The first IFP Paraplanner conference got under way this morning at the Hinckley Island Hotel in Leicestershire.

The event was a sell-out and over 100 people were expected to attend.

Paraplanners will be able to hear content aimed specifically at their needs and also benefit from a new networking forum.

Speakers at the event will include Christopher Traulsen and Anastasia Georgiou from Morningstar, Gemma Davies from Bluefin Wealth Management and Michael Tipper.

The day will be chaired by IFP chief executive Nick Cann.

A varied mix of keynote and track sessions allows Paraplanners to tailor the day according to their interest.

Sessions will cover essential tax planning, how to write outstanding suitability letters and the power of relationship and team building. Technical sessions will include how major macroeconomic developments in 2011 will affect stock and bond markets, quantitative and qualitative fund research ratings.

Sessions are designed to be interactive and created specifically to the needs of Paraplanners.

A total of 10 CPD points will be available throughout the day.

At the end of the day there will be an interactive exhibition and dinner.

Exhibitors include Henderson, Standard Life, 7IM and Zurich.

Nick Cann, chief executive of the IFP, said: “It is tremendously exciting for us to be hosting the first Paraplanner conference in the UK. It is an important step in establishing the role within the profession and building the community.”

During the conference, the IFP will be revealing details of a recent Paraplanner survey, full details of the results will be on our website tomorrow.