A Message from IMEA Leadership
SPRING MOMENTUM ACROSS THE IMEA COMMUNITY
A Strong Start to 2026
HIGH-IMPACT CONVERSATIONS AND STRONG EARLY ENGAGEMENT
IMEA kicked off 2026 with strong engagement across its members, driven by active Council participation, impactful programming, and continued industry collaboration.
From a flagship in-person Summit to a practical, solutions-focused webinar, both programs delivered strong attendance, high engagement, and positive feedback—reinforcing the value of IMEA’s practitioner-led approach.
As programming builds into the spring, these early events set the tone for the year ahead—bringing together industry leaders for candid, peer-driven conversations on timely challenges and emerging opportunities, reinforcing what makes IMEA unique: a trusted environment for open exchange and real-world insight.
Distribution Intelligence Summit | March 4-5 | Boca Raton, FL
Hosted by: Polen Capital | Distribution Intelligence Council Partner: Broadridge
IMEA’s Distribution Intelligence Summit convened convened senior leaders across distribution, marketing, analytics, and sales strategy to explore how firms are evolving from foundational data capabilities to AI-enabled strategy and execution.
Through a mix of expert-led sessions and peer-driven breakouts, attendees exchanged perspectives, compared approaches, and walked away with practical insights to advance their distribution intelligence strategies.
One attendee noted, “The opportunity to meet and engage with professionals in comparable roles was one of the most impactful aspects of the conference. It was clear that we are navigating many of the same issues, and the exchange of insights and best practices provided some of the most meaningful takeaways.”
Key Takeaways:
• Distribution intelligence is evolving into forward-looking, actionable strategy
• Sales and marketing are aligning more closely around data-driven decisions
• AI is moving from concept to real-world application
• Modern DI requires integration across data, technology, and teams
Members can now access event presentations, including insights from Broadridge and Jacobs & Company, offering deeper perspective on how firms are operationalizing distribution intelligence and AI-enabled strategy.
Scaling Your Content: The Operational Challenge
Why Inefficient Processes Are Costing You Time, Talent, and Growth—and How to Fix It
In this Q1 webinar, Greg Healy (Synthesis Technology) introduced a practical framework for addressing one of the industry’s most persistent challenges: operational inefficiency.
This session focused on how firms can modernize content operations and scale production—without adding headcount or heavy IT investment.
What Members Learned:
• How leading firms are achieving 3x faster production cycles
• Ways to reduce manual effort by up to 90%
• How automation can unlock capacity and refocus teams
• A practical framework for scaling content and marketing operations
As we move into Q2, IMEA builds on this momentum with an expanded lineup of in-person events, roundtables, and Council-driven programming—continuing to deliver timely, practical insights and meaningful opportunities for members across the industry.
Building on nearly 30 years of recognition, the expanded program reflects the full asset management ecosystem—celebrating excellence across firms, teams, and individuals shaping the future of the industry.
Entries for the 2026 program officially opened on March 16, with submissions now being accepted across a newly expanded set of categories.
- Expanded recognition across the full asset management landscape; including institutional and intermediary segments
- No entry fees, encouraging broad industry participation
- Enhanced visibility through the Financial Times’ global platforms, including Ignites, FundFire, FT Live, and Future of Asset Management
The program will culminate in a premier awards celebration on October 19, recognizing the industry’s most impactful firms, initiatives, and leaders.
Giving Back: Expanding IMEA's Impact
SUPPORTING FINANCIAL EDUCATION & COMMUNITY INITIATIVES
In 2025, IMEA and its member firms contributed $80,000 to support organizations focused on financial education, career development, and community care—marking a significant expansion of the alliance’s charitable giving efforts and reinforcing our commitment to broader industry and community impact.
These contributions reflect the shared commitment across the IMEA community to create broader access to opportunity and long-term impact.
“Our charitable giving initiative reflects IMEA’s broader commitment to strengthening both the asset management industry and the communities it serves,” said Alex Gardner, Managing Director – Product and Strategy at Diamond Hill and IMEA Executive Committee Treasurer. “Expanding our charitable contributions this year reflects the collective commitment of our member firms to support organizations that provide meaningful resources, financial education, and opportunities for individuals and families.”
ORGANIZATIONS SUPPORTED
Council Spotlight: Distribution Intelligence
ADVANCING DATA-DRIVEN STRATEGY ACROSS THE INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT LANDSCAPE
The Distribution Intelligence Council continues to serve as a critical forum for leaders navigating the evolving intersection of data, technology, and distribution strategy.
As the only industry-sponsored forum of its kind for digital and data-focused executives, the Council brings together professionals responsible for business intelligence, data strategy, and sales and marketing enablement. Through candid, peer-driven discussions, members explore emerging technologies, data infrastructure, and best practices—while addressing shared challenges shaping the future of data-driven distribution.
Supported by Council Partner Broadridge, the group continues to drive meaningful dialogue and practical insight across the IMEA community. This quarter, the Council welcomes Kevin Crouch (Calamos Investments) to the Steering Committee, further strengthening its leadership with deep expertise in data science and analytics.
