Thursday, May 27, 2004, Calgary: Over 1,100 professional financial advisors have descended in Calgary to kick off the three-day Advocis national conference and annual general meeting that begins today. The annual event, with this year�s theme of “Drilling Down � Shifting Investors� Confidence,” will incorporate more than 35 educational sessions and a number of networking events designed to provide Advocis� professional members with the specialized and practical knowledge they need to ensure that their clients continue to work towards achieving their financial goals.
Advocis is Canada�s largest membership association of professional financial advisors, with members located in 50 chapters across the country, including Calgary. Highlights of the Association�s event that wraps up on Saturday include:
An energy panel discussion, moderated by award-winning journalist Ann Medina, on the impact of the Kyoto Protocol on Canada’s economic future. Panelists include Dr. Stephen Hill of Trent University, Rick Hyndman of the Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers, Ross McKitrick of the University of Guelph, and Allen Wright of The Coal Association of Canada.
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.
Insurance-focuses and taxation sessions on risk assessment, long-term care, tax planning for seniors, and estate planning strategies.
A number of networking and social events that take advantage of all that Calgary has to offer, while affording advisors the opportunity to learn from their professional colleagues.
Attendees who arrived early were rewarded with several pre-conference seminars yesterday, 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 (AGM) will take place on Friday, May 28. Expected announcements as a result of the AGM will include the election of the new chair and board of directors.
About Advocis
Advocis™ is the professional membership association of financial advisors. The largest professional membership association of its kind in Canada, Advocis™ represents 16,000 advisors in 50 chapters across the country. Advocis™ members adhere to a strict Code of Professional Conduct, meet ongoing continuing education requirements, and are committed to putting their clients� interests first. The Association�s Web site is www.advocis.ca.
