Global Conference 2022, New Orleans
Back together, building on relationships
Praxity’s prestigious Global Conference, held at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel in central New Orleans on October 16-19, provided an important hub to discuss how best to adapt and thrive in these challenging times, and a much-needed opportunity for Praxity member firms to meet in person and discuss the issues that really matter.
For many, it was the first opportunity to get together with peers and industry experts following the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic in December 2019. Record attendance, high-level thought leadership and top draw international speakers made it an event to remember. We’ve taken some of the highlights and key take-aways to give you a taste of what gives PraXity conferences the X Factor.
The highlight of the Praxity calendar, the conference brought together managing partners, CEOs and accounting experts from around the world – all keen to get up to speed with latest developments in the profession and build stronger relationships to grow business.
This year’s event was hosted by FORVIS, whose Managing Director George Simon welcomed delegates from over 30 countries. Judging by initial feedback, the conference was invaluable, both in terms of networking and learning.
Almost two thirds of delegates rated the event as ‘very good’ or ‘excellent’. The majority of attendees said the networking and friendship aspects were the most valuable, underlining the importance of being able to meet in person and forge mutually beneficial collaborations.
For many, it was a chance to renew acquaintances, strengthen ties and learn from peers. For others, it was an opportunity to lay the foundations for future partnerships, one of the prime motivations for attending the conference in person.
The X factor
The conference featured wide-ranging content designed to help member firms thrive in challenging times. Delegates were particularly impressed with the keynote presentation from world-renowned economist, Dr Marci Rossell, former Chief Economist for U.S. broadcaster CNBC. A highly respected and trusted name in financial reporting and economics, Dr Rossell helped delegates understand the complexities of the world economy right now and what the changing landscape means for member firms and their clients.
The theme was Putting the X in PraXity – the ultimate client, firm, employee and digital Xperiences – to elevate your people and your business. Leading experts shared insights on how to enhance the four key elements of the Praxity experience:
Client experience
Eric Gregg talked about what firms need to do to ensure that their clients have an outstanding experience, excellent client retention, an enhanced reputation and ultimately long term sustained growth. The Praxity Key Success Metrics task force also shared insights on the work they have been doing around measuring the client experience.
Employee experience
Examining three key aspects affecting how employees experience working for firms. Jim Proppe of Plante Moran talked about how to maintain a continually engaged workforce, while Ian McVicar of Albert Goodman shared how the firm transitioned from a majority male to a majority female partnership.
Firm experience
How member firms experience service levels from other member firms. The interactive workshop focused on how member firms work together.
Digital experience
A panel discussion with three technology specialists focused on what to think about when working in a hybrid environment.
“This is a forum for plenty of learning but most importantly building long-term relationships. Everyone is there for the right reasons to share and contribute and work to make the Praxity Alliance stronger.”
Optimism
In his ‘State of the Alliance’ address, Praxity Chairman Phil Verity and CEO Sam Louis gave member firms every reason for optimism.
Phil illustrated Praxity is in a strong position to continue to build on the exceptional performance of member firms throughout the pandemic. With global revenues up 14.2% to US$7.94bn, and healthy revenue increases in every region of the world, Praxity ranks well alongside the Big4 and other associations.
The Chairman underlined the success of Praxity’s strategy to grow a more even spread of quality firms globally. The Alliance is now represented in over 120 countries in every corner of the globe, including Chile, Cambodia, Yemen, Puerto Rico, Ireland, Nepal and India.
The conference also featured insights from experts in specific disciplines, together with the AGM, meetings of working groups and regional committees. Notably, it marked the first in-person meetings of newly created ESG and Outsourcing working groups.
“Participating in Praxity and its conferences allows participants and members to interact, share experiences, and understand the culture of the different countries, allowing us to understand our clients and their needs better.”
Peer knowledge
Gaining insight from peers is an important element of the Global Conference. It was even more important this year as member firms strive to meet the challenges of balancing what’s best for employees and what’s best for clients in the post-Covid era.
Attendees commented on the opportunity “to meet and discuss with peers from all over the world” and the “ability to talk with other leaders in the industry and take away key areas to focus on”.
But it’s the people that make these events so special, and the sense of comradery that builds throughout the conference, from the opening reception to the gala and the 1920s-themed farewell dinner that will live long in the memory. And this sense of togetherness should provide the basis for better collaboration in future.
“The relationships built at the Praxity conferences enable us to provide an even better client experience because we don't want to let each other down.”
Delegates got an opportunity to bid farewell to Graeme Gordon (Praxity’s former CEO) at the conference. Graeme is pictured here with his wife Sharon, two very well-known faces within the Praxity community.
See you in Rome!
The Global Conference 2023, in the eternal city is sure to be an unforgettable experience. Click below for a preview to whet your appetite, or contact the Events team on conferences@praxity.com