Xerocon 2022 Learnings

After a 2 year break due to that nasty thing called COVID, the southern hemispheres largest accounting conference, Xerocon, returned to Sydney where 3,600 accountants and bookkeepers gathered to network, learn more about the industry and business, and connect with the Xero ecosystem of connected apps. 

We were spoilt to hear from Adam Goodes, 2014 Australian of the Year, who as an indigenous Australian has battled racism, and now advocates for diversity and inclusion. Another great keynote speaker was Conner McLeod who at 13 years old lobbied parliament to have tactile bank notes introduced to Australia to assist other vision impaired persons with further independence – he reminded us that one person CAN make a difference. 

Through Xero’s new global partnership with FIFA Women's Football we got to hear from Heather Garriock from the Matildas and had the opportunity to attempt to score a goal against her. Heather is currently a non-executive director of Football Australia. 

Xero shared their vison and how they are committed to their users is take the data from being only Hindsight to then Insight to finally Foresight. They understand how powerful numbers can be to a business owner just as we do at Aegis. 

We were exposed to a long list of new technologies, apps & plug-ins that are about to or have already joined the Xero Ecosystem, such as: 

• Assisting with prompting faster payment of your debtors 
  
• Cashflow management through financing company options 
  
• Karbon accounting – a new 'buzz’word where businesses will need to be responsible for the environment 
  
• Blockchain technology and accounting for Crypto Currency transactions. 

Throughout the conference, Xero reiterated their purpose which is: make life better for people is small business, their advisors and communities around the world. 

To finish the conference we joined about 1,000 accountants and bookkeepers who raided their 80’s wardrobes and “networked” (partied) at Luna Park into the wee hours.