BALTIMORE ESTATE PLANNING COUNCIL

Greetings fellow Baltimore Estate Planning Council Members and Emerging Planners,

As summer winds down, we are looking forward to another outstanding year with the Baltimore Estate Planning Council. Your Board of Directors has been hard at work planning a year filled with exceptional educational programming, meaningful networking, and experiences that strengthen the professional relationships that make our Council so valuable.

We will kick off the Council year on August 19, 2026, at Camden Yards as the Orioles take on the Yankees. Space is limited, and we look forward to starting the year with an evening of networking, baseball, and fun.

Membership renewal began on July 1, 2026. To continue providing high-quality educational programs and networking opportunities, the Board approved an increase in annual membership dues from $200 to $250 and meeting registration fees from $50 to $60. Members who register and prepay for all six meetings at the beginning of the Council year will receive a discounted package rate of $300. We believe these adjustments will help ensure the Council remains financially strong while continuing to deliver the quality programming, networking opportunities, and member experience you have come to expect.

Our Programs Committee has assembled an excellent lineup of speakers and topics for the 2026-2027 year, including:

• September 24, 2026 – Eido Walny, Celebrity Wills
• October 29, 2026 – Scott Etish, Life Insurance Settlements
• December 2, 2026 – Beth Kauffman Shapiro, Planning for Loved Ones with Special Circumstances
• January 28, 2027 – Katie Sheehan, NAEPC Free Speaker Series
• February 25, 2027 – Anirban Basu, Economic Update
• May 20, 2027 – David York, Designing Generosity

As in prior years, members are expected to attend at least two educational programs during the Council year. In addition to our educational meetings, the Council will host social events, Emerging Planners programs, NAEPC webinars, and our Annual Meeting, providing numerous opportunities to connect with fellow professionals and stay current on developments affecting the estate planning community.

The Baltimore Estate Planning Council continues to be recognized as a Five Star Council by the National Association of Estate Planning Councils (NAEPC). This distinction allows us to continue offering NAEPC webinars as a benefit of membership and reflects the dedication and professionalism of our Board, committee leaders, volunteers, and engaged membership.

I would also like to thank our sponsors for their continued support. Their commitment allows us to bring nationally recognized speakers and valuable educational opportunities to our members throughout the year.

I am equally grateful to our Officers, Board Members, and committee volunteers for their dedication and service to the Council.

As we enter our 89th year, the Council remains committed to providing outstanding education, fostering professional collaboration, and expanding opportunities for members across all estate planning disciplines. I encourage you to take advantage of the many benefits of membership and become actively involved in the Council's programs and events.

On behalf of the Officers and Board of Directors, thank you for your continued support of the Baltimore Estate Planning Council. I look forward to seeing you throughout the coming year.

As always, if you have any questions, suggestions, or ideas, please feel free to reach out to me or our Executive Director, Beth Hare. We welcome your feedback and are always looking for ways to enhance the value of your membership.

Enjoy the remainder of your summer. I look forward to seeing you at Camden Yards on August 19, 2026!

Sincerely,

Sean Kelly
President
Baltimore Estate Planning Council