Inside the Largest ETF Conference | Kirsten Chang, VettaFi

In a recent episode of Behind the Ticker, Kirsten Chang, Director of Editorial and Content at VettaFi, shared insights into her journey from CNBC to her current role, as well as details about the upcoming Exchange ETF Conference, the largest ETF industry event of the year. With over a decade of experience at CNBC—working on Squawk Box, covering markets from the floor of the NYSE with Bob Pisani, and helping launch ETF Edge—Chang transitioned to VettaFi to further develop her own voice and contribute to the growing ETF landscape.Chang explained that VettaFi is more than just the organizer of the Exchange conference. It serves as an index provider, a data analytics firm, and a digital distribution company focused on bridging the gap between advisors and ETF issuers. With over 4,000 ETFs available in the market, VettaFi helps investors and financial professionals sift through the noise by offering research, webcasts, and educational content. Through its partnerships with asset managers, the firm provides timely insights on ETF flows, market trends, and new product developments.The discussion then shifted to the Exchange ETF Conference, now taking place in Las Vegas after years in Miami. Chang highlighted that the conference is designed to offer advisors actionable insights and analysis, with sessions covering everything from private credit and hedge fund-led multi-asset ETFs to the explosive growth of active ETFs. The event brings together the biggest names in the industry, including keynote speakers like David Kelly and Ian Bremmer, and features panels on thematic investing, ESG trends, crypto, AI, and international equities. With record-breaking fixed income ETF flows and the continued rise of AI-related investments, the conference aims to provide a roadmap for advisors navigating today’s markets.Chang also emphasized Exchange’s focus on networking and community building, calling it the must-attend event for anyone in the ETF space. She shared details on new initiatives like the Putt for Pink charity event benefiting Susan G. Komen, a March Madness basketball connect-four game hosted by State Street, and an interactive app that allows attendees to schedule meetings and customize their experience.Get Brad's daily market research: Subscribe to The Signal at thorft.com/newsletterMore episodes: thorft.com/podcast