The chair of the 2016 FPA Professionals Congress organising committee, Delma Newton, says change is a constant and the theme of this year’s event is to embrace disruption for the positive impact it can have on both advice businesses and client outcomes.
Newton says the main theme underpinning the 2016 congress is that the future should not be a scary place for those prepared to regard change as an opportunity rather than as a threat.
“The idea is there’s been a whole lot of stuff around disruption, constantly in the media, so we wanted to give people an idea about how to embrace technology, to an extent, and general business practices that will put them in good stead going into the future, so the future is not scary place for them,” she says.
“The future and change is a positive thing. And out of that change there are business efficiencies and better outcomes for our clients to be had.
“Utilise it, for your and your client’s best advantage.”
Once the committee had settled on the overall theme, Newton says it was clear what major issues should be covered.
“One is how to look after yourself, in a fast-paced environment,” she says.
“How to make sure that you sustain yourself at your peak level of health and wellbeing so you’re in peak condition to be able to look after your clients. And to show them the way in that as well – because the clients are going through the exact same issues that every one is, like fast-paced [changes] in technology.
“It’s about mindset, and it’s about tools – what’s out there that they can utilise? What needs changing, and how to embrace that and bring it into your business in a practical manner?
“I’m all about practical stuff. It’s all well and good to hear that everything is changing; yeah, we know that. But how can you utilise this stuff?”
Newton says congress sessions will also tackle elements of the client-facing aspect of advisers’ work.
“One is how to communicate with them, in both a traditional sense and through social media and through the web, and what’s the best way to communicate and find out how the client is interested in being communicated with – making it more client-centric,” she says.
And technical issues will not be ignored.
“We have two sessions based around superannuation, so being up to date with what those changes are going to mean so advisers can be at the forefront of discussions with clients, to help their uncertainty,” Newton says.
“And giving alternatives – with super changing so much, what are our alternatives strategies for our clients that we can utilise as well?”
Newton says the committee is confident it has produced a strong line-up of content and presenters.
“I have to say when I was doing all the speaker briefings I was thinking, I’m really torn as to which ones not to go to,” she says.
“A lot of it is about the client’s and the planner’s wellbeing and how to help yourself so you can help your clients in a better way, to meet what they want to do.”
