If I’ve said it once, I’ve said it 1,000 times and will until I’m blue: if you want to succeed in accounting, community is essential and there’s no better place to find your people than at a live event.
Fortunately, there are plenty of them to choose from. Unfortunately, having to make that choice, budget the time and costs, and deal with whatever social awkwardness you may be feeling can get in the way.
Trust me when I say, in my three decades of overseeing this great profession, and going to live accounting events throughout that time, you literally will not be alone. All puns aside, it has never been more imperative to hear new ideas, check out the latest tech, and share your own thoughts and trepidations about either running a firm or just being an accounting professional than right now.
For this, and many other reasons, I implore you to pick just ONE this year and I can all but promise you that it will be worth it. Which is why I have taken the time to compile this list. It may not be Every acccounting event around, but it’s a good cross section of possibilities.
As of this writing, I’ve done my best to get exact dates and locations, but some will be revealed as the year progresses. At the least, you will know what they are, potentially where, and what they’re about.
So, without further adieu, here is my list of 2026 accounting profession events to consider:
The “Intimate” Ones (< 400ish)
Universal Accounting’s GrowCon (Salt Lake Ciity, Utah May 4-6)
Aimed squarely at owners of bookkeeping, tax, and accounting firms, the accounting education-minded folks of Universal Accounting have been making a name for themselves with this intimate event. Given its focus, it tends to attract owners of more of the “sub-20” staff firms, which, as we all know, comprise the majority of the tax and accounting profession. However, it is open to owners of firms of all sizes and should be a consideration.
The theme at this event, hosted by thought leader and master of ceremonies Roger Knecht, is on all the truly essential tools and teachings you need to “take your firm to the next level.” This ranges from better understandings of technology trends to staffing and service issues that challenge firm owners the most.
Accounting Today’s Firm Growth Forum (San Diego, May 19-20)
Four years running, this event tends to attract a variety of firm leaders, all of whom have a focus on the conference theme of firm growth. The sessions and respective speakers are mindful that growth means different things to everyone. As such, the agenda is focused around growth strategies, the role of technology in expanding and supporting your services(yes, AI is a large focus) as well as the role of PE, M&A, staffing and expanded service areas from CAS to wealth management and more. The structure is also a combination of fireside chats, keynotes, live case studies, panel discussions, and workshops. And, as with all events of this size, everyone has a chance to interact with one another, the speakers, and sponsors. And it all closes out with a karaoke party for the ages.
Tax Twitter Retreat (San Antonio, Tx. June 3-6)
Another comparatively intimate but essential event, especially if you are an Enrolled Agent or tax-focused CPA, also in its fourth year, is the Tax Twitter Retreat (aka “The Anti-Conference”). This event has moved around from Denver to Chicago and is now enjoying its first time in San Antonio. This tax pro-centric event is all about networking and collaboration (and yes, they do love to let loose). The most amazing thing about this event is that it is predominantly small-firm owners that came together on social media (X, formerly Twitter) out of sheer need for one another. The true love and support they offer, while including a handful of vendors in the space, is unparalleled, and if you consider yourself a tax professional, this could be your one “do not miss” event for the year. Keep checking the link for updates and, of course, follow on X/Twitter at #TaxTwitter or #TaxRetreat.
Tri-Merit Group’s Bridging the Gap (Charlotte, N.C., July 28–30)
You have hopefully heard the buzz already about this one, but not quite know what it’s all about. The fact is, going into its 4th year and in a new location (it was in Chicago, Denver, and now Charlotte, NC), Bridging the Gap’s standout feature is that the focus is on the human behind the accountant. You cannot improve your professional life until you feel balanced, supported, and like you’re moving in the right direction. Sure, there’s plenty of practical information to be gleaned from sessions, which will be a mix of inclusive keynotes, chats, panels, and workshops. But the real reason to attend this comparatively intimate event is the people. Every attendee and speaker/presenter at BTG is about sharing, as well as learning from their growth, pains, and experiences. The goal really is to leave with more real-life connections than you came in with, and while it’s not an official guarantee, it is highly likely you will. P.S. there are 1/2-day roadshows for BTG going on in San Francisco(Jan 21) and Chicago (Feb 4).
