If we’re getting honest about the state of the accounting profession, it is one truly at a point of inflection. Between reports of the dwindling number of accountants, the growing need for diversity and inclusion, a wealth of technology being misused or misunderstood, and the largest wave of aging out the profession has seen in modern times, the demand for guidance on where to go next has reached a precipice.
So where does the profession turn to bridge this gap that appears to be growing by the day? The time, I believe, has come for a live event to at least begin to address these issues and provide a platform for the right conversations to happen. It needs an event to help to move the profession forward and see it through its next phase in a way that values the individual accounting professional, as well as the profession as a whole.
To this end, Randy Crabtree, CPA, host of The Unique CPA and co-founder of Tri-Merit, has announced the group’s Bridging the Gap conference. It will be held at the Loews Chicago O’Hare Hotel in Rosemont, Illinois, from August 28 to August 30, 2023. Recognizing the evolving landscape of the accounting profession, the conference aims to foster collaboration and understanding between different generations. By uniting visionaries in the accounting industry, The Unique CPA conference was created in order to build a healthier, more sustainable profession that values the well-being of its professionals.
Promoting mental wellness and embracing the whole person are key priorities for The Unique CPA and the Bridging the Gap event in general. The conference will address the declining appeal of the profession to young individuals by highlighting the value of the work and cultivating a culture that values individuals and their contributions.
In addition to thought-provoking presentations by known industry experts, participants will also have the opportunity to connect with like-minded colleagues during the conference and three evening receptions. At registration, attendees will be asked to share their passions outside of work, encouraging meaningful discussions beyond professional topics.
Participants will also have the opportunity to engage in informative and collaborative sessions, sharing knowledge and insights with esteemed speakers and colleagues. The event will commence with an optional workshop session and evening mixer on August 28, followed by two comprehensive days of engaging sessions.
In my view, there are events that the profession has become comfortable attending because they see value in the content as well as the connections they make each and every year. But with no disrespect whatsoever to other conferences in this space, an event that truly speaks to the needs of the individual as well as the professional is what has been missing.
When I was with AccountingWEB we tried to do just that, have an annual event that encouraged necessary debate and discussion about what most concerns accounting professionals that own or manage firms. If the promise of Bridging the Gap delivers, it could be the confab that truly helps spark change for this profession, or at the least, your own business. It may even offer some new ideas on addressing the professional and personal concerns of today so that there can be a tomorrow for this profession that accountants create and not one that is dictated to them. Do register today, I hope to see you there!