Charles Schwab IMPACT 2026: Attendee travel guide

IMPACT 2026, hosted by Charles Schwab, will bring registered investment advisers and other wealth management professionals to Boston for three days of education, networking, The Exchange, and conversations about firm growth, technology, and practice management.[1][2][3] With an agenda spanning education sessions, keynotes, Territory Dinners, and networking events, planning your hotel, transportation, and schedule ahead of time can help you get more from the conference and bring useful ideas and connections back to your firm.

What is IMPACT 2026 and who is it for?

IMPACT is Charles Schwab's premier gathering for registered investment advisers, with programming focused on education, industry connections, and ideas for growing and managing an independent firm.[1] IMPACT 2026 takes place Oct. 27–29 at the Thomas M. Menino Convention & Exhibition Center in Boston, with the Final Night Event at MGM Music Hall at Fenway.[1][3][4]

The invitation-only conference brings together independent advisers, RIA firm leaders and teams, Schwab representatives, industry experts, and companies serving the wealth management industry.[1][2][3] Programming includes keynotes, education sessions, The Exchange, Territory Dinners, and networking events throughout the three-day conference.[4]

Before the conference, identify the topics and challenges most relevant to your firm. Use those priorities to choose education sessions, decide which companies to visit in The Exchange, and make time to connect with peers facing similar business and practice management challenges.

What makes IMPACT 2026 worth the trip

IMPACT brings together Schwab leaders, industry experts, other registered investment advisers, and companies serving the wealth management industry. Education sessions offer opportunities to explore topics related to firm growth, technology, practice management, and other challenges facing RIAs, while The Exchange and networking events give attendees time to connect with peers and industry providers.[1][4]

Plan around these in-person experiences:

• Education sessions and keynotes: Hear from Schwab leaders and industry experts on topics relevant to managing and growing an independent advisory firm.[1][4]
• The Exchange: Meet companies serving the wealth management industry, explore technology and services, and connect with exhibitors throughout the conference.[4]
• Territory Dinners: Connect with other attendees outside the main conference programming during Tuesday evening's Territory Dinners.[4]
• Welcome Reception and Cocktails & Connections: Make time for additional opportunities to meet peers, Schwab representatives, and industry partners during the conference.[4]
• Final Night Event: Close out IMPACT at MGM Music Hall at Fenway, where Zac Brown Band will perform Thursday evening.[1][4]

What you learn at IMPACT can help inform priorities back at your firm. Focus your schedule on sessions, conversations, and companies that relate to the challenges you're working on now, whether that means evaluating technology, improving firm operations, exploring growth strategies, or learning how other advisers are approaching similar issues.

Where to stay for IMPACT 2026

Schwab's official IMPACT hotel block includes several properties within a half-mile of the Thomas M. Menino Convention & Exhibition Center, along with additional options near Boston Common, Back Bay, and downtown Boston.[15] Staying in the Seaport gives you the shortest trip to conference programming, while the farther official hotels may offer different rates, amenities, or access to other parts of Boston.

Hotels by distance to the convention center

Compare the official IMPACT hotel options by distance and conference rates, which are available Oct. 27–29:[15]

For the shortest trip to sessions and The Exchange, start with the official Seaport properties closest to the convention center. If those hotels are unavailable or don't fit your budget, compare the other properties in Schwab's block with additional Boston hotels based on price and transportation. Official IMPACT rates are available through Sept. 24, 2026, or until the room block sells out.[15]

Boston hotel pricing for IMPACT 2026

Navan looked at anonymized hotel booking patterns during IMPACT 2025 in Boston to provide context for hotel pricing.[7] Use these benchmarks while planning your 2026 trip:

• Median hotel rate: During conference week, the median nightly rate near the event venue was $623.[7]
• Stay length: Business travelers stayed an average of 2.1 nights.[7]
• Late bookings: Roughly 49% of bookings were made within two weeks of arrival.[7]

Schwab offers negotiated rates at official IMPACT hotels across Boston, including several properties within a half-mile of the convention center.[15] If the official IMPACT block is sold out or the available rates don't fit your travel policy, compare other hotels in the Seaport and downtown Boston. Staying outside the block can give you more choices, but check the distance to the convention center and your transportation options before booking.

