2027 National Advisor Meeting

Darci Darnell

Darci Darnell is a leading expert on organic growth and customer strategy and loyalty. Darci leads Bain & Company’s Global Customer Practice, advising the world’s leading companies on how to enrich customers’ lives and grow their business profitably. Darci has worked across industries throughout her twenty-five years in consulting, most predominantly in Financial Services. Her current focus is on incorporating technology innovations, namely Generative AI, into the Customer Practice’s solutions as well as her clients’ value propositions and customer experiences. Relatedly, she is the director of Bain’s AI Impact Alliance, a community of the world’s leading companies committed to deploying AI innovation. She also serves as the Chair of the firm’s Nominating Committee.

Tobias Donath

Tobias Donath is head of Strategy for Institutional Wealth Management Services at Fidelity Investments.

In this role, Mr. Donath leads an organization that enables client-facing teams to support and drive business growth for Fidelity’s clearing and custody clients, including registered investment advisors (RIAs), family offices, brokerage firms, and other wealth management institutions. His organization comprises teams that oversee strategy, customer relationship management, sales and relationship enablement, market readiness, and client consulting.

Mr. Donath has more than a decade of experience in wealth management and family engagement, leveraging his expertise in planning and decision-making to provide continued value to advisors, wealth managers, and institutional leaders. He holds his Bachelor of Science degree with a concentration in entrepreneurship from Babson College, and his Master of Business Administration from the International Institute for Management Development (IMD) in Lausanne, Switzerland.

Fidelity Investments is a leading provider of investment management, retirement planning, portfolio guidance, brokerage, benefits outsourcing, and other financial products and services to institutions, financial intermediaries, and individuals. As of July 31, 2025, Fidelity had $16.4T in assets under administration, including $6.4T in discretionary assets.

Meera Pandit

Meera Pandit, Executive Director, is a Global Market Strategist on the J.P. Morgan Asset Management Global Market Insights Strategy Team. Meera is responsible for delivering timely market and economic insights to institutional and retail clients, conducting research on the global economy and capital markets, and running economic forecasts. She is also responsible for publications such as the Guide to the Markets and is a contributor to the J.P. Morgan Long-Term Capital Market Assumptions.

Meera is also a frequent guest on Bloomberg, Yahoo! Finance, CNBC, CNN, and other financial news outlets and is often quoted in the financial press.

Meera joined the firm in 2011 as an analyst in J.P. Morgan’s Private Bank in New York, where she served ultra-high and high-net worth clients. She has also held business strategy roles in Asset Management in New York and London. Meera earned a B.A. in English from Tufts University and holds Series 7 and 63 licenses. She is a CFA charterholder. Meera was featured as Market Watch’s “Forecaster of the Month” in February 2020.

Corey Hill

Corey Hill, Executive Director, is the Head of the Portfolio Insights Program at J.P. Morgan Asset Management.

In this role, he leads a team of specialists focused on helping financial professionals make informed decisions on topics pertaining to portfolio construction and manager selection. This consists of developing custom analytics, consulting on portfolio positioning, and maintaining a comprehensive suite of tools designed to facilitate informed investment choices. Additionally, Corey spends time researching, creating, and contributing to intellectual capital content pertaining to portfolio construction principles.

Prior to joining the Portfolio Insights Program, Corey joined J.P. Morgan in 2009, where he managed a team of traders responsible for managing model-based portfolios.

Corey is a CFA® charterholder and a member of the CFA Society of Columbus, Ohio. He received a B.S. from the Fisher College of Business at The Ohio State University and holds the Series 7 and 63 licenses.

Robert Cooper Ph.D.

Robert Cooper, Ph.D., is a neuroscientist, New York Times bestselling author (with over 4 million books sold), and a leading high-performance business strategist.

He serves as CEO of Upwire®: High Performance Neuroscience (www.Upwire.io), a leading-edge neuroscience and data technology platform, and as CEO Cooper Strategic, a global consulting firm that draws on a peak performance database with more than one million leaders, professionals, and teams. He brings a long history of working with elite performers and top leaders using neuroscience to get the most out of their brains, their time, and their performance. His global team includes neuroscientists, leadership and teamwork researchers, Tier One Navy SEALs, veterans of Delta Force, fighter pilots, and world record-setting athletes.

For five straight years he was the highest-rated faculty member in the Lessons in Leadership Distinguished Speaker Series sponsored by top universities and business schools. He is the founder and senior mentor of the acclaimed 12 Leaders® program.

Called “a national treasure” by Professor Emeritus Michael Ray, Ph.D., of the Stanford University Graduate School of Business, Cooper emphasizes scientifically based insights, ultra-practical tools, counterintuitive wisdom, and disciplined metrics.

