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FBAA’s annual conference, held last week on the Gold Coast, attracted record numbers, with nearly 1,000 brokers and finance professionals attending the event, themed: ‘Bigger, Better, Stronger’.
Held at Sea World Resort, the 2016 conference also included the inaugural FBAA industry member awards which were held in conjunction with the Christmas in New York gala dinner extravaganza at Movie World.
FBAA executive director Peter White said the turn-out greatly exceeded expectations. “It is hard to believe that when we held our first conference in 2012 there was limited support but in just four short years, to now have around 1,000 industry representatives attending is astonishing.
“The feedback, from our guest speakers to our extensive Exhibition Expo, has been exceptional and has set the standard in finance broking conferencing,” he said.
The conference was MCd by TV journalism veteran, Catriona Rowntree, and the one-day event kicked off with a talk on branding by Yellow Brick Road’s
Mark Bouris.
Attendees of the conference heard from a senior spokesperson from the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC), Chris Green, who provided an update on the ongoing review into broking remunerations.
“To have Chris Green as a keynote speaker was extremely beneficial. He offered insights into the challenges currently facing the industry as ASIC continues its broker commissions probe.
“It was also heartening to hear ASIC acknowledge its solid relationship with the FBAA as we continue working together to provide the best outcome for brokers,” White said.
The conference also revealed a new strategic alliance between the FBAA and the Small Business Association of Australia (SBAA) which White explained will bring numerous benefits to both industry associations.
“It was an ideal platform to make this exciting announcement about the partnership which will give the 250,000 plus SBAA members a deeper understanding of how brokers can assist in maximising their business potential.”
George Samios from Brisbane-based MADD Loans took home the coveted FBAA National Finance Broker of the Year award at the associaton's inaugural awards dinner, as well as the trophy for Queensland’s Finance Broker of the Year.
