529 Dash, Required Reading for Your 529 Education: 
The 529 Dash e‑newsletter helps institutions, financial professionals, employers, and families navigate education financial planning by sharing timely industry news, product insights, market data, and best practices while promoting awareness of 529 plans and ABLE accounts.

Please Read, Engage and Share.

Paul Curley, CFA
Executive Director
ISS Market Intelligence
paul.curley@issmarketintelligence.com

Here is what you need to know from stories, research, and data released this week:

• 529 Insiders, “1Q 2026 529 & ABLE market sizing highlights.” Editor’s Take: Net inflows increased from 1Q 2024 to 1Q 2025 and again to 1Q 2026, reflecting strengthening demand for education savings. This trend suggests that more families are successfully using 529 plans for their intended purpose of covering qualified education expenses even amid market and economic volatility in 2026. As utilization grows, familiarity and confidence in 529 plans continue to expand among families and their networks. This increased awareness reinforces a positive feedback loop, driving further adoption, contributions, and long-term momentum for the category. Click the link to learn more about 529 and ABLE market sizing as of March 31, 2026.

• Dates: September 23–25, 2026
• Location: JW Marriott Nashville
• Register: Here; Early Bird registration rate available through June 26, 2026
• Hotel Room Block: Book Here
• Event Website: Link
• Agenda: Link
• Event Updates: 
  • Dereck E. Davis, Treasurer, Maryland State Treasurer’s Office, has been confirmed as speaker on the “State’s Perspective on Industry Trends and Building Momentum” 529 Conference session.
  • Viraaj Kumar, Head of Retirement Product & Strategy, ISS Market Intelligence, has been confirmed as speaker on the “Opportunities and Outlook in 2027 & Beyond” 529 Conference session.

Please consider forwarding this e‑newsletter to a colleague and encouraging them to subscribe using the link here.