Meet This Year’s Keynote Speakers Who Embody our Mission and Vision
We’re building an exceptional lineup for our general sessions and are thrilled to share more about our confirmed presenters.
Don’t miss the opportunity to get inspired by their knowledge so you can help others aspire to improve their financial well-being.
Introducing Our 2026 AFCPE Symposium Keynote Speakers
Steven M. Hughes, FBS®
Financial Therapist, Fortune 1000 Speaker
In his keynote, Concrete, Not Quicksand, Steven will challenge attendees to examine the beliefs that quietly shape financial decisions. Exploring beliefs, emotions, and self-talk around money and how to change (when you’re ready). Steven believes that many people have built their financial foundation on something that appears to be solid, but once a financial experience that is negative or different occurs, cracks in your financial world start to show themselves. In this talk, he uses his work in financial psychology, behavioral finance, and affirmations to reshape your perspective on true financial wellbeing and resilience. Steven guides attendees to examine the early messages, generational influences, and personal experiences that shape our money mindset today. Through engaging stories and activities, participants will uncover how unconscious beliefs, family influences, and limiting narratives can quietly drive their (and their clients’) financial decisions.
Dr. Kristy L. Archuleta, Ph.D., LMFT, CFT-I™
Professor of Financial Planning at the University of Georgia
Feeling overwhelmed, stressed, or emotionally drained? You’re not alone. Burnout is a growing concern for financial professionals who dedicate their careers to helping others. The increasing demands of the profession can leave advisors feeling drained, disengaged, and struggling to stay motivated. In her keynote, Overwhelmed and Burned Out: Working with Clients Even When You Don’t Feel Like It, Kristy dives into the realities of stress and burnout, equipping financial professionals with actionable strategies to regain balance, sustain motivation, and continue providing exceptional service to clients—even on the toughest days. Attendees will walk away with practical tools to protect their well-being, enhance resilience, and reignite their passion for their work.
Dr. Kate Mielitz, AFC®, CDP®, Kansas State University (left)
Jamie Chandler, CCUFC™, CUDE™, Opportunity Knocks, PBS (right)
In their keynote, All in for Impact: Real Life Financial Counseling, Kate and Jamie will bring the human impact of financial counseling to life. What does it really mean to go All In as a financial counselor? This keynote brings that question to life through powerful stories and candid conversations from Opportunity Knocks, offering a rare look at how financial counseling unfolds in people’s lives. Co-presented by Kate Mielitz, PhD, AFC®, CDP®, Professor of Practice in Personal Financial Planning at Kansas State University, and Jamie Chandler, CCUFC, CUDE, SVP of Program Initiatives and Strategic Partnerships for The Opportunity Initiative, the session blends academic insight with real-world perspective. Together, they explore how counseling approaches, communication styles, and emotional dynamics shape not only financial outcomes, but also the trust, connection, and transformation clients experience along the way. Attendees will leave with fresh perspective, renewed purpose, and a deeper appreciation for the human impact of their work.
We invite you to stay tuned for more keynote announcements are made in the lead up to Symposium.
Thank You to Our 2025 Symposium Keynote Speakers
As we ramp up the excitement for 2026 Symposium, let’s take a moment to reflect on last year’s general sessions. Special thanks to our 2025 keynote presenters:
Gary Mottola and Lisa Berdie
Riaz Meghji
Rahkim Sabree
Erika Wasserman
We’re All In on Getting Inspired. Are You?
There’s never been a better time to experience (or re-experience) the power and impact of Symposium. Whether you attend in-person or virtually, you’ll have a front row seat to take in our lineup of fantastic keynote speakers. Make your plan to attend today.
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