AFA reveals 2020 virtual conference program

In a statement released on Monday, the association said the conference would be broadcast live from a Sydney studio and take place on 14 and 15 October.

“As the major event on the AFA calendar, the AFA [conference] is an integral part of our vision for a brighter future,” AFA chief executive Philip Kewin said.

“This year represents a rare opportunity to deliver a quality conference in what are uniquely difficult circumstances. We are therefore very pleased to be able to offer an innovative approach to virtual conferencing which we believe brings the delegate experience to life.”

The conference will feature a mix of live and on-demand industry presentations, including an address from Assistant Minister for Superannuation, Financial Services and Fintech, Jane Hume, and a panel session with the chief executives of life insurers AIA Australia, Zurich, MLC Life and TAL.

Senior economists from MLC and Sunsuper will also address attendees, as well as executives from a number of advice technology companies and licensees.

AFA conference chair Dave Slovinec said the format would make the conference more accessible to advisers looking for new opportunities to evolve in the wake of the COVID-19 crisis.

“As a practising adviser I know first-hand the disruption that our community is experiencing,” he said.

“But I also know that disruption is paving the way for transformation and bringing with it new opportunities. Those tuning in to this year’s AFA [conference] will be able to access the inspiration, the knowledge, and the tools to set their vision and take their businesses to the next level.”