Accounting conferences can be an excellent source of new ideas and connections for firm owners.
Plus, attending industry-related events lets you:
- Stay on top of trends and prepare for the future of accounting
- See friends from around the world (and meet new ones)
- Connect with potential vendors and networking partners
- Gain valuable advice to improve the processes in your firm
- Get inspired and refreshed
There are many accounting conferences to choose from, but I’ll be sharing a glimpse at some of the top options.
Let’s dig into the list — maybe I’ll see you there!
Table of Contents
- AICPA & CIMA CFO Conference
- AICPA Engage
- The One National Conference (CPA Canada)
- AFP Treasury & Finance Conference
- Intuit Connect
- Sage Future
- Ignite Conference
- Digital CPA (DCPA)
- AccountingWEB Live Summit
- Xerocon
- BKX (Digital Bookkeeper Association)
- Scaling New Heights
- Women Who Count Conference
- Accounting and Finance Show
- APP2P
- FiNext
- Digital Accountancy Show
- RightNOW
- Bridging the Gap (BTG) Conference
- SFVegas (Structured Finance Association)
1. AICPA & CIMA CFO Conference
Event format: In-person
As it’s an accounting conference geared towards Chief Financial Officers, the AICPA & CIMA CFO Conference is focused on a pretty specific target audience. And since it is put on by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, members usually get a discount. A couple of reasons to consider going:
- Your firm offers fractional CFO, valuation services, and advisory services.
- One of your target clients is organizations with CFOs who employ accounting firms as part of their financial system.
Key Benefits:
- The primary focus is to discuss and educate attendees on current pressing issues as well as what’s coming, in terms of the accounting and finance industry.
- An opportunity to see and possibly meet seasoned CFOs across the country who can provide insight into how to make better, more strategic leadership decisions.
2. AICPA Engage
Event format: In-person (with virtual options)
Usually hosted in Las Vegas, AICPA Engage serves accounting firms and AICPA members. Most sessions cover skills that move the revenue needle forward.
For example, Engage 2022’s agenda includes better serving high net-worth individuals, advanced estate planning, and tech-related issues — all to improve what you offer and how you deliver it.
This event is one of the biggest conferences for accounting professionals. I also attended it in 2019.
Here’s me giving my thoughts about the event:
Key Benefits:
- Advanced industry training in things not always covered in other events, like security in a digital world.
- Accounting-specific topics to improve the function, diversity, and culture of your firm.
3. The One National Conference (CPA Canada)
Event format: In-person (with virtual options)
The One National Conference is arguably Canada’s premier accounting event, hosted by CPA Canada. It has a distinct focus on education in the accounting profession with a high-energy lineup of speakers and tracks.
The benefit for Canadian firm owners is the obvious direct focus on local issues. With CPA Canada’s backing, the event is able to offer plenty of CPD hours, plus gleaned insights from their 200,000+ members for top-tier content.
Key Benefits:
- A unique and enjoyable opportunity to gain CPD hours.
- Canadian CPAs will appreciate the Canada-specific networking and education.
4. AFP Treasury & Finance Conference
Event format: In-person (with virtual options)
AFP embraces the new dual event strategy (in-person and virtual). Many accounting conferences offer recordings, virtual conferences, or remote access to sessions, but the Treasury & Finance conference has two separate, yet valuable tracks.
It’s almost two events happening simultaneously. Many of the speaker sessions cross over, but AFP creates “virtual” exhibit halls and round tables for those attending from the home or office.
Key Benefits:
- You’ll get a catered experience regardless of how you attend.
- They have a dedicated blog to discuss current and previous conferences and stay up to date with the next.
5. Intuit Connect
Event format: In-person
Intuit Connect (formerly QuickBooks Connect) is one of the top accounting conferences in the world in terms of reach. It may be the broadest one on this list, as it extends well beyond the accounting space. It usually has some pretty high-profile guests and plenty of interesting ideas.
This is one I usually attend. I have enjoyed not only the speakers but also a good amount of product updates and major developments.
Key benefits:
- You’ll get the latest updates and trends in the accounting industry.
- They bring in A-list talent as keynote speakers (Hello, Ashton Kutcher).
