The Security Traders Association of Chicago (STAC), a membership organization for individual professionals in the securities industry in Chicago and an affiliate of The Security Traders Association (STA), will host its 98th Annual Mid-Winter Meeting (MWM) on January 17-18 at the Hilton Chicago.
The premier event will bring together the STAC community, industry experts and market participants from across the country to examine the state of the securities market as they connect, learn and exchange ideas for future success.
According to Dan Romanelli, President of STAC, the STAC Mid-Winter Meeting is the place for industry leaders to gather and share insights and strategies to manage the critical themes facing the securities industry.
Romanelli said they expect more than 400 STAC members, industry experts and market participants from across the country for “in-person educational sessions, unmatched networking opportunities, and a ton of fun.”
“From market luminaries to STAC members, STAC Fund scholarship recipients to industry veterans, we look forward to welcoming all our attendees as we continue to demonstrate the professional power of STAC,” he said.
The 2024 program includes an impressive line-up of speakers and sessions covering significant industry topics.
“We always strive to make the agenda as timely as possible,” Romanelli commented.
This year, according to Romanelli, there will be new sessions that cover topics including digital assets for institutional investors; 24-hour global trading in a new era; US Treasuries and FICC – the journey to mandated clearing; AI in bond pricing; the alternative liquidity landscape; a great panel covering the economic global outlook and market structure growth in Latin America; and an amazing fireside chat with Cboe looking at the critical role of exchanges.
“There’s so much to choose from this year as we explore the regulatory changes, technology advancements and economic pressures facing our community,” he added.
According to Romanelli, some of the most anticipated panels include the kick-off panel – Gamma Bombs, Lottery Tickets and Other Options Fun – “where we’ll explore the exciting world of options trading strategies”.
“Our SEC Regulatory Update session will examine the evolving regulatory landscape and key topics such as market structure reforms, compliance obligations, investor protection measures and more. And as the increasing interconnectedness of global exchanges means the concept of round-the-clock trading is no longer a distant possibility – it’s becoming a reality – we’ll dive into the opportunities and challenges this presents during our session on 24-hour Global Trading in a New Era,” he added.
Romanelli further said this event always addresses the most pressing challenges facing the industry and gives the chance to work together as a community as “we shape the next era of securities trading in Chicago – and beyond”.
“This is a unique opportunity for everyone in the Chicago securities trading community to connect, learn and exchange ideas for future success,” he argued.
According to Romanelli, the hospitality events at the MWM are always a highlight for the attendees, and “this year will not disappoint!”
The events include the Welcome Cocktail Reception at LM Studios and STAC After Hours Party in the Hilton Conrad Suite on Wednesday, January 17, and the closing night Country Themed Party in the Grand Ballroom followed by the President’s After Hours Party in the Hilton Conrad Suite on Thursday, January 18.
Romanelli added that for the first time, STAC is offering non-members and non-conference attendees access to attend Thursday night’s hospitality events. Those interested can register on the event website, he said.
Romanelli said that their events like the Mid-Winter Meeting would not be possible without the amazing assistance of their sponsors, STAC members and the broader community.
“We are incredibly grateful for everyone’s support in helping us to continue our mission of education, professional networking and philanthropy. If you are in the securities industry in Chicago, a young professional looking to grow your network and advance your career, or a student interested in breaking into the industry, I encourage you to visit stachicago.org and learn more about how you can get involved,” he said.
All STAC events raise funds to support the STAC Fund, a 501c3 organization founded by STAC in 1991 to award college scholarships to deserving students and make grants to charitable and educational institutions.
The STAC Fund has made approximately $500,000 in charitable donations and scholarship awards over the past 10 years due to the generosity of STAC members, sponsors and friends.
STAC’s Mid-Winter Meeting is the kick-off to another year of unrivalled educational and networking events produced by STAC, according to Romanelli.
He said that their calendar includes their fan favorite STAC Fund Face-Off Hockey Tournament in the spring at Johnny’s Icehouse; the STAC Classic Golf Outing in the summer, which will attract 120+ golfers and spectators from across the country; and their marquee fundraising event, the STAC Texas Hold ‘Em Tournament, which will draw more than 200 players and spectators in October for a night of high stakes poker action, Vegas style casino games and amazing food at Gibson’s Bar & Steakhouse.
“This year we’re also thrilled to roll out a new STAC Young Professionals event series. STAC Young Professionals is a forum within STAC created to accelerate professional development for securities industry professionals during their early to mid-careers and empower undergraduate and graduate students who want to jumpstart their professional journey,” he added.
