As an accounting professional, when was the last time you went online to look up a particular ATO rule or learn about general regulatory updates and accounting industry trends? Chances are, you may have already done some of those several times today.
Accessing information nowadays is as easy as a few swipes and taps. So, you’d be right to wonder if attending accounting conferences in 2024 still holds value in a highly digital world.
However, the resounding answer is still an absolute yes!
Why Accounting Conferences Still Matter in 2024
Despite the accessibility of information online, attending conferences remains vital for career growth and learning, especially in technical fields like accounting!
Here are two of the most valuable benefits of attending accounting conferences and seminars that online resources can’t offer:
1. Hands-on Experience
Attending an accounting conference exposes you to the latest, cutting-edge research and trends, and it allows you to immediately apply what you learn from industry experts.
Whether it’s emerging technologies or newly established best practices, in-person conferences offer valuable hands-on experiences you can’t get online.
2. Networking Opportunities
Aside from insightful discussions and breakout sessions, accounting conferences are excellent platforms to engage and connect with your peers and industry leaders. Some would even attend conferences just for the community building alone.
As they say, “It’s not what you know; it’s who you know that matters.” That saying rings true in the accounting industry, where connections often translate to business.
However, not all accounting conferences and seminars are created equal. Their value primarily depends on whether their objectives align with your goals.
That’s why we’ve rounded up the top accounting conferences in 2024 that you should consider going to.
Top 5 Can’t-Miss Accounting Conferences 2024
1. SMSF Association National Conference 2024
February 21-23, 2024, Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre
Do you specialise in self-managed super funds (SMSF) and superannuation? Then, you won’t want to miss the SMSF Association National Conference 2024.
As the country’s largest gathering of SMSF and superannuation professionals, the SMSF Conference promises to deliver high-quality technical content, including interactive workshops, the biggest superannuation expo, and daily Platinum partner networking functions. Level up your skills and accelerate your career growth at the SMSF National Conference 2024.
2. Sydney Annual Business Research Conference
March 8-9, 2024, Novotel Sydney Central, Sydney, Australia
Although broader in scope compared to other events, the Sydney Annual Business Research Conference (SABRC) is still an accounting conference in every sense. Organised annually by the Australian Academy of Business Research (AABR), SABRC offers authors and industry experts publication opportunities in Australian journals.
However, this conference isn’t exclusive to authors. Whether you want to publish a paper or expand your network and stay on top of industry developments, SABRC provides academics and practitioners worldwide a platform to share and exchange insights on issues surrounding business and social science research.
3. AFR Business Summit 2024
March 11-12, 2024, Hilton Sydney
No top accounting conferences list is complete without the Australian Financial Review (AFR) Business Summit in it. While it may not be an accounting-specific conference, the AFR Business Summit 2024 offers valuable thought leadership and insights into critical Australian and global issues, including the economy, geopolitics, technology, and policies that could influence or disrupt the accounting and financial industries.
With an incredible line-up of speakers from the highest echelons of the political and business world, AFR Business Summit 2024 is the perfect opportunity to learn and rub elbows with the industry’s top brass.
4. PA 2024 Perth Conference
March 18-19, 2024, QV1 Conference Centre
Is your firm’s client base primarily composed of small businesses? Then, you won’t want to miss the Institute of Public Accountants (IPA) 2024 Perth Conference.
With carefully curated sessions geared towards small business accounting, the 2024 Perth Conference promises to elevate your technical knowledge and management skills while refreshing your memory on ethical standards. Acquire strategic perspectives from industry leaders, join interactive workshops to learn proven solutions to real-world challenges, and cap off the conference with a night of networking, drinks, and canapes at the Reveley Henry’s Rooftop Bar along the picturesque Swan River. With a jam-packed program, the 2024 Perth Conference offers significant benefits for small business accountants.
5. Digital Accountancy Show 2024
April 16-17, 2024, Evolution London, Battersea Park
If you prefer lively conferences and don’t mind flying to London, the Digital Accountancy Show (DAS) 2024 is perfect for you. Forget suits and ties – jump into your most comfortable outfit and prepare for two days of learning, networking, and letting loose.
Famous for its uniquely laidback vibe, many attendees consider DAS the leading technology conference for accountants, bookkeepers, and financial professionals, offering an exclusive peek into the future of accounting. From emerging apps and tech to actionable insights you can implement in your firm, DAS 2024 has everything you need to boost your career and business development.
The Second-Best Thing to an In-Person Conference
In a dynamic industry like accounting, where change doesn’t wait for anyone, having the ability to adapt is no longer just an advantage – it’s a necessity for every firm to survive.
These top 5 accounting conferences in 2024 don’t just allow you to keep up but ultimately stay ahead. So don’t miss these golden opportunities to learn and expand your network.
However, life can sometimes get in the way of our professional pursuits. Whether it’s time and budget constraints or urgent personal matters, there are times when attending conferences is simply not viable.
That’s why we at TOA Global regularly hold live webinars to empower accounting and bookkeeping professionals to take on industry challenges and maximize growth opportunities.
Check out our webinar page to stay updated about upcoming live sessions and access recordings of past webinars.