Boston flight trends

Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) is the primary airport for IMPACT attendees, about 3.5 miles from the convention center.[5][8] Navan flight data from IMPACT week 2025 shows 796 business flights into Boston, with 9.0% arriving from international origins.[7] The most common origin cities were New York, Chicago, Washington, D.C., Atlanta, and Newark.[7]

Schwab recommends arriving Monday, Oct. 26, or early Tuesday, Oct. 27, and departing late Thursday, Oct. 29, or Friday, Oct. 30.[3] A Monday arrival gives you additional time to settle in before Tuesday afternoon programming, which includes education sessions, The Exchange, the opening keynote, Welcome Reception, and Territory Dinners.

How Navan Edge helps you book your conference travel

Use Navan Edge, your travel assistant powered by AI and with human travel experts available 24/7, to plan and book your IMPACT 2026 trip. Compare flights, hotels, and restaurants using live availability, personal preferences, and all the amenities that are important to you, then book everything in the same thread without juggling multiple apps or websites.

Continue earning your usual airline miles and hotel loyalty points, get your credit card points, and earn an additional 5% back in Amazon Gift Cards on eligible hotel stays. See our travel rewards on business trips guide for a closer look at how it works.

How to budget for conference travel to Boston

A trip to IMPACT includes more than your conference registration. Budget for Boston lodging, transportation to and from BOS, local transit or rideshare, meals outside conference programming, and other incidentals before you travel.

Federal per diem for Boston

The U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) sets federal per diem rates by location and fiscal year. IMPACT 2026 takes place in October 2026, which falls in FY2027. At the time of publication, GSA had not yet published FY2027 rates, so the FY2026 rates below can provide a benchmark for planning but will not be the applicable rates for the conference.

For October 2025, the FY2026 rates for Boston and Cambridge were:

• $441 per day combined: Includes $349 for nightly lodging plus $92 for daily meals and incidental expenses (M&IE)[6]
• M&IE breakdown: Includes $23 for breakfast, $26 for lunch, $38 for dinner, and $5 for incidentals (reduce your meal allowance for any catering at the event)[6]
• First and last travel days: Includes an M&IE allowance of $69 (i.e., 75% of the daily M&IE rate)[6]

For context, Schwab's official IMPACT 2026 hotel rates range from $326–$399 per night plus taxes, putting several options close to the FY2026 October lodging benchmark of $349.[6][15] FY2027 rates may differ, so check the updated GSA rate before you travel, and use your company's travel and expense policy to determine the limits that apply to your trip.

Other expenses to consider

Planning for these expenses before you book can help you estimate the full cost of your IMPACT trip and avoid surprises while traveling.

• Conference registration: Standard registration costs $1,995 from Aug. 27 through Oct. 26, with onsite registration increasing to $2,300 beginning Oct. 27. Check the IMPACT website for current pricing before you register.[2]
• Group registration: Firms registering four or more attendees can save $100 per person when eligible registrations are completed by Sept. 18.[2]
• Conference meals: Registration includes conference receptions, breakfasts, lunches, and breaks on main conference days, so adjust your M&IE reimbursement accordingly.[3]
• Airport transfer: The Silver Line SL1 is free from BOS into Boston, while MBTA fares for the return trip and rideshare costs should be included in your transportation budget.[5][8][9]
• Client and team dinners: Budget separately for restaurant meals, particularly if you're planning dinners outside official IMPACT programming.
• Additional transportation: Include local transit or rideshare costs for trips between your hotel, the convention center, dinners, and the Final Night Event at MGM Music Hall at Fenway.

Plan your IMPACT agenda

IMPACT combines keynotes and education sessions with The Exchange, Territory Dinners, and other networking events throughout the three-day conference.[4] Start with the sessions most relevant to your firm, then leave room for The Exchange and conversations with other attendees and industry providers.

