Vienna hosts successful international and European conference

On 15-18 September, over 140 members and 35 companions met in Vienna for the Morison Global International and European conference – an event that had been originally planned for 2020.

The conference welcomed its keynote speaker, Cyriel Kortleven, who presented a lively and engaging session on ‘The Change Mindset - Survival kit for professionals in change’. Cyriel provided his perspective on problem solving, providing tools and language to influence others to be more creative by leaving their comfort zone and suspending their judgement in their own change mindset. Cyriel also led the Creative Networking session, which included a variety of short, fun exercises to boost networking skills amongst delegates.

In the afternoon, Jennifer Cantero, Director of the Sensiba Center for Sustainability, at member firm Sensiba San Filippo LLP, USA provided members with an insightful presentation on The Intersection of Accounting and Sustainability, delving into the world of ESG performance, frameworks, and reporting and how accounting is at the intersection.

The second day started with breakout sessions on Audit, Global Mobility and Industry 4:0 – all of which allowed for interactive discussions in a more intimate setting, it was also an opportunity for those working in the same field, to meet and collaborate by sharing their knowledge.

In the afternoon, Elise Sallis, Head of Communications & Culture at Wolters Kluwer, hosted a panel discussion titled ‘Culture – why bother?’. Elise was joined on stage by four panellists, Claire Le Meur (Manager, Fifty Bees, France), Stephen Watts (Executive Director, Fortus, UK) Peter Asemah (Partner, Pedabo, Nigeria) and Sanjay Vasudeva (SCV & Co, India). This session explored the importance of culture in the workplace, the extent to which a great culture can attract great talent, whether the appetite for increased workplace flexibility will continue and what the accountancy practice of the future might look like.

Later in the afternoon, ‘Scaling a CPA firm, Aprio’s story of 3x growth in 7 years’, was presented by Yelena Epova, Partner-in-Charge, International Services, Atlanta Office Leader, Aprio, US. Yelena provided members with insight into the impressive growth of Aprio over the last 7 years.

In addition to the professional programme, guests were treated to a variety of networking activities which included a special dinner at Palais Ferstel (with some waltzing lessons thrown in!), a traditional Austrian evening at Fuhrgassl Huber and a day exploring the city by tram – allowing members to network on an informal level.

Thanks to all speakers for making this an excellent and memorable event and thanks to all members for their active participation and contribution at the conference. Special thanks go to our host firms, HHP Steuerberatung GmbH, Interfides and Allgäuer & Partner, for their invaluable support and assistance in organising this conference.

After almost three years of not seeing each other face-to-face, it was excellent to see Morison Global hasn’t lost its collaborative, friendly and fun culture which it has been proud of for many years.

Our next international conference, 2023, will be held in Tokyo, Japan. We hope to see you there