FPA Chapter Leaders Conference November 11-13, 2011:   

The FPA Chapter Leaders Conference is an opportunity for your company to build lasting relationships with leaders within our 95 FPA chapters across the country.  Discuss local speaking, special event, scholarship and other sponsorship opportunities that could put you front and center with the local membership.

The FPA Chapter Leaders Conference is unlike most sponsor exhibit opportunities presented at FPA national or chapter live events.  The major difference is the attendees of the Chapter Leaders Conference are showing up with their “volunteer hat” on their head, not their financial planning professional hat.

What does that mean for you as an exhibitor sponsor?  It means your conversations are not going to focus on how your company, product or service can contribute to the success of the individual financial planning professional you’re speaking to.  That’s not to say that there won’t be opportunities for some of that type of conversation, however, the chapter volunteers will be engaging in conversation with you to explore how your company and the chapter can energize an alliance.  They will be looking to identify potential continuing education programs, speakers and sponsors for their chapter meetings and annual symposiums.  They will be looking for your input on what your company needs to ensure that any alliance you form is win-win.  For example, what are your company’s marketing objectives and how can the chapter contribute to your success?

There are two (2) receptions, Friday and Saturday which will take place in the exhibit area at the conference facility.  Following Friday’s reception is the annual chapter recognition dinner where FPA presents awards to the chapters for their performance around a number of association initiatives and business objectives.  Your company representative(s) will host a table giving you the opportunity to invite attendees to sit with you to explore opportunities. 

Additionally, there is a session on Saturday morning entitled “Energizing Alliances” designed to facilitate one-to-one conversations between chapter leaders and your company as well as inform attendees of other chapter resources.  Each exhibit sponsor and other resource providers (FPA Staff departments) will have 60 seconds to speak to the attendees.  Suggested key elements to include in your 60-seconds:

• Your company
• Your name(s)
• Why you are sponsoring/exhibiting (i.e. - to learn how your company can contribute to chapter meetings & events.)
• What your company has to offer to chapters (limited details on educational content, speakers, white papers, research)
• Other ways you are involved with FPA (advertising, exhibit, sponsor, etc.)
• Anything else you believe may be relevant to your audience (company values)

The ideal representative from your company is the person(s) in a position to discuss the key elements listed above.  It is important for the right person be on-site.  Individuals who are your key service and sales people may not be the same ones who can talk about your company’s key markets (geographic as well as client), marketing objectives, etc.

Finally, we encourage your representatives to attend all conference sessions.  Doing this will educate them on various “chapter volunteer positions”, providing insight into the challenges and opportunities chapter leaders face.  Not surprising, sponsor representatives have held similar volunteer experiences and have much to offer and share.  This is a valuable relationship building opportunity as well.

There will be an on-site orientation session tentatively scheduled for Friday, November 11.

For 2011 opportunities, please contact your relationship manager.

Managing Director, Business Development and Strategic Alliances 
Jaleen Edwards
800.322.4237, ext. 7155

Key Account Manager, Western Region
Suzie Black
800.322.4237, ext. 7146

Account Manager, Eastern Region
Amy Leck
800.322.4237, ext. 7304

Business Development Manager, Eastern Region
Diana Milan
800.322.4237, ext. 7162