Over 500 attendees from M Member Firms, M Financial, and industry partners convened October 20–23 at the J.W. Marriott Miami Turnberry Resort & Spa for Marketing Meeting 2024: Accelerating Excellence.
The signature M Financial annual event offered exceptional opportunities for members of the M Community to learn from each other, share insights, and strengthen relationships. Featured speakers included renowned news correspondent Judy Woodruff, journalist Derek Thompson, economist Jason Furman, and former Speaker of the House John Boehner, covering topics such as national politics, elections, and economics.
Jay Kenerly of M Member Firm Plybon & Associates, Inc., chaired M’s 2024 Marketing Meeting Program Development Committee, which creates the vision for the meeting and guides content creation.
M Financial President & CEO Russell Bundschuh opened the meeting with an inspiring presentation on the early results of initiatives launched since he joined the company in February 2022.
“After just a couple of years of setting the stage, we are starting to enter our stride to bring to life the change and the growth that is needed for our community to continue to prosper and succeed,” Bundschuh said during his welcoming remarks. “With the power of this community at the center of all we do and firing on all cylinders, there is nothing — and I mean nothing — that can stop us.”
Informative breakout sessions, led by M Member Firm principals, M Financial experts, M Carriers, and strategic partners, covered pressing industry topics such as generational wealth transfer, the Connelly v. United States decision, COLI/BOLI trends, succession planning, and many others.
There were ample opportunities to connect, including a special reception for first timers and Magnet program participants followed by an Oktoberfest-themed welcome dinner. The event concluded with a vibrant “Havana Nights” dinner and celebration featuring live entertainment, dancing, and Miami-inspired food and drinks.
Feedback from M Member Firm and partner attendees has been incredibly positive.
"The meeting was held in a beautiful location with an outstanding hotel. My room was phenomenal, and the event was incredibly well organized,” said Jay Cleary of M Member Firm Bridge Life, LLC. “The ‘experimental’ aspects were creative and successful enough to build on, and the breakout sessions were valuable and with thoughtful and relevant topics. The outside speakers were excellent, the wine was top-shelf, and the food was delicious. Connecting with everyone was, as usual, the best part."
"I’m increasingly impressed with the planning of Marketing Meeting,” said Antoinette Harper of Member Firm Mullin Barens Sanford Financial & Insurance Services, LLC. “From the location to the keynote speakers, to the breakout session topics, and everything in between."
"Havana Nights was amazing!” said Pacific Life’s Carol Jensen. “The dancing was fun, the energy was high, attendance was high, and I had meaningful conversations with so many firms. M’s momentum is building!”
For more information, contact Walter Thayer, VP, Marketing & Events, at walter.thayer@mfin.com.
About M Financial Group
With more than 130 Member Firms across the United States and in the United Kingdom, M Financial Group is one of the nation’s leading financial services design and distribution companies. Since 1978, M Financial’s network of independent insurance and executive benefit firms has served the needs of high-net-worth individuals, corporate executives, successful entrepreneurs, and Fortune 1000 companies.
For more information, please contact Carrie Wanous, Sr. Manager, Content & Communications, at carrie.wanous@mfin.com or visit our website at mfin.com.
