In today’s rapidly evolving advice environment, progress requires more than awareness. It demands clear strategy, informed decisions and trusted partnerships.
VBP Conference 2026 brings together advice firm leaders who step away from day-to-day noise to focus on what truly matters next. Over three days, delegates engage in practical conversations around AI adoption, scalable advice models and people-led delivery.
The experience is designed to turn insight into action. You will connect directly with the VBP team and peers to gain clarity, confidence and direction for the future of your firm.
Experience the
VBP Conference!
In today’s rapidly evolving advice environment, progress requires more than awareness. It demands clear strategy, informed decisions and trusted partnerships.
VBP Conference 2026 brings together advice firm leaders who step away from day-to-day noise to focus on what truly matters next. Over three days, delegates engage in practical conversations around AI adoption, scalable advice models and people-led delivery.
The experience is designed to turn insight into action. You will connect directly with the VBP team and peers to gain clarity, confidence and direction for the future of your firm.
Focussed AI and Capability Sessions
Focussed AI and Capability Sessions
Clear relevant discussions centred on how AI is being applied in real advice environments today.
More Time With Your VBP Team
More Time With Your VBP Team
Expanded opportunities for structured conversation and collaboration based directly on delegate feedback.
Deeper More Valuable Discussion
Deeper More Valuable Discussion
A refined program design that prioritises quality conversation reflection and connection.
More than a conference.
A smarter investment
in your team.
Step away from day-to-day demands and focus on what matters next. Align with your offshore team, strengthen your partnership and gain clarity on how to move your business forward.
- Strengthen working relationships through direct collaboration
- Gain practical insights you can apply to your firm
- See how your offshore team delivers value in practice
- Return airfare in economy or A$1,500 contribution if self-arranged
- Five nights accommodation
- Full access to the three-day VBP Conference
- Dedicated time with your VBP team
- Ticket to the VBP Talents and Awards Night
AM
Conference & Overview
- Opening Keynote: Welcome & Business Update
- By: Nathan Jacobsen, Executive Director, and Mark Fisher, CEO, VBP
In this opening keynote, VBP Executive Director Nathan will set the tone with a practical overview of how VBP supports advice firms to drive capacity, capability and long-term growth.
This includes how our operating model, leadership integration, training and technology come together to deliver strong outcomes.
VBP CEO Mark will then share a broader business and industry update, including how advice firms need to evolve as the industry continues to change.
- From Automation to Intelligence: The Insight Layer Behind AU
- By: Shaun Nesbitt, Chief Information & Digital Officer, and Eloisa Camado, Chief Transformation & Enablement Officer, VBP
This session explores how AI is being used in advice firms today, and where the real opportunity goes beyond efficiency.
Through practical examples and demonstrations, it will show how automation, AI and human oversight are reshaping workflows and decision-making.
Leaders will gain a clearer view of what is possible now and how to prepare their business for what comes next.
- The Model Office - How Firms are Evolving (Panel Session)
- Facilitated by: Mark Fisher, CEO, VBP
- Panellists: Nathan Jacobsen & clients
This panel brings together VBP leadership and clients to explore how advice firms are evolving their operating models in practice.
The discussion will focus on real decisions around structure, processes and technology, and how firms are adapting to scale, complexity and growth.
- Growth Through Disruption
- By: Nath Moyes, COO, and Leticia Callanan, CMO, VBP
This session explores what it takes to build resilient businesses during periods of change.
It will cover how VBP approaches product evolution, innovation and disruption, and how leaders can maintain growth while adapting to new challenges.
The focus is on mindset, leadership and staying adaptable in an evolving industry.
PM
- The Decisions Owners Almost Got Wrong — And What Made the Difference (Panel)
- Facilitated by: Jabber Ludag, Segment Head - Corporate
- Panel: Clients
This panel explores the key decisions that shaped how firms operate today.
Clients will share what worked, what did not, and what they would do differently if starting again.
The focus is on real decisions around people, structure and technology, not just outcomes.
- Peer Roundtables and Group Discussion
- A focused roundtable session exploring the key business challenges facing financial advice firms.
- Discussion will focus on:
- What is the biggest challenge facing your business in the next 18–24 months?
- How will you solve it?
- Day 1 Synthesis: What Matters For your Firm
- By Sue Viskovic, Head of Consulting, VBP
This session brings together key insights from Day 1, including client discussions and industry themes.
