AGA's 2024 Worldwide Conference drives global collaboration

AGA is one of the largest and fastest growing global multidisciplinary alliances, with 225 law and accounting member firms operating out of 340 offices in some 100 countries.

This year’s conference was designed to foster international collaboration, promote interest in sustainability consulting, encourage innovative thinking about staffing and tech, and increase alignment among member firms in cross border service delivery. Delegates participated in training workshops, keynote sessions, panels, and networking opportunities, as well as rich cultural experiences that showcased the vibrancy of Ho Chi Minh City.

Training and discussion forum topics ranged from refining AML and KYC processes to improving referral practices to developing effective strategies for leveraging the alliance when pitching for larger business. Polish law member Michal Woloszanski also highlighted ongoing innovations related to AGAOne, the alliance’s collaborative digital platform that is enabling greater speed and efficiency between member firms and opening up mutually beneficial opportunities across firms and international markets.   

This year’s plenary sessions focused on stimulating discussion on and providing solutions to the key challenges faced by mid-size, independent professional firms including talent retention, technology innovation and responsible use of generative AI, adopting a global growth mindset and how and why to lead on sustainability. In attendance as keynote speakers were various leading management, professional and business strategy consultants, including the ‘Creativity Explorer’ Fredrik Haren, Chun Wee Chiew, ACCA’s Regional Policy and Insights Lead for Asia Pacific, psychologist Dr. Katherine Hunt, and international marketing strategist Ross Fishman.

AGA’s CEO Giles Brake set out the alliance’s growth targets for the next five years and unveiled a larger alliance strategy designed to drive further strategic growth, foster collaboration between law and accounting offices and maximise the alliance’s brand impact and overall value proposition. Since 2019, AGA has expanded from 148 member firms in 58 countries to 224 member firms in 98 countries.

Members also had the opportunity to pay tribute to outgoing Worldwide Chair Darsi Casey (USA) and celebrate the appointment (press release to follow) of recently elected incoming Worldwide Chair, Giorgio Marcolongo (Italy).

Giles Brake commented:

"This year’s event demonstrated the power of collaboration and the importance of continuously innovating the way we run our businesses and interact with our clients. Over four days, the high levels of energy and camaraderie on display indicated an alliance with a strong culture and a shared vision, key ingredients that will ensure a very bright future for all our stakeholders. "A huge thank you to local members Son Dang and and Lieu Dang of law firm DNA Vietnam for their outstanding hospitality. We now look ahead to the next Worldwide Conference in Toronto in November 2025.”

The conference also featured the alliance’s Excellence Awards that recognised member firm best practice in categories such as international business development, brand ambassadorship, innovation and social responsibility (press release to follow).

About Alliott Global Alliance:

Founded in 1979, and with 225 member firms operating out of 340 offices in some 100 countries Alliott Global Alliance is an international alliance of independent, law, accounting, and advisory firms, working across the world Together as One.

Each of our members share 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 over 100 countries. Opportunities are available to independent professional firms in specific countries in Africa, 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