You’ve Registered
WELCOME TO THE 2026 IAFP® SYMPOSIUM
Whether you registered last September or just recently, we’ve been busy preparing another exceptional Symposium experience.
This page is your go-to resource for important updates, planning information, breakout sessions, event details, and everything you need before arriving in Winnipeg.
Be sure to check back regularly as new information is added leading up to the Symposium.
Attending Virtually?
WHAT’S NEW SINCE YOU REGISTERED?
SINCE REGISTRATION OPENED:
- The 2026 National Financial Planning Award winner has been announced
- Whova information will be available at the beginning of August
- Ghost Investigation registration is full
We’ll continue updating this page with important information as the Symposium
approaches, so be sure to check back regularly.
BEFORE YOU ARRIVE PLAN YOUR TRIP
Explore Winnipeg
Arriving early or planning to stay a little longer? Winnipeg offers plenty to discover! From historic landmarks and vibrant neighbourhoods to museums, restaurants, arts, and local attractions, there are countless ways to make your visit memorable.
BRINGING A SPOUSE OR GUEST?
Spouses and guests are welcome to attend select Symposium social events, including the Welcome Reception and Gala. If you plan to bring a guest, please contact the Symposium Coordinator so we can help you with registration options and event details.
CUSTOMIZE YOUR SYMPOSIUM
CHOOSE YOUR BREAKOUT SESSIONS
This year’s breakout sessions offer more focused learning and practical discussion across a range of emerging topics in financial planning.
You’ll be asked to select one session during each breakout time. Some sessions have limited capacity, so we encourage you to make your selections as early as possible.
EXCITING OPTIONAL EVENTS
ADD A LITTLE MYSTERY
TO YOUR VISIT
FULL
Kick off your Symposium experience with one of Winnipeg’s most unique attractions.
Join fellow attendees on Tuesday evening for a guided investigation inside the legendary Room 202 at the Fort Garry Hotel. This two-hour experience includes investigator equipment and fascinating stories connected to one of Canada’s most famous haunted hotel rooms.
Tuesday, September 22
7:00 p.m. | $70 + GST | FULL
GUIDED TOUR: MUSEUM OF HUMAN RIGHTS
60 MINUTES | $20/EACH
Before the Welcome Reception, take the opportunity to explore one of Winnipeg’s most inspiring landmarks.
Join a guided tour through a selection of galleries and exhibitions that share powerful human rights stories from around the world. Along the way, you’ll experience the Museum’s remarkable architecture, interactive exhibits, and thought-provoking displays. The tour concludes with a visit to the Israel Asper Tower of Hope, offering breathtaking views of Winnipeg and a memorable start to your Symposium experience.
Immediately following the tour, the Welcome Reception will be held in the Buhler Hall.
To reserve your spot, please email Branndi@iafp.ca
Tuesday, September 22
7:00 p.m. | $20 + GST | LIMITED SPACE
Note: If you are an IAFP member and attending the AGM there will not be enough time to arrive for this tour.
GET SYMPOSIUM READY
DOWNLOAD THE WHOVA APP
Whova will be your digital companion throughout the Symposium!
Use the app to view the agenda, receive event updates, connect with fellow attendees, interact with speakers, provide speaker feedback, and access important Symposium information throughout the week. Most importantly, you will use the app to scan QR codes for each session you attend. This will be used to determine CE Credits.
We recommend downloading the app before you arrive and logging in using the email address you registered with.
WHEN YOU ARRIVE
CHECK IN
Visit the Symposium Registration Desk when you arrive to receive your name badge, welcome materials, and everything you’ll need for the week.
Registration desk hours and location will be posted closer to the event.
REVIEW THE SYMPOSIUM CASE STUDY
This year’s integrated case study provides the foundation for many of the conversations you’ll experience throughout the Symposium. We encourage you to review it before the opening sessions so you can fully engage in the discussions that follow.
DON’T MISS THE KEYNOTES
This year’s keynote speakers explore the behavioural, emotional, and practical realities shaping financial planning today. From client communication and decision-making to the psychology behind financial behaviour, these thought-provoking sessions will challenge perspectives and inspire new ways of thinking.
BONUS: you will receive a complimentary copy of David Chilton’s new book: The Wealthy Barber Returns and Moira Sommers new book: The Faultlines of Finance in your delegates’ bag!
