MEDIA RELEASE: The United Association Roadshow, hosted by the Financial Planning Association of Australia (FPA) and the Association of Financial Advisers (AFA), will take place in May and June 2023, following the successful vote on the merger of the two associations.

This will be the first major event run under the new associations’ brand of ‘Financial Advice Association of Australia’, which will take effect from 3 April 2023.

The official theme for the united roadshow is ‘Policy, Practice, People – A united pathway for members’.

The United Associations Roadshow will travel to 10 cities across Australia: Hobart on 5 May, Newcastle on 11 May, Sydney on 15 May, Brisbane on 16 May, Melbourne on 18 May, Bendigo on 19 May, Adelaide on 23 May, Perth on 25 May, Canberra on 31 May and Townsville on 2 June.

The event will be an opportunity to hear from the FPA CEO Sarah Abood and Chair David Sharpe, and AFA CEO Phil Anderson, on upcoming changes following the merger, as well as the policy and advocacy activities taking place.

Ms Abood says that this roadshow will be a great opportunity for members of both organisations to enjoy a full day of quality CPD content as well as plenty of opportunities to network with fellow practitioners and colleagues over lunch and post-event drinks.

“We are looking forward to being able to meet and chat with members of the AFA and FPA, share updates on policy and advocacy efforts, as well as the progress on the implementation of the merger.

“The events are designed to keep members up to date with current trends and industry knowledge.

“Most of all it’s a great opportunity for peer-to-peer learning and acquiring new ideas and best practices,” says Abood.

During each event, attendees will hear from keynote speaker Mark 'Squiz' Squirrell OAM who has served with the Australian Special Forces as well as working across the globe as an International Aid Worker, including escorting food convoys through the Gaza Strip.

“Mark has a story-telling ability that will capture the audience and links into the themes of leadership, resilience, communication, trust and problem solving under pressure, providing practical tips for financial advisers,” says Abood.

Members who attend the roadshow and the CPD workshops focused on Regulation, Ethics and Client Care will earn up to an estimated 5 CPD hours.

Early bird tickets for the roadshow are now available online - https://fpa.com.au/2023-fpa-afa-combined-association-roadshow/. Enter the discount code EARLY23 at registration to access early bird prices.

For FPA and AFA members early bird tickets cost $149.

Non-members are also welcome to join us for this event, and the early bird tickets cost $269.