Blogs
Left Hungary for more!
May 2025
One of my favourite European cities, we gathered in the magnificent Budapest for Russell Bedford International’s EMEA and International Tax conference.
They say you’re only as good as your latest and I personally feel this was one of the best EMEA conferences we’ve held. Although certain messages scared us with insights into how Artificial Intelligence will continue to intrude on our profession and indeed, our lives, we were enlightened to hear how AI will actually help us become more human. I like this! It’s a nice twist and very true. If we allow AI to take away the non-creative, the non-value added and the non-empathetic elements of our roles and our existence, then we get to focus much more on our human side. And then, in a world of increasing AI, we have an enhanced and better human touch.
I also like our Chicago firm’s message: “Not just numbers people, people people”. And that very much mirrors our global network and the importance of the personal aspects of how we do business.
We also discussed ESG, future proofing your accountancy firm (looking at strategic priorities for success), which focused on succession planning, talent retention, technology, prioritisation, quality, profitability and more.
Additionally, we addressed impacts of current political regimes and global economic uncertainty. Happy days!
Well, they were. And, as I keep telling our people around the world, together we are better equipped to tackle such challenges since, at Russell Bedford, you are certainly not alone.
What will never be replaced and what will never change, is the importance of relationships; the building of trust. This is what we do best. Seeing our people connect and collaborate, enhancing and cementing relationships by the River Danube, reminded me that whatever we are facing, we can share and grow together, with core values and determination.
It was a fantastic event, we covered so much, and, in the most positive of ways, as with every great meal, we left wanting more!
Thanks to our hosts ICT Európa Finance Zrt.- Russell Bedford Hungary, my fabulous team and all who helped make this such a successful occasion.