Financial Executives International and MFM to hold joint 2026 conference in San Antonio
Financial Executives International (FEI) and the Media Financial Management Association (MFM) have announced a landmark collaboration for their upcoming 2026 Annual Conference, set to take place from May 17 to 20 in San Antonio. The melding of these two prominent financial associations aims to create a more expansive networking space for professionals across diverse industries, reflecting a commitment to enhancing educational and professional development opportunities.
Both organisations assert that the synergy between their memberships provides a unique opportunity for networking and community building. Joseph Annotti, CEO of MFM, stated that the joint conference would allow members to engage with finance leaders from various sectors, including banking, hospitality, and technology. This collaboration, he emphasized, is designed to enrich the experience of participants by fostering connections that extend beyond the media and entertainment realm, which MFM primarily serves.
Andrej Suskavcevic, President and CEO of FEI, echoed this sentiment, suggesting that the co-branded event is an innovative approach to meet the evolving needs of financial executives. It marks a strategic move to create an inclusive platform where leaders can share insights and drive innovation in their respective fields. Suskavcevic highlighted the potential for high-profile speakers and sponsors to engage at the conference, creating a multifaceted learning environment.
This merging of conferences is not unprecedented, as joint events have become an increasingly popular strategy among professional organisations seeking to broaden their reach. Historically, events such as these have attracted attention for their ability to combine resources and facilitate broader engagement among members. Additionally, previous collaborations in other sectors have shown that such initiatives can lead to enriched content and higher attendance figures, which consequently benefit both attendees and sponsors alike.
While this partnership seems promising on the surface, it also invites questions regarding how the unique needs of each organisation’s membership will be maintained. MFM, with its distinct focus on the media and entertainment industry, may face challenges in ensuring that the needs of its members are adequately addressed within a larger, more diverse gathering. However, Annotti reassured that the structure of the conference would preserve the unique educational offerings specific to media professionals while expanding networking opportunities.
In the lead-up to the 2026 conference, both associations have maintained a busy event schedule. MFM is holding its 2025 Annual Conference shortly before, from May 18 to 21, featuring keynote presentations and breakout sessions designed for finance professionals specifically within the media sector. Likewise, FEI is organising various events leading up to the conference, including its Financial Leadership Summit focusing on pivotal topics such as AI and risk management.
The 2026 Annual Conference is poised to be a significant gathering in the financial community, particularly as it seeks to merge the distinct yet complementary perspectives of its diverse membership. The success of this co-branded event could set a precedent for future collaborations in the professional landscape, emphasising the importance of inter-industry connections in an increasingly interconnected financial world.
As the planning continues, the focus remains on delivering a rich educational experience that not only caters to the needs of its members but also attracts a broad swath of finance professionals from various sectors. The collaboration aims not just to facilitate professional growth but also to encourage innovation and resilience within the evolving landscape of financial management.