It highlights common challenges and opportunities across firms, and where leaders are focusing as they navigate change.
The goal is to help translate insights into practical direction for your own business.
- Open networking with the VBP Senior Leadership Team (SLT)
- Dinner hosted by VBP
-
A full day focused on relationships, alignment and partnership
-
Dedicated time with your VBP team members
-
Curated cultural, social and community experiences designed to support deeper conversations
-
Hosted sessions with VBP leaders and teams, focused on alignment and partnership direction
This day is dedicated entirely to people, culture and connection.
AM
- The Organisations That Win Next
- (Guest speaker)
This keynote explores how organisations must evolve beyond technology alone.
It focuses on how work is structured, how teams adapt, and how innovation becomes embedded in daily operations.
The session will highlight the mindset and leadership needed to build future-ready businesses.
- Trust, Risk & Responsibility in the AI Era
- Facilitated by: Shaun Nesbitt, Chief Information & Digital Officer, VBP
- Panel: Ironbark CEO David Stephen and guest clients
This panel explores AI through the lens of risk, governance and leadership responsibility. It will examine where AI adds value, where caution is needed, and how leaders can make informed decisions while protecting client trust.
- What’s Working, What’s Not & What Comes Next
- By Valery Jakosalem, Segment Head- AZ NGA & Entireti, and Eloisa Camado, Chief Transformation & Enablement Officer, VBP
The best partnerships evolve through honest conversations. These breakout sessions are designed to give clients an open forum to share what’s working, what could be improved and what they’d like to see from VBP in the future. Along the way, you’ll also hear how other firms are solving challenges, scaling operations and getting more value from their teams, processes and technology.
- Day 3 Morning Wrap: What This Means Going Forward
- By Sue Viskovic, Head of Consulting, VBP
This session brings together key learnings from the Day 3 morning sessions, starting with 2–3 short reflections from pre-selected delegates on what stood out most.
Sue will then connect these insights and highlight what they mean for advice firm leaders moving forward. The session will close with brief reminders for the afternoon sessions.
PM
-
Breakout and curated sessions
- Breakout Session A: How High-Performing Teams Actually Work Across Borders
- Breakout Session B: Inside the Work: What Your Team Is Actually Doing
- Breakout Session C: Where AI Helps and Where It Shouldn’t
-
Time with team members and office visits
-
Conference wrap-up and networking
AM
-
Free Morning
PM
-
VBP Talents and Awards Night
AM
Conference & Overview
- Opening Keynote: Welcome & Business Update
- By: Nathan Jacobsen, Executive Director, and Mark Fisher, CEO, VBP
In this opening keynote, VBP Executive Director Nathan will set the tone with a practical overview of how VBP supports advice firms to drive capacity, capability and long-term growth.
This includes how our operating model, leadership integration, training and technology come together to deliver strong outcomes.
VBP CEO Mark will then share a broader business and industry update, including how advice firms need to evolve as the industry continues to change.
- From Automation to Intelligence: The Insight Layer Behind AU
- By: Shaun Nesbitt, Chief Information & Digital Officer, and Eloisa Camado, Chief Transformation & Enablement Officer, VBP
This session explores how AI is being used in advice firms today, and where the real opportunity goes beyond efficiency.
Through practical examples and demonstrations, it will show how automation, AI and human oversight are reshaping workflows and decision-making.
Leaders will gain a clearer view of what is possible now and how to prepare their business for what comes next.
- The Model Office - How Firms are Evolving (Panel Session)
- Facilitated by: Mark Fisher, CEO, VBP
- Panellists: Nathan Jacobsen & clients
This panel brings together VBP leadership and clients to explore how advice firms are evolving their operating models in practice.
The discussion will focus on real decisions around structure, processes and technology, and how firms are adapting to scale, complexity and growth.
- Growth Through Disruption
- By: Nath Moyes, COO, and Leticia Callanan, CMO, VBP
This session explores what it takes to build resilient businesses during periods of change.
It will cover how VBP approaches product evolution, innovation and disruption, and how leaders can maintain growth while adapting to new challenges.
The focus is on mindset, leadership and staying adaptable in an evolving industry.
PM
- The Decisions Owners Almost Got Wrong — And What Made the Difference (Panel)
- Facilitated by: Jabber Ludag, Segment Head - Corporate
- Panel: Clients
This panel explores the key decisions that shaped how firms operate today.
