AGA members debate industry challenges at North American Leadership Conference

Over 40 participants from the US, Canada and Mexico enjoyed a full program of business sessions, networking and social activities.

Sponsored again this year by McGowan PRO, the professional liability insurance specialists, the conference began with a welcome from North America Regional Chair, Daryl Petrick and an update from AGA’s CEO Giles Brake who outlined the challenges firms face in the current climate including recruitment and retention, remote working, technology advancements and new regulations, with Brake explaining how the alliance is helping firms to deal with these pressures.

Damien McMenamin, AGA’s Chief Growth Officer, gave an update on the growth of the North American network and outlined a growth strategy targeting metropolitan centers such as Dallas, Houston, Montreal, Washington DC, Miami, Vancouver, Edmonton, Boston and Los Angeles.

Kathie Gaber, Partner at Chicago law firm Masuda Funai moderated a forward looking discussion among managing partners on the challenges and opportunities in recruiting staff in 2023. This was followed by Chris Blake, partner at Cleveland law firm member Hahn Loeser & Parks and Trish Orlando, HR manager at Toronto accounting firm Prasad & Company, who co-moderated a panel which involved firms’ up and coming leaders discussing what they require from their firms to develop their careers and to stay with the firm in the longer term, and how they see the future of their industry.

Guest speakers Scott Moore of Rainmaker Companies and Sara Huddleston of The Growth Partnership led sessions focused on practice growth strategy and how to give and receive feedback more effectively.

The conference concluded with breakouts for the managing partners and future leaders, providing both peer groups with ample time to exchange experiences and benchmark best practice. Throughout the conference, delegates enjoyed unique opportunities to network and experience the southern hospitality and lively nightlife of New Orleans.

Giles Brake commented:

"We had a very strong turnout at this year’s conference and a good blend of input from our current and future leaders. This ensured everyone was able to learn from each other and return home re-energized and with new ideas. The region’s membership is in good health and the future looks very bright for alliance members and their clients. Thank you to everyone who helped to make the conference a success.”

Other news:

Alliott Global Alliance Worldwide Conference Attracts Record Attendance in Washington D.C.

Northern California CPA firm BHLF LLP Joins Alliott Global Alliance

Kathleen Gaber, Attorney and member of AGA's North America Advisory Committee discusses the benefits to the firm of membership of AGA

About Alliott Global Alliance:

Founded in 1979, and with 215 member firms in 95 countries Alliott Global Alliance is an international alliance of independent, law, accounting, and specialist advisory firms, working across the world Together as One.

Each of our members shares a common goal: to learn and share knowledge, resources, and opportunities to make the world smaller and their businesses stronger.
We work with a spirit of generosity and openness — so that together, we can continue to fulfil our ambitions, gain greater experience, and drive mutual success.

Alliott Global Alliance is expanding fast, and the alliance has its sights set firmly on growing its legal and accounting membership to 100 countries. Opportunities are available to independent professional firms in specific countries in Africa, but also in Europe, China, the ASEAN region, Australasia, the Gulf Cooperation Council region, Central and South America and in North America. For information about membership email membership@alliottglobal.com.