05 Sep 2024

Reflecting on the 2024 Asia Pacific Regional Conference

The Asia Pacific (AP) Regional Conference, held August 21-23, 2024, in Bali, Indonesia, was nothing short of extraordinary! Set against Bali's tranquil beaches and vibrant culture, this event created an exhilarating atmosphere for collaboration, learning, innovation, and sheer enjoyment.

The central theme throughout was the urgent need to REIMAGINE global business practices. The message was clear: NOW is the moment to rethink traditional approaches, focus on building meaningful connections with clients, partners, and peers, and enhance our responsiveness and proactivity through continuous learning and adaptation.

The event began with an inviting beachside reception. Our 40 attendees had the perfect opportunity to reconnect with familiar faces and engage with new participants who brought fresh and exciting perspectives. This blend of the old and the new sparked vibrant exchanges of ideas and strengthened professional networks.

Inspiring Sessions

An in-depth exploration of Indonesia's main imports and exports provided valuable insights for businesses looking to expand in the region. LEA also emphasized the need for increased representation on the AP Council to better address regional needs and seize emerging opportunities. We shared a three-year activity plan - aimed at driving growth and innovation across the Asia Pacific region.

Conference sessions highlighted the evolving nature of client relationships and presented crucial strategies such as:

Understanding client needs and delivering tailored solutions to build trust and loyalty.
Being open to client insights to better grasp local challenges and opportunities.
Transitioning from a vendor to a strategic advisor aligned with clients’ goals.
Helping clients navigate future challenges to stay ahead of the curve.
Demonstrating commitment to clients' visions to forge stronger partnerships.
Offering insights into significant deals and market shifts.

We also uncovered the secrets to professional practice growth during Prosperity's 35-Year Journey and Other Wisdom from the Front Line. In this inspiring session, Prosperity Founder & CEO Allan McKeown shared his learnings from 35 years of practice, recounting the remarkable journey of growing the firm from a humble $100k to an impressive $30 million in annual revenue, with LEA playing a pivotal role in this growth. Allan’s experiences provided a treasure trove of practical advice and strategies, offering a powerful blueprint for those looking to drive their firms to new heights.

In addition, we explored essential tax considerations and compliance requirements for doing business in the US, providing vital guidance for foreign entities maneuvering through the complexities of the American market. The conference also featured dynamic discussions on Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) strategies, where we examined how to seamlessly integrate ESG principles into business models, develop compelling ESG offerings, and support clients on their ESG journeys.

We dove into groundbreaking insights on how artificial intelligence (AI) will reshape the role of accountants, reinforcing the necessity for professionals to embrace these technological advancements and pivot toward strategic advisory roles. The Young Professional panel emphasized the importance of cultivating strong professional relationships, highlighting their role in career advancement and enhancing firm involvement in strategic initiatives.

One standout session addressed the forgotten story of Indonesian rum by Island Beverages (Nusa Caña). This engaging presentation celebrated one of Indonesia’s unique treasures and illustrated the pivotal role that professional service advisers play in guiding businesses toward global success.

Conference Snapshots

Members mingle and enjoy the beachside reception Tony Szczepaniak and Wilfred Schultz Members at the beachside reception Members connect at the beachside reception Members pose for a group photo at the beachside reception Tony Szczepaniak shares his opening remarks Members hold bottles of Indonesian rum AP Conference attendees AP Conference attendees AP Conference attendees Thank you to our host firms - The Practice and Kap Joachim Adhi Piter Poltak & Rekan! AP Conference attendees

Overall, the conference was a vibrant mix of knowledge sharing, strategic insights, and inspirational stories, all set against the stunning backdrop of Bali’s serene beaches and lively culture. We extend our heartfelt thanks to our host firms and sponsors - The Practice and Kap Joachim Adhi Piter Poltak & Rekan - and to all our attendees whose continued support made this event a tremendous success.

It is an honor to host events like this, as they provide a fantastic opportunity for everyone to forge deeper connections. They go beyond meetings - they are a platform for fostering collaboration, open dialogue, and meaningful exchanges of knowledge, ideas, and experience. At LEA Global, we know these opportunities are invaluable for personal and professional development and are dedicated to creating spaces where these connections can flourish.