Another joint conference planned

The first was held this year and sparked rumours that the two associations were planning to merge. Both denied that but said further collaboration was inevitable.

IFA chief executive Fred Dodds said plans had been confirmed for another joint event, to be held on July 28 and 29 next year.

He said the response to this year’s conference had been positive from those who attended and sponsors.

PAA chief executive Rod Severn said it was likely the conference would include master classes for the adviser disciplines of mortgage and risk advisers, and investment advisers and financial planners.

He said some of this year’s feedback suggested that concentrated and lengthier sessions on an adviser’s main focus of business was preferable to a lot of concurrent sessions.

Dodds said having the conference in late July meant it should coincide with the release of the reviewed FAA.

“This will allow a specific focus on the changes going forward – but the conference will definitely not be buried in compliance,” he said.

Comments from our readers

On 21 September 2015 at 10:22 am LPL said:

My concern with this is whether the IFA is loosing its way.

One of the benefits to members of an organisation such as this is providing high quality ongoing education.
IFA fees were increased a while back and as part of that increase it was stated that there would be a component of free education to compensate for that increase.
These "free" professional development events used to be a day of back to back sessions, although there was the inevitable advertising slot (such as telecom) for the most part they weren't bad; with some good quality external speakers.

More recently we now have a half day of questionable quality offering and "drinks" at the end. Perhaps the cost of providing drinks is draining the training purse who knows.
However if this is what is on offer from the IFA with this new combined arrangement in my opinion it isn't working.

On 21 September 2015 at 5:10 pm Comprehensive Planner said:

I for one think that a combined conference is a good thing for Advisers, Sponsors and the bodies themselves as it is a good way to bring together the leaders in the respective fields to share their intellectual property with those that want it.

With regard to the IFA subs incorporating a fee ($180) to fund Professional Development days, this was done to improve the support provided, for example the establishment of the Manager Learning and Development position and the no additional cost for members to attend the two days each year, which by the way started out at 6hrs and are currently 5hrs so not a significant difference. The other thing to consider is that it costs the same to develop a day for 100 advisers as it does for 10 but most members would like to be able to attend, this way the cost per adviser per day is actually less then what it was.

If you feel the content is not what you need, simply let the IFA know this so they can plan accordingly to meet the needs of as many members as possible.

Another joint conference planned

Another joint conference is planned by the Institute of Financial Advisers and the Professional Advisers Association.

Thursday, September 17th 2015, 5:59AM 2 Comments

Comments from our readers

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