Please note that David Chilton’s keynote is exclusive to in-person attendees and will not be recorded.
MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR SYMPOSIUM EXPERIENCE
WELCOME RECEPTION
Join us at the Canadian Museum for Human Rights in beautiful Buhler Hall for an evening of drinks, appetizers, and networking with fellow delegates, sponsors, and speakers. It’s the perfect way to reconnect with colleagues, make new connections, and begin your Symposium experience.
LUNCH & SPEED NETWORKING
One of the Symposium’s most popular traditions returns!
During lunch, you’ll have the opportunity to connect with our valued sponsors through a series of short, engaging conversations. It’s a relaxed and interactive way to learn about new products, services, and solutions while asking questions and making valuable industry connections. It’s a unique opportunity to ask questions, discover new ideas, and connect with organizations that support the financial planning profession.
DINE AROUNDS
Continue the conversations over dinner. Join fellow attendees at selected Winnipeg restaurants for an informal evening of networking and great food. It’s a relaxed opportunity to connect with colleagues and continue the discussions that began during the day.
Sign-up information will be available at the Registration Desk. Please note, each person is responsible for their own bill.
GALA EVENING THEME — BACK TO YOUR GLORY DAYS
Step back in time for a fun and nostalgic evening at the Symposium Gala!
Guests are invited to dress as they did in high school, whether that means the groovy flair of the ’70s, the bold styles of the ’80s, the grunge vibes of the ’90s, or the sparkle of the 2000s and beyond.
Enjoy throwback music spanning the decades and show off your retro style for a chance to win prizes for the Best Dressed of the night!
Participation is completely optional, so feel free to join in the fun or simply come as you are.
Note: If you haven’t purchased your tickets yet, please contact the Lead Event Planner, Debbie Hartloff at symposium@iafp.ca before September 23rd. We can not guarantee ticket availability after that date.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
WHAT IS THE DRESS CODE?
Business casual is appropriate for daytime Symposium sessions. For the Gala, attendees are encouraged to dress for the Back to Your Glory Days theme by dressing as you did in high school. Costumes are encouraged, but not required.
CAN SPOUSES OR GUESTS ATTEND ANY OF THE EVENTS?
Yes. Spouses and guests may be able to attend select social events, including the Welcome Reception and Gala. Please contact the Lead Symposium Planner for details and ticket availability.
WILL MEALS BE PROVIDED?
Meals and refreshments are included throughout the Symposium. Breakfast, lunch, and snacks are provided on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, along with appetizers at the Welcome Reception on Wednesday evening. Dinner is included at the Gala on Friday night, and breakfast will be served on Saturday morning.
HOW DO I ACCESS THE SYMPOSIUM AGENDA AND SESSION DETAILS?
The full agenda and session details will be available through the Whova app. We recommend downloading the app before you arrive and logging in with the email address used for registration.
DO I NEED TO REGISTER FOR BREAKOUT SESSIONS?
Yes. Attendees will be asked to select one session per breakout time slot. Space may be limited, so we recommend making your selections early.
HOW DO I EARN CONTINUING EDUCATION (CE) CREDITS?
To receive CE credit for an eligible Symposium session, you must:
- Attend the entire session. Partial attendance does not qualify for CE credit.
- Scan the session’s QR code using the Whova app. A unique QR code will be displayed during each eligible session.
These steps must be completed for every session for which you wish to receive CE credit.
Important: If you leave a session before it concludes or do not scan the QR code before leaving, CE credit cannot be awarded for that session.
Following the Symposium, attendance records will be verified and your CE certificate will be emailed to you.
WHAT IF I HAVE ACCESSIBILITY OR DIETARY REQUIREMENTS?
Please contact the Lead Symposium Event Planner as soon as possible so the team can do their best to accommodate your needs.
WE CAN'T WAIT
TO WELCOME YOU
Thank you for joining us for the 2026 IAFP® Symposium.
Whether you’re reconnecting with colleagues, meeting new planners, or exploring fresh ideas, we’re looking forward to sharing another exceptional Symposium experience with you in Winnipeg.
If you have any questions before you arrive, please don’t hesitate to contact us at symposium@iafp.ca
