What to Expect at Scaling New Heights 2025: Must-Attend Sessions

If you’re an accountant or bookkeeper looking to improve how you run your firm, Scaling New Heights (SNH), happening from June 22-25, 2025, is one of the 2025 accounting events to attend. We’ve been to this conference twice (once in 2023 and again in 2024), and we’re heading back in 2025 as proud sponsors because it’s one of the best places to learn, connect, and walk away with real strategies to grow your firm.

This year’s theme, “Make It So,” will focus on accounting technology, AI, automation, advisory services, and firm growth strategies. You’ll hear from top industry experts, gain practical insights you can apply immediately, and connect with professionals who face the same challenges and goals as you.

In this article, we’ll break down why SNH 2025 is worth attending, the must-see sessions, and how to get the most value from the event.

Why Attend Scaling New Heights 2025?

There are so many reasons why you should be at this event, but here are just a few:

Cutting-Edge Industry Insights From Top Experts

SNH 2025 brings together some of the best minds in the industry, including David Allen, a leading expert on productivity, Chaunté Lowe, a Four-time Olympian and business owner, and Brittany Brown, Founder and CEO of LedgerGurus.

With 100+ sessions covering everything from accounting technology and advisory services to tax strategies, pricing, and practice management, there’s no shortage of valuable insights. Whether you’re looking for new ways to tackle industry changes or strategies to grow your firm, you’ll walk away with practical tips you can use right away.

Networking Opportunities With Fellow Accountants, Bookkeepers, and Industry Leaders

SNH 2024 had over 1,800 attendees, and this year’s event is expected to be just as big. That means plenty of opportunities to meet people who understand your challenges, exchange ideas, and build relationships that can benefit your firm.

You might walk away with new business partners, client referrals, or simply friends who get what it’s like to run an accounting firm. Whether you’re chatting between sessions, attending networking events, or joining breakout discussions, you’ll have plenty of chances to connect in a meaningful way.

Hands-on Training and Certification Sessions to Level up Skills

If you’re looking to sharpen your skills, Scaling New Heights 2025 has plenty of hands-on training sessions to help you stay ahead.

Want to know what’s coming with IRS enforcement? There’s a session with the former Director of IRS Collections and current South Atlantic Territory for IRS Enforcement, breaking down what to expect in the next few years. Struggling to hand off tasks? There’s a session on how to delegate effectively to free up your time. And if you’re looking to attract more clients, a crash course on video marketing to help your firm stand out will be available.

No matter what area you want to improve, these sessions are designed to give you real, practical takeaways you can apply when you’re back at work.

Exposure to the Latest Accounting Technology and Software Solutions

The event includes a comprehensive technology expo featuring over 100 solutions in different areas, like automating bookkeeping and tax preparation services. This helps you identify and learn more about tools (Like QuickBooks Online, AI, Microsoft Excel, Google Sheets, Notion) that can streamline operations and improve client services.

For instance, there is a session on how to easily sync your QuickBooks Online data to Excel using the new Spreadsheet Sync feature. And another on how to create a Notion workspace for your businesses using the framework in David Allen’s “Getting Things Done” (“GTD”).

Whether you’re looking for new software or just want to get more out of the tools you already have, this conference is a great chance to learn and experiment.

Must-Attend Sessions at Scaling New Heights 2025

With over 100 sessions packed into four days and multiple sessions running at the same time, there’s no way to attend them all—unless you’ve somehow mastered cloning yourself.

To make things easier, we’ve highlighted some must-attend sessions that focus on automation & technology, firm growth, and improving efficiency. If you want to streamline your processes, scale your firm, and make better use of your time, these are the sessions you won’t want to miss.

Keynote Sessions You Can’t Miss

David Allen, World-Renowned Productivity Expert (June 24, 2025, 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM ET)

David Allen, author of Getting Things Done, will share strategies for prioritization, organization, and eliminating distractions. Attendees can expect to learn how to manage workflow, reduce stress, and increase efficiency in their daily tasks.

Chaunté Lowe, Four-time Olympic Champion (June 22, 2025, 4:40 PM – 6:20 PM ET)

American record holder Chaunté Lowe will discuss her journey of perseverance through challenges, including her battle with cancer, while training for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. Accountants can gain valuable insights into overcoming personal and professional challenges with determination and resilience.

Top Workshops & Breakout Sessions for Accountants & Bookkeepers

Here are some sessions specifically on workflow automation, advisory services, and tax strategies.

Kellie Parks, Cloud Accounting Process and Automation Builder

Automate Your Prospective Client Discovery Process: (June 22, 2025, 1:10 PM – 2:00 PM ET)

Kellie Parks will show you how to automate your client discovery process, so you only meet with qualified prospects who are a good fit for your firm. You’ll learn how to use technology to filter out tire kickers, streamline client intake, and set up workflows that book calls and send intake forms automatically. By the end of this session, you’ll have a clear framework for creating an efficient, automated discovery process that saves time and improves your client experience.