DISTRIBUTION INTELLIGENCE COUNCIL
Featured Partner: Broadridge
POWERING A HOLISTIC AND PROCESS-ORIENTED APPROACH TO DISTRIBUTION INTELLIGENCEE
IMEA’s Distribution Intelligence Council Partner, Broadridge, is a global fintech leader helping clients and the financial industry operate, innovate, and grow. Broadridge provides the critical infrastructure and technology that powers global wealth & investment management including over 150k institutional shareholders and 200M retail accounts.
Broadridge’s Data & Analytics business draws on unique access to data, cutting-edge analytical toolkits, and a team of industry experts across functions to deliver actionable insights and develop innovative solutions that support the design and execution of data-driven distribution strategies.
From successfully launching active ETFs to driving the democratization of private markets or purely sharpening a strategic focus, Broadridge’s ability to build enterprise-level partnerships with leading asset managers enables more holistic and process oriented approach to distribution intelligence.
As a valued IMEA partner and a trusted advisor to industry leaders, Broadridge brings a depth of insight and a breadth of perspectives to the Distribution Intelligence Council—helping shape conversations around data, analytics, and the future of distribution strategy.
“We value our partnership with the IMEA because at its core the principles behind membership mirror our objectives. In a competitive landscape defined by relentless complexity and compounding expectations, IMEA gatherings remind us that we’re part of something larger. These events bring our clients and our peers together around a shared purpose: advancing our industry to help more investors achieve lasting financial security. It’s a chance to expand our perspectives, and recommit to the stewardship that moves all of us forward”
– Ryan Foreman – Associate Principal, US Solutions
– Michael Scott – Assistant to the Associate Principal, US Solutions
Welcoming New Member Firms
EXPANDING THE IMEA COMMUNITY ACROSS ASSET MANAGEMENT
IMEA’s continues to expand with its member community, with the following new firms joining in late 2025 and early 2026—reflecting growing demand for a collaborative, practitioner-led forum across the investment management industry.
IMEA is pleased to welcome
These firms bring diverse perspectives across asset classes, distribution models, and investment strategies—further strengthening the depth and value of IMEA’s peer network.
“IMEA’s inclusive approach welcomes firms across asset classes, structures, and business models making it an increasingly valuable forum for leaders navigating change,” said Kimber Lintz, Executive Director of IMEA. “As we expand our event offerings this year, we remain focused on ensuring every meeting delivers actionable insights and meaningful peer connections for our members.”
What's Ahead: Q2 Events
OPPORTUNITIES TO CONNECT, LEARN, AND ENGAGE
Building on strong engagement to start the year, IMEA’s Q2 event lineup continues to deliver high-impact opportunities for connection, insight, and practical takeaways.
Through a mix of flagship Summits, Roundtables, and targeted virtual programming, these events are designed to foster candid, peer-driven discussions and equip members with actionable strategies to navigate an evolving industry landscape.
Senior leaders with expertise and primary responsibility across distribution, product, marketing, and sales are encouraged to attend IMEA’s upcoming events.
Distribution Summit
APRIL 22 | BALTIMORE, MD
The 2026 IMEA Distribution Summit will bring together industry leaders for forward-looking discussions on evolving distribution strategies, business models, and client engagement.
Host: T. Rowe Price
Reception Host: WealthVista
Partner: SS&C Technologies
Alternatives Roundtable
APRIL 30 | CHICAGO, IL
A focused forum exploring the continued expansion of alternative investments, including product strategy, distribution opportunities, and operational considerations.
Host: Morningstar
Product Summit
MAY 6-7 | BOSTON, MA
An in-depth program examining key trends, challenges, and strategic priorities shaping the modern product lifecycle.
Host: Natixis Investment Managers
Partner: Corporate Insight
Internal Sales Desk Summit
JUNE 4 | ATLANTA, GA
A peer-driven forum exploring how internal sales organizations are evolving to meet changing client expectations and distribution models.
Host: Invesco
Internal Sales Desk Summit
JUNE 10 | CHICAGO, IL
A senior-level discussion on how marketing is evolving to drive growth, engagement, and differentiation across the asset management landscape.
Host: Nuveen
Roundtable Sponsor: Broadridge
Dinner Sponsor: FUSE Research Network
Dates Announced Soon for These 2026 IMEA Events
• Alumni Group Roundtable
• Boutique Managers Roundtable
• COO of Distribution Roundtable
• Communications Roundtable (PR & Internal Comms)
• Compliance Roundtable
• Content Management Roundtable
• DCIO / Retirement Roundtable
• Digital Marketing Roundtable
• Divisional Sales Manager Roundtable
• ETFs Roundtable
• Gatekeeper Roundtable
• Leadership Planning Meeting
• National Accounts Summit
• National Sales Manager Roundtable
• Marketing Technology / Operations / Sales Enablement Roundtable
• Product Development Roundtable
• Product Marketing Roundtable
Thank You for Being Part of IMEA
STAY CONNECTED AND TAKE THE NEXT STEP
We look forward to connecting with you throughout the year and continuing to deliver meaningful opportunities to learn, collaborate, and lead.