[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]On the 11-12 May 2022, over 8000 attendees returned to ExCeL London after three years. Alongside the visitors, 250 global brands and start-ups from as far as South Africa and Australia met for Europe’s No. 1 conference and expo for the accounting and finance industry.
Portfolio Director, Caroline Hobden was overwhelmed with the reaction “The show was absolutely brilliant! Visitors, speakers and exhibitors didn’t stop commenting on the great atmosphere and turn out. We’re delighted to be able to reunite the community after three years apart, it’s clear that people are ready to get back to face-to-face business and really valued their time at Accountex this year.”
Caroline continued: “I am overjoyed that 85% of stand space has already rebooked for next year. We have broken all previous records and are so excited that more exhibitors than ever want to secure their spot. We’re ready to start planning an even bigger show.”
Deepak Shah from Archers Accountants comments on his experience: “I’ve come to Accountex because I haven’t seen partners for a little while and this gives me the opportunity to meet all of them at the same time, in one place. It’s a great opportunity to see what else is new in the marketplace and to make sure you know what is going on, what the competition are doing and the new products available.”
“There’s no real substitute for in person contact”
Over 250 companies, were there to demo their latest technologies and solutions – ranging from payroll to tax and mobile apps. The line-up included: Dext, FreeAgent, Intuit Quickbooks, IRIS, Sage, Silverfin, Taxcalc, Thomson Reuters, Wolters Kluwer and Xero.
Franki Hackett from Engine B commented: “We’ve met lots of clients who we would not ordinarily meet, lots of people who have the sort of problems which we’re here to solve. We’ve also met lots of other potential partner firms, so it’s been really positive. There’s no real substitute for in person contact.”
“The first hour at Accountex was probably 4 or 5 times more productive than a full day at another event. It’s absolutely great, there’s such a buzz.” Explained James Marshall, Chief Commercial Officer at GI outsourcing.
“If you’re not here, you’re missing out on a lot of stuff that can change the way you work, and change the way your business operates,” says Chetan Shah, Commercial leader – UK Accountant Segment from Intuit Quickbooks.
“It won’t be my last Accountex”
Over the two days, the education programme which was CPD accredited with 8 hours, included over 180 informative sessions about the tools, technology and ideas shaping the future of accounting. This gave visitors the opportunity to keep their finger on the pulse and explore the latest software and innovations.
The 12 theatres were packed with educational talks on relevant topics, with everything from cognitive diversity to attracting gen Z talent and updates on making tax digital.
Victoria Wagg, CEO at Panthera ltd says: “I saw the ‘I can steal your sh1t’ talk which was amazing, really inspiring and motivating but also a great story about why we have to be more careful with our data.”
She continues “We’ve come along to find out what’s going on in our industry, to have some fun, and to learn. I’ve met a few people on stands who have shown me things that I didn’t even know I needed.”
As well as most of the seminar sessions only having standing room, there was plenty to experience, including cocktail bars, live music, a tardis, lego figures and four after show parties, including two on boats!
Accountex head up north
Accountex Summit Manchester, formerly Accountex Summit North is returning for the fourth year, on 12 October 2022 at Manchester Central. It brings together over 90 fintech suppliers under one roof and offers a free and extensive CPD accredited seminar programme to the north of the UK.
You can find out more and register your interest here: accountexmanchester.com
Save the date for Accountex London 2023
Accountex London is back at ExCeL London on 10-11 May 2023. To find out more information about the event and to join the mailing list, please visit: www.accountex.co.uk/london. [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
