First-time Attendee

It is possible that you may be overwhelmed at your first glance of the comprehensive FPA Boston 2008 program. With 11 topical tracks containing 64 educational sessions from which to choose — in addition to workshops, keynote presentations, exhibit hall activities and much more — it's a good thing you can plan your daily schedule in advance.

1. Plan to attend the first-time attendee orientation on Saturday, October 4, from 2 to 3 p.m. Meet fellow first-time attendees and FPA ambassadors, ask questions, get on-site tips, learn about FPA membership and start off on the right foot.
2. Don't be shy. When entering a session room, find a seat next to someone and introduce yourself. Also introduce yourself to the speaker or speaker panel after the presentation. Seek out FPA Board members and strike up a conversation (All FPA Board, volunteers and staff are wearing yellow badge lanyards). Troll the exhibit hall and ask questions of the resource providers. The entire point and purpose of FPA Boston 2008 is to fulfill your personal professional needs, so don't miss a single opportunity to build your network.
3. Ask questions. As a first-time attendee, you're not expected to know where to go, what to do or how to act. There are a lot of people available to answer your questions; look for anyone who is wearing a yellow badge lanyard (staff, student volunteers, Board and task force members).
4. Check out the multimedia CD-ROM. With all the education offered at FPA Boston 2008, it's just not physically possible to attend all the sessions offered. The majority of them are recorded, however, and available to you to take home for future learning

International

With 50 sessions appropriate for international attendees, FPA Boston 2008 truly is the gathering of the global financial planning profession. Globally relevant sessions are indicated within the comprehensive brochure and in the on-site brochure distributed in Boston; be sure to also take a look at the Special Issues & Globalization track sessions!

Developing a Financial Planning Framework for Clients with Canadian and/or U.S. Interests

Terry F. Ritchie, CFP®
Saturday, October 4
8:30 a.m.–Noon
An estimated 20 to 30,000 Canadians move to the United States every year, and it is assumed the reverse is true as well. While it's easy to move across the border and feel at home, many financial planning issues are very different. If they are not handled before moving, they can result in hassles and financial losses to clients. Learn about the differences, sources of additional information and how to best serve clients moving permanently or temporarily between Canada and the United States.

International Orientation and Reception

Saturday, October 4
7–8:30 p.m.
FPA Boston 2008 is the annual conference of the financial planning community and this is the reception where you can gather with your colleagues from around the world to kick off the conference with a splash. In 2007, we had nearly 20 countries in attendance at our annual conference; this year we expect to have just as many, so come take advantage of this opportunity to meet with peers to celebrate the global profession and learn more about how to get the most benefit out of this meeting as an international attendee.

Global Update

Nicholas A. Nicolette, CFP®, Chair, FPA Board of Directors
Sunday, October 5
10:30 a.m.–Noon
Come gather with leaders from various financial planning organizations for an open, interactive conversation about the global trends in financial planning. The Global Update provides insight into how common issues faced on a day-to-day basis are handled by planners around the world. Past years' conversations have touched upon regulation, public awareness and compensation. This year's topics will be decided upon by you.

New CFP^® Certificants

Check back soon for more information on what will be offered for new CFP Certificants at Boston 2008.