ABOUT THE EVENT

The digitalisation of Europe’s economy already reshapes the way we live, work, and consume. These technologies - like Blockchain, Machine Learning, Artificial Intelligence, and Data Analytics – are also greatly affecting the accountancy profession. Large companies and accounting firms are investing heavily to cope with these changes and capitalize on these technologies. But how does digitalisation stand to impact small- and medium-sized accountancy practices (SMPs) and their clients, small- and medium sized enterprise (SMEs)? How can they best rise to the challenges and leverage the opportunities? This event will address these pressing questions.

HOTEL

You can book a hotel room at our conference hotel Esplanade via this link by 5 May 2017.

DRAFT PROGRAM

10:00 REGISTRATION

10:30 OPENING REMARKS BY BODO RICHARDT, EFAA PRESIDENT

10:45 SESSION ONE – CRITICAL DIGITAL DEVELOPMENTS

This session will review those digital technologies that have critical implications for business and society and present the greatest challenge and opportunity for the profession. Each speaker will summarise the key aspects of a particular technology with a focus on its implications for SMEs and SMPs. The session will end with a panel discussion and audience Q&A.

• Narayanan Vaidyanathan, Head of Technology Insight, ACCA - Blockchain
• Mark Edmondson, Chief Executive Officer, Inflo - Data Analytics
• Dimitra Liveri, Security and Resilience Expert, EU Agency for Network & Information Security - Cyber Security
• Dimitris Karagiannis, Professor of Knowledge Engineering, University of Vienna - Artificial Intelliegence and Machine Learning

12:30 LUNCH BREAK

13:30 SESSION TWO – BUSINESS AND SOCIETY IN A DIGITAL AGE

This session will comprise two key note presentations looking at the profound effect of digitalisation on society, business, and the future of work with expert insights from Europe and Asia.

• Dieter Kempf, President of the Federation of German Industries | Former President of Bitkom and DATEV
• M P Vijay Kumar - Council Member, The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India

14:45 COFFEE BREAK

15:15 SESSION THREE - THE DIGITAL PROFESSIONAL

This session will focus on how SMPs, with help from their institutes and regional bodies, can best adapt to and leverage off digital technologies and secure their position as the trusted business advisors to SMEs. Presenters will share insights from the USA and Europe. The session will end with a panel discussion and audience Q&A. .

• Michael Cerami, Vice President, Business Development and Corporate Alliances, AICPA
• Martin de Bie, Head of Future Lab, Dutch SMP 216 Accountants

17:15 CLOSING REMARKS BY BODO RICHARDT, EFAA PRESIDENT