Onboarding On Autopilot: (June 23, 2025, 1:00 PM – 2:40 PM ET)

Kellie has another session where she’ll walk you through a seven-step onboarding system that streamlines the entire process—from lead generation to client education. You’ll learn how to automate key steps like vetting prospects, gathering information, and setting up your tech stack while keeping the process smooth for both your firm and your clients. This system works with any tools you prefer, but the session will also cover top app recommendations to enhance efficiency.

Evan Wells, Head of Accountant Growth at Jirav

Turn Insights into Action: FP&A Advisory Models That Make It So for Your Clients (June 25, 2025, 8:00 AM – 8:50 AM ET)

Evan Wells will show you how to create a structured yet flexible FP&A advisory model that works across different industries. You’ll learn how to run effective client meetings, turn financial insights into clear action steps, and track progress over time. You’ll leave with a repeatable framework that helps clients understand their numbers and act on them.

Melissa L. Miranda, Owner, Step By Step Accounting

From Budgets to Forecasts: A Year-Round FP&A Approach to Client Advisory (June 23, 2025, 5:20 PM – 6:10 PM ET)

Melissa will walk you through a structured approach to budgeting that helps clients set realistic financial goals and stay on track throughout the year. Learn how to guide clients through SWOT analysis, goal-setting, and budget creation while also implementing strategies for ongoing monitoring and adjustments. You’ll also get tips on presenting budgets in a way that ensures client buy-in and engagement.

Janell Harlow, Senior Accountant, Step By Step Accounting

Making It So Your Workflows – Flow (June 24, 2025, 5:20 PM – 6:10 PM ET)

Janell will share practical ways to improve workflows by breaking down large tasks, prioritizing effectively, and assigning work based on team strengths. She’ll walk through strategies for spotting inefficiencies, reducing bottlenecks, and improving documentation to keep projects moving smoothly. Expect real-world examples and actionable takeaways to help you streamline your firm’s processes, reduce stress, and get better results for your team and clients.

Eric Green, Founder, Tax Rep Network

How to Automate Your Tax Practice (June 23, 2025, 5:20 PM – 6:10 PM ET)

Eric will lead a panel discussion on automating tax practices to save time and boost revenue. The session will cover how to map out your current workflows, identify areas for automation, and choose the right tools for your firm. Panelists will also share insights on how automation can open up new income streams, making your practice more efficient and profitable.

Technology & Innovation Tracks

If you’re interested in AI, cloud accounting, and automation, here are some sessions for you.

Liz Scott, Founder, Liz Scott Training and Consulting, LLC

Accounting’s AI Revolution Is Here—Are You Ready? See It Live, Hear from the Experts (June 25, 2025, 2:10 PM – 3:50 PM ET)

AI is transforming accounting faster than ever, but how can you actually use it to make your work easier? In this 100-minute panel, Liz Scott and other firms will showcase real-world AI applications that help them cut down on manual tasks, improve advisory services, and enhance cybersecurity. You’ll also see live demos of AI-powered tools for bookkeeping, financial analysis, and firm-wide automation.

Nayo Carter-Gray, Founder + CEO, 1st Step Accounting

The AI Advantage: Automating Processes & Planning for Growth (June 23, 2025, 5:20 PM – 6:10 PM ET)

In this session, Nayo Carter-Gray will break down how AI tools like ChatGPT can automate internal processes, from writing SOPs and summarizing meetings to managing tasks and brainstorming new strategies. If you’re looking for practical ways to cut down on admin work and focus more on running your firm, this session is for you.

Erik Zhou, Chief Accounting Officer, Brex

Lean Into Smart Automation to Scale Your Firm (June 25, 2025, 8:00 AM-8:50 AM ET)

When done right, automation makes bookkeeping faster and accounting more accurate. In this session, Erik Zhou, Chief Accounting Officer at Brex, will break down how smart automation can streamline reconciliations, eliminate manual data entry, and free up time for higher-value client work. Learn how Brex built automated but adaptable systems for a high-growth business and how you can do the same to scale your firm.

Deborah Defer, Director of Client Advisory Services, Woodard

Cutting-Edge Tech Strategies to Elevate Your CAS Practice (June 22, 2025, 12:00 PM – 12:50 PM ET)

Want to take your Client Advisory Services (CAS) practice to the next level? In this session, Deborah Defer, Director of Client Advisory Services at Woodard, will walk you through the latest tech innovations designed to streamline operations, enhance client relationships, and drive growth. Whether you’re looking to improve efficiency or stay ahead of the competition, you’ll leave with practical strategies to implement cutting-edge tools in your firm.

