12 must-see sessions at Xerocon Nashville 2024

Music City will welcome an ensemble of 2,000 accounting professionals for two days of events, panels, networking, and connections. 

The agenda is packed with plenty of insightful talks and product demos, so here’s a narrowed-down list of 12 must-see sessions:

Day 1: Wednesday August 14, 2024

The rise of the modern practice: Does accounting need a rebrand?

The accounting and bookkeeping profession is facing a raft of challenges—dwindling graduate numbers, the talent shortage, increasing client demands, rapidly evolving technology. The list goes on.

Xero’s Managing Director of North America, Ben Richmond, will tackle some of the industry’s biggest questions, including the state of the industry in North America and how you can modernize your firm from the inside-out.

Global leaders assemble

In this panel discussion, six international accounting leaders will share their experiences, challenges and successes, offering a unique perspective of the ever-evolving world of accounting. 

Jeff Philips (Padgett), Shayne Dueck (MNP), Emma Reid (Cottons Group), Heather Smith (Anise Consulting), and Kayur Patel (PwC) will cover regulatory and technological shifts, and analyze how organizations across different regions adapt and thrive in today’s business environment.

The catalysts of innovation: Using technology to accelerate your practice

From AI, to hyperconnectivity, to quantum computing. The latest tech trends are moving at a lightning pace. As they do, new capabilities emerge as catalysts for modern business innovation, enabling you to achieve more, faster. 

In this session, you’ll hear from the following tech experts about how to harness emerging technology and innovate within your firm:

• James Bergin (Xero)

• Ben Schreiner (AWS)

• Matthew May (Acuity)

Uncovering industry dynamics: The impact of private equity on the accounting industry

Private equity is disrupting the accounting industry—and it deserves your attention. 

Presenters Bob and Doug Lewis of The Visionary Group will share a comprehensive exploration of how private equity influences and shapes accounting practices—from financial reporting to valuation methodologies. 

Karbon demo

Discover the impact of bringing your team, clients, documents, planning, and reporting together in Karbon's leading practice management solution. 

In 15 minutes, you’ll see how other firms have boosted team productivity, strengthened client relationships, and gained control over their success and growth.

Day 2: Thursday August 15, 2024

Charting AI’s journey: From humble beginnings to technological transformation

Zack Kass, former Head of Go To Market at OpenAI, will deep dive into the trajectory of artificial intelligence—from ChatGPT to its forecasted potential. Zack will demystify AI, offering pragmatic strategies for firm leaders so they can adapt to and thrive amidst rapid industry advancements.

Working smarter to drive CAS revenue

Adopting Client Advisory Services (CAS) carries many benefits, and is a way to extend your compliance services into the advisory space. But how can you make sure it’s a profitable revenue stream for your practice?

Xero National Ambassador, Elizabeth Mason, will share her experiences and help you price, market, and sell your advisory services. 

Future of accounting: How AI and mobile are changing the game

Whether at the desk or on the go, technology has changed the way small businesses manage financial data. 

CPA, YouTuber, and accounting industry influencer, Jason Staats, will explore how AI and mobile technology are reshaping small business accounting.

Carbon accounting: The next frontier of compliance

Tam Somers (Xero) and Jessica Richmond (Sumday) will share how your firm can upskill in carbon accounting, build a valuable new offering to your clients, and help them navigate new standards and legislation.

Adopting a cybersecurity mindset for business protection

Cybercrime is becoming increasingly complex. Jump into the mindset of a hacker, and learn:

• AI and deceptive ‘deepfake’ tactics

• How to identify gaps in your firm’s security framework

• The latest knowledge and tools to keep you one step ahead

Find your restorative edge: The 7 types of rest

This is an exciting chance to hear from Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith as she unpacks why so many people feel tired all the time. She’ll walk you through the seven types of activities that will help you to:

• Improve energy levels

• Sustain creativity

• Gain mental clarity

• Increase overall productivity

Karbon AI demo

Find out how Karbon has set the bar for how practice management systems should be implementing AI, according to the industry's leading voice on AI, Jason Staats.

This demo will showcase how your firm can use Karbon AI to automate tasks, work faster, strengthen client relationships and future-proof your accounting firm.

See you at Xerocon 2024

If you’re heading over to the event, stop by booth E+10 to meet the Karbon team. 👋 We look forward to seeing you there!