American Portfolios Financial Services, Inc. Celebrates 15-Year Anniversary at National Conference, Connections 2016

HOLBROOK, NY--(Marketwired - October 03, 2016) - Independent broker/dealer American Portfolios Financial Services, Inc. (APFS) recently hosted its annual national conference, Connections 2016, in Baltimore, Md., celebrating 15 years as a business solutions provider for its more than 800 affiliated financial professionals. Converging at the upscale Baltimore Marriott Waterfront with a sea of guests comprised of AP's affiliated financial professionals, AP staff members, partners and guests, the three-day event held Sept. 14-16 provided educational, business-building and networking opportunities to enhance service excellence in one's business.

"We are a company comprised of people who possess a love of serving others," CEO Lon T. Dolber stated with heartfelt conviction during his State of the Firm Address. "At APFS, we're committed to serving our affiliated financial advisors with the same dedication that they have to their clients." Dolber spoke in-depth about how the advisor community has been experiencing one of the most disruptive periods in the industry's history -- focusing on the impending DOL and SEC regulations. He stressed how APFS' affiliated colleagues can be sure that the firm has their backs during this critical period of flux. Dolber's presentation also honed in on the company's technological and service culture enhancements, which continue to have a huge impact on keeping its valued colleagues and end-clients happy.

In addition to the State of the Firm Address, other highlights at Connections 2016 included: keynote speaker and former CIA analyst Nada Bakos, peer-to-peer sessions moderated by members of AP's advisor council (appointed affiliated colleagues) on relevant topics impacting colleagues and end-clients, an important discussion at the annual compliance meeting outlining the firm's plans for addressing the impending enforcement of DOL regulations, and a focus on personal well-being with early morning mindful meditation sessions from health and wellness consultant Matt Kansy, along with a presentation from author and Columbia Business School professor Dr. Srikumar Rao on mitigating stress and mental chatter in one's life.

Honing in on AP's technology and platform independence, this year's Connections conference showcased its Web-based business solutions with an AP Tech exhibit situated in the event's main thoroughfare. American Portfolios staff members were on-hand to demonstrate and answer questions on such services as its advisory technology platform, Portfolio Insight, and business processing back office solution, STARS, among many other Web-service offerings essential in the day-to-day operations of the firm's valuable advisors.

An evening was also spent celebrating AP's 15-year anniversary and winning Broker/Dealer of the Year by Investment Advisor Magazine for two years running at the annual banquet awards dinner; also recognized during this event was the firm's Employee of the Year, its top producers and managers, and the overall business successes of colleagues, a number of whom have been with American Portfolios since its inception in September 2001. Following the banquet, a casino and Night at the Races derby-style fundraising event was held, with all proceeds benefiting World T.E.A.M. Sports. The fun-filled, socially-responsible evening was set to the Motown-era tunes of Dolber's band, Positively Soul.

Connections 2016 also provided plenty of leisure time in which to enjoy the city of Baltimore's scenic attractions. During one evening, guests convened for a fun night of entertainment at PBR Baltimore, featuring live country and southern rock music, including a performance by The Anthony Tripi Band, led by AP's own affiliated financial advisor Anthony Tripi, a rollicking mechanical bull and line dancing. "It was important this year to raise the bar in planning a well-rounded meeting agenda that ticks all the boxes from practice management and pressing industry topics, to socially enjoyable and engaging activities that creates an atmosphere for peers to reconnect," said President of Sales and New Business Development Tim O'Grady. "For many AP colleagues, Connections has become a reunion of sorts, where everyone comes away feeling like they are part of an extended family."

APFS is pleased with the initial feedback and looks forward to planning next year's tour stops, as well as Connections 2017 at Mohegan Sun in Connecticut, which features some of New England's finest dining, hotel accommodations, retail shopping, live entertainment and sporting events. Boasting three world-class casinos, Mohegan Sun is also host to a luxurious day spa and three major entertainment venues.

About American Portfolios
Headquartered in Holbrook, N.Y., APFS is a full-service, independent broker/dealer and member firm of FINRA and SIPC, offering a complete range of financial services, including personal financial and retirement planning, securities trading, mutual funds, access to investment research, long-term care planning, insurance products and tax-free investing. Fee-based asset management is offered through its sister subsidiary, American Portfolios Advisors, Inc., (APA), an SEC Registered Investment Advisor. Both entities, along with technology division American Outsources, LLC (AO,) collectively reside under the legal entity American Portfolios Holdings, Inc. (APH). Full-service securities brokerage is available through a clearing firm relationship with Pershing, LLC, a BNY Mellon firm, the securities of which are held on a fully disclosed basis. The company currently serves 809 independent investment professionals located in 356 branch locations throughout the nation. It was named Broker-Dealer of the Year* (Division III) by Investment Advisor magazine in 2015 and 2016, as well as the No. 1 Best Small/Mid-Size Company to Work for in the state of New York for 2016 by the New York State Society for Human Resources Management (NYS-SHRM) and the Best Companies Group (BCG).

*Based on a poll of registered representatives conducted by Investment Advisor magazine. Broker/dealers rated highest by their representatives are awarded "Broker/Dealer (B/D) of the Year."

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