6. Sage Future
Event format: In-person (with virtual options)
“Future” is the new nametag on what was Sage Intacct Advantage, in years passed. The conference, since it’s put on by Sage, offers personalized experiences for Intacct users, including 1:1 sessions with your account manager, upon request.
Plus, there are networking events, keynotes, and expo halls to explore, connect, and give you ideas to grow.
Key Benefits:
- The one-on-one sessions to get more out of Intacct is a unique and classy touch.
- Pre-conference training is available, which is nice if you’re heavily invested in the Sage ecosystem.
7. Ignite Conference
CPB Canada hosts the annual Ignite conference, which provides a strong networking opportunity for Canadian firm that offers bookkeeping services.
This accounting conference is one of the top choices for Canadian accounting and finance professionals — they provide breakout sessions, helpful speakers, and plenty of networking opportunities.
Key Benefits:
- They have specific vendors helpful for Canadian firms.
- The cost structure is very reasonable.
8. Digital CPA (DCPA)
Event format: In-person (with virtual options)
DCPA is put on by CPA.com, which is under the umbrella of the AICPA. It is firmly geared towards tech in the accounting industry. It’s great for audit and tax professionals who provide cloud-based reporting and advisory services to global clients.
DCPA is really focused on practical and technical things. These include project management, client success, and remote work.
Key Benefits:
- Possibly the most actionable recommendations, from tweaking your financial reporting process to professional development.
- A solid intention to help tax and accounting professionals grow, both in the number of clients and the amount of revenue per client.
9. AccountingWEB Live Summit
Event format: In-person (possible remote options)
This summit is a new one with a clear vein pointed to “digital and technology content” for financial professionals. That said, it’s not their core focus. Other pillars include tax, compliance, growth, people, and operational topics.
To put it clearly, it’s a holistic event for firm owners and partners.
Key Benefits:
- A full menu of potential areas firms actively want to improve, and the ability to choose keynotes and sessions most important to them.
- Several event types and content sessions, aside from the typical keynotes and round tables.
10. Xerocon
Event format: In-person and a free virtual pass
Xerocon is a well-known accounting conference, put on (obviously) by accounting software trend-setter Xero.
One of the best accounting trade shows, this is truly one of my favorite conferences of the year. It’s forward-thinking and worth the time.
It’s also an affordable option, with conference admission lower than many of the other events on the list. While there are specific elements related to your firm, Xerocon points attendees toward making connections and getting inspired before they head back to the office.
Key Benefits:
- The timing of this conference is immediately post-tax season, making it a nice break after some long hours.
- Instead of staying in conference-heavy places, Xerocon moves around to different locations, like San Francisco, making it (potentially) more accessible to some.
11. BKX (Digital Bookkeeper Association)
Event format: In-person
A fairly new entry into the accounting conferences space, BKX is put on by the Digital Bookkeeper Association. This event, as well as the DBA, is intended to serve bookkeepers all over the world.
The event promises real advice that can help you build a small business in bookkeeping, which both accounting and bookkeeping professionals will find valuable.
Key Benefits:
- Time (during the event) to work on your specific business in a sort of workshop environment.
- An intense goal to build a global community of bookkeeping professionals, meaning a lot of relationships to be had.
12. Scaling New Heights
Event format: In-person
This unique event, from Joe Woodard, is aptly called Scaling New Heights. This event, and really most of the conferences on our list, want to give management accountants a chance to think about the future and pull themselves out of the grind.
Key Benefits:
- Adjustable training tracks include basic, intermediate, and advanced, depending on what you’d like to learn.
- Partner training is available through third-party vendors (including onsite training from QuickBooks).
13. Women Who Count Conference
Event format: In-person
A name as clever as it is clear, the Women Who Count event is put on by the Accounting and Financial Women’s Alliance specifically for female financial professionals.
However, its agenda is a wide-ranging and full-fledged look at the accounting industry — covering topics from IRS audits to cannabis accounting.
Key Benefits:
- The distinct ability to meet, network, and develop relationships with other women leaders in the financial industry.
- A really intense schedule covering some of the biggest changes affecting firms, regardless of gender.
14. Accounting and Finance Show
Event format: In-person
The Accounting and Finance Show, put on by Terrapinn, is touted as the “largest independent accounting & finance conference and exhibition” in the USA. No small feat, as the finance industry loves conferences.
