Dream Team Forms for Retail Brokerage and Asset Management Industry

NEW YORK, Nov. 9 /PRNewswire/ -- Registered Rep, a Penton Media, Inc. property, in cooperation with Momentum Partners, The Oechsli Institute, and FUSE Research Network, today announced a strategic partnership in the form of a highly specialized provider alliance positioned to serve the financial services industry. This team, called "Rep Think Tank," channels collective expertise in all areas relating to the distribution and promotion of financial products to the retail brokerage and asset management industry.

The days when a wholesaler could walk into a financial advisor's office and watch him write a ticket for a mutual fund, annuity, or insurance product are long gone. Distribution channels are under pressure, and the advisor-client relationship has forever been changed. Advisors and clients alike have feelings ranging from fear to anger. Distribution models are under attack from all sides at a time when these companies have slashed budgets and staffs (Although, one estimate still projects more than $400 million is spent each year in trying to influence financial advisors).

"Our clients and colleagues in financial services have weathered industry-changing events over the past year. At Registered Rep, we have the luxury of working with top consultants and advisors in the industry. Bringing those resources to the industry through Rep Think Tank is a natural next step for Registered Rep," adds Warren Bimblick, senior vice president, strategy for Penton Media.

The goal of Rep Think Tank is to provide an integrated approach enabling companies to focus their product features and benefits, differentiate from each other, and get appropriate distribution.

"The landscape of the financial services industry has changed dramatically and the Rep Think Tank has been instrumental in providing us with strategic insights and services that we need to remain an industry leader. The Think Tank's integrated approach, and its association with a trusted publication that has an active and engaged database of subscribers, makes it an excellent partner," says Tom Mullen, Chief Marketing Officer of John Hancock Annuities.

Lisa Cohen, president of Momentum Partners and member of Rep Think Tank speaks to the capabilities of the team, "Rep Think Tank is in a unique position in the industry. Because of the skills and resources we bring together, we are able to think strategically and act tactically. We can identify specific opportunities for financial services providers and distributors and help them capitalize on those with advisory services, custom research, training programs, promotional and communication activities, and more."

The four partner firms in the endeavor combine marketing consulting, education, research, and planning capabilities. They are:

• FUSE Research Network partners with the Rep Think Tank team to conduct in-depth financial advisor research.
• Momentum Partners supports financial services firms in designing strategy, differentiating brands, and developing or retooling the products that advisors can and will utilize.
• Registered Rep provides the ability to target, analyze, market, and most of all reach advisors of all stripes, shapes, and colors.
• The Oechsli Institute a leading research-based firm dedicated to teaching advisors and wealth management teams to better attract, service, and develop loyal affluent clients.
  

From product development support and distribution strategy to market analysis, brand awareness, and custom promotional content, the comprehensive approach of Rep Think Tank is currently unequalled in the industry. For the first time, financial firms have the opportunity to reach the industry's leading providers with one call, through one door. The value of industry-renowned experts integrating their individual specialties into a single, seamless strategy not only means convenience for the client; it yields solutions capable of addressing the most complex business needs.

For more information on Rep Think Tank, please contact Warren Bimblick at (212) 204-4232 or warren.bimblick@penton.com or Lisa Cohen at (866) 995-7555 or lisa@momentumpartnersonline.com.

About Penton Media, Inc.
As a leading, independent, business-to-business media company, Penton knows business and how to create and disseminate the vital content that moves markets. Penton serves the information needs of more than six million business professionals every month in industries ranging from Agriculture and Aviation to Electronics, Natural Products, and Information Technology. With the majority of the company's properties ranked the #1 or #2 information source for their respective industries, Penton is where professionals turn to gain the critical insight, expert analysis, and relevant connections needed to compete and succeed. Headquartered in New York City, the privately held company is owned by MidOcean Partners and U.S. Equity Partners II, an investment fund sponsored by Wasserstein & Co., LP, and its co-investors. For additional information on the company and its businesses, visit www.penton.com.

    CONTACT:
    Bethany Weaver, Corporate Communications
    Penton Media, Inc.
    Phone: (216) 931-9551
    Email: bethany.weaver@penton.com