Women Who Count (Hilton Head, SC, Oct. 20-24)
I am ashamed I left this one off last year’s list. Never again, I say! Typically attracting around 200+ accounting and finance professionals, the Accounting & Financial Women’s Alliance has been hosting this essential event for years and it has been great to see it gaining momentum. This year it is back at its 2024 location of Hilton Head, SC. With fresh speakers and perspectives, this event is very much about where the accounting and finance profession is heading. To quote them: Industry Professionals from across the country attend become more knowledgeable on industry trends and gain a competitive edge with leadership development. Conference veterans and new attendees alike join to connect with each other, gain insight and inspiration.
REFRAME, 2026 (TBD, Q4 2026)
From the great minds of the Garcia brothers, Hector and Carlos (whom many may recognize for their contributions in the QuickBooks Online world and creators of an increasingly popular QBO problem-solver, RightTool) comes a unique and focused accounting profession event. Despite the connection, REFRAME is not exclusively aimed at QBO users or ProAdvisors in general, but rather firm owners who truly view their firms as a business. Moreover, they are looking for Real solutions to Real issues they face on a regular basis. While this year’s theme, or location, was not public as of this writing, it is definitely one of those events where you will walk away with real plans that you can actually apply to your practices. Deposits are, however, being accepted now for the event (which historically has been in Florida). If you haven’t checked it out yet, make this the year you do!
Accounting Today’s Private Equity Summit (TBD Q4, 2026)
This will be the third year AT is hosting this growing event, and each year it changes a bit with the times. If you are an accounting firm leader or decision maker at a firm of any size, and are curious, concerned (or a bit of both) about how private equity is impacting the profession then this is THE event for you. Having attended and moderated panel discussions here, I can tell you the sleaves get rolled up and everyone digs in to this ever-changing landscape that is outside investment in the accounting profession. Whether your firm has been impacted yet or not, you want to be prepared for its future and the relatative intimacy (approx. 400-500 expected) allows you to connect with other firm leaders, as well as experts in the field and yes, PE firm representatives. Watch the site for updates on wheres and whens (likely remaining in Chicago where it’s been since Day 1).
The “Bigger” Ones ( >900)
These events tend to be the ones that “everyone” seems to go to each year for a reason. Despite their size, they know what they’re getting into, they find their people and get a good amount of CPE and socializing while they are at it. There’s also usually a great opportunity to see and interact with the most vendors in one place.
The drawbacks, of course, are the size and the fact that it is often a challenge to connect with the people you want to. Sometimes it all amounts to a quick “let’s catch up soon” in the hallway while heading to a session or something else. But, they serve their purpose and for that, you do need to know which ones they are (if you don’t already).
AICPA & CIMA ENGAGE ’26 (Las Vegas, June 8-11)
Long-considered to be the largest accounting industry event, topping out at over 5,000 total attendees ENGAGE is most certainly the biggest. Those who have yet to experience it, should know it is not entirely for accounting professionals and hasn’t been since it formed. Yes, there are numerous sessions for tax and accounting professionals of all shapes and sizes, and hundreds of vendors to meet that could be a potential fit for your firm, or your clients.
The overall focus is still for CPAs, EAs and professional bookkeepers, but there is also plenty to learn about marketing, admin, and financial services as well as business and industry. Still, if you plan properly, get enough social event invites, ENGAGE can be one of the best conferences you attend all year. Just be sure to drink plenty of water, wear the most comfortable footwear you have and again, plan ahead. As of this writing there was “super early bird” pricing available until February 9.
Woodard Group’s Scaling New Heights (Orlando, June 14-17)
Ever since being less tied to Intuit and QuickBooks in particular, Scaling New Heights has been able to grow to what many consider to be the largest “technology-centric” event in the US accounting market. In short, it’s an expo, the largest of its kind in the U.S. So, whether you are looking to “kick the tires” and get to know about current accounting-related technology, along with tons of options to earn CPE and yes, network, this is your event.
Realistically, if you are a small to midsized tax or bookkeeping practice owner and you want to see what’s available on the market for your practice, work with clients, or maybe catch up with representatives from service providers you already work with, Scaling is the place to see them. Networking opportunities are plenty and despite it’s 1500-2000 attendee size, you can usually connect with colleagues readily on site, at the hotels, or at one of the many sponsored mixers available throughout the show.