Ben Hussey and Shawn Coultice, Co-CEO and Head of Channel Partnerships, Katana Cloud Inventory

Katana’s Seamless Workflow Integration: From HubSpot and Shopify to QuickBooks Online (June 23, 2025, 7:00 AM – 7:50 AM ET)

Selling across multiple channels can create a mess of fragmented data, inaccurate cost tracking, and financial blind spots in QuickBooks Online (QBO). In this session, Ben Hussey and Shawn Coultice from Katana Cloud Inventory will show you how Katana simplifies inventory, manufacturing, and order fulfillment while keeping your financials accurate.

You’ll see how Katana integrates seamlessly with Shopify and HubSpot, ensuring real-time COGS tracking and clear profit insights at every level. You’ll also walk away with practical strategies to streamline inventory management, automate COGS tracking, and improve financial reporting in QBO.

Growth & Practice Management Sessions

If you want to learn more about how to enhance your firm’s operations and drive sustainable growth, attend the following sessions:

Dawn Brolin, CEO, Powerful Accounting

Defining and Serving Your Ideal Tax Client (June 25, 2025, 2:10 PM – 3:50 PM ET)

Dawn Brolin will guide you through defining your ideal client, understanding their needs, and creating engagement strategies that foster long-term loyalty. You’ll learn how to improve client communication, streamline onboarding, and enhance service delivery with the right technology. In the end, you’ll have actionable tactics to build a thriving, efficient tax practice that serves the right clients while saving you time and effort.

Dave Kersting, CEO/Founder Capovario

Uncover Hidden Potential in Workers’ Compensation and General Liability Audits (June 25, 2025, 1:00 PM – 1:50 PM ET)

Dave Kersting will reveal how accountants can enhance Workers’ Compensation (WC) and General Liability (GL) audits by leveraging data accuracy and automation. He will also show tools like QuickBooks Online (QBO) streamline the audit process, reduce risks, and uncover new revenue opportunities.

Astrid Galvez, Founder, Accounting Specialists and Business Solutions, LLC

Enhancing Family-Owned Businesses Growth with QuickBooks Ledger (June 25, 2025, at 1:00 PM – 1:50 PM ET)

Astrid Galvez will explore how accountants can become trusted advisors for family-owned businesses by leveraging QuickBooks Ledger. Learn how to tailor accounting strategies to meet the unique needs of small businesses, provide personalized financial guidance, and identify the best-fit businesses for QuickBooks Ledger implementation. This session will equip you with the tools to help mom-and-pop shops thrive through streamlined financial management and strategic support.

Kellie Parks, Cloud Accounting Process and Automation Builder

Graceful Endings – Disengaging Clients Respectfully (June 23, 2025, at 5:20 PM – 6:10 PM ET)

Client contract just ended? Join this session with Kellie Parks to see the proper workflow for respectfully disengaging from clients. You’ll see the key steps for managing software transitions, handling client communications, and ensuring contracts and documentation are properly closed. This session will also cover “if this, then that” scenarios for clients who haven’t completed their tasks, helping you navigate disengagement smoothly and professionally.

Kate Johnson, Owner/Bookkeeper, Heritage Business Services

Paid Membership Communities Inside Your Firm: High Margin, High Value (Jan 22, 2025, at 1:10 PM – 2:00 PM ET)

Paid membership communities are a good way to bring in extra income into your firm without adding to your workload, and this panel discussion will show you how to offer this service. It features firm owners who have successfully implemented this model, each with different niches, tech stacks, and goals.

First-Time Attendee Orientation

New to Scaling New Heights? Don’t miss the essential session on June 22, 2025, from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM ET led by Joe Woodard, Founder and CEO of Woodard and host of SNH. You’ll learn how to navigate the conference and make the most of your experience.

Networking & Exhibitor Highlights SNH 2025

SNH 2025 offers a mix of structured and informal networking opportunities designed to help you build valuable professional relationships. Here’s how you can connect, collaborate, and maximize your experience:

Independent Networking Session(June 22, 2025, 11:15 AM – 12:00 PM ET)

Kick off your conference experience with open networking! This dedicated time slot allows you to meet fellow attendees, spark spontaneous discussions, and start building meaningful connections.

Breakout Sessions

Breakout sessions run throughout the conference, offering a more interactive setting where you can engage with speakers, exchange ideas with peers, and dive deeper into session topics.

Meal Times

Enjoy networking in a relaxed atmosphere over breakfast and lunch. These shared meals provide a great opportunity to connect with colleagues, industry experts, and potential collaborators..​

Exhibition Hall

Explore the latest in accounting technology and services from 120+ exhibitors during dedicated exhibit hall hours. Discover new solutions, watch live product demos, and establish relationships with vendors and service providers who can support your firm’s growth.

