Russell Bedford Young Partners & Managers Conference 2023

December 2023

Russell Bedford’s Young Partners & Managers Conference 2023 unfolded at the luxurious 5-star Radisson Blu Hotel on 27-28 November, in Larnaca, Cyprus. This year’s event was held in the vibrant city of Larnaca, near the stunning Marina and the historic Saint Lazarus Church.

Welcomed by local firm Intertaxaudit, Russell Bedford’s longstanding member firm in Nicosia, the venue offered an ideal setting for this highly anticipated conference. The event was further enriched with the addition of Limassol's Fincap Advisors, a recently joined member firm. Their presence marked their introduction to the network and granted them a firsthand understanding of the network's dynamics.

Commencing the first day of this year's conference, Stephen Hamlet, Russell Bedford's CEO, extended a warm welcome to delegates, followed by an ice-breaker session which encouraged delegates to introduce themselves and share more about their careers and interests.

Stephen then provided an update, sharing the latest developments within the network and highlighting recent achievements, setting the stage for presentations by the local firm, Intertaxaudit, and the new addition, Fincap Advisors, showcasing their firms and specialities.

Kathryn Davis, the networks Events and Member Relations Manager, then stepped up to facilitate connections and organise delegates into groups based on personality types. An fun session that provided valuable insights into the group's collective mindset.

The first networking break of the day came next, an integral part of Russell Bedford's conference agenda, providing an opening for delegates to forge deeper connections.

Following the networking break, the sessions resumed with Lina Lemessiou, Russell Bedford’s Director of Professional Standards, delving into the realms of professional ethics. Her discussion shed light on navigating the corporate landscape and the importance of making ethical choices within it.

After an engaging morning program, delegates took a break for a networking lunch, continuing to cultivate connections while enjoying a delightful buffet of local cuisine.

The afternoon session began with Angus Farr, an expert in developing soft skills for professional advancement, who led an engaging session titled "5 skills for accountants who don’t like networking." Angus offered valuable strategies for accountants to enhance their networking abilities, making it accessible and relevant to the profession.

As day one of the conference drew to a close, a final networking break provided attendees with another opportunity to connect. The first day culminated in a compelling session led once again by Angus, where he explored office politics and effective methods for navigating challenging interpersonal dynamics. Angus’s engaging and practical advice continued to resonate with the young professionals, leaving them with valuable insights to apply in their professional environments.

In the evening, delegates embraced an exciting adventure with a visit to the Oak Tree Wine Tasting, immersing themselves in an array of local culture, while sampling local wines. After savouring some delicious wines, the group strolled to the nearby Valtou Rigani restaurant, a charming local mezze spot. There, they lingered until the late hours, bonding over delightful drinks and appetising food.

The conference's second day commenced with pre-conference networking and Stephen Hamlet's opening remarks.

Shortly after, Angus took the lead in a highly interactive session on what goes wrong when you get too busy, prompting delegates to race through the hotel corridors, while participating in this team-based activity. This lively contest served as a platform for refining the group’s time-management and prioritising skills, directly applicable to their professional endeavours.

After the team activity concluded, a networking break followed, marking the announcement of the results and winners. Angus utilised this time to share practical advice and real-life examples, guiding delegates on improving their workload management and overall well-being by avoiding overwhelm at work.

The second day's sessions concluded with Stephen and Angus presenting comprehensive conclusions and summarising the essential insights for delegates.

After enjoying another delicious buffet lunch, delegates seized their final opportunity to network before bidding farewell, expressing hopes to stay connected and reunite at upcoming conferences, or perhaps even sooner.

Looking back at the conference, Russell Bedford’s CEO, Stephen Hamlet, said: “I'm genuinely moved by the passion and depth of discussions among our young professionals. Witnessing their enthusiasm to learn, exchange knowledge, and foster connections has been incredibly inspiring. I'm eager to see the profound impact these experiences will have on their professional journeys. "