ADVISOR Group introduces new conference series

(April 18, 2005) ADVISOR Group is launching a new set of industry conferences, each focusing on a specific aspect of the financial services industry. Advisor Live kicks off in June with two events in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario.

On June 9 and 10, ADVISOR Group and NewLink Group — with the support of the Canadian Association of Independent Life Broker Agencies — present “Changing Channel: Managing General Agencies at the Crossroads.”

“Managing general agencies in Canada comprise a vital distribution channel for the life and health insurance industry,” says ADVISOR Group executive editor Darin Diehl. “But it’s a channel facing numerous threats.”

The conference will feature new research findings conducted by NewLink Group and ADVISOR Group on the challenges and opportunities faced by managing general agents. The keynote speaker is consultant Byren Innes, director of NewLink Group.

“Delegates will have the opportunity to engage in discussion and debate on the research findings and the possible solutions to the problems hobbling MGAs,” Diehl adds. “Five panels comprised primarily of representatives of multiple MGAs will focus the discussions. Topics will include cost downloading, consolidation, training and education, compensation, technology and the role of associations.”

“The symposium should generate some good discussion on key issues affecting MGAs and we plan to widen the audience post-conference with special coverage in Advisor’s Edge Report and on Advisor.ca.”

Later that month, on June 14 and 15 also in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Advisor Live hosts an intensive two-day coaching clinic with high-net-worth specialist John Bowen and his team, called “Taking Your Practice to the Next Level.” Targeted at advisors with a minimum of $40 million in assets under management, the conference will teach delegates how to achieve business goals and increase net incomes by $100,000 over the next 12 months.

“In that vein, advisors will learn about the affluent and how to define their ideal client profile,” says Advisor’s Edge managing editor Deanne Gage. “This isn’t the kind of conference where advisors simply listen to keynote speeches and lectures. This conference is focused on breaking through the barriers that are holding advisors back and determining their business goals. With John and a peer coach, delegates will then work on a detailed action plan to achieve the next level of success.” The Bowen clinic is limited to 100 advisors.

Two more Advisor Live conferences are scheduled for the fall. On September 14, there’s a portfolio construction seminar called “Bull, Bust & Beyond,” and the second annual Premium Practices Symposium — for IDA insurance and estate planning specialists — will be held on September 29-30. Details on those events are still being finalized.

The cross-country Advisor Forum conferences, traditionally held in the fall, have been phased out. For details and registration information, check the Advisor Live website.

(04/18/05)

Staff

The staff of Advisor.ca have been covering news for financial advisors since 1998.