The countdown is on for the VIC State Forum! The information-packed program explores issues that resonate with superannuation industry leaders, decision-makers, and members.
Jonathan Steffanoni from Legal & Prudential will welcome everyone before ASFA CEO Mary Delahunty delivers an industry update in the first session.
Bec Wilson, author of ‘How to Have an Epic Retirement’ will next share her passion and knowledge about Rethinking Retirement: Beyond the Financial Horizon to give delegates a holistic understanding of retirement, beyond the traditional financial focus, which includes wellness, lifestyle, and personal fulfillment. Chaired by PwC’s Craig Cummins, this is set to be a dynamic and highly informative session/discussion.
Keeping pace with AI and cyber resilience
In session three, Super AI, Dr Michael Kollo from evolved.ai will explore the necessity of using Generative AI in the super industry for member engagement, support, and education. While the need for scalable and personal engagement is present and rising, Generative AI adoption faces several significant challenges from both within super funds and on the regulatory front. Chaired by Mark Stephens from S&P Global Market Intelligence, there’s much to discuss.
After this, we will be looking at Cyber Resilience from All Angles in session four when Dr Derek Bopping from the Australian Signals Directorate (ASD) shares his deep insights into emerging trends in the cyber threat environment and the role ASD and government play in supporting the financial services sector, including superannuation when it seeks assistance and advice about managing cyber threats. Also in this session, chaired by Legal & Prudential’s Jonathan Steffanoni, Liberty Mudzamba from Marsh Cyber Advisory, Pacific will discuss the challenges super trustees face in responding to cyber incidents and share pragmatic steps for preparing for such incidents, considering financial impacts, reputational damage, regulatory requirements, and insurance considerations.
Exploring career journeys, marketing, advice and more
The afternoon program will kick off with a ten-minute lightning presentation, titled Talent Quest, by Novigi’s Sophie Bowen-James who’ll share her perspective as a young professional building a career in superannuation, and her thoughts on why more young people should consider a career in superannuation. Also, some ideas about how to make it more appealing.
Next in session five, the panel of marketing experts—chaired by Russel Howcroft who you might recognise from breakfast radio on 3AW and Gruen on ABC TV—and including Don O’Sullivan, Professor of Marketing at Melbourne Business School, Ken Roberts from Forethought Research, AustralianSuper Jo Reilly and Shae Keenan from Visit Victoria, will look at Unveiling the Art and Science of Superannuation Marketing. Together they’ll unravel the complexities and uncover the truths behind effective and accountable superannuation marketing strategies.
Following on, the role of advice in superannuation will be under the microscope in session six as the panel examines the Emerging Role of Superannuation Trustees as Providers of Financial Advice. As the Quality of Advice Review recommendations would see a new class of advice where licensees would have sole responsibility to meet the Best Financial Interests Duty for individual members, what might this change mean in practice? Sarah Abood from Financial Advice Association Australia (FAAA), Australian Retirement Trust’s (ART) Anne Fuchs, Aware Super’s Peter Hogg and Chair Joshua van Gestel from ART will have much to discuss.
Leaning into leadership and creating high-performing teams
The final session, Kicking Goals for Change, will be well worth the wait! Alicia Eva, Australian rules footballer and Captain of the Greater Western Sydney (GWS) Giants in the AFL Women’s (AFLW), as well as the development coach in the GWS Men’s program, will share her knowledge and experience in leadership and creating high performing teams. As the only player navigating a dual playing and coaching role, Alicia has some unique and invaluable insights you won’t want to miss. The need for balance, learning from failure, perseverance and the importance of strong support networks all contribute to the success of Alicia’s on and off-field life. She prides herself on her leadership, integrity, hard work, fairness and ability to empower others. And, as a dedicated mental health advocate, she is passionate about the role sport can play in the health and wellbeing of society, and as a vehicle for change in violence against women.
A fireside chat and Q&A with ASFA CEO Mary Delahunty will follow Alicia’s presentation before the formalities finish and delegates enjoy some time to catch up with colleagues and industry friends until a 6.00 pm finish.
The ASFA members on the VIC State Forum Committee have planned an exceptional program offering a window into some of the industry’s most key and timely challenges and exciting new ideas and possibilities.
VIC State Forum Program Committee representatives comprise: Jonathan Steffanoni, Legal & Prudential; Vicky Maguire, AustralianSuper; Sean McGing, McGing Advisory & Actuarial; Umberto Mecchi, Hostplus; Mark Stephens, S&P Global; and Patrick Twomey, Australian Retirement Trust.
Tickets have sold fast so if you’d like to attend, register here.
But don’t wait too long. Momentum is building.
