Investment seminars, sometimes referred to as “free lunch” seminars, are marketing events used by broker-dealers, investment advisers, or other financial professionals to solicit prospective clients or promote investment products. These seminars are often held at hotels or restaurants and may offer incentives such as free meals, books, or promotional materials to attract attendees.
Regulators have expressed concern that some investment seminars use misleading or high-pressure sales tactics, particularly when targeting senior investors. Issues associated with such seminars may include unsuitable investment recommendations, misrepresentations regarding investment risks or returns, and fraudulent securities sales practices.
Federal and state securities regulators, including the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA), have issued investor alerts regarding deceptive practices associated with certain investment seminars.
[Last reviewed in May of 2026 by the Wex Definitions Team]