Latino Tax Pro’s Latino Tax Fest (Las Vegas, June 22-25)
One may think that a conference dedicated to the Latino tax community would be more on the comparatively intimate side. On the contrary, if you are a proud part of the Latino tax professional community, or have clients that fit the bill, then this is THE event for you. Known to attract over 2,000 Latino tax pros, this lively, dedicated community event is designed to help these professionals connect, learn and grow. Major vendors from around the country show up to support and educate as well. From all counts, it is a premier tax practitioner-focused event and a must attend if you represent this sector.
NATP Taxposium (Cleveland, July 13-15)
Time was, Taxposium was a more intimate event, but it has become known pretty widely as one of the premier events for the tax profession. Taxposium has now grown considerably to over 1,000 attendee and everyone who is anyone in tax is here to learn technical and practical skills, network, and truly feel supported as a tax-focused professional.
Every year the National Association of Black Accountants holds both regional events and an annual convention called Insight, bringing together black tax and accounting professionals from around the country, from firms of all sizes. The event continues to grow and always brings in thought leaders and well known speakers and entertainers. As of this writing, details were not yet available on this year’s Insight event, but it is usually October in Vegas. Check the “events” section of the site for updates.
CPA.com’s DigitalCPA 2026 (San Diago, Dec. 6-9)
Always a great way to round out the year if you are a CPA and want a final check in on tech and related industry trends, and a handful of products you may not have heard of, as you plan for the new year.
This event often comes with practical sessions, keynotes by AICPA and CPA.com leaders (and several thought leaders in the space), and even roundtables to get you talking about topics of most interest to you, the firm or practice leaders. Digital tends to be a bit CAS-focused, as that is high on CPA.com’s agenda, but as technology trends have evolved (aka AI) so have the conversations and sessions, even the vendor hall has expanded far beyond years past.
At around 1,500+ attendees, you do run the risk of missing a networking opportunity or two, but like the other larger events, there’s always social mixers by vendors as well as CPA.com.
This year, DCPA is going where it’s never been: San Diego, and a brand new Gaylord Hotel (Gaylord Pacific Resort & Convention Center). Again, always worth attending, especially if you are a mid-large firm or practice leader and want a good sense of direction or affirmation of your own.
The Vendor Events
These are fairly numerous, but if you are a user or partner for any of the below service providers, you will always get love and attention from staff and executives. More importantly, you will be among like-minded individuals who can share experiences with these chosen platforms and learn from them, as well as the hosted sessions. Again, as above, this isn’t All of them, but it is a good amount of the ones I am aware of and you should consider, whether you are a partner or can connect with the attendees…which is the whole point.
Acumatica Summit (Seattle, Jan. 25-28)
Sage Future 2026 (San Francisco, April 28-30)
RightWorks’ ‘RightNow 2026 (San Antonio, May 18-20)
Karbon Next 2026 (Coronado, Calif. June 1-3)
Xerocon USA (it’s back!, Denver, Aug. 19-20)
CCH Connections 2026 (Orlando, Oct. 25-28)
NetSuite’s SuiteWorld 2026 (Las Vegas, Oct. 26-29)
Intuit Connect (Las Vegas, Oct. 26-28)
Thomson Reuters SYNERGY (Las Vegas, Nov. 16-19)
Corptax Connect 2026 (Las Vegas, Dec. 7-10)
Final Thoughts
The fact that we have SO many options to choose from to connect and find your accounting people gives me a lot of hope. It is because true learning comes from the real connections you make with others and, in my view, it is the best way for the profession to move forward.
Finally, I would also be remiss if I didn’t mention the efforts of the numerous state CPA societies that continue to support their respective membership with live events of their own, as well as major industry groups including
Boomer Consulting(Boomer Circles, Aug. in Kansas City)
the Information Technology Alliance(Spring and Fall Collectives)
BDO
PASBA
Allinial Global (Summit and more)
NAEA (New Orleans, July 27-29)
Aprio Alliance
…and so many more. Also keep an eye out for Road Shows too, some of the annual events or even ones trying to get going will often hit the road in your city, or near you.
Then of course there is the truly intimate, but dedicated groups including Accounting Salon, Thriveal, and WAVE(Women in Accounting & Finance) who give their select members and attendees truly something special every year.
Thank you, to all who choose to produce and support live events, the communities, and individuals they care for most. FWIW, I will personally be at several of the aforementioned this year, I do hope to see you IRL so be sure to say hello!
perfect Seth thank you