As a financial advisor, your time is valuable. Every decision you make that takes you away from your clients and prospects could mean less business for your practice. But sometimes non-revenue generating activities are important and will add significant long term value.

Attending conferences can be some of the most valuable time you spend away from your business. With so many events that you can attend, you want to pick only those that will provide a significant value add. The NTSA Master Summit is the only meeting for professionals in the 403(b) and 457 marketplaces. More importantly, it may very well be one of those conferences that is well worth the time and money you would have to spend in order to attend.

Below are five key reasons you would want to consider attending the conference.

Networking – Connect! Yes, an advisor’s success is built upon his or her ability to network with peers and colleagues, clients and prospects. However, there are very few industry associations that bring together advisors, Third Party Administrators, record keepers and product providers, with the goals of sharing ideas and offer a better understand of the changing markets we work in.

CE Credits – If you hold industry designations or a life insurance license then you also need to complete continuing education credits. Each year the NTSA applies for credits for various designations and when applicable, for life insurance credit. Designation include CFP, ERPA, JBEA and NTSA. Don’t see your designation listed? Not necessarily a problem. Conference organizers will take requests from attendees and will apply for the credit hours based on demand. If enough people ask and it is not cost prohibitive, they can usually add the credits to the agenda.

Create Efficiencies in Your Business – Work hard! Work smart! Sometimes we do the former so well that we don’t have the time or the focus for the latter. Regardless, a well-run business only makes you more successful. From making the most of your CRM to entering the digital marketing and social media age, the conference spends time focusing on the management of your business so that you continue to grow.

Sales Ideas – Plagiarism is the most sincere form of flattery. So, sitting in a room filled with people who do the same thing you do, listening to their ideas, is inspiring. This is a great opportunity to hear about their experiences with the challenges and roadblocks they have had in the field as well as the solutions and successes that propelled their business forward.

Regulatory and Legislative Updates – Change is the only constant in life. Why would it be any different with the financial services industry? Every year, the NTSA will update attendees on current legislation and regulatory issues affecting their business. Whether the update is viewed as an enhancement a detriment, you will walk away with a solid understanding of what is at hand and a means to address it.