Ms Lockie said the event had been an overwhelming success and "professionalism and unity" had been strongly in evidence.

She said: "Professionalism has been a real theme this year. Delegates have shown they want to go the extra mile to help give clients even better advice and the sharing of professional knowledge and ideas has been excellent this year. We've encouraged delegates to be as interactive as possible in sessions and that's worked very well.

"Feedback on sessions has been highly positive and we've had some amazing comments. People feel a bit more unified this year and are committing strongly to professional development and that's evident here.

"People have also appreciated that the CISI board is publicly supporting Financial Planning and is committed to its future. It's a big vote of confidence."

This year's event attracted 260 Financial Planning delegates and a total attendance of about 300.

Dozens of speakers covered everything from artificial intelligence to behavioural finance to money and happiness.

There were also sessions on more practical topics such as 'How to grow your client base by acquisition', 'how to use social media', GDPR, working with vulnerable clients and lots more.

The event included a Gala Awards Dinner (see separate story) which raised more than £6,000 for the mental health charity MQ which Ms Lockie said was "a wonderful amount."

Fun innovations this year included a Treasure Hunt, lunchtime walks and a 'campfire' space for 'silent disco-style, educational and best practice sessions.'  

The two day annual Financial Planning Conference took place at the Hilton Metropole Hotel at the NEC, Birmingham.

• Financial Planning Today has been reporting and Tweeting throughout the event. Check Financial Planning Today and our Twitter account and #FPConf19 for more.