As the sun sets on the city of Sydney, accounting and bookkeeping professionals from across the globe gathered at the ICC Sydney for the much-anticipated annual event – Xerocon Sydney 2023. Coined the ‘Coachella for accountants’, this year’s conference lived up to its reputation, delivering a power-packed experience that left attendees inspired and equipped with invaluable insights.

From August 23 to 24, Xerocon Sydney transformed the ICC Sydney into a hub of innovation, collaboration, and excitement. AdvanceTrack’s team had the privilege of attending this transformative event once again, and we’re thrilled to share our reflections on the highlights and takeaways.

The event opened with the charismatic presence of Sukhinder Singh Cassidy, Xero’s CEO, making her first-ever appearance on the Xerocon stage. In her engaging talk, she emphasised the pivotal role of the advisory community in shaping the future of small business success. With just six months at the helm, Sukhinder’s passion for purpose and partnerships resonated deeply with the audience, setting an optimistic tone for the entire conference.

A major highlight was the introduction of Diya Jolly, Xero’s new Chief Product Officer, who provided insightful glimpses into the latest products and connections that amplify collaboration, efficiency, and value across the platform. This showcase marked a departure from the norm, presenting Xero’s offerings in a reimagined format that captivated both newcomers and returning partners.

The event’s lineup of guest speakers was nothing short of exceptional. Julia Zemiro, the iconic Australian TV personality, charmed the audience as the host, bringing her signature wit and warmth. Lisa MacCallum, former Nike Vice President, took the stage on day one, delivering a talk that melded business acumen with sustainability. Her insights on driving ethical business practices left a lasting impression, emphasising small businesses’ pivotal role in fostering environmental responsibility.

The second day brought a thought-provoking session by Sam Elsom, an environmentalist and entrepreneur who delved into the realm of sustainable practices and ethical manufacturing. Mark Pesce, a distinguished futurist and entrepreneur, rounded off the event with a captivating exploration of AI’s influence on the accounting industry. His decades of experience in the digital revolution space illuminated the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.

One of the most anticipated aspects of Xerocon Sydney has always been the legendary wrap party. This year, the ‘Paradiso’ theme transformed Sydney’s ivy bar into a tropical oasis. Attendees donned neon ensembles, embraced inflatable flamingos, and danced the night away to the beats of Sneaky Sound System. The poolside venue and vibrant atmosphere created a night to remember, fostering connections and memories that will last long after the event concludes.

Reflecting on Xerocon Sydney 2023, the sense of community and collaboration was palpable. We at AdvanceTrack found the event to be an invaluable resource for gaining insights into the latest trends, technologies, and best practices. The emphasis on sustainable practices, technological innovation, and the evolving role of finance professionals left us inspired and excited for the future of the industry.

Looking ahead, Xerocon 2024 is already on the horizon, this time happening closer to home in London and promising another immersive experience of learning, networking, and celebration. As we continue our journey to become the leading outsourcing partner for accounting firms in the UK, Australia and worldwide, industry conferences serve as essential touchpoints for staying informed, inspired, and connected with industry leaders and peers.

Xerocon Sydney 2023 surpassed all expectations, standing as a beacon of innovation, collaboration, and visionary thinking. Boasting an extraordinary array of speakers, reimagined showcases, and an indelible wrap party, the event instilled attendees with a rejuvenated purpose and a palpable enthusiasm for what lies ahead. As the curtain falls on this year’s conference, we’re counting down the days until the next Xerocon, sparking anticipation for the multitude of opportunities it holds to elevate the accounting and bookkeeping industry across the ANZ region and beyond.

We’re headed down under to Xerocon Sydney 2023, where inspiration, connection, and innovation come alive in one electrifying event! Like you, the AdvanceTrack team is excited to be a part of this incredible two-day gathering of like-minded accountants, bookkeepers, and the wider Xero community.

We all know Xerocon is a conference like no other; it’s an experience that leaves you inspired and equipped with valuable insights to apply back home and with memories of never-ending parties to boot! This is your chance to uncover the full potential of your accounting practice and stay ahead in the ever-changing market.

Why Are We Excited about Xerocon?

For us, Xerocon is a unique opportunity to connect with a vibrant community of professionals who share our passion for accounting and technology. We look forward to sharing our success stories and hearing about the exciting developments coming to Xero, which will undoubtedly shape the future of accounting practices worldwide.

Insights from Visionaries

The lineup of keynote speakers at Xerocon Sydney 2023 is nothing short of extraordinary. These visionaries will shed light on diverse topics that are pivotal to the accounting industry’s future. Here are a few you won’t want to miss:

Diya Jolly: Xero’s Chief Product Officer, an experienced leader passionate about small businesses. Her insights into Xero’s product vision will empower you to leverage the platform effectively.

Sam Elsom: CEO of Seaforest, an environmentalist and entrepreneur with a focus on sustainability. His thoughts on how small businesses can make a difference through ethical practices are invaluable in today’s world.

Mark Rees: As Xero’s Chief Technology Officer, Mark is an expert in scaling platforms and driving innovation. His talk will illuminate new technologies and their impact on the industry.

Mark Pesce: A renowned futurist, inventor, and educator who clarifies complex topics like AI and fintech. Prepare to be inspired and enlightened.

James Bergin: Xero’s Executive General Manager for Technology Strategy & Integration. James will explore the implications of AI, ChatGPT, blockchain, and crypto for your practice and clients.

Louise Southall: A seasoned economist and Xero Economist with three decades of experience, Louise will share her insights on macroeconomic trends and their impact on small businesses.

Wrapping that up, Xero’s new CEO, Sukhinder Singh Cassidy, will also be onstage for the first time this year. We’re excited to hear what her plans are to steer Xero’s growth and development as a multi-billion dollar global business into a future filled with the promise and challenges of automation.

Tips to Navigate the Conference

Whether you’re a seasoned Xerocon veteran or a first-timer, here are some tips from the AdvanceTrack team to make the most of this year’s Con:

 

  • Prepare and Research: Understand who will be present and identify key sessions and exhibitors that align with your interests.

 

  • Dress Comfortably: Leave your formal suits at home; Xerocon is all about a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Opt for a casual yet professional look.

 

  • Network and Connect: Take advantage of the community spirit and network with like-minded professionals. Organise meetings with potential partners and clients, and don’t miss the App Partner side events. By fostering these connections, you not only expand your network but also gain valuable perspectives and ideas that can shape the future of the accounting profession. The #IgnitionPrecon party is our top choice. See you there!

 

  • Explore Breakout Sessions: Attend breakout sessions, especially those with App Partner exhibitors, to discover cutting-edge solutions to enhance your practice. 
  • Don’t forget to have fun! Prove that it won’t be all numbers and tech; accountants can party too! 

Find us at the ICC Sydney from August 23 to 24, 2023. We’d love to chat with you about our journey and how we can help your practice reach new heights. Relive the story of how we helped a 15-partner regional practice deliver 600 personal tax returns and boost their revenue by a staggering $300,000 during the tax season.

The clock is ticking, and the anticipation is building! Secure your spot at Xerocon Sydney 2023 by registering on the website. This is your chance to experience the future of accounting, network with industry experts, and explore groundbreaking solutions that can revolutionise your practice.

Let’s make Xerocon Sydney 2023 an unforgettable event together. We can’t wait to see you there!