Advocacy in Action: Highlights from FSI Forum & Capitol Hill Day 2024

Over the years, FSI Forum & Capitol Hill Day has repeatedly been one of our most impactful events. This year was no different. 

Once again, over 100 FSI members gathered in Washington, D.C., to hear from industry experts and meet with elected representatives. Whether it’s promoting legislation to prevent the financial exploitation of seniors or advocating against needless fiduciary rules that limit Main Street investor access to advice, Capitol Hill Day allows us to highlight the real-world implications of the rules and regulations impacting the industry.  

“I finally made it happen” 

“After years of wanting to attend, I finally made it happen in 2024. FSI didn’t disappoint,” shared one financial advisor member after attending the event for the first time.  

“As a Capitol Hill Day ‘rookie,’ I felt well-prepared to address pertinent issues in front of Senate and House staff. It’s hard to describe how cool it was to walk the halls of the heart of our country’s oversight entities and feel like I was both part owner as a citizen and a worthwhile participant as an FSI team member. And I made a few new friends.” 

This sort of access is, in part, the key to making Capitol Hill Day so meaningful. In-person advocacy not only allows our members to have a once-in-a-lifetime experience, but it also gives them the opportunity, through constructive engagement, to provide lawmakers real-world context to the issues being addressed on Capitol Hill.  

Multifaceted Event  

The three-day event, however, is about more than just advocacy. It offers a wide-ranging schedule packed with opportunities for learning and networking.  

This year, there were insightful presentations, including Jeff Bush’s “Washington Update,” which provided a nonpartisan analysis of legislative developments impacting financial services. Also, executive coach Neen James hosted an impactful workshop on mastering attention for enhanced client experiences and productivity.  

Meanwhile, a handful of panels featured financial advisors and firm executives addressing regulatory complexities and sharing strategies to improve business operations. Participants also gained valuable advocacy skills before heading to Capitol Hill for meetings, including best practices and etiquette for engaging with legislators.  

“If you are going to one FSI event, make it FSI Forum & Capitol Hill Day,” said Brad Greenbaum, Vice President of Altigro Pension Services, Inc. 

Still, even as the FSI Forum portion of the gathering is valuable, members having the opportunity to meet directly with their elected representatives and their staffs tends to be the highlight for most attendees. These interactions are more than just a chance to voice concerns—they are an opportunity to influence real legislative change.  

“It is both humbling, energizing and empowering to visit the offices of our elected officials and make relevant suggestions to them about our country’s legislative direction,” said another financial advisor member. “Just being part of the process fills me with pride for being an active, participating American.” 

Despite what you may hear on the news or see on social media, elected officials are eager to meet with their constituents, listen to their perspectives and get things done.

A Differentiator

We look forward to welcoming even more FSI members to next year’s Capitol Hill Day and continuing our work to protect the independent financial services industry. Come to Washington, D.C., for yourself, your business and your clients.  

“The forum is a differentiator for advisors,” Greenbaum said. “It allows you to tell your clients and fellow advisors that you met with their elected officials to lobby. It elevates you to the top of your profession.”