Winning combination for DFK EMEA

A move to bring young professionals and senior partners within DFK EMEA closer together to help promote the next generation has been hailed a success.

DFK International’s regional group for Europe, Middle East and Africa combined its annual conference and young professionals conference for the first time this year to support the training and development of future leaders.

Around 180 delegates attended the inaugural merged conference which took place in Madrid in February, and was hosted over three days by Spanish member firm BNFIX.

Business development was a main theme with an expert session led by William Johnson, from The Openside Group. Una and Gerry McSorley, from MARCOMM Training, focused on developing communication skills with the young professionals.

Salvador Marin, president of the European Federation of Accountants and Auditors for SMEs, also addressed delegates about the macroeconomic situation in Spain and doing business in the country.

Anne Brady, vice-president of DFK EMEA, said:

The conference was super. It was great for the younger members to meet and network with the partners because they are the future leaders of DFK.

The young professionals were thrilled with what they took from the conference, particularly the experience of giving a presentation to members of our board. It was great to see how confident they were.

The full business programme was complemented with a mix of social events which included a walking tour of Madrid, a Spanish evening featuring a dressage display, and a competition for delegates to capture the best photos via a new conference app.

Next year’s conference will take place alongside the DFK International annual conference when it is held in Vienna in July.