The South may soon host its own Paraplanner Powwow 'unconference' and the Powwow concept may be rolled out nationwide.
Following the success of the first Paraplanner Powwow, held in giant teepees in Northamptonshire, and the smaller Paraplanner Powwow Up North, a Southern event, Paraplanner Powwow Down South, is being planned.
The event, described as an 'unconference' where Paraplanners design their own agenda, may be held in London or Reading (or another venue in the South) in mid-January.
Demand from Paraplanners means that other similar events may also be held in 4 to 5 other locations around the UK such as the Midlands, the West, South West and Scotland.
John Redmond, Paraplanner at BPH Wealth Management in Harpenden, and Alan Gow, of Argonaut Parplanning, are the two main organisers of Paraplanner Down South supported by leading Paraplanner and IFP board director Richard Allum and several other leading Paraplanners including Claire Goodwin and Joanna Hague.
{desktop}{/desktop}{mobile}{/mobile}
Mr Redmond said: "Since we floated the idea recently we've had a very good response with over 40 people responding so there looks to be a demand. Other Paraplanners from around the country have also been in touch."
While the first Paraplanner Powwow was an all day event held in teepees, regional events will be smaller to ensure they are easier to organise and respond to local demand.
Mr Redmond said that he expected about 30-40 people to take part in Paraplanner Down South and it was likely to be an event lasting 2-3 hours but he said the get together would keep to the main principles of the Powwow blueprint with participants deciding on the agenda and everyone taking part and sharing knowledge, not just listening to speakers.
He joked: "It will be a smaller but there will be just as much chocolate!"
The first Paraplanner Powwow took place in fields in Northamptonshire under giant teepees. Some 70 Paraplanners attended plus speakers and other technical experts. In all, nearly 100 people were involved.
Getting into the spirit of the event some delegates donned native American-style facepaint to add to the native American theme of the gathering.
The first regional event, 'Powwow Up North,' took place in Leeds on 15 October and was also a success with dozens of Paraplanners taking part.
At the first Paraplanner Powwow delegates and non-delegates were able to follow progress on Twitter through the official Twitter feed @ParaPowwow.
To get in touch with Mr Redmond about Paraplanner Powwow Down South Tweet to @powwow or email him at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. To learn more about the Powwows go to the website http://paraplannerspowwow.co.uk or see coverage on Financial Planner Online.
• Want to receive a free weekly summary of the best news stories from our website? Just go to the home page and sign up.