Check Out the Memories: The Acuity Conference 2024

Canada’s only multi-disciplinary conference for tax accounting and financial advisors wound up on Montreal on November 12; but the memories of an outstanding CE learning and networking event are guaranteed to linger.  Check out the photos here then take advantage of early registration offers for the next event: Acuity 2025, November 23-26, 2025 in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico.  The theme is Happy Landings:   Discover a New Era of Risk and Rewards! 

Official 2024 Acuity Photo Album…check out the memories!

Thank you to our amazing Delegates:  Over 125 topflight advisors came together from coast to coast to explore their influential statespersonship and enhance leadership and networking opportunities.  Here are a few of their impressions:

“This was my first time attending a Knowledge Bureau event in person. I was admittedly a little intimidated at first, being surrounded by such great minds. But quickly I found myself rather in a room with kindred spirits that all had the same goal of making things easier, more enlightening and confidence boosting for our clients.” – Jenson Barr

“Always, always take something relevant away from each speaker. Knowledge that can always be used, shared, learned, leveraged. Approachable attendees and speakers.” – Clark Taylor

“If you want to stay current this conference is ideal. Covers several topics. Also great for networking.” – Jennifer Profitt, Bookkeeping Services Specialist™

Thank you to our Outstanding Special Guest Speakers: Our top-rated guest speakers this year included Dan Kelly, Andreea Vanacker and Larry Frostiak.  Their topics included:

DAN KELLY, CFIB

 BEATING PUBLIC POLICY BARRIERS: GROWING BUSINESSES FROM SMALL TO MEDIUM SIZED

What are the public policy barriers that are affecting SMEs since COVID ended and what can be done to help SMEs overcome them, to once again drive productivity, economic growth and revenues for investors, employees and the community?    In this session you’ll be asked to think about starting a new movement for entrepreneurship in Canada and in particular how to mobilize support for the next entrepreneurial wave to bring secure financial futures and wealth potential to Everytown, Canada.

“The illustrations regarding outlooks of small and medium businesses and the economic outlook were all extremely well presented.” – Kareen Rekowski

DR. ANDREEA VANACKER

THE JOY FACTOR:  UNLOCK THE SECRETS TO THRIVING

Meet Dr. Andreea Vanacker - an entrepreneur, author of 4 books, a TEDx and keynote speaker, and founder of One Million Years Of Joy which aims to  explore joy across generations and cultures  through her research spanning over 30 countries, her podcast and future documentary.

Andreea is truly an expert in finding joy in adversity, having survived an unexpected, nine-hour brain operation.   She will share her remarkable story to help you consider the role of joy and purpose in financial decision-making.  The Acuity audience was exposed to a new perspective in encouraging those you influence, to assess their legacy and optimize their most important asset:  time.

“Great motivational session. Life purpose needs to be selfless and altruistic – I need to bring / reinstate the company mission and purpose and have employees 'buy in', with gratitude, confidence and love.” – Deborah Belden

Sponsored: by Johnston Group

CAPITAL GAINS

LARRY FROSTIAK, FCPA, FCA, CFP, TEP, RWM™, FDFS™ , Managing Partner, Frostiak & Leslie

The April 16 Federal Budget changed planning for corporate owner-managers in mature businesses in significant ways. With the increase in capital gains inclusion rates to 66 2/3% for dispositions on or after June 25, 2024, new planning approaches are required to maximize opportunities in the operating company, the holding company and family trusts attached to the structure.  In addition, there are new rules for Lifetime Capital Gains Deductions to consider when owners consider selling their professional practices or small business corporations.  Together with the Alternative Minimum Tax, year end tax planning will need a new approach, especially relating to the harvesting of capital losses, the effect on the small business deduction and a better understanding personal-corporate tax integrations. It will, in short, boil down to the math. Larry enlightened the audience with true-to-life scenarios. 

“Great topic and presentation on navigating planning under new legislation. Reinforces need for working together with financial advisors to ensure everyone is on same page for tax effective planning.” – Janice Brown

Thank you to our Sponsors: The partners to this pre-eminent conference contributed forward-thinking readiness opportunities for advisors of the future.  Many graced the educational stage with  thought leadership, highly valued by our delegates:

TRANSCENING YOUR LEADERSHIP ROLE

TONY MAHABIR, MBA, CMC, CIM, RRC, RWM, CFP, FDFS™

CEO, Private Wealth Manager, CANFIN Wealth Management

MANAGING RETIREMENT FEAR FACTORS

DOUGLAS V NELSON, CFP, CLU, CIM, MFA, RWM, BCV Asset Management

“Doug is really good at pulling out a lot of bones we need to chew on.” – Maureen Carse

ANATOMY OF A RECESSION

DAVID WAHL, SENIOR PORTFOLIO SPECIALIST, FRANKLIN TEMPLETON

“Such relevant information. Well presented. Speaker was very engaging.” – Michelle Crouse

FINANCIAL RESILIENCE FUNDAMENTALS

CHRISTINA FAZIO, MBA, FDFS™, Home Trust

“Real life practical application.” – Larry Frostiak

INNOVATIVE SOLUTIONS TO MAXIMIZE DONOR’S IMPACT

KRISTIN RAMLAL & EVAN CONNELL, CANADA LIFE

“Good explanation of innovative and strategic philanthropy solutions.” – Jenifer Proffit

AVERAGE TO AWESOME

BRIAN MENNIS, CFP, RRC

Sr. VP and Head of Corporate Development, Harbourfront Wealth Management

“Dennis reminded us about doing the basics. Doing what is healthy for ourselves…eating that apple a day, making connections getting referrals etc.” – Paul Vaneyk

MANDEEP DUGGAL, TITLE SPONSOR TAX PRO BLOCK

WAKE UP YOUR LATENT POTENTIAL

“It got me thinking about what improvements I want to make on myself and my family and broader community.” – Sheree James

THE FREEDOM DIVIDEND: SEPERATING ADVICE FROM INVESTMENTS

MICHAEL VAN LIPEROP, New Outlook Wealth

“Highlighted a fresh alternative business model.” – Tom Russell

PANEL – PRIORITIES FOR BUILDING YOUR MULTI-DISCIPLINARY FIRM

SPONSORED BY QUEENSTON CONSULTING

“The panel was dynamic and gave hands on tips on their own experience with building sustainable practices.” – Sheree James

A Special Note of thanks to MC @Stephen Furtado, who did a fabulous job of creating an intimate, professional learning vibe; to the theme, a Safe Haven where advisors could truly connect to consider how to Secure Financial Futures and Wealth Potential

“Steven Furtado was a great MC.  He introduced the speakers clearly and efficiently.” – Linda Baldwin

A Big Shout Out to Al Gordon and Stefanie Keller – Our extraordinary, talented (and brave) delegates who took on the Dancing with the Stars Challenge at the beautiful Rialto Theatre in Montreal – what a great evening it was!  Check out the video and in the event photo album for all the memories!