Schwab plans to make the full session catalog available through the IMPACT event hub in late September, when attendees can use Schedule Builder to create a personal agenda.[1][4] Until then, use the published agenda to plan around the conference's major events:

• Tuesday (Oct. 27): Education sessions begin at 2 p.m., followed by The Exchange, the opening keynote, Welcome Reception, and Territory Dinners[4]
• Wednesday (Oct. 28): Breakfast in The Exchange, a morning keynote, education sessions, Lunch & Learn, an afternoon keynote, and Cocktails & Connections[4]
• Thursday (Oct. 29): Breakfast in The Exchange, education sessions, Lunch & Learn, an afternoon keynote, and the Final Night Event from 7–10 p.m. at MGM Music Hall at Fenway[4]

Conference programming begins Tuesday at 2 p.m. and concludes with the Final Night Event Thursday at 10 p.m.[2][3][4]

Build flexibility into your schedule

Once Schedule Builder opens, add your highest-priority education sessions first. Schwab recommends registering for sessions in advance, but leave some openings in your agenda for The Exchange, networking events, and conversations that come up during the conference.[1][4]

Keep these priorities in mind as you build your schedule:

• Education sessions: Prioritize topics that align with the challenges and opportunities most relevant to your firm, and register for your preferred sessions in advance.[1][4]
• The Exchange: Set aside time to meet exhibitors, explore technology and services, and connect with companies serving the wealth management industry.[4]
• Keynotes: Plan around the main-stage programming before filling the rest of your agenda with education sessions and meetings.[4]
• Logistics: Check event locations and travel time, particularly for Thursday's Final Night Event at MGM Music Hall at Fenway.[3][4]

Our business trip planning guide covers general flight, hotel, and other travel planning beyond this IMPACT-specific checklist.

What to pack and wear at IMPACT

Business casual is a practical choice for most of IMPACT, with comfortable, polished clothing that works for education sessions, The Exchange, and networking events. Pack comfortable shoes for long days at the convention center, along with a slightly dressier option if you have business dinners or meetings planned.

Boston is typically cool in late October, with daytime highs in the upper 50s°F and overnight lows in the mid-40s°F.[10] Rain is also possible, and the Seaport can feel colder and windier along the waterfront. Pack layers that work indoors and outside, plus a warmer jacket for evenings and Thursday's Final Night Event at MGM Music Hall at Fenway.

Conference essentials

Boston's late-October weather, waterfront location, and long conference days make layers and comfortable footwear especially useful. Add these essentials to your packing list:

• Two pairs of comfortable shoes: Alternate pairs during the conference to give your feet a break after long days at the convention center and walking around Boston.
• Portable charger: Using the IMPACT event hub, maps, messaging, and other apps throughout the day can drain your battery.
• Reusable water bottle: Keep water with you during long stretches of keynotes, education sessions, and time in The Exchange.
• Sweater or blazer: Bring an extra layer for conference rooms and changing temperatures throughout the day.
• Warm, weather-resistant jacket: Late-October temperatures can feel colder around the Seaport, particularly when it's windy or after dark.
• Compact umbrella: Boston can be rainy in October, so keep one in your conference bag for walks between your hotel and the venue.
• Snacks: Keep a protein bar or another easy snack in your bag in case conference programming overlaps with your usual meal times.
• Hand sanitizer and cough drops: It's the start of cold and flu season, so keep both in your day bag for long days in crowded conference spaces.

Getting from the airport to IMPACT 2026

Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) is about 3.5 miles from the Thomas M. Menino Convention & Exhibition Center, making the airport relatively close to the IMPACT venue.[5][8]

Schwab recommends arriving Monday, Oct. 26, or early Tuesday, Oct. 27, before conference programming begins at 2 p.m. Tuesday.[3] If you're staying in the Seaport, public transit, rideshare, and taxis all provide options for getting from BOS to your hotel or the convention center.

For travelers staying in the Seaport, the Silver Line SL1 offers a direct public transit option from BOS without requiring a transfer. Rideshare or taxi may be more convenient if you have substantial luggage, arrive late, or are staying farther from the Silver Line.

Beyond sessions: Make time for The Exchange and evening networking

Some of the most useful conversations at IMPACT can happen outside scheduled education sessions and keynotes. Leave time in your agenda for The Exchange, Territory Dinners, networking events, and conversations with other advisers and industry providers rather than filling every hour with scheduled programming.

