Fellows, guests, and sponsors convened in the Windy City for ACTEC’s 2024 Fall Meeting held at the Marriott Marquis Chicago from Thursday, September 19, to Sunday, September 22. The College extends its gratitude to our sponsor companies!
Sponsor Recognition Reception
ACTEC leadership attended the Sponsor Recognition Reception on Friday evening to honor and thank our sponsor companies and their representatives. Sponsorship Advisory Committee Chair Lora G. Davis welcomed guests, expressing gratitude for the sponsors’ continued support and highlighting their value to ACTEC Fellows. “Our sponsors are a valuable resource, and it’s great to see familiar faces and welcome new sponsors,” Lora remarked. President Susan D. Snyder followed Lora by thanking all sponsor companies, stating, “Your commitment to ACTEC is greatly valued. We appreciate your support at every level and hope your meeting experience cultivates lasting connections with our Fellows.”
(L-R) ACTEC President Susan D. Snyder and Sponsor Advisory Chair Lora G. Davis.
Guest Speakers
Saturday Seminars
Sponsor representatives may attend the Fall Meeting Professional Programs, which feature presentations from ACTEC Fellows and guest speakers. The Saturday Seminars included a session that addressed key estate planning challenges. The day began with a special guest presentation from Charles P. Golbert, Public Guardian of Cook County, IL, who spoke during Seminar 1: Private and Public Approaches to Combatting Undue Influence and Abuse. The panel focused on recognizing and combatting undue influence and elder abuse at both the planning and litigation stages.
(L-R) Guest Speaker Cook County Public Guardian Charles Golbert with Academic Fellow Professor Reid Kress Weisbord and Ohio Fellow Julia B. Meister.
Digital Property Committee
The Digital Property Committee Meeting included timely discussions of the latest developments at the cutting edge of the digital world and estate and tax planning. Guest speaker Kimberly A. Cook, Partner at Schiller DuCanto & Fleck in Chicago, spoke on the legal and tax issues facing social media influencers and content creators, with Vice Chair Karin C. Prangley moderating the meeting. Kim defined what a social media influencer is, explored how they generate income, and examined the structure and valuation of this type of business, sparking lively attendee discussions. Karin shares, “It was absolutely fascinating to learn of all the ways motivated and creative individuals are building valuable online presence from Kim. The best ways T&E professionals can plan for these individuals are ever evolving.”
Illinois Fellow Karin C. Prangley (L) moderates the discussion with Kimberly A. Cook (R).
New Fellows
New Fellows, International Fellows & First Time Attendees Reception
Silver, Gold, and Platinum Sponsors attended the New Fellows, International Fellows & First Time Attendees Reception, held on Saturday on the 33rd Floor of the Marriott Marquis.
(L-R) Anna (A.K.) Moody of BNY Wealth, Washington D.C. Fellow Brandon A.S. Ross, ACTEC President Susan D. Snyder, and Maura W. Ross of Bonhams.
Diversity, Equity & Inclusivity (DEI) Committee
The DEI Committee met to outline strategies for increasing diversity and inclusivity within ACTEC. Their efforts focused on supporting the nomination and involvement of diverse candidates and creating an inclusive environment for all members. This meeting was open to guests and sponsors and welcomed the attendance and participation of New Fellows!
(L-R) New Fellow Reetu Pepoff (formerly a sponsor representative with Northern Trust), DEI Chair Stacy E. Singer, and New Fellow Kelly M. Perez (formerly a sponsor representative with J.P. Morgan Private Bank).
Tours
Chicago Cubs vs. Washington Nationals at Wrigley Field
The Fall Meeting offered sponsor representatives opportunities to explore Chicago with ACTEC Fellows, their families, and guest attendees on ACTEC Tours. ACTEC’s Executive Director Deb McKinnon (pictured right) and The Honorable Judge Heather R. Galvin, Probate Judge Beaufort County, SC (pictured left), attended the Chicago Cubs vs. Washington Nationals game!
Bronzeville Tour with Dilla
Sponsors joined Fellows for a tour of Chicago’s Bronzeville neighborhood, known as the birthplace of Black History Month. Tour guide Dilla, the 2022 Chicago Tourism Ambassador of the Year, led the group through the historic sites that shaped the civil rights movement.
The College hopes our sponsors enjoyed their time in Chicago and looks forward to seeing our sponsor representatives in Palm Springs for the 2025 Annual Meeting or at other ACTEC events!