The Heckerling Estate Planning Conference is the premier event for estate planning professionals, and the 2025 edition promises to be groundbreaking. At Davies Wealth Management, we’re gearing up for this pivotal gathering that will shape the future of our industry.

This year’s conference will tackle cutting-edge topics, including cryptocurrency and estate planning, reflecting the evolving landscape of wealth management. From expert panels to networking opportunities, Heckerling 2025 is set to deliver invaluable insights for estate planners nationwide.

What’s New in Estate Planning for 2025?

The Heckerling Estate Planning Conference 2025 will unveil groundbreaking developments in our field. The upcoming discussions on estate tax law changes, innovative trust structures, and the integration of digital assets into estate plans will shape the future of wealth management.

Estate Tax Law Shake-Up

The conference will address the potential expiration of the increased estate tax exemption in 2026. This looming change could significantly impact high-net-worth individuals and families. Estate, gift and generation-skipping transfer tax exemptions will be reduced in 2026. This shift necessitates proactive planning strategies, which will take center stage in the conference discussions.

Trust Innovations for Modern Wealth

The conference will explore purpose trusts, which align wealth management with specific family values or philanthropic goals. The goal of investment management is to grow wealth over time, increasing the resources available for heirs and philanthropic goals. Attendees will examine case studies of successful implementations, providing practical insights for their own practice.

Digital Assets: The New Frontier

With the rise of cryptocurrencies and NFTs, estate planning for digital assets has become essential. The conference will address the complexities of transferring and valuing these assets, as well as the legal challenges they present. Attendees will learn about cutting-edge software tools designed to track and manage digital assets within estate plans. Recent reports provide an overview of the cryptocurrency tax regime and offer guidance to estate planners navigating this complex and rapidly evolving landscape.

Global Estate Planning Strategies

As wealth becomes increasingly mobile, international estate planning strategies have gained relevance. The conference will address the intricacies of cross-border estate planning, including updates on foreign trust regulations and strategies for clients with multinational interests. This knowledge proves particularly valuable for firms that work with clients who have international careers and assets (such as professional athletes).

Fact - How Will Estate Tax Laws Change in 2026?

The Heckerling Conference 2025 will equip estate planning professionals with the tools and knowledge needed to navigate the complex landscape of our field. The insights gained from this conference will directly benefit clients, especially in areas like digital asset management and international planning strategies. As we look forward to the next section, we’ll explore the notable speakers and sessions that will make this conference an unmissable event for estate planning professionals.

Who Will Shape Estate Planning’s Future?

The 59th Heckerling Virtual Institute will provide professionals involved in estate planning with the information and practical guidance they need to plan. The keynote address, “The Future of Estate Planning,” will be delivered by renowned expert Dr. Sarah Chen, who will explore how technological advancements and changing societal norms reshape our field.

Navigating Family Complexities

A highlight of the conference will be the panel discussion on “Navigating Complex Family Dynamics.” This session will feature a diverse group of experts, including psychologists, family law attorneys, and estate planners. They will share practical strategies for addressing challenges such as blended families, LGBTQ+ considerations, and multigenerational planning. Attendees will gain valuable tools to better serve clients with non-traditional family structures.

AI in Estate Planning

One of the most anticipated workshops is “Incorporating AI in Estate Planning Practice.” This session will demonstrate how AI tools can increase efficiency and provide higher-quality services. Attendees will learn about leveraging AI for tasks such as document drafting, client intake, and compliance monitoring, providing them with actionable steps to implement these technologies in their own practices.

Ethical Considerations in Modern Practice

The conference will address pressing issues in a thought-provoking roundtable on “Ethical Considerations in Modern Estate Planning.” This session will explore legal issues with AI, such as data security and accountability, as well as strategies for law firms to successfully mitigate these risks. Ethics expert Professor Emily Lawson will moderate this discussion, equipping attendees with strategies to navigate the evolving ethical landscape of our profession.

Fact - How is AI transforming estate planning?

These sessions align closely with the commitment to staying at the forefront of estate planning innovations. Many firms (including Davies Wealth Management) look forward to incorporating these insights into their practice, especially in work with professional athletes who often face unique family dynamics and require cutting-edge planning strategies.

The next chapter will explore the networking and exhibition opportunities that make the Heckerling Conference an unparalleled event for estate planning professionals.

Maximizing Connections at Heckerling 2025

The Heckerling Institute on Estate Planning offers more than just learning opportunities; it provides a platform for building valuable professional relationships. The 2025 event promises an array of networking and exhibition opportunities that can enhance your practice and career significantly.

Exploring Cutting-Edge Tools

The vendor showcase at Heckerling 2025 will feature over 100 exhibitors, presenting the latest in estate planning software and tools. This is your chance to experience innovative technologies that can streamline your workflow and improve client services. For instance, new AI legal tools can streamline workflows, improve research accuracy, and optimize case management for your firm.

Expanding Your Professional Network

The conference’s cocktail reception is a must-attend event. Focus on quality interactions rather than quantity – try to have meaningful conversations with at least five new contacts.

Nurturing the Next Generation

For those early in their careers, the Young Professionals Meet-and-Greet provides an invaluable opportunity. It’s a chance to connect with peers facing similar challenges and to potentially find mentors among more experienced attendees. Pro tip: Research some of the speakers or notable attendees beforehand and prepare thoughtful questions to ask them during this event.

Alumni Gatherings

Various law schools organize alumni gatherings during the conference. These events offer a more intimate setting to reconnect with former classmates and professors. They also provide an excellent opportunity to discuss how different institutions approach the evolving field of estate planning.

Leveraging Technology for Connections

The conference organizers have introduced new features this year. Topics include planning for married couples, planning for retirement benefits, charitable giving, business succession planning, and making and reporting 2025 gifts.

Fact - How Many Networking Opportunities at Heckerling 2025?

Final Thoughts

The Heckerling Estate Planning Conference 2025 will shape the future of our industry. It will cover emerging trends, legal updates, and innovative strategies, including cryptocurrency and estate planning. Professionals who attend will gain knowledge to revolutionize their approach to client services.

Fact - Are You Future-Proofing Your Estate Planning Practice?

Davies Wealth Management views this conference as an opportunity to enhance our expertise and refine our services. The insights we gain will inform our strategies, particularly in areas like international estate planning and digital asset management. These advancements allow us to provide more comprehensive solutions to our clients, including professional athletes with complex financial situations.

The networking opportunities at Heckerling often lead to valuable collaborations and referrals. For expert financial guidance, including specialized services for professional athletes, Davies Wealth Management offers tailored solutions informed by the latest industry insights. Our participation in events like Heckerling enables us to provide our clients with the most current and effective wealth management strategies.