The highlights from day one in all Xerocon Sydney

Wow! What an thrilling first Xerocon as CEO. Day one was filled with so many inspiring moments. In fact, one of the best half was speaking on to our accounting and bookkeeping group concerning the vital function they play within the lives of small companies.

Being on the large stage to debate the significance of Xero’s function and partnerships was not solely a spotlight, but additionally a privilege – as was seeing the remainder of the day unfold.

Trying forward with the Xerocon opening showcase

The morning started with a mesmerising dance efficiency from Milan Ring, adopted by a showcase from a few of Xero’s management staff. 

I cherished listening to Diya Jolly, Chief Product Officer, discuss her ardour for serving to advisors and the way Xero helps accountants and bookkeepers develop their observe. James Bergin, EGM of Expertise Technique and Integration, talked about rising know-how, synthetic intelligence (AI) and the way we might help our companions put together for the longer term. We heard from Jeremy Butteriss, EGM of Ecosystem and Partnerships, who highlighted the various advantages that Xero delivers by our ecosystem of over 1,000 linked apps resembling Planday, and constructing customized integrations.

Head right here to study extra concerning the product updates and options we introduced.

Our Chief Buyer Officer Rachael Powell additionally shared insights concerning the challenges small companies face, and alternatives for advisors to evolve in areas like carbon accounting. What’s extra, Xero’s resident economist Louise Southall gave an outline of the financial local weather that small companies are working in, together with the most recent from Xero Small Enterprise Insights. 

Taking inspiration from the principle stage audio system 

The day continued with some particular visitor audio system. Lisa MacCallum, former VP of Nike, impressed us with a session on the transformative energy of balancing function and revenue. She reminded us that enterprise house owners who stand for greater than what they promote at all times come out on prime. 

Our fabulous Xerocon host Julia Zemiro stored power ranges excessive. It was great to listen to her interview Sam Elsom about his ardour for environmentalism. Sam is the CEO of Sea Forest, an organization that produces a particular breed of seaweed that combats local weather change. He left an enduring impression, rallying everybody to take steps – irrespective of how small – to change into extra sustainable in enterprise and life.

We additionally heard from APAC Managing Director Joseph Lyons, who mentioned the significance of belief. Within the age of automation, he bolstered that know-how will solely ever be the co-pilot – not the alternative – to human-led advisory.

Studying concerning the newest traits

The breakout periods within the afternoon delved deeper into the subjects that matter most. We expanded on some key themes from the morning like carbon accounting, how practices are getting ready for the longer term, and rising applied sciences like AI. 

We shared some analysis on small companies and the way they’re responding to AI. The insights confirmed they’re involved that AI growth and adoption is outpacing regulation, however many are nonetheless proactively trying to make use of AI. There’s a transparent need for extra training, and that’s why we launched the Future Focus: AI Information for Accountants and Bookkeepers to assist our companions navigate the affect of AI on their practices and purchasers, with lots extra insights, significant discussions and learnings shared. 

Having a blast within the exhibition corridor

In fact, Xerocon isn’t nearly listening to essential stage and breakout periods; there was loads of buzz and exercise within the exhibition corridor, with attendees having the chance to satisfy with over 70 app companions collaborating in Xerocon. 

From a bedazzling Xero piggy financial institution and ‘beating a bot’ to taking a trip down the slides and going for a therapeutic massage or haircut within the wellness space, loads of enjoyable was had by everybody concerned. And I can’t wait to do all of it once more tomorrow!