Going Live in ’25

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As we ring in the New Year, it is my wish, my hope, that accounting professionals take a good look at the myriad live event opportunities available and attend at least One this year.

I have long advocated for in-person interactions among accounting professionals, as I’ve rarely seen a more impactful way to learn, share, and grow in this ever-changing field. I know, it seems incongruous that accounting and change exist in the same sentence, but the fact is accounting professionals deal with more change in a given year than nearly any other professional service.

The regulatory environment alone is enough to give even the most even-headed individuals pause, all the while trying to grow or even maintain a business (yes, your firm IS a business) and serve clients to the best of your ability. In short, what you all do on a regular basis is nothing short of heroic. But I also see how it takes its toll. What better reason to seek out like-minded individuals, learn from the doers and leaders of thought, and just be your authentic self among your colleagues…many of whom are likely struggling as you are or could even benefit from your knowledge and experience?

This, to me, is what live events are all about, the better ones anyway. And the choices today are many, from mainstays to new breeds, even “boutique-y” events; breaking out of your day-to-day has rarely been more opportune than in recent times. The flipside to that coin, of course, is Which one (if there is just one) to choose.

While I, of course, have my opinions (oh boy, do I?), it isn’t entirely for me to say. I have, however, put together this list that I hope you will find useful. It’s not Everything (so don’t get at me if you know an event that’s not on here), but it’s enough of what I know is out there aimed at tax and accounting professionals that they should consider. More importantly, somewhere in this group, you will find your people, no matter the attendee size. and that’s why I made this list.

(Note: This is not a “ranking,” but a list by date in their given categories. I am also keeping this US-centric as that is the majority of my audience. The Canadian and Australian portion of the audience tends to come to these events as well).

The “Intimate” Ones (< 300ish)

Universal Accounting’s GrowCon (Provo, Utah May 5-7)

Aimed squarely at bookkeeping, tax, and accounting firm owners, 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. 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 20-21)

Now in its third year, 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 M&A, succession planning, and PE, as well as staffing and expanded service areas from CAS to wealth management and more. The structure is also a combination of fireside chats, keynotes, 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.

Tax Twitter Retreat, (TBD, July?)

Another intimate but essential event, especially if you are an Enrolled Agent or tax-focused CPA, also in its third year, is the Tax Twitter Retreat. Typically hosted in July, this event has moved around from Denver to Chicago. And while as of this writing details were still being worked out for “round 3,” the event is, and has been, all about networking and collaboration among tax professionals (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 (Denver, July 22-24)

You may have heard the buzz already about this one, but not quite know what it’s all about. The fact is, going into its 3rd year and in a new location (it was in Chicago, now Denver), 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.

REFRAME, Pricing With Confidence (Coral Gables, Fla. Nov. 2-5)

From the 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. This year’s event is a bit more “niche” for lack of a better term, as the primary focus is on everything essential with pricing your services and seeing the value behind them. This will range from the actual psychology behind pricing to planning, strategizing, and delivering on the value your firm offers.

CPAcon (TBD, Nov/Dec 2025)

One of the most unique and innovative events on the market, CPAcon made its debut in Dec. 2024 to much fanfare. Why did this one-day conference make such a splash that it will not only return in full force this year, but it may even be held in 2 different cities? It successfully introduced and integrated gamification with core CPE learning for CPAs. The event, from the mind of entrepreneur and CPA Kendale King, CPAcon ran more like a game show, complete with TV cameras and awards, all while focusing on essential learnings for accounting professionals. Supported heavily by the California CPA Society and California Board of Accountancy (the event was in downtown Los Angeles), you can bet that attendees and sponsors alike will be clamoring to return this year. Keep the website link bookmarked as updates will surely come soon. Rumors are that it could be held in New York City, back in LA, or both!

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 25 (Las Vegas, June 9-12)

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.

Latino Tax Pro’s Latino Tax Fest (Las Vegas, June 16-19)

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.

Woodard Group’s Scaling New Heights (Orlando, June 22-25)

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 with tons of options to earn CPE and yes, network.

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.

NATP Taxposium (Las Vegas, July 21-23)

I definitely remember a time when this was a more intimate event, but it has become known pretty widely as THE tax profession’s premier industry event. Taxposium has now grown considerably to over 1,000 attendee and everyone who is anyone in tax is here to learn, network, and truly feel supported as a tax-focused professional.

NABA Insight 2025 (Las Vegas, Oct.)

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 event, but it will certainly be in October in Vegas. Check the “events” section of the site for updates.

CPA.com’s DigitalCPA 2025 (National Harbor, Md., Dec. 7-11)

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 also embraces newer technology-led trends like blockchain and the coming of AI as well. At around 1,000 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, Digital is back where it all began in the DC-area at the Gaylord Hotel in National Harbor, Maryland. 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.

Acumatica Summit (Las Vegas, Jan. 26-29)

RightWorks’ ‘RightNow25” (Nashville, May 19-21)

Sage Future (Atlanta, June 3-5)

Botkeeper AI Unchained (TBD, Oct.?)

NetSuite’s SuiteWorld 2025 (Las Vegas, Oct. 6-9)

CCH Connections (San Diego, Oct. 20-23)

Intuit Connect (???, Oct/Nov)

Thomson Reuters SYNERGY (Orlando, Nov. 5-8)

Final Thoughts

The fact that we have SO many options to choose from to go live in the accounting profession 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.

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, the Information Technology Alliance, BDO, Allinial Global, NAEA, Aprio Alliance, and so many more.

Then of course there is the more intimate, but dedicated groups including Accounting Salon and Thriveal who give their select members and attendees truly something special. Thank you, to all who choose to produce live events the communities and individuals they care for most (that’s you!).

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