Last month BlueChip headed to sunny Perth for the 2013 ASFA conference. The theme, ‘Beyond the Horizon’, was apt for an industry on the brink of change. As we face an ageing population, technological advancements, changing communication landscapes, attendees were reminded that to survive the next chapter, we need to adapt and shift our thinking.
Topics covered by the plenary and concurrent sessions encouraged just that. We heard from Peter Orszag at Citigroup about the impact of the US (and global) economic and policy environment; Mike Wilkins from IAG spoke about the challenges of transitioning from a mutual to a commercial business; Robert Merton, Resident Scientist from Dimensional Fund Advisorsconsidered what a new super system could look like and advised us to supply members only with ‘meaningful’ information; ABC’s New Inventors’ host, James O’Loghlin, who spoke about how to encourage ideas and innovation; and our very own Carden Calder who discussed the communication channels super funds should be using to connect with members and foster trusted relationships.
The conclusion from the three-day event? In short, it’s an exciting time for the super industry and if it can take this next chapter in its stride and adapt, something remarkable is in store.