Some good stuff comes from being the biggest. For instance, a massive list of experienced speakers, typically a huge number of booths in the exhibit hall, and a ton of great information.
Key Benefits:
- A solid opportunity to speak, based on your experience, since there are usually a high number of presenters.
- Highlighting the vastness of this event, there is literally a checklist to filter the number of sessions, events, and keynotes.
15. APP2P
Event format: In-person
APP2P is held by the Institute of Finance & Management, and describes that attending has a “high ROI.” The event has a number of tracks that you can see before you attend, which creates a customizable experience based on your personal or business needs.
Key Benefits:
- Attendees can get certifications while they’re at the event, which is a really neat aspect of advancing your career.
- Specific tracks to focus your learning, including categories like compliance, leadership/career development, and automation.
16. FiNext
Event format: In-person
Similar to AICPA’s CFO conference, FiNext is an “FP&A Corporate Practitioner centric event” with accountants and finance teams both welcome.
There’s a heavy focus on interactions, seeing new technologies, and intensive learning sessions to advance FP&A careers.
Key Benefits:
- A great conference for any accounting professional to connect with both other practitioners and experts in corporate finance.
- Flexible attendance and watching options that allow you to easily report certification credits.
17. Digital Accountancy Show
Event format: In-person
The Digital Accountancy Forum brings together the most progressive minds in accounting for a packed day of panels, debates, and awards.
This event focuses on what’s possible in the profession. It has sessions dedicated to innovation, leadership, and the future of digital accounting firms.
Plus, it’s a major opportunity to network with fellow firm owners and tech providers who influence where the industry is headed next.
Key Benefits:
- Access to candid discussions with industry leaders on how to build future-ready firms.
- Ideal for firm owners who want to stay on the front foot of industry shifts and opportunities.
18. RightNOW
Event format: In-person
Hosted by Rightworks, RightNOW helps forward-thinking firms get serious about automation, cybersecurity, and streamlined workflows.
While some conferences skim the surface on tech, this one goes deeper — especially when it comes to cloud infrastructure and securing your firm for scale.
- No-fluff sessions with industry leaders on automating workflows, tightening cybersecurity, and using tech to free up your time and get a better accounting work-life balance.
- The conference is specifically designed for post-busy season firm growth and professional development.
Key Benefits:
- Practical education on cloud, security, and automation
- Strong focus on firm transformation and efficiency
19. Bridging the Gap (BTG) Conference
Event format: In-person
The BTG Conference helps accounting firm owners close the gap between where they are today and where they want to be. The event zeroes in on growth, operational excellence, and other practical areas that firms need to master to scale successfully.
BTG strongly emphasizes real-world tactics over theory, which makes it suitable for firm owners who are serious about moving past the “hours-for-dollars” model and building something more sustainable.
Key Benefits:
- Heavy focus on leadership, process improvement, and tech that actually saves time.
- Access to a community of forward-thinking firm owners who are ditching outdated business models.
20. SFVegas (Structured Finance Association)
Event format: In-person
The Structured Finance Association brings us to the last (although certainly not least) entry on the list: SFVegas.
By the name, you likely guess where this conference resides and who holds it. That said, SFVegas gives another dual-purpose conference, offering information to use in your business as well as the opportunity to start conversations with potential leads.
Key Benefits:
- Primarily for accounting firms and financial accounting professionals, but the event also draws potential tools, partners, and clients for maximum benefit.
- Topics aren’t too specific to “in the firm” but broader, including the overall finance and investment markets.
Ready for Accounting Conferences?
That’s the list!
Whether you’re looking to level up your tech, sharpen your leadership skills, or just get out of the day-to-day for a bit, there’s an event here worth bookmarking.
And since new conferences are always popping up, we’ll keep this list updated.
Got a go-to conference you swear by? Or one you think we should add?
I’d love to hear what you think in the comments below!
Hi,
Can I subscribe to updated information you have on conferences? I often am too late to contribute to Accounting conferences.
Hi,
I’m a Professor of Accounting and would like to get involved with your interesting society. Can you let me know how to do this?
a great one is IMA’s conference, Institute of Management Accountants.