Welcome to WealthTech Connect 2025

As WealthTech evolves, the power of crafting meaningful connections drives the industry forward. First Rate WealthTech Connect brings this vision to life by focusing on intentional design, collaboration, and innovation.

Join us in Dallas for an unforgettable experience that blends networking, idea sharing, and the artistry of WealthTech. From thought provoking keynote speakers to dynamic interactive sessions, this event is your chance to explore how strategic and purposeful creativity is shaping the future of wealth management.

Agenda

WealthTech Designed to Empower, Simplify, and Inspire

Times and topics are subject to change.
All times in CT.

Anytime

JOIN US AT THE FIRST RATE OFFICE

First Rate Inc, 1903 Ascension Blvd, Arlington, TX 76006
A short ride from DFW airport. If you arrive earlier in the day, feel free to join us at our office! Reach out to your relationship manager, or Emily Harvell if you plan to stop by.

3:00 PM

Hotel Check-In

Hall Arts Hotel
Get settled in and ready for an exciting few days!
HALL Arts Standard Check In Time

6:00 PM

Welcome Social

HALL Arts Hotel - Ellie’s Terrace
Join us for a networking event to jump start our wealthtech connect adventures.

Hall Arts Hotel

7:30am Sabine Adams
Rob Bethmann

Morning Walk with First Raters (optional)

Meet in lobby to depart for a 1.3 mile walk. You will be back by 7:30

8:00 - 8:50am Gallery 2

Breakfast

The Art of Connection

9:00 - 9:05am Emily Harvell
Gallery 1

Opening Welcome

Kick off the day with Purpose, connection, and a vision for what's ahead.

9:05 - 9:30am Trina Stone
Gallery 1

Why We're Gathered

Explore why WealthTech Connect is unlike other industry events – this is about connection, conversation and celebration.

9:30 - 10:00am Kate Baird & Panel

Communication That Builds Trust

How performance professionals can improve communication and drive alignment.

10:00 - 10:20am Craig Wietz
Gallery 1

State of First Rate

A global and local business update. Reflecting on our past and where we are today.

10:20 - 10:40am

Break

The Art of Innovation

10:40-11:25am Ahmad El-Katib
Gallery 1

FIRST RATE INNOVATION OFFICE & PRODUCT ROADMAP

Explore how client needs are shaping our new solutions, and how to get involved.

The Art of Partnerships

11:25-11:40am Phil Gobble
Gallery 1

POWERING GROWTH THROUGH PARTNERSHIPS

Spotlight on integrations and channel partners, and why it matters to our clients.

The Art of Giving

11:45am - 12:00pm Rachel Guy
Gallery 1

Giving Back: A Shared Commitment

Discover how First Rate and The Spaulding Group are making a difference—and how you can too.

12:00 - 12:45pm Gallery 2

Giving Lunch

Participate in a service project benefitting a local Dallas organization, Community Partners of Dallas

The Art of Trends

1:15 - 2:15pm Gallery 1

Keynote Session: The Power of Market Intelligence & Finance as a Helping Profession

Laura Varas | CEO, Hearts & Wallets

Laura Varas is Founder and CEO of Hearts & Wallets (H&W), the data and benchmarking firm that specializes in competitive and consumer buying patterns in saving, investing and financial advice.

Hearts & Wallets provides market intelligence data, software and benchmarking to growth-oriented companies to make their products and services more compelling and competitively differentiated, leading to demonstrably better business results.

Laura is a thought leader in identifying trends in the wealth, investing and retirement industries. Her background combines line operating experience in product and distribution channel roles with strategy consulting and consumer marketing. Prior to founding Hearts & Wallets, Laura led product management and development for Fidelity Investments equity funds for the retail and institutional retirement channels and held leadership roles in stock plan services and rollover. At Citibank’s Latin American Consumer Bank, she held diverse roles in branch expansion, customer segment management and investment solutions. Earlier roles with Colgate Palmolive, Grey Advertising and Mercer Management Consulting honed her analytical and creative skills.

Laura has a B.A. in economics from Yale University and an MBA in management from the Kellogg School at Northwestern University. For more information visit www.heartsandwallets.com.

The Art of Accuracy

2:15 - 2:40pm Alex Serman
Gallery 1

PERFORMANCE ATTRIBUTION: WHAT’S IN, OUT, AND MISSING

Dive into the trends shaping attribution — what clients are using, avoiding, and asking for.

2:40 - 2:55pm

Break

Breakout Sessions

2:55pm First Breakout Sessions

Private Assets Roundtable

The Spaulding Group | Sculpture Hall

Discussion on challenges and solutions for calculating performance on private and alternative assets.

Trading & Rebalancing Masterclass

Jackie Rothaar & Russell Hughey | Gallery 2

A hands-on session exploring First Rate’s tools and strategies in action.

3:15 - 3:45 Breakout Sessions

Picture This: The Role of a Performance Pro

Nishimwe Goreth & The Spaulding Group | Sculpture Hall

A day in the life of an analyst meets insights from industry research.

Behind the Build of First Rate's Platforms | Gallery 2

First Rate Product Heads

An inside look at how First Rate’s platforms are designed for smarter performance, deeper insights, and more powerful data capabilities.

The Art of Ventures

3:45 - 4:10pm Marshall Smith
Nichole Rush
Gallery 1

Where Innovation Meets Opportunity: The Ventures Approach

How First Rate’s innovation is being scaled with First Rate Ventures.

The Art of Data

4:10 - 4:30pm Logan Taylor & Nick Rod

AI & Agentic Intelligence in WealthTech

How intelligent automation is changing client reporting and advisor workflows.

A Night at the Gallery

5:30 - 6:00pm

WHISKEY & WEALTHTECH LIVE PODCAST RECORDING

Filmed with Platinum Sponsor Nebo Wealth

6:00 - 7:00pm

HAPPY HOUR

Junior Barotti Poker Tournament

Benefitting the Community Partners of Dallas Children

Farewell Breakfast + One-on-One Meetings

7:30am Sabine Adams
Rob Bethmann

Morning Walk with First Raters (optional)

Meet in the Lobby

8:00 - 10:00 am

Breakfast Buffet

10:00am

Meetings with First Rate Managing Directors

Scheduled time for personalized discussions with your First Rate representative to explore tailored solutions, partnerships, and opportunities. We will be reaching out to you to confirm times!

12:00 pm