Chief executive Steve Gazzard CFPCM gave the opening IFP address at 1.55pm and gave a different perspective on the debate about access to financial advice.
He said: "One of my themes for the sessions will be that we have heard a lot about the savings gap, we've heard a lot about the advice gap but there's a massive Financial Planning gap.
"Hopefully there will be plenty on the next two days about the Financial Planning gap."
He cited a survey that showed just 4% of the UK population had a comprehensive Financial Plan in place and 82% worry about money problems at least some of the time.
He wants the advice gap debate to be re-focused on Financial Planning.
Mr Gazzard also told the audience what describes a good Financial Planner.
He said these attributes below, which described Ryder Cup captain Paul McGinlay, who took Europe to victory in September over the USA, also applied to planners:

Meticulous attention to detail
Great communication skills
Leadership
Ability to delegate
Positive attitude
Ability to inspire

Mr Gazzard CFPCM also said he was delighted with the speakers and events organised for the three days at Celtic Manor in Wales.
The theme for this year is 'keep it real' with the aim to be providing tangible ideas that can be taken away to be used in daily business practice.
The organising committee has made a number of changes this year, including making the awards ceremony part of the Tuesday night gala.
{desktop}{/desktop}{mobile}{/mobile}
Partnership's chief executive Steve Groves will be a Key Note speaker, discussing the impact on retirement planning beyond April 2015.
Mr Gazzard said: "We've got an exceptional programme lined up and I'm confident that this year's conference will be our best one ever.
"Our theme of 'keep it real' really sums up what this fantastic event is all about.
"It gives us the perfect opportunity to have open and honest debates and to focus on what's really important to clients and prospective clients as well as to the hundreds of Financial Planning professionals who will be attending."
A new lunchtime feature on Tuesday is called meet the experts.
Stay on the site to read more from the key speakers, find out who has scooped the awards and much more, through the rest of the conference.