In August 2015, over dinner and a few beers with Andy O’Meagher (Act2 Solutions) whilst travelling around Australia for BGL’s product updates (now RegTech), the seed of an idea was planted. We were discussing the SMSF landscape, and amidst the lively conversation, a vision began to form — what if there were an event that went beyond the standard industry presentations?
I wanted to create something practical, impactful, and enduring. An event where attendees didn’t just listen but walked away equipped with actionable strategies they could implement immediately with their SMSF clients. And so, the SMSF Day was born—a one-day event dedicated to turning technical knowledge into real-world solutions.
Fast forward nearly a decade, and it’s incredible to reflect on the journey of these events and how they’ve evolved. Back then, we were The SMSF Academy, a small team with big aspirations. Today, as Smarter SMSF, we’ve grown alongside the industry, navigating the ever-changing superannuation landscape together.
The journey hasn’t been without its challenges. In 2017, we saw significant reform with the introduction of the the transfer balance cap, and we have continued to see change across contributions, pensions, the payment of death benefits and more. At every turn, the SMSF Day became a beacon for professionals seeking clarity and confidence amid ongoing change.
Then came 2020—a year that tested us all. Less than three weeks out from starting our national SMSF Day events, the world as we knew it changed. COVID-19 brought upheaval, but also an opportunity to innovate. We pivoted quickly, delivering online events that became a lifeline for professionals grappling with new rules and guidance in real time. Those two years of online learning were a masterclass in adaptability. We included guest speakers who delivered concurrent sessions online, and we expanded our offerings, but it was clear — nothing could replace the energy of face-to-face learning.
When we returned to in-person events in 2022, it felt like coming home. The connection, the conversations, the shared commitment to excellence — it reminded us why we started this journey. In 2023, with Tim Miller joining us as SMSF Technical & Education Manager, we raised the bar once again, introducing interactive case studies to unpack the most complex and topical SMSF issues.
Now, as we look toward 2025, we prepare to celebrate 10 years of the SMSF Day events. Ten years of helping accountants, financial advisers, auditors, and other professionals navigate the challenges and uncertainty with confidence. Ten years of building trust as an authority in the SMSF sector — brick by brick, moment by moment.
Trust doesn’t happen overnight. It’s earned through consistency, expertise, and a deep commitment to doing what’s right for the SMSF industry. That’s why, as we celebrate this milestone, our focus remains the same: delivering SMSF Day events that overdeliver on value and empower you to thrive in your role.
To those who’ve joined us along the way—thank you. Your support has been the foundation of this journey. And for those who’ve yet to experience an SMSF Day, we invite you to discover why it’s become the premier one-day SMSF event in Australia.
Together, let’s continue to shape the future of SMSFs with confidence and excellence. Here’s to the next decade of grow our SMSF knowledge – as smart people do learn together.
