CHICAGO, May 2, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Envestnet, Inc. (NYSE: ENV), a leading provider of innovative investment and practice management solutions for financial advisors, began the "2012 Advisor Summit: Changing the Rules" today at the Westin Chicago River North. The conference, which runs through May 4, is designed to help advisors gain a competitive advantage by focusing on best practices across different business models and investment strategies.

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The 2012 Advisor Summit brings together leaders from across the financial industry and advisory profession for a series of presentations, breakout sessions and panel discussions addressing many of the most pressing issues that advisors face today. These include choosing among new and classic investment strategies, developing trends in fixed income, ways to reach targeted demographic groups, portfolio diversification, alternative investments, social media and new technologies.

"There's no doubt that the rules of the game have changed for advisors. They can no longer ask when things will get back to normal but focus on thriving in the 'new normal.' That's really the purpose of the Advisor Summit," said Jud Bergman, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Envestnet, in his welcome address. "We've brought together some of the top minds in the industry to share insights into best practices and provide the tools that empower advisors to maximize and grow their practices well into the future."

New technologies and evolving investment strategies are advancing the game for advisors and allowing more of them to adopt an independent model that provides greater transparency and a higher standard of fiduciary care to their clients. "Envestnet is committed to helping advisors address these changes as the investment advisory industry evolves," said Bergman.

Activities around the three-day conference began with Envestnet's first annual event honoring Women Leaders in Finance. The half-day program included both educational sessions and recognition of the contributions of female finance industry executives.

Breakout sessions on the opening day were led by several senior leaders at Envestnet, including Tom Simutis, Director, Strategic Partnerships; Sean Mullen, Senior Vice President, Director of Advisory Services; and Jim Patrick, Managing Director, Advisor Managed Programs. Sessions featured input from the advisory community and a number of investment and financial services firms including Hightower Advisors, Lazard Asset Management, Brandes Investment Partners and MFS Investment Management.                                              

Lord, Abbott & Co. and Wilshire Associates are the Elite Sponsors of the 2012 Advisor Summit. Other sponsors include Brinker Capital, DANA, Lazard Asset Management, Nuveen Investments, SMH Capital Advisors, Tactical Allocation Group, Vanguard, and William Blair.

ABOUT ENVESTNET (NYSE: ENV)

Envestnet, Inc. (NYSE: ENV) is a leading provider of technology-enabled wealth management solutions to investment advisors. Envestnet's Advisor Suite® software empowers advisors to better manage client outcomes and strengthen their practice. Envestnet offers advanced portfolio solutions through its Portfolio Management Consultants Group, Envestnet | PMC®. Envestnet | Tamarac provides leading rebalancing, reporting and practice management software. Envestnet | Prima provides institutional-quality research and due diligence on investment and fund managers. Envestnet | Vantage™ gives advisors an in-depth view of clients' investments, empowering them to give holistic, personalized advice.

For more information on Envestnet, please visit www.envestnet.com.  

SOURCE Envestnet, Inc.