Clients will share what worked, what did not, and what they would do differently if starting again.
The focus is on real decisions around people, structure and technology, not just outcomes.
- Peer Roundtables and Group Discussion
- A focused roundtable session exploring the key business challenges facing financial advice firms.
- Discussion will focus on:
- What is the biggest challenge facing your business in the next 18–24 months?
- How will you solve it?
- Day 1 Synthesis: What Matters For your Firm
- By Sue Viskovic, Head of Consulting, VBP
This session brings together key insights from Day 1, including client discussions and industry themes.
It highlights common challenges and opportunities across firms, and where leaders are focusing as they navigate change.
The goal is to help translate insights into practical direction for your own business.
- Open networking with the VBP Senior Leadership Team (SLT)
- Dinner hosted by VBP
-
A full day focused on relationships, alignment and partnership
-
Dedicated time with your VBP team members
-
Curated cultural, social and community experiences designed to support deeper conversations
-
Hosted sessions with VBP leaders and teams, focused on alignment and partnership direction
This day is dedicated entirely to people, culture and connection.
AM
- The Organisations That Win Next
- (Guest speaker)
This keynote explores how organisations must evolve beyond technology alone.
It focuses on how work is structured, how teams adapt, and how innovation becomes embedded in daily operations.
The session will highlight the mindset and leadership needed to build future-ready businesses.
- Trust, Risk & Responsibility in the AI Era
- Facilitated by: Shaun Nesbitt, Chief Information & Digital Officer, VBP
- Panel: Ironbark CEO David Stephen and guest clients
This panel explores AI through the lens of risk, governance and leadership responsibility. It will examine where AI adds value, where caution is needed, and how leaders can make informed decisions while protecting client trust.
- What’s Working, What’s Not & What Comes Next
- By Valery Jakosalem, Segment Head- AZ NGA & Entireti, and Eloisa Camado, Chief Transformation & Enablement Officer, VBP
The best partnerships evolve through honest conversations. These breakout sessions are designed to give clients an open forum to share what’s working, what could be improved and what they’d like to see from VBP in the future. Along the way, you’ll also hear how other firms are solving challenges, scaling operations and getting more value from their teams, processes and technology.
- Day 3 Morning Wrap: What This Means Going Forward
- By Sue Viskovic, Head of Consulting, VBP
This session brings together key learnings from the Day 3 morning sessions, starting with 2–3 short reflections from pre-selected delegates on what stood out most.
Sue will then connect these insights and highlight what they mean for advice firm leaders moving forward. The session will close with brief reminders for the afternoon sessions.
PM
-
Breakout and curated sessions
- Breakout Session A: How High-Performing Teams Actually Work Across Borders
- Breakout Session B: Inside the Work: What Your Team Is Actually Doing
- Breakout Session C: Where AI Helps and Where It Shouldn’t
-
Time with team members and office visits
-
Conference wrap-up and networking
AM
-
Free Morning
PM
-
VBP Talents and Awards Night
Ticket price includes:
Return economy airfares up to $1,400**
Accommodation
All meals
All transfers
Activities
Conference attendance
Gala Awards Night ticket
Ticket price includes:
Return economy airfares up to $1,400**
Accommodation
All meals
All transfers
Activities
Conference attendance
Gala Awards Night ticket
"The opportunity to spend time in person with our team is incredibly valuable. While training can happen online, face‑to‑face conversations, learning and open discussions create deeper impact and better outcomes."
Todd Synon
Head of Operations, Partners Wealth Group
"Connecting with our team, fellow business owners and the wider VBP group was invaluable. The positive atmosphere and shared experience made this one of the most rewarding conferences I’ve attended."
Nathan Torre
Director, Aspire2 Wealth Advisers
VBP Conference concludes with the annual Talents and Awards Night. This evening is dedicated to recognising excellence celebrating contribution and strengthening the sense of community that defines the VBP network.
View highlights from 2025 and be part of an unforgettable evening in 2026.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
1. When does the conference start and end?
The VBP Conference 2026 runs from Wednesday, 19 August to Saturday, 22 August 2026 in Cebu City.
