The theme for next year’s SMSF Association National Conference to be held in Sydney has been officially announced as “beyond”.
The annual event will begin on 14 February with a thought leadership breakfast that will address longer-term issues facing the superannuation sector looking past the super reforms that have dominated discussion in the immediate-term.
“The primary focus of the 2018 event is to give delegates every opportunity to expand their SMSF knowledge and take them ‘beyond the expected’,” SMSF Association chief executive John Maroney said.
“In the past 18 months since the handing down of the 2016 federal budget, much of the industry’s focus has been on the immediate impact of these changes, many of which took effect on 1 July this year,” he added.
“The sessions will still focus on the aftermath of these significant changes. But the thought leadership breakfast will give us the unique opportunity to look into the crystal ball and discuss the long-term challenges facing SMSFs and the superannuation system.
“One of these challenges is how will superannuation continue to meet the needs of retirees going forward. Should superannuation be limited to its core purpose of providing retirement income or can its remit be expanded to cater for health and aged care too?
“Should housing be more integrated with superannuation and the age pension? Is the way we draw down on superannuation savings fit for purpose going forward?”
The professional body is expecting the biggest ever delegation at the 2018 conference with over 40 sessions and 60 recognised speakers incorporated in the event program as well as some networking functions.
“There will also be some exciting social events that will allow delegates to network to build their business opportunities and improve their profiles – a big attraction at these conferences,” Maroney said.
The conference is now open for registrations with the early bird offer closing on 1 December.