From industry nominations, experts, and an independent panel of judges interviewing CEOs, Cooper was named one of the “Most Influential Thinkers” for his impact on leadership and people strategy—“a definitive list of the top influencers who challenge conventional thinking, are visionary and transformational, bring credibility both inside and outside the business, command the respect of peers and key stakeholders, and add real value to the business.” He and his colleagues have developed the first scientific scoring grids for rising star companies, breakthrough leaders, and elite teams.

In a survey of leaders and professionals from more than 90 organizations, his work was compared to 20 widely known leadership authorities and top speakers. Cooper rated highest on every scale, including value, usefulness, applicability, delivery, and overall results. In an independent rating by the Global Senior Management Interchange, the value of Cooper’s work was rated at 4.9 out of 5.0.

As an invited Thought Leader, he has lectured at the Stanford Business School, Stanford Executive Program, Management Centre Europe, Ruling Companies Association (Italy), Leadership Trust (U.K.), and IMD. For a decade he served as a Fellow at the Silicon Valley World Internet Center. For three decades he has been certified as an instructor by the American College of Sports Medicine.

Cooper earned his Bachelor of Science degree with honors at the University of Minnesota. His first Ph.D. was in general psychology—with an emphasis on behavior change and leadership—and he earned a second Ph.D. in leadership and learning at University College London, ranked #1 in the world in leadership education and social sciences research by the QS World University Rankings. His original research centered on where learning and initiative intersect in the brains, goals, behavior, life, and work of high-performing leaders and entrepreneurs.

Cooper’s books—including Executive EQ: Emotional Intelligence in Leadership & Organizations, The Performance Edge, The Other 90%: How to Unlock Your Vast Untapped Potential for Leadership and Life and Get Out of Your Own Way: Five Keys to Surpassing Expectations— have sold over 6 million copies and appeared on the New York Times, Wall Street Journal and Business Week bestseller lists. The Other 90% reached #3 of the Top 100 Books on Amazon. USA Today named him “the ultimate business guru.”

Business leaders, top thinkers, and everyday readers and listeners have used words like “inspirational,” “extraordinary,” “cutting edge,” and “life-changing” to describe the impact and enduring value of Cooper’s work. His leadership and neuroscience teachings have drawn millions of readers and fans. His latest discoveries are on upwire.io.

Cooper and his colleagues have designed and delivered keynotes and leadership development programs for many executive teams and organizations, including: GM, Intel, Qualcomm, Barclays, Apple, Nike, Virgin, Google, Amazon, Amcor, Audi, Philips, 3M, Coca-Cola, BMW, Cisco, Accenture, Morgan Stanley, American Express, Verizon, Merrill, Northwestern Mutual, Wells Fargo, UBS, CalPERS, AC Nielsen, Capital One, Diageo, TIAA-CREF, Novartis, Hilton, Deloitte, American Hospital Association, YPO, Ford, Methodist Hospitals, FedEx, NASA, Department of Veterans Affairs HealthCare System, Idaho National Laboratories, HP, Hyatt, Seagate Technology, BSB Design, MetLife, ConAgra, McCann, IBM, GlaxoSmithKline, The Capital Group, and Infosys.

Cooper is a member of the Cognitive Neuroscience Society, Association for Psychological Sciences, Society for Psychophysiological Research, Cognitive Science Society, American College of Sports Medicine, NeuroLeadership Institute, Society for the Study of Motivation, Society for Judgment and Decision Making, and the Society for the Teaching of Psychology.

He served for six years as a U.S. Marine. He is a jet pilot. An All-American swimmer, he won the University of Michigan’s Honor Trophy Award for “outstanding achievement in scholarship, athletics, and leadership.”

Andrei Pop

Andrei Pop is the Founder and CEO of Humanity Labs, building the digital workforce for financial services — an intelligent team that works alongside people, handles machine work, and frees teams to do what only humans can do. Previously, he founded and led Human API, the nation’s largest real-time health data network, acquired by LexisNexis Risk Solutions. Andrei’s work sits at the intersection of AI, data, and transformation. He’s spent his career building systems that expand what people and businesses can achieve — helping them scale faster, operate smarter, and stay grounded in what technology should serve: people. He’s a father, athlete, entrepreneur, and investor — driven by challenge, curiosity, and the relentless pursuit of human potential.

Jeremy Schowalter

Jeremy leads Salesforce’s Wealth Management Practice. He joined Salesforce in 2019, after spending the preceding decade as a Banker and Private Client Advisor at JPMorgan Chase. At Chase, Jeremy developed a deep commitment to improving outcomes for his clients, and continues today – helping Salesforce customers optimize service to their end clients, at scale.

Jeremy partners with Wealth Management customers across all segments, and oversees Salesforce teams that architect and deploy its industry-leading AI, workflow automation, and productivity platform. He collaborates with Product, Marketing and Sales to effectively go to market and address industry challenges.

