We went to Xerocon Nashville!
Xerocon Nashville 2024: A Two-Day Extravaganza with NZ XPAC
Attending Xerocon Nashville 2024 as part of the New Zealand Xero Partners Advisory Council (XPAC) was an unforgettable experience for both Josh and me. It was two days packed with inspiration, education, and plenty of fun—all delivered with that unmistakable Southern charm in the enormous Music City Centre, right next to the Country Music Hall of Fame.
Day 1: Inspiring Keynotes and Industry Insights
The event kicked off with a series of compelling keynotes from leaders and visionaries. Sukhinder Singh-Cassidy, the dynamic CEO of Xero, set the tone for the conference, outlining Xero's vision for the future and the role of partners in transforming businesses globally. Diya Jolly, Xero's Chief Product Officer, dove deep into product updates and innovations that are set to redefine how we and our clients will engage with the Xero platform.
Perhaps one of the most thought-provoking talks came from Zach Kass, a futurist who explored emerging trends in technology and business that are reshaping our industry. Meanwhile, Dr. Saundra Dalton-Smith delivered an insightful session on the importance of rest and well-being—something often overlooked in the fast-paced world of accounting and technology.
Learning from the Global Xero Community
One of the highlights of the event was connecting with fellow Xero partners from both sides of the globe. As we networked with partners from Australasia and across America, it became clear how different the NZ accounting ecosystem is compared to the American situation. The nuances in regulations, tax structures, and client expectations sparked many interesting conversations. It was fascinating to see how Xero is being leveraged in these distinct environments, and we returned home with a lot of valuable insights and strategies to share.
Breakout Sessions: A Deep Dive into App Ecosystems
Beyond the keynote sessions, we had the opportunity to attend several breakout sessions. These smaller, app-focused workshops were excellent for getting into the nitty-gritty of software that integrates with Xero. We particularly enjoyed sessions featuring an analysis of AI in the workplace, Ignition, and Projectworks—each offering tools and workflows designed to streamline business processes and improve efficiencies for both accountants and their clients. It was great to see Projectworks featured, given our experience working with it back home.
Fun, Music, and Line-Dancing
Of course, Xerocon wouldn’t be Xerocon without a healthy dose of fun. Ashland Craft’s musical performances got everyone into the Nashville spirit, and we couldn’t resist taking part in the line-dancing lessons—an iconic Southern experience that had everyone on their feet. The conference maintained that perfect balance between learning and entertainment, keeping us engaged throughout.
A Grand Finale: The Nashville Afterparty
As the conference came to a close, Xerocon Nashville pulled out all the stops for its legendary afterparty. Complete with a mechanical bull, cowboy hats, and endless opportunities for some good old-fashioned fun, it was a great way to wind down after two intense days of learning. The sense of camaraderie and shared purpose among the attendees made this experience truly special.
Wrapping Up
Xerocon Nashville 2024 was a whirlwind of learning, networking, and good times. From thought-provoking keynotes and insightful breakout sessions to meeting partners from across the globe, it was a rich experience that left us both inspired and excited for what lies ahead. We're grateful to have attended as part of NZ XPAC and can't wait to bring all the knowledge and energy back to our clients and the community.
Until next time Nashville!
