Highlights from LEA Global's World Conference 2023

In late October, 117 members (nearly 200 people in total!) from the LEA Global community came to Washington D.C. to attend the annual World Conference 2023.  This included 44 firms from three regions and two prospective firms from the UK and Luxembourg.  The event took place at the infamous Watergate Hotel in the nearby historic district of Georgetown. 

The event focused on connecting people, deepening relationships, and stimulating dialogue around emerging and relevant topics, and sharing best practices. The early feedback we’ve received is overwhelmingly positive with strong content that included insights and perspectives from within the community as well as external stakeholders. 

STIMULATING DIALOGUE 

Conference sessions spanned topics such as driving client and firm value through technology, generative AI, wealth management, ESG, risk management and quality and outsourcing solutions.  

• Karen Ward shared insights and experiences around key aspects of how humans choose to engage in collaboration and when it is most successful.  

• Allan Koltin provided some insights on key leadership traits and facilitated a panel on private equity in the US and across Europe; the panel included Stuart Ferguson who has worked with a number of funds as well as Jeffrey Weiner (Marcum) and Andrew Rich (HW Fisher).  

• Peter Rothman (Marcum) led a panel of members - Subhash Jaini (Keiter CPAs), Waqqas Mahmood (Marcum Technology) and Christy Buchanan (Anders CPAs + Advisors) - who have been accepted as contributors in the Global Consulting Marketplace .

• Gary Thompson led a provocative discussion on the generational differences of people in our member firms and their views on key issues. 

• Peter Scavuzzo (Marcum) shared insights on how generative AI will be a disruptive technology and transform the accounting landscape. 

CONNECTING PEOPLE 

Attendees also heard from the seven Young Professionals participating in our important Working With Friends pilot program in Europe.  The program offered unique experiences for people to learn about cultural differences, while providing forums to learn about services and processes that can be taken back and help stimulate more opportunities for firms to come closer together to work together on solving problems.  

DEEPENING RELATIONSHIPS 

The beautiful fall weather in D.C. allowed us to take advantage of the hotel’s scenic rooftop nestled along the Potomac River. The views painted a perfect canvas to transition from the daily sessions and into the dinners and evening activities that kept conversation and networking going. Our key social event included a unique miniature golf event and an evening driving tour of the illuminated monuments.  

As you know, the LEA Global conferences are celebrations of the human spirit and art of possibility made possible by dynamic, engaged members! And this one felt different. The energy was palpable. The banter was jovial. Thank you for closing out our 2023 conferences on such a high note.  

One request as we head into 2024; keep the momentum going.  Join a collaboration group, make sure you’re registered for your Regional Conference, and if you have any ideas on how to strengthen our global community please reach out to your Regional Coordinator.   

See you ALL in 2024!