When it comes to predicting the future, there was much that the 1980s science fiction movie franchise Back to the Future got right: tablets, biometric devices, hands-free gaming consoles, smart clothing, waste-fuelled cars, and even hoverboards. But one thing it did not foresee was the Covid-19 pandemic.
The Financial Planning Institute of Southern Africa (FPI) has adopted the title of the blockbuster as the theme of this year’s Professionals Convention, to highlight the importance of looking back at where we were before the global lockdown in 2020, yet moving forward to embrace change, innovation, and growth.
Louis Friderichs, the FPI’s marketing manager, says the lockdown changed the way we view the future. “Things have become fundamentally different, as we have witnessed the birth of a virtual world filled with automation, open AI, and digital evolution in the financial planning space,” he says.
The 34th instalment of the convention will be presented virtually and face-to-face, at the Sandton Convention Centre on 14 and 15 November. A total of 27 local and international speakers and guests will share their experiences and insights.
Some of the topics that will be addressed are the psychology of financial planning, how the outlook for practice management and technology has changed, and the social media strategies needed to grow a financial planning business.
A look at the programme available on the FPI’s website shows the convention features an impressive list of speakers.
One is insurance futurist Panos Leledakis, who will speak on “The new Phygital adviser: welcome to the experiential era”. Leledakis will address the fusion of physical and digital realms and how to use social media, virtual reality, and augmented reality to engage customers, while leveraging artificial intelligence to enhance productivity and professionalism.
Another speaker is award-winning personal finance expert Mapalo Makhu. The best-selling author of You’re Not Broke, You’re Pre-Rich, will discuss why mindset plays a crucial role in achieving financial goals. Makhu believes that by cultivating a growth-oriented and positive mindset, you can make better financial decisions, stay committed to your goals, and navigate the challenges that come your way on the path to financial achievement.
And then there is Dante de Gori, the chief executive of the Financial Planning Standards Board, who will share his thoughts on the “Future of financial planning”. De Gori, who previously served as chief executive of the Financial Planning Association of Australia, is passionate about advancing the profession of financial planning and supporting CFP professionals around the world.
The other top-notch speakers are:
- Emma Sadleir, South Africa’s leading expert on social media law;
- Dr Charles Chaffin, the author and lead editor of seven books on financial planning and cognitive psychology;
- Farzana Badat, the deputy commissioner of the FSCA;
- Anton Swanepoel, a specialist in practice management and compliance;
- Brent Lindeque, a South African entrepreneur, motivational speaker, and social media influencer;
- Lelané Bezuidenhout, the chief executive of the FPI;
- Journalist and author Mandy Wiener;
- Nici Macdonald, the head of the certification department at the FPI;
- Renate Jute, an expert in trusts, estate planning, and business skills;
- Kirsty Scully, the chairperson-elect of the FPI;
- Futurist and author Charlotte Kemp;
- Fintech visionary Trevor Stacey;
- Health and fitness coach Joep Loots.
Click here to download the full programme.
Besides the chance to network and meet international guests in person, members will have the opportunity to attend the FPI Awards Ceremony Gala Dinner on the evening of 15 November. At the event, the 2023 FPI Financial Planner of the Year Award winner will be announced, and other honours will be bestowed: the Top Candidate of the Year, FPI Professional Practice of the Year, and It Starts with Me awards.
The hybrid nature of the convention will enable in-person and virtual attendees to earn a total of 12 CPD hours.
The costs to attend are:
- Virtual (member): R3 000
- Virtual (non-member): R3 773
- Face-to-face (member): R5 850
- Face-to-face (non-member): R7 000
To register, go to https://fpi.co.za/events/fpi-convention/
For more information, email events@fpi.co.za or phone 011 470 6000.