- Conference sessions:
Wednesday to Friday, 19–21 August, starting at 8:00am Cebu local time at Seda Central Bloc Cebu - VBP Talents and Awards Night:
Saturday, 22 August (evening), commencing at 5:00pm - Departures:
Most delegates depart on Sunday, 23 August
2. What are the conference pass rates?
The VBP Conference 2026 pass rates are as follows:
- Early Bird Pass: AUD 3,700** (extended until 29 May)
- Standard Pass: AUD 3,950**
- A 5% discount applies to the second and subsequent attendees from the same firm
- This applies to both Early Bird and Standard conference passes
- AUD 2,500 per person (5% discount does not apply)
Team discount:
- A 5% discount applies to the second and subsequent attendees from the same firm
- This applies to both Early Bird and Standard conference passes
Companion or Partner Rate:
-
AUD 2,500 per person (5% discount does not apply)
** An AUD 1,500 deduction applies if flights are self‑arranged
Pricing is based on current travel cost conditions. Early Bird registrations are fully price‑protected once confirmed. Due to ongoing global travel cost volatility, standard pricing may be adjusted if costs materially change. Any updates will be communicated clearly in advance.
3. Do you have a companion rate?
Yes. We offer a Companion Rate of AUD 2,500 for non‑business companions, such as a spouse, partner or family member, travelling with a registered conference delegate.
The Companion Rate is a separate option from the conference passes and has a fixed price, no matter when the main delegate signs up.
The Companion Rate includes:
- Return airfare
- Five nights’ accommodation (shared with the delegate)
- Dinners and social events
- Airport transfers (to and from)
- Transport to dinners and social events
- Ticket to the 2026 VBP Talents and Awards Night
Companions do not have access to conference sessions or business program content. If a companion wishes to attend the conference sessions, they will need to register under the conference delegate rate.
4. What is included in the conference pass?
Both Early Bird and Standard passes include:
- Return economy airfare**
- Five nights accommodation
- Full access to the three‑day VBP Conference
- Dedicated time with your VBP team
- Ticket to the VBP Talents and Awards Night
**If you book your own flights, AUD 1,500 is deducted from the published conference pass price
5. Where is the event venue and hotel?
The VBP Conference 2026 will be held at our official hotel partner, Seda Central Bloc Cebu, located in Cebu IT Park, the city’s premier central business district.
- Seda Central Bloc Cebu will serve as the main conference venue for sessions and key activities
- Standard check‑in: 2:00pm (PHT)
- Standard check‑out: 12:00 noon (PHT)
Early check‑in or late check‑out is subject to room availability and may incur additional charges.
6. What are the hotel room rates (AUD)?
The following special conference room rates (AUD) are available to VBP Conference 2026 delegates at the official conference hotel:
- Deluxe Room
- Single occupancy: AUD 155
- Double occupancy: AUD 165
- Studio Residence
- Single occupancy: AUD 160
- Double occupancy: AUD 170
- One Bedroom Residence
- Single occupancy: AUD 241
- Double occupancy: AUD 251
Room allocation and confirmation will be provided after registration.
Extended stays
Conference rates apply to official conference dates only. Requests to extend stays will be captured through the registration form and are subject to hotel availability and confirmation.
7. Is airport transfer included?
Yes. Airport transfers are provided.
- Domestic arrivals: Terminal 1
- International arrivals: Terminal 2
- Our team will be waiting at the arrival exit or bus lane holding a VBP Conference 2026 signage
Transfer details will be shared via email and the official VBP Conference WhatsApp group prior to arrival.
8. Can I attend the Talent and Awards Night only?
Yes. Tickets for the VBP Talents and Awards Night are available at AUD 300.
This ticket includes:
- Event entry
- Transfers from Seda Central Bloc Cebu
Flights and accommodation are not included.
9. When will I receive my hotel and arrival details?
A confirmation email will be sent with the subject:
VBP Conference 2026 Booking Confirmations - Hotel and Airport Transfers
This email will include:
- Hotel booking details
- Airport transfer information
- Dietary requirements
- Arrival and departure notes
10. What is the cancellation and refund policy?
Cancellations must be submitted no later than one (1) week prior to the event date. Cancellation requests received after this deadline will not be eligible for any refund.
Cancellation 4 or More Weeks Before the Event
- Self-booked flights: A full refund of your registration fee will be issued.
- Flight booked by us on your behalf: A full refund will be issued, less any flight cancellation processing fees charged by the airline. Please note that these fees vary by airline and are non-refundable.
Cancellation Between 2 and 4 Weeks Before the Event
- Self-booked flights: A 50% refund of your registration fee will be issued.