YOU’VE REGISTERED
NOW LET’S MAKE THIS AN UNFORGETTABLE EVENT!
Expect an inspiring experience designed to help you earn CE credits, sharpen your client strategies, and connect with professionals who care deeply about holistic planning. Get ready for an elevated, engaging event that will deliver maximum value every step of the way.
Here’s a glimpse of what’s ahead — from dynamic speakers to breakout topics to engaging activities — everything you need to make the most of your in person Symposium experience.
Attending Virtually? Click Here
BEFORE YOU ARRIVE
ARE YOU BRINGING A
SPOUSE OR GUEST?
We want to ensure they enjoy their Symposium experience as well. Please let us know by emailing the Symposium Coordinator.
ENJOYING NANAIMO
BEFORE THE EVENT?
There is lots to see and do before the Symposium starts. Seaside charm, vibrant culture, and scenic trails are just a few things to explore. SEE WHAT NANAIMO HAS TO OFFER.
PRE-SYMPOSIUM GOLF:
NETWORK ON THE GREENS
Kick things off with breathtaking views at Nanaimo Golf Club. Groups will head out for 18 holes, followed by drinks and dinner on the patio. We have a few spots still open for Monday September 22 in the afternoon. The round is $115 + tax. Carts are available for $53 + tax and golf club rentals are $40 + tax. Interested? Email the Symposium Coordinator today!
GET SYMPOSIUM READY — DOWNLOAD THE WHOVA APP
The Whova app is your free digital companion to help you navigate the Symposium with ease.
- Get Real-time Event Updates
- Interact with Speakers
- Network & Connect
Tip: Log in early using the email you registered with to resolve any issues ahead of time and dive right into Day 1.
CHOOSE BREAKOUT SESSIONS EARLY
TO AVOID DISAPPOINTMENT
This year’s Symposium features two engaging breakout sessions, each offering three expert-led subsessions. These smaller group settings allow for deeper conversations and interactive learning.
Wednesday, September 24
Breakout Session 3:25 PM – 4:05 PM
Choose one of the following subsessions:
- The Fellowship of Finance: Structuring Your Path to Maximize Financing and Business Value
- The Wizards of OZ: Lending in the Shadows of Mount Mortgage
- Clarity & Balance in Your Investment Portfolios: Traditional / Alternatives
Friday, September 26
Breakout Session 4:05 PM – 4:45 PM
Choose one of the following subsessions:
- Private Mortgage Funds Deconstructed 2.0: The Good, the Bad and the Ugly
- Ask the Experts: NOW Advisory Model in Action
- Sound Investments, Real Profits
Space is limited, and some sessions may fill quickly—so don’t wait! Participants must select one subsession per breakout time slot, and CE credits will be available for all qualifying subsessions.
WHEN YOU ARRIVE
CHECK IN
The Symposium Registration Desk is located in the Newcastle Island Lobby of the Conference Centre, just outside the Mt. Benson Ballroom. You’ll receive your welcome materials and everything you need to get started there.
GIVE THE SYMPOSIUM CASE STUDY A PRE-READ
Challenge your thinking with a collaborative case study designed to sharpen critical thinking and elevate client application skills. This is advanced planning in action.
READ & DOWNLOAD THE CASE STUDY
WELCOME RECEPTION: SEPTEMBER 24
Join us for a warm West Coast welcome at the Nanaimo Museum, where history, heritage, and networking come together. Wander through immersive exhibits while connecting with fellow attendees, speakers, and sponsors. Light refreshments provided. One complimentary ticket with each registration. Bringing a Spouse or a Guest? Each additional voucher is $25 and includes one drink ticket and West Coast Local Chef’s Table appetizers.
Located in the lower level of the Conference Centre, just a 3-minute walk from the Coast Hotel.
Reception begins at 6:30 PM
WHILE YOU’RE HERE
DINE AROUNDS: GOOD FOOD, GREAT COMPANY
On Thursday evening, enjoy the best of Nanaimo’s food scene with our ever-popular Dine Arounds. Attendees are grouped into small parties and assigned to one of several hand-picked restaurants—each with a unique menu and atmosphere. There are 15 reservations per restaurant and each party is responsible for their own meal and beverages. It’s a relaxed, social way to keep the conversation going.
Sign up at the main Registration Desk in the Conference Centre.
GALA EVENING: MAGIC, MYSTERY & MINGLING
Celebrate the closing night with a magical Gala inspired by The Lord of the Rings (costumes encouraged!) Enjoy cocktails, dinner, and an unforgettable performance from award-winning illusionist Kel Ng, featuring sleight-of-hand, storytelling, and interactive magic. Tickets for spouses and guest are available for purchase from the Registration desk.
Mt. Benson Ballroom
Cocktails at 6:30 PM | Dinner and show at 7:30 PM
WHALE WATCHING TOUR: CLOSE OUT WITH A SPLASH
End your Symposium on Saturday, September 27th, with a spectacular private 4-hour whale watching tour off the coast of Vancouver Island. Leaving the dock at noon, and guided by expert mariners and researchers, you’ll explore the Salish Sea ecosystem, learn about local marine life, and (hopefully) spot orcas, humpbacks, sea lions, and more. Cost is $175 per person.
NANAIMO UNLOCKED
Nanaimo Tourism has offered our delegates the Nanaimo Unlocked Digital Pass, which includes exclusive discounts at participating restaurants, stores, and attractions throughout the city. Unlock your pass today!
USEFUL RESOURCES
NANAIMO WALKING TOUR MAP DOWNTOWN NANAIMO MAP
Whether you are a theatre goer, art enthusiast or crave adventure on water or land, Nanaimo has it all. Check out our list of activities, dining and shopping recommendations.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
WHAT IS THE DRESS CODE?
Business casual is appropriate for most sessions. For the Gala Evening, themed costumes are encouraged (but optional). Comfortable walking shoes are recommended for off-site events and general exploring.
CAN SPOUSES ATTEND ANY OF THE EVENTS?
Yes! We’re pleased to welcome spouses to several social events throughout the Symposium:
- Welcome Reception: Includes appetizers and a drink ticket. Email your spouse’s name to symposium@iafp.ca so we can prepare a name badge.
- Dine Around: Spouses can sign up at the Registration Desk.
- Gala Evening: Tickets for spouses are available for purchase at the Registration Desk.
We recommend registering early to ensure availability.
WILL MEALS BE PROVIDED?
Yes. Breakfast, lunch, and refreshments will be provided on event days. Additional food will be available at select evening events, such as the Welcome Reception, Dine Arounds, and Gala Evening. Dietary needs can be indicated during registration.
HOW DO I ACCESS THE SYMPOSIUM AGENDA AND SESSION DETAILS?
Download the Whova App (free) and log in using the email you registered with. The app provides access to the full agenda, speaker bios, breakout session sign-ups, and real-time updates.
DO I NEED TO REGISTER FOR BREAKOUT SESSIONS?
Yes. Each of the two breakout time slots includes three subsession options, and space is limited. We recommend choosing early to avoid missing out.
CHOOSE YOUR BREAKOUT SESSIONSHOW DO I EARN CE CREDITS?
You can earn up to 23 CE credits by attending eligible sessions. Be sure to check in through the Whova App for each session you attend. A CE certificate will be emailed to you after the event.
WHAT IF I HAVE ACCESSIBILITY OR DIETARY REQUIREMENTS?
We’re happy to accommodate accessibility needs and dietary restrictions. Please ensure these are noted during registration. For any last-minute requests, visit the Registration Desk.