There’s just one week until ICAEW members come together from across the UK, and beyond, to hear the latest developments from industry experts and discuss the key challenges and opportunities facing the profession.

On 16 October, ICAEW is hosting its biggest event of the year at the Intercontinental O2 in London. With up to 1,000 delegates, 55 speakers and 33 sessions, the day offers finance practitioners the opportunity to meet with like-minded professionals, get the latest updates and even speak to ICAEW’s CEO.

“I’m really looking forward to meeting as many of our members and other people as I can,” confirms Alan Vallance. “I want to talk to them about the issues they face, and understand how the institute can really help them to deliver on advising their clients, working in practice and working in business.”

“It’s also an opportunity to connect with peers who share many of the same challenges and opportunities as you do. It’s a chance to step away from the day to day and come back with fresh ideas and practical insights.”

Packed programme

This year the conference is focused on turning business complexity and change into value, with keynotes and breakout sessions exploring the real-world use of artificial intelligence, the impact of geopolitical tensions on the economy, and how businesses can embrace transformation.

Professor Hannah Fry will be talking about the impact of technology in her keynote, while Microsoft’s Chief Digital Officer, Jed Griffiths will be focusing on the rise of the AI-native organisation.

Other sessions will cover the real-world use of AI in audit, to support bookkeeping and to drive better decision making. Meanwhile, Glenn Wilkinson, CEO of Agger Labs, will be describing how cyber attacks actually unfold in his session ‘Hacking a billion-dollar bank in 30 minutes’.

Regulators in attendance on the day include HMRC, with Jonathan Athow, Director General, Strategy and Policy, talking to renowned tax expert Rebecca Benneyworth about how the roll-out of MTD has been progressing.

Delegates will then hear from Michelle Hatton, Director of Change at the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) on the upcoming changes to anti-money laundering supervision. Find out what supervision by the FCA looks like currently and how this might translate for the accountancy sector.

Attendees also have the opportunity to hear from a host of business leaders on effective leadership, the evolving role of the CFO and how sustainability is shaping businesses. Speakers include: Kirsty Law, CFO, Sustainability at international food company ofi; Tim Doubleday, CFO at Burger King UK; and Dean Forbes, CEO of software provider Forterro.

• See the full programme
• See all our speakers

Networking and more

Alongside listening to keynote speeches in the ballroom, the programme includes a host of networking breaks throughout the day, as well as a host of breakout sessions for you to participate in.

There’s also the exhibition hall where you can connect with a host of software and service providers, as well as ICAEW staff and representatives from caba.

Don't forget our roving podcast reporter, Mark Rowland will be onsite and keen to hear your views on the sessions you’ve attended and the speakers you’ve heard.

• Secure your place