FPA Professionals Congress exceeds expectations – Perth for 2016


The Financial Planning Association of Australia (FPA) has confirmed Perth as the venue for its 2016 FPA Professionals Congress after this year’s event exceeded expectations.

The two-and-a-half day Congress at the Brisbane Convention Centre attracted almost 1,000 delegates from around the country. The event created a buzz on social media and the #FPACongress conversation trended in Australia as the fifth most popular topic on Twitter.

FPA CEO Mark Rantall said the new TED-style format of keynote sessions, the mix of inspiring speakers, the range of topics at the event’s 24 workshops and the conference theme of ‘Shaping Futures’ had all generated extremely positive feedback.

“This year’s Professionals Congress came at a critical time for the profession, following the Government’s agreement to enshrine higher educational and professional standards for financial planners in legislation next year, the settling of Life Insurance reform measures and growing debate on the impact of ‘robo’ advice on practitioners, as well as consumers.

“The majority of attendees were practising financial planners and the feedback tells us that our delegates received the inspiration, guidance and development they were looking for.

“This year’s Congress united us as a profession and provided a heightened sense of purpose around the continued lifting of standards. It has also helped shift our perspective on how we can embrace change and service a wider range of consumers, which is of course the end goal.” Mr Rantall said.

The following responses are just some of the comments included in the Congress feedback survey:

More than 73 percent of attendees downloaded the FPA Congress app to keep up-to-date on Congress information and take part in a live conversation with other delegates. Over $200,000 has been raised for Future2 at this year’s FPA Professionals Congress, Future2 Gala Dinner and Future2 Wheel Classic, reflecting outstanding commitment and effort from the FPA community.

More than $115,000 was awarded in grants to community not-for-profits during the Future2 Gala Dinner event.

During the Congress, it was announced that CEO Mark Rantall would step down at the end of February 2016. The FPA Board recognised Mr Rantall’s achievements during five years as FPA CEO, by granting him life membership of the association.

It was also announced that FPA General Manager, Policy & Conduct Dante De Gori would take over as FPA CEO from 1 March 2016.