at no cost and eligible for CE credits.
- • The series culminates in the CAIS Alternative Investment Summit, scheduled for October 12-15, 2026, at The Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills, CA.
Summary
The release cites the 2026 CAIS and Mercer Survey, which found that nine in 10 advisors allocate to alternatives and that nearly half devote more than 10% of client portfolios to these strategies. Advisors surveyed said they prefer one-on-one meetings (61%) and live events (40%) as ways to learn about new opportunities in the space. CAIS states that more than 3,000 advisors participated in CAIS Live in 2025. Events are complimentary and offer continuing education credits.
The 2026 CAIS Live schedule includes: Capital Markets, March 5-6 in Austin, TX; Leaders in Wealth, March 24-26 in Kiawah Island, SC; New York, April 16; South, April 29-30 in Amelia Island, FL; Midwest, May 19 in Chicago; Boston, June 15; West, July 21-22 in Monarch Beach, CA; and New York, September 15. The series culminates in the CAIS Alternative Investment Summit, described as the marquee gathering of independent advisors and alternative asset managers, from October 12-15, 2026, at The Beverly Hilton. CAIS also said it partners with independent broker-dealers and RIAs to host curated events for their teams.
CAIS Chief Marketing Officer Alex Cavalieri said advisors continue to value collaborative, in-person learning despite advances in technology and AI. President Brad Walker said the events are designed to deliver insights and exposure to strategies shaping portfolios. Glenn August, Founder and CEO of OHA, which participates in CAIS Live and the CAIS Summit, said in-person dialogue builds stronger relationships and more informed decision-making.
CAIS describes itself as serving more than 2,000 wealth management firms supporting over 62,000 advisors who oversee approximately $7.5 trillion in end-client assets. The firm was founded in 2009 and has offices in New York, Austin, London, and Red Bank, NJ.
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