The aim of the 2013 Reckon APS Client Conference was to educate, inspire, challenge and motivate our clients to take action and stay at the forefront of the evolving accounting industry.  It was an action packed few days in Queenstown from 14-16 November 2013 and feedback from clients is they took away valuable information to improve their practices.
The event was opened by the MD of our Accountants Group, Sam Allert, who shared highlights of what was to come over the following two days including the key topics being covered in the strategic and operational workshops, products being covered in the demonstrations, and our 2013 key note and guest speakers.

Great presenters, valuable information

After the opening presentation, our 2013 Key Note Speakers, James Castrission and Justin Jones, or “Cas and Jonesy” as they are affectionately known, took to the stage. Good mates since their teenage years, Cas and Jonesy shared their amazing adventures with the audience – their kayaking journey from Australia to New Zealand, and their unsupported journey across harsh and unrelenting Antarctica.

The audience was absolutely captivated by Cas and Jonesy and their presentation which included videos and photos of their expeditions. There was lots of laughter, there were some tears, there was amazement and sheer disbelief of what these two adventurers went through and achieved.  The audience gave them a long standing ovation at the conclusion of their presentation, and many bought their books and dvds – including me.  These two mates were remarkable and are the very epitome of the word ‘inspirational’.

Geoff Leeper, ATO Second Commissioner, was a 2013 Guest Speaker and shared valuable information on the government’s plans on SBR and future directions for online tax arrangements and e business. We were delighted that Geoff was able to participate in our event as he offered a unique opportunity for our clients to hear first hand from one of the most Senior people in the ATO, valuable information they could use to plan for the future.

Myron Zlotnick, Reckon General Counsel & Company Secretary was our other guest speaker and presented to a full room in both his sessions. Myron covered ‘legal aspects surrounding cloud computing’ and gave insights into risks that businesses need to be aware of whilst working on cloud environments, as well as how to meet those risks.

Getting close to nature in Queenstown

Lunch on both days was out on the Hilton Hotel’s Terrace surrounded by the stunning mountain backdrop and overlooking Wakatipu Lake.  Clients pulled up a pew ‘picnic’ style soaking up the sunny weather that Queenstown put on for us over the two day, three night event.

The evening networking sessions involved a traditional Maori Welcome (Kiwi Haka), jet boating, helicopter flights, sky gondola rides, bungy jumping and dressing up as action heroes!  We were thrilled that so many of our clients took part in all the evening activities with such gusto!  There were over 30 people that bungy jumped off the Kawarau Bridge on Friday night.

On Saturday evening, 50 clients who were ‘Early Bird’ registrations won a scenic helicopter flight over Queenstown before being transported to the Gala Dinner in epic style!

The entire conference group of clients, sponsors, guests and staff put in a huge effort to get dressed up as Action Heroes for the themed dinner!

You can see more photos from the 2013 Reckon APS Client Conference here.

In addition to our jam-packed 2013 program, there were many moustaches on show at the event as the ‘mo-bro’s ‘grow their mo’ to raise money for men’s health as part of Movember.  Sam Allert, David Burke and our Conference MC, Campbell Ross, were sporting some serious ‘mos’ while presenting their sessions.  Even some of the girls were in on the action!  The team raised over $3000 for Movember during the conference…and their moustaches are still going strong!