Over 1,100 financial advisors have assembled in Calgary to kick off the three-day Advocis national conference and annual general meeting that began on Thursday. The conference, with this year’s theme of “Drilling Down — Shifting Investors’ Confidence,” will incorporate more than 35 educational sessions.

Highlights of the conference that wraps up on Saturday include:

  • An energy panel discussion, moderated by journalist Ann Medina, on the impact of the Kyoto Protocol on Canada’s economic future.
  • A discussion led by Paul Rooney, senior vice president, individual insurance at Manulife Financial, on evolutionary trends within the financial services industry, how they are impacting Canada’s financial advisors, and how advisors can build their confidence to meet these new challenges.
  • Practice management sessions on the impact of wireless technology, the need for effective professional liability insurance, and about how to position the advisor business within the changing regulatory environment.
  • Sessions on risk assessment, long-term care, tax planning for seniors, and estate planning strategies.

Attendees who arrived early were rewarded with several pre-conference seminars on Wednesday, including an update for CFP- and CLU-designated members and a session on the simple approach to writing effective financial plans.

The association’s annual general meeting will take place today. Expected announcements as a result of the AGM will include the election of the new chair and board of directors.