Why does Saturn have rings? Some people say that they are where lost airline luggage goes to die. Scientists float a variety of alternative theories; most believe that they were formed through a gravitational ballet between space dust and Saturn’s many moons.

Before Zoom, the AAII local chapters were like planets circling AAII—independent, autonomous, yet loosely united by the same solar vision of investor education. Nowadays, local chapters function more like the moons and rings of Saturn—expansive, diffuse and less precisely defined. Less silo, more network. Affinity rather than proximity. 

The AAII New York City Chapter is proud to have been in the front line of this transformation. During the pandemic, we embraced webinars to stay connected and expand our reach. We coordinated with other chapters to serve more AAII members and leverage our efforts. We tested innovative formats, like a panel that paired an outside speaker with a credentialed chapter leader and an AAII product sponsor. 

We also focused on four themes—new voices, broad market analysis, behavioral finance and trading—to give us a distinctive “personality” and minimize overlap with other chapters. We introduced members to marquee speakers like Larry Siegel and hosted financial legends like Paul Merriman. 

These strategies paid off, tripling our average attendance. We continue to maintain an open-door, free-to-all policy, whether through specific collaborations or informal bonhomie. And that means YOU too! 

If you haven’t been to an AAII local chapter meeting, either in person or on Zoom, I encourage you to put one in your orbit. 

—Hollis Wagenstein-Hurturk, AAII New York City Chapter president and former AAII Chapter liaison

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