CIFPs: Annual conference to focus on “merrier times ahead”

Advisors from across Canada are converging in Halifax beginning on Sunday for the Canadian Institute of Financial Planners’ seventh annual national conference.

Organizers are expecting about 500 planners to attend this year’s event, which runs from Sun. June 7 to Wed. June 10. That will surpass the turnout from last year’s conference, held in Orlando, Fla., says Keith Costello, president and CEO of the Toronto-based CIFPs.

“And despite the recession, all the major sponsors are back,” he says. “They’ve shown leadership. And we’re pleased that all the advisors and planners are coming”

With Canadians searching for safe harbour from the current financial storm, the importance of a sound financial plan constructed with the help of a professional planner has never been more pronounced.

“There was a tendency in the boom years for some investors to chase returns,” Costello says. “Now we see that more and more people are asking our members about financial planning. They want someone who can give them the whole picture.”

That’s why the theme of this year’s conference is “Merrier Times Ahead: The Maritime Plan.”

“The whole point is to get everyone together, networking and sharing ideas,” Costello says. “We’ve been through a lot in the last year. The question is where do we go from here. We’ve brought together a number of great experts and speakers and we hope that everyone can learn a lot.”

Following an opening night dinner with a keynote speech from journalist Rex Murphy, the conference features two-and-a-half days of informative and thought-provoking sessions.

Plenary presentations will focus on major topics such as the economy, world events and stock markets. Those will be followed by concurrent educational sessions, in which convention goers can delve into more technical topics and earn educational credits.

Key speakers include financial industry veteran Lou Schizas, who will talk about how planners can survive the recession; The Honourable Thomas Hockin, on what a national securities regulator might mean for financial planners; and CIBC Private Wealth Management tax expert Jamie Golombek, on key tax and estate planning issues for advisors.

“Advisors have been telling us they’re very pleased with the agenda this year,” Costello says. “We think we have a great mix of experts on the big picture issues and speakers on the technical issues.”

Of course, the conference won’t just be about brushing up on skills. It will also give planners a chance to mingle with colleagues and renew old acquaintances. Monday night features a dinner at Pier 21, sponsored by TD Mutual Funds, while Tuesday night the location switches to the Marriot Harbourfront, with dinner sponsored by RBC Asset Management Inc.

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