Fidelity Life has made the decision to postpone its flagship adviser conference, Engage 2026 “to protect event quality and adviser experience”.
The insurer says its decision “…reflects heightened global uncertainty and the growing challenges of delivering a large‑scale event, including travel reliability and fuel security, for a conference involving international speakers and advisers travelling from across the country.“
The company says in a statement that the postponement follows feedback from advisers that Engage is not just another industry event, but a significant moment in the business planning cycle.
Chief Commercial Officer Bronwyn Kirwan says the decision was taken carefully, with a strong focus on delivering the right outcome for advisers.
…This was not an easy call…
“This was not an easy call. Advisers consistently tell us they value Engage not simply as a conference, but as a deliberate investment in their business,” she says.
“Because of that, delivering Engage well matters. It relies on advisers, speakers and partners being able to participate fully and get real value from the experience.”
Fidelity Life acknowledges that this will leave a gap for advisers who value the conference for insight, perspective and connection.
“However, the decision reflects a commitment to protecting the scale, quality and shared experience that define Engage.”
…Postponing Engage 2026 does not signal a slowdown in support for advisers…
The company says postponing the conference does not signal a slowdown in its support for advisers.
“Since Engage on Tour in October, the company has continued to progress the initiatives announced, with strong participation across adviser capability, recognition and community investment.”
“Our commitment to advisers is unchanged,” says Kirwan.
“Ongoing innovation, adviser capability programmes, recognition initiatives and community investment are continuing, and advisers will be refunded any costs already incurred.”
Kirwan says while some industry participants have questioned the relevance of large adviser events, Fidelity Life’s experience has been clear.
“Our advisers want this experience. They value the time, the depth of conversation and the opportunity to connect meaningfully with peers and industry leaders,” she says.
“That’s exactly why protecting the calibre and impact of Engage matters more than pushing ahead under conditions that could compromise it.”
CEO Campbell Mitchell says the decision was about stewardship and preserving the long‑term integrity of the event.
“Engage 2026 was built around the theme: The next lease on life – which is about reflection, clarity and moving forward with intention,” he says.
“To do that well, the environment needs to support scale, participation and focus. When those conditions are under pressure, the right decision is to protect the experience.”
Cory Bennett, a member of Fidelity Life’s Adviser council, says the decision, while disappointing, was supported, noting that the event is an opportunity for advisers to step back and think strategically about their business.
“That’s why quality matters. When Engage happens, it needs to be done properly and protecting its intent and impact is the right call, even if it means waiting.”
The insurer says it will continue to monitor conditions closely and will communicate next steps for the event “…when the environment supports a successful delivery.”