IARFC Annual Conference Recap

2019 IARFC ANNUAL CONFERENCE & NATIONAL FINANCIAL PLAN COMPETITION

BE THE CHANGE GUIDE | COUNSEL | CONSULT

MARCH 20-22, 2019, Nashville, TN

It was hard to believe you were entirely indoors during the 2019 IARFC Annual Conference. The Gaylord Opryland Resort and Conference Center in Nashville featured acres of lush vegetation, restaurants, shops, waterfalls – including conference space under glass. This impressive setting housed all the planned activities throughout the 3 day event of BE THE CHANGE.

There seems to be a reoccurring debate about “conference value” and the “takeaway factor”. With so many options for learning, a consultant could basically sit in his office in front of computer and not leave – thus saving money and time. But is that always the best option?

A major success point for Nashville was the networking or redefined as “Effective Association Synergy”. Consultants can meet new people, old friends, and get a feel for what others are doing in their practice. We talk a lot about the value of client face-toface time, why wouldn’t it be the same for consultants during an annual conference. You can’t duplicate the buzz and excitement that permeates a conference by watching a recorded webinar.

For example, engaging in person with Mr. Zianni, feeling the texture and seeing the selection of his fabrics for his Italiandesigned suits, is a more effective

option than connecting with him online. Someone could even get measured right then and there. For all our vendors it was an opportunity to visually represent themselves and dialogue more personally, thus profitably.

With the speakers, their enthusiasm is much more appreciated when they are front and center. You could feel the personal experiences of Barry Dayley as he spoke about his mountain climbing adventures and laugh with Frank Maselli as he tried to train you as a “Lifeguard”. All the speakers were approachable after the session, or at dinner, or a chance meeting in the exhibit area.

Talk to the students who competed in the National Financial Plan Competition and they will tell you working across from a live person is much more relatable than doing a webinar. For them, networking with experienced consultants was a fun bonus. They get the career advice and

the professionals can give back to the younger generation. A general consensus — these students have a bright future ahead of them.

For IARFC members, there was an opportunity to meet the Board Members and have more in depth conversations. You should know what is going on in the Association and how it works for you. What better way than to get to the people who can make the changes happen. Finally for all, talking a break and doing something for yourself such as attending the Association’s Annual Conference should be on your list. Even if you left with just one nugget of information, that is value. Great for those who can take information and enthusiasm back to their own practice and make improvements.

The IARFC continues to give you opportunities to be part of these events. Plan to join us in Cincinnati for the 2020 Annual Conference.

2019 IARFC NATIONAL FINANCIAL PLAN COMPETITION

The National Financial Plan Competition is organized through the IARFC for undergraduate students in a curriculum related to Financial Services. The three semi-final teams presented their plans at the Annual Conference.

Once again our student presented well. Behind the scenes nerves were common but each team brought to the fictional couple, George and Emily Hathaway (AKA… Board Member Michael Markey and his wife Vanessa), a well thought out financial plan.

The audience scored the participants and the winner was announced at the IARFC Awards Banquet. When it was all said and done, here are the results:

• First Place: Rebecca Boyle from the University of North Texas in Denton, TX – David Ragan Professor

• Second Place: Nick Urban and Drake Uplinger from Central Michigan University in Mount Pleasant, MI – Mark VanVoorhees Professor

• Third Place: Kylee Nelson and Bailey Misbach from Utah Valley University in Orem, UT – Dr. Luke Dean Professor.

Students and professors participated in an after conference roundtable discussion to help improve the competition for the future. Look for the winning plan to be featured in

the next Journal of Personal Finance, co-authored by Dr. Benjamin Cummings, JPF editor and winner Rebecca Boyle. �

Susan Cappa is an editor and public relations coordinator for the IARFC. She is a graduate of the University of Cincinnati. Her background includes writing, editing, event coordination, and leadership.

Contact: 513.424.1589 susan@iarfc.org www.iarfc.org