What are the programme themes?

• Future of Advice & Technology: Exploring how emerging technologies from AI to data-driven insights are transforming the delivery of financial advice. This includes how professionals can use innovation to offer more personalised, efficient, and scalable solutions that meet evolving client expectations.
• Client Experience & Trust: Focusing on how to build deeper client relationships and long-term loyalty by enhancing every stage of the client journey. This theme covers trust, transparency, empathy, communication, and consistently demonstrating value to clients.
• Professional Growth & Technical Skills: Supporting advisers and professionals to develop the technical knowledge, leadership capability, and confidence needed to succeed in a rapidly changing industry. This includes continuous learning, professional standards, and career progression.
• Wellbeing & Human Performance: Championing mental, physical, and emotional wellbeing as the foundation for sustainable high performance. Sessions in this theme help individuals and teams remain resilient, motivated, and effective in demanding environments.
• Community, Inclusion & Talent: Building a diverse, inclusive, and connected professional community where talent can grow and flourish. This theme includes collaboration, inclusion, early-career development, and creating opportunities for individuals to reach their full potential.

What kind of sessions are you looking for?

We’re looking for practical, honest and engaging sessions that offer real insight into the challenges and opportunities facing advisers today.

This might include:

• Real-life case studies
• Lessons learned in practice
• New ideas or approaches to advice
• Reflections on career development or leadership
• Experiences of building or evolving a financial planning business 

How long are the sessions? 

Member sessions are typically shorter sessions (around 5–30 minutes) designed to share practical insights and spark discussion among the audience.

Why should I apply to speak? 

• Speaking at the Festival of Financial Planning is a great opportunity to share your insights with the profession and contribute to shaping the future of financial planning.
• It’s also a chance to grow your own confidence and profile, develop your presentation skills and give something back to the professional community.
• If selected, you won’t be doing it alone. A dedicated panel will work with you throughout the process, helping refine your session and supporting you to feel confident and stage-ready on the day.
• Whether you’re sharing a practical case study, lessons from your career, or a new perspective on advice, the Festival provides a platform to inspire your peers and spark meaningful conversations across the profession. 

Do I need previous speaking experience?

No. We are particularly keen to hear from practitioners who may not have spoken at large events before but who have valuable experience and insights to share.

Our aim is to showcase authentic voices from across the profession, not just professional speakers. 

How to submit a Presentation Proposal

Application will take around 30-45 minutes to complete

Step 1: Register

Step 2: Record your 3-5 minute proposal video ready to upload (a verbal explanation of what you plan to present, including some of the specific takeaways for members).

Step 3: complete and submit your application (this can take around 30 minutes)

Proposals will be reviewed and speakers will be selected on a rolling basis by our PFS Member Speakers Committee.

Applications close Friday 29 May 2026

If you have any questions, please contact Reena.Jakhu@cii.co.uk