• Identify exhibitors before you arrive: Review The Exchange exhibitors in advance and make a short list of companies you want to visit based on your firm's current priorities.
• Make time for The Exchange: Set aside dedicated time to explore technology and services, speak with exhibitors, and follow up on questions from education sessions rather than squeezing visits between other activities.
• Plan around networking events: The Welcome Reception, Territory Dinners, and Cocktails & Connections provide additional opportunities to connect with other attendees outside education sessions and keynotes.
• Take notes after conversations: Jot down useful ideas, resources, and next steps while the details are still fresh.
• Follow up within 48 hours: Send a short email or LinkedIn message with a clear next step, whether that's sharing a resource, continuing a conversation, or making an introduction.
• Build in short breaks: Long conference days can be tiring. Leave enough space in your schedule to grab water, have a snack, or take a short walk along the Seaport before your next activity.

Focus on conversations that relate to your firm's priorities and make a note of any follow-up before moving on to your next session or meeting. A few useful conversations you continue after IMPACT can be more valuable than trying to meet as many people as possible.

What to eat at IMPACT 2026

Start conference days with a filling breakfast, especially when your agenda includes morning programming followed by education sessions and time in The Exchange. Keep a protein bar or another easy snack in your bag in case sessions or meetings overlap with your usual meal times.

These Boston restaurants offer several options beyond the conference venue:

• Seaport seafood: Row 34 serves New England seafood and has private-event options for group dinners in Fort Point.[11]
• Back Bay steakhouse: Abe & Louie's serves classic steakhouse fare for lunch and dinner and offers private and semi-private group dining.[12]
• Group dining: Yvonne's offers globally inspired shareable dishes in Downtown Boston, with several spaces available for group and private dining.[13]
• Upscale steakhouse: Mooo.... Beacon Hill serves steak and seafood and offers private dining for business meals and groups.[14]

For business dinners and group meals, consider making reservations before you arrive, particularly if you need a specific time or space for a larger group. Navan Edge can also help you find and reserve Boston restaurants in the same chat where you booked your flight and hotel.

Finish strong on departure day

A little preparation before departure can make your final IMPACT day easier, particularly if you're checking out before Thursday's programming and Final Night Event are over.

• Pack before checkout: Set aside your travel clothes, charge your devices, and check the room for chargers, adapters, and other easy-to-miss items.
• Ask about late checkout: If you have a late Thursday or Friday flight, check with your hotel about late checkout or luggage storage so you don't have to carry your bags through conference programming.
• Allow enough time at BOS: Plan to arrive at least two hours before a domestic flight and three hours before an international flight, with additional time for travel from your hotel or the Seaport to the airport.
• File expenses promptly: Upload receipts and note any expenses that require additional documentation while the details are still fresh.
• Use airport downtime: If you have lounge access or time before boarding, use it to organize notes, receipts, and follow-up tasks.
• Plan your follow-up: Set aside time after IMPACT to share useful takeaways with your team and reconnect with people you met during the conference.

Make the most of your IMPACT 2026 trip

Plan your hotel, transportation, and budget before you arrive, then build your agenda around the sessions and experiences most relevant to your firm. Leave time for The Exchange, Territory Dinners, and conversations with other attendees, and follow up on useful connections and ideas after the conference. A little planning can help you spend less time managing trip logistics and more time getting value from your time in Boston.

Planning your IMPACT 2026 trip? Use Navan Edge to book flights, Boston hotels, and restaurant reservations in one chat.

Navan is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by Impact or their organizers, and this guide is not an official Charles Schwab publication. Impact and all other third-party trademarks referenced herein are the property of their respective owners and are used for identification and descriptive purposes only. All schedules, pricing, venue details, and program information are subject to change; verify current details with the official organizers before you travel.

Navan publishes this guide as part of its Navan Edge content series. Navan Edge is a Navan product referenced throughout this post. Card benefits, fees, loyalty program thresholds, earning structures, reward values, and AI capabilities described in this article are subject to change and were accurate as of the date of publication. Verify current terms with your card issuer, loyalty program operator, or the relevant program's website before making decisions. Amazon Gift Card rewards are subject to Navan Edge Terms and Conditions for eligible hotel bookings.

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