Reflections on a Year of Success
Late last year, the FPA Board of Directors finalized a long-term strategic plan aimed at articulating and reinforcing FPA’s role and vision in supporting and advancing financial planners of all backgrounds, defining the programs, initiatives, benefits, and services foundational to FPA’s role and vision; streamlining and maximizing resources supporting FPA’s role and vision; and maximizing revenue potential across the Association’s service lines. This multi-year endeavor will make FPA, as your membership home, more relevant, impactful, and indispensable in your professional life.
While our work on plan implementation began in earnest at the start of this year, your FPA professional staff has been equally focused on the immediate work of ensuring that our many current programs and benefits were executed at a high level and delivered meaningful membership value. As 2024 winds down, I wanted to reflect on the Association’s work and successes over the past year, which have moved us closer to achieving our long-term organizational goals.
The pandemic was difficult for any organization holding conferences and events, and coming out of that national trial was equally challenging. However, we know that FPA conferences, both national and those held by FPA chapters, are a critical aspect of community building that so many FPA Members value. Our volunteer leaders and professional staff executed multiple events that exceeded our expectations. FPA Retreat in Tucson, AZ, achieved some of the highest post-event evaluation scores in several years. The enthusiasm for FPA NexGen Gathering in Phoenix, AZ, was off the charts, with its largest attendance ever, and was sold out. FPA Annual Conference in Columbus, OH, was, without question, one of the finest events FPA has held in years, with a superb partnership with our Ohio chapters, which also exceeded our attendance goals.
One of our unique programs, FPA Residency, stands out for its value. This immersive, experiential, week-long learning program for new or soon-to-be certified CFP® professionals is led by a faculty of highly experienced practitioners. It is a testament to our commitment to professional development. Held each spring and fall, both Residency sessions this year had sellout attendance, and participant feedback continues to be exceptional.
Our commitment to supporting the next generation of financial planners is unwavering. This year, the FPA NexGen community launched two significant programs to support those looking to find their place in financial planning. The FPA NexGen Development Pathway is a new resource developed to guide and empower next-generation planners. The Blueprint: An FPA NexGen® Podcast was launched to share the real stories of next-generation planners and uncover their journeys, triumphs, and challenges.
Also this year, we announced that the award-winning Journal of Financial Planning won another Apex Award for publications excellence, FPA unveiled a new partnership with Money.com to highlight the important work financial planners do for their clients, we rolled out new research with Allianz that examined the trends shaping the future of the financial planning profession, and FPA LIVE was introduced to broadcast conversations with interesting people doing interesting things in and out of financial planning.
Let’s celebrate our collective successes and continue building on the momentum we’ve created! Together, we’ve made significant strides and have paved the way for an even more impactful year ahead as we celebrate FPA’s 25th anniversary throughout 2025.
In Case You Missed It
- As I highlighted in this update last quarter, we are preparing a year-long celebration in 2025 to mark FPA’s 25th anniversary, a significant milestone in our Association’s – and profession’s – history. Beginning January 1, you will see special anniversary branding across the Association’s websites and marketing collateral. We will also mark the occasion at all FPA’s national events, starting with the FPA Chapter Leaders Conference in January. You will also see several special programs, including the “25 in 2025” Financial Wellness Campaign, to encourage all FPA members to commit to 25 hours of financial wellness effort throughout the year. We look forward to celebrating this tremendous milestone with all of you!
- We are delighted to announce that FPA Annual Conference 2025 will be held at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, November 3-5, as we celebrate FPA’s 25th anniversary! This special event brings financial planners together to connect, learn, and thrive. Join us to gain insights from cutting-edge sessions, earn CE credits, and discover tools to enhance your skills and practice. You’ll build your network with passionate peers, explore innovative ideas to advance your career, and revel in the energy of Las Vegas. Register now with early bird savings and make 2025 your year to connect, learn, and thrive with FPA!
- Registration is also open for FPA Retreat 2025 in Chicago and FPA NexGen Gathering 2025 in Orlando! These hallmark FPA events provide a dynamic opportunity to connect with other financial planners in a relaxed setting where you will learn strategies that will shape your professional journey in the years ahead. Both events are now open for early bird registration, allowing you to join us at special reduced registration rates. I hope to see you in Chicago and Orlando!
Your support and participation make FPA the vibrant and successful community it is. We are grateful for your continued commitment to our shared goals and look forward to achieving even more together in the future.
Thank you for the privilege of your Membership.
Sincerely,
