Morison Global Europe Conference: A trip to Prague

The Morison Global Europe Conference (17-19 May 2024) kicked off with a lively welcome drinks' reception at the stunning rooftop of the President Hotel in Prague, Czechia. It was wonderful to see our members in person for the first time this year and reconnect as a community.

Day One:

The first day featured a packed high-energy schedule, featuring presentations and workshop sessions led by external speakers Matthew Griffin and Pavlína Moudrá, alongside Morison Global updates from our European Board Chair, Ariel Zitnitski.

Matthew Griffin, the founder of the 311 Institute, engaged the members with his session, "NextGen Mindsets: Navigating Tomorrow." He took us on a journey into the near future, unveiling the shifts in AI and Tech transforming every industry and job. His insights on how to navigate these changes and embrace a new world order ignited passionate discussions among our members.

Pavlína Moudrá, an accomplished trainer and coach in people management, led a session on attracting and retaining top talent. We tackled pressing issues like generational and gender diversity, with delegates sharing innovative ideas and strategies to cultivate an environment where top talent can truly thrive.

Day one also featured a significant announcement: Kenny Young will be stepping down as CEO of Morison Global after three successful years at the helm. Members were then introduced to the incoming CEO, Ryan Piper, who brings a wealth of experience to the role.

The day culminated in a spectacular silver service dinner at the historic St. Agnes of Bohemia Convent. The delicious food, impeccable service, and breathtaking venue offered a perfect setting to unwind and reflect on a busy day.

Day Two focussed on common interest topics, with delegates choosing between Audit, Tax, and M&A sessions.

The Audit session explored the upcoming ESG reporting requirements in the EU, providing insights on how firms can support clients in meeting these demands. Discussions also focused on enhancing client value through the audit process and fostering effective collaboration on group audits.

The International Tax session delved into the complexities of real estate taxation and the latest developments in international tax compliance. Participants also brainstormed ideas for a groundbreaking Morison Global-wide whitepaper.

In the M&A group, speakers highlighted the improved market sentiment, presenting exciting opportunities for both buyers and sellers. We explored trends and strategies for successful transactions, key valuation considerations, and the challenges posed by the evolving tax landscape. Our expert panel navigated the intricacies of deal-making, emphasising the importance of a well-structured approach to maximise deal value and minimise tax liabilities.

It was fantastic to witness our members coming together, sharing their expertise, and diving deep into discussions that will shape the future of our industry. Huge thanks to our common interest group speakers and leaders: Andreas Bauer, Arno Biemans, Bernhard von Wersebe, Colm McGrory, Dagmar Kluge, Martin Kowol, Patrizia Kaufhold, Paul Wan, Richard Etrych, Stewart Clayton, and Urs Fischer.

Following the conference, attendees had an afternoon of networking and were treated to a scenic cruise on the Bohemia Rhapsody boat along the Vltava River, trying local wines and experiencing Prague from a fresh perspective.

The grand finale of the conference took place at the unique Red Deer restaurant, housed in a transformed bank vault designed by the renowned architect Josef Gočár. The evening featured a delicious meal, a surprise performance by Elvis, and a lively DJ that got everyone dancing, capping off our time in Prague with unforgettable memories.

Thank you to everyone who attended the conference, and special thanks to our brilliant host firm NSG Morison who did a fantastic job in helping the GEO to organise a memorable conference in Prague.