"Like so many big successes, this really was a team effort", he said. There was general agreement with FPIA Vice President George Elkington at the conference: "Once again the bar has been raised in every way."

The 670 advisers, support staff and suppliers who gathered at the superb new Sky City Auckland Convention Centre from 21 to 23 July were treated to a feast of content. "Just about the only complaint was how often people had to miss one good session to see another," he said.

All the feedback to date has been positive, with widespread praise for the food ("varied, and appetising"), the social programme ("the carnival /street party gala event was full on - a lively and truly entertaining evening that also encouraged plenty of mixing and fun"), and the overall organisation (which was "seamless, with not even a fumble, let alone a dropped ball".

World Champion Toastmaster, David Nottage added real class as compere. "Somehow he managed to give 600 people the impression that he was speaking to each of them personally - at the same time," said one attendee. His style was a delicate balance of engaging and witty, with a flawless continuity that just reinforced the impression of a seamless flow.

But according to Simon, the real secret of this year's success was the work done by members of the committee behind the scenes on the business session content. "The professional content is the real core of a conference, and it is the hardest bit to get right," he said.

"We decided there was no shortcut here - so we made sure every presenter would be individually vetted - with a one on one meeting to discuss and review their material and approach. We put in the time and the effort, and it paid off" he said.

It also looks as if the conference will be a financial success. "Although the final figures will not be available for a month or so, we are confident that this year's Success Forum will have produced a healthy surplus", he said.

"Auckland can be proud of its contribution to our national event: Now the challenge is now there for Christchurch to do even better next year," Hassan said.