Michael Balchan

Michael Balchan is a Harvard-trained behavioral economist and performance coach. As CEO and Head Coach at Heroic, he’s helped thousands of individuals and organizations operationalize the Heroic framework. turning philosophy into daily practice, and practice into mastery.

Michael combines cutting-edge psychology with timeless principles of human flourishing, giving coaches and leaders the structure and tools to create lasting transformation.

2027 National Advisor Meeting

Built for this

Monday, January 25 – Wednesday, January 27, 2027

Join us for the 2027 National Advisor Meeting and discover what the full strength of Mariner can make possible for the clients you serve.
Mariner is built for this moment. So are you.

Event Info

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Built for This

Come together in Orlando with advisors from across Mariner to reconnect, exchange ideas and focus on what matters most: the clients who count on you and the relationships at the heart of your work.

Throughout NAM, we’ll explore how the expertise and capabilities across Mariner can help you serve more of each client’s financial life and make an even greater impact.

Plan to arrive Monday, Jan. 25, in time for the welcome dinner.

Registration: [hours TBD]

Registration sponsored by Fidelity Investments

Programming begins Tuesday, Jan. 26, and concludes at approximately 3 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 27.

NAM is intended for Mariner associates only. You’re expected to attend all sessions and evening events. Guests are not permitted at any official programming.

Evening Events

Some of the best NAM moments happen after the day’s sessions are over. Our evening events are your chance to unwind and enjoy a different side of NAM together.

Welcome Dinner | Monday, Jan. 25 | [TIME TBD]
[Event details TBD]

[Event Name TBD] | Tuesday, Jan. 26 | [TIME TBD]
[Event details TBD]

The Lounge

Built to plug in and catch up.

Need a quick reset? The Lounge gives you room to step away, spend time with fellow advisors or enjoy a few quiet minutes before heading back to the action. Stop by anytime throughout NAM.

Sponsored by Capital Group

Venue Info

We’ll be returning to Caribe Royale Orlando, a full-service resort that puts conference spaces and resort amenities all within easy reach.

During your stay at either Caribe Royale or Buena Vista Suites, take advantage of:

Expansive meeting and networking spaces
Pools and cabanas
Jogging trails and a two-story fitness center
Pickleball and tennis courts

View the Caribe Royale Resort Map

Travel & Accomodations

Attendees will stay at either Caribe Royale Orlando or Buena Vista Suites, Caribe Royale’s sister hotel on the same resort property. All NAM programming will take place at the Caribe Royale Convention Center.

You’ll receive your hotel confirmation before the event, which will identify where you’ll be staying and include the details you need.

Fly into Orlando International Airport (MCO), approximately 20 minutes from the resort. Transportation is not provided; please rideshare when possible.

Agenda

Get ready to put Built for This into action through general sessions that challenge your thinking and focused breakouts that take a closer look at the topics shaping your work. Expect fresh perspectives and practical takeaways you can use long after NAM ends.

View Agenda

Guest Speakers

FAQs

Where will I be staying?

Attendees will stay at either Caribe Royale Orlando or Buena Vista Suites, Caribe Royale’s sister hotel on the same resort property. Your hotel confirmation will identify your hotel and include the details you need. All NAM programming will take place at the Caribe Royale Convention Center.

What should I wear?

Business casual is recommended for conference sessions. Resort casual attire is recommended for evening events.

How do I get to and from the resort?

The resort is approximately 20 minutes from Orlando International Airport (MCO). Transportation is not provided; please rideshare when possible.

Where can I store my luggage?

Luggage storage will be available on [dates/times TBD] so you can attend the final sessions without carrying your bags. Please see the attendant on duty to receive a luggage ticket.

Are fitness facilities available?

Yes. Caribe Royale has a two-story fitness center, open to both Caribe Royale and Buena Vista Suites guests. [Confirm any extended NAM hours.]

Are CE and CPE credits offered?

[Availability, qualifying sessions and participation requirements TBD.]

Where do I get my name badge?

You must check in and pick up your badge before attending any sessions or evening events. The Registration & Information area will be located in the Palms atrium of the Convention Center and open during the following hours:

[Registration hours TBD]

Can I post on social media about NAM?

Yes. If you use Hearsay, we encourage you to share photos and insights during NAM using #Mariner2027. [Confirm the 2027 hashtag and any additional social media guidance.]

Can I get a new headshot?

Yes. All non-Kansas City associates can get a new headshot—no appointment required. The background will be black, so consider avoiding all-white or all-black clothing and distracting patterns.

Photos will be taken in Curaçao 1-3 on a first-come, first-served basis. Headshot sessions will end promptly so attendees can transition smoothly to their next NAM session.

[Dates and times TBD]

Headshots sponsored by BlackRock

Will session recordings be available?

Yes. All Mariner associates can livestream general sessions during NAM. Breakout sessions will be available on demand in February. Additional details will be shared.