Estate Planners and Wealth Management Forum Agenda & Speakers

Estate Planning and Wealth Management Forum Agenda

7:15-8:00 a.m. | Registration & Breakfast

Sponsored by Chilton Trust

8:00-8:15 a.m. | Welcome Remarks

8:15-9:45 a.m. | Session 1: NC Recent Developments & Federal Update

Sponsored by

9:45-10:15 a.m. | A.M. Break

Sponsored by Mercer Advisors

10:15-11:15 a.m. | Session 2: Staying Out of the Estate and Gift Tax Return “Penalty Box”

Sponsored by

In 1955, there were fourteen penalty provisions in the Internal Revenue Code. By 2011, there were more than ten times that number. Tax controversy attorney Melissa Wiley will explore the penalties that can apply in the estate and gift tax context, and how to effectively defend against them. This session will also include a discussion of recent penalty case law, as well as the application of the ever-elusive “reasonable cause” standard.

Melissa Wiley, Partner, Kostelanetz LLP

11:15 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. | Session 3: AI for Service Professionals

Sponsored by

In this session, you will learn the fundamental concepts to evaluate AI technology and how to apply it within your practice.  With a solid understanding of the fundamentals, you will learn to move beyond basic prompting and how to structure work with AI for maximum efficiency.

Geoff Moore, Chief Information Officer, Valmark Financial Group

12:15-1:15 p.m. | Lunch

Sponsored by Truist

1:15-2:15 p.m. | Session 4: Queueing-Up Quantum QSBS Exclusions

Sponsored by

In 2018, TCJA made Qualified Small Business Stock (Section 1202) suddenly relevant after 25 years of existence. Since then, QSBS planning has exploded, and now, OBBBA has added fuel to the fire. This presentation centers on the evolution of QSBS planning since TCJA and how the new OBBBA changes have expanded (but further complicated) planning.

Paul S. Lee, J.D., LL.M., Founder and CEO, Consiglio Advisors LLC

2:15-2:30 p.m. | P.M. Break

Sponsored by Mercer Advisors

2:30-3:30 p.m. | Session 5: The Connelly Case is Still Impacting Modern Buy-Sell Planning: Tax and Non-Tax Pitfalls to Know and Possible Solutions Going Forward

Sponsored by

The Supreme Court’s decision in Connelly v. United States has created a seismic shift in how business succession planning must be approached — especially when life insurance and entity redemption agreements are involved. But tax concerns are only half the story. In this session, we will unpack the important details of the Connelly case from both a tax and non-tax perspective, give advisors a comprehensive understanding of how valuation disputes, how life insurance ownership should be considered, and why poorly designed buy-sell agreements can create major risks for all involved.

Michael Amoia, J.D., LL.M. (Tax), CLU®, ChFC®, Vice President, Advanced Markets, Valmark Financial Group

3:30-4:30 p.m. | Session 6: Hey, Big Spender! Spend a Little Time with Me (Fixing Your Estate Plan)

Sponsored by

Estate planning involves navigating a complex intersection of tax laws, state rules, market conditions, and individual client goals, a challenge heightened by recent economic shifts. Rising interest rates and historically high gift and estate tax exclusions have prompted many clients to consider large lifetime transfers, sometimes without fully assessing the financial risk. This session examines how substantial gifts can threaten clients’ long-term spending needs and why careful analysis is essential before acting. Through economic context, planning principles, and case studies, it offers a framework and practical strategies for making prudent wealth transfer decisions.

Thomas J. Pauloski, Senior National Director, Bernstein Private Wealth Management

4:30-4:45 p.m. | Closing Remarks

5:00-6:00 p.m. | Reception & Raffle

*The conference agenda is subject to change.