This year’s Association of Financial Advisers (AFA) National Conference will focus on the future for practices during a period of unprecedented change.

“Our aim… is to help give all delegates a clear view of what best practice looks like going forward,” CEO Brad Fox said.

“The conference brings the whole financial advice community together and is invaluable in encouraging delegates to share experiences and road-test them with their peers and the industry’s experts, to continue to meet the needs of consumers.”

The conference – themed “the age of consumers” – will run from October 12-15 on the Gold Coast.

It will feature an event for first-time attendees that “will help new delegates develop a network of contacts and receive tips for getting the most out of their conference experience”, Mr Fox says.

“Sharing the AFA community spirit and culture is vitally important to the association; therefore the entire board will attend the event.”

There will be more than 90 presenters, with sessions on insurance, investment, self-managed super funds, developing client service, emotional intelligence, communication skills and social media strategies.

A number of awards will be presented, including rising star, excellence in education, female excellence in advice, adviser of the year and the Michael Murphy prize for the “best and fairest” adviser.

Delegates who register before July 31 can save up to $200 off their registration.