Visit Financial Cent’s booth at SNH 2025

We are excited to announce that Financial Cents will be exhibiting at Scaling New Heights 2025. Our team is eager to engage with both current and prospective customers throughout the conference. Here’s what you can look forward to at our booth:​

• Connect with Our Team: We welcome our existing customers to visit us for personalized discussions, where we can address any questions and provide insights on maximizing the benefits of Financial Cents.​ See some of our pictures from last year’s exhibition:

• Product Demonstrations: For those interested in exploring our solutions, we will offer live demonstrations of our software, showcasing features designed to enhance your firm’s efficiency and productivity. Our team will be on hand to answer any inquiries and discuss how Financial Cents can meet your specific needs.​
• Exclusive Giveaways: Attendees can pick up complimentary Financial Cents t-shirts at our booth.​ See how gorgeous it looks 😍:

• Daily Raffle Draws: Want a shot at winning $500 daily at SNH 2025? It’s simple. Just wear your Financial Cents t-shirt during the conference, and you’ll be automatically entered into our daily raffle draw. We ran this raffle last year, and attendees had a blast competing for the prize. Here’s a look at the excitement from last year’s participants:

• Cash Rewards: In addition to the raffle, we will be distributing free money envelopes daily to participants spotted wearing Financial Cents t-shirts within the conference venue and halls. Here are some people who won last year:

How to Make the Most of Scaling New Heights 2025

Whether you’re a first-time attendee or a seasoned participant, here’s how to maximize your experience.

1Plan Your Schedule in Advance

With over 100 sessions, multiple keynote presentations, and networking events happening throughout the conference, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. To stay organized:

• Review the official training schedule here and select the sessions that align with your professional growth and business goals.
• Prioritize keynotes and workshops that cover the biggest challenges or opportunities for your firm.
• Use an event app or a planner to avoid scheduling conflicts and ensure you don’t miss important sessions.
• Leave time for networking. Some of the best insights and opportunities come from casual conversations with other attendees.

2. Set Clear Goals for the Event

Before you step into the conference, ask yourself: What do I want to achieve at Scaling New Heights? Your answer will guide how you spend your time. Consider goals like:

• Learning new strategies for automation, advisory services, or tax planning.
• Discovering the best accounting technology to streamline your workflow.
• Meeting industry leaders and potential collaborators.
• Exploring ways to grow and scale your firm.

Setting 2–3 specific goals will help you stay focused and ensure you leave the conference with actionable takeaways.

3. Take Notes & Capture Key Takeaways

With so much valuable information being shared, it’s easy to forget important details. Be intentional about capturing insights by:

• Using a notebook or note-taking app (E.g Evernote, OneNote, Google Keep) to jot down key points.
• Highlighting action items you can implement in your practice right away.
• Recording key speaker quotes or statistics that stand out.
• Summarizing sessions in a “key takeaway” format for easy reference after the event.

4. Network with Fellow Attendees

SNH is one of the best places to connect with other accountants, bookkeepers, and industry leaders. That’s why you should:

• Attend networking events (like the independent networking session on June 22).
• Introduce yourself to other attendees between sessions, during meals, and at social events.
• Exchange business cards or connect on LinkedIn with a personalized message.

5. Engage with Speakers & Panelists

Scaling New Heights brings together industry-leading experts, and one of the biggest advantages of attending in person is the chance to interact directly with them. To make the most of this:

• Ask thoughtful questions during Q&A sessions to clarify points that matter to your business.
• Connect with speakers after their sessions. Most are happy to chat for a few minutes or continue the conversation online.
• Follow speakers on LinkedIn or social media to stay updated on their insights beyond the conference.

6. Visit the Exhibitor Hall Strategically

The Exhibitor hall is packed with cutting-edge accounting technology, software solutions, and service providers that can help streamline your practice. Some vendors even offer exclusive conference-only discounts, making it the perfect opportunity to explore new tools and negotiate great deals.

To make the most of your time:

• Identify must-visit booths based on your firm’s priorities, whether it’s automation, client management, tax solutions, or workflow optimization. Find all exhibitors here.
• Engage with exhibitors. Ask questions, request demos, and see how their solutions fit into your practice.
• Don’t forget to visit Financial Cents! 😉

Follow-Up After the Conference

What you do after the conference is just as important as what you do during the event. Ensure you maximize the value of your experience by:

• Reviewing your notes and identifying action items to implement.
• Reaching out to new connections via LinkedIn or email soon after, referencing your conversation.
• Following up with exhibitors to explore solutions in more detail or schedule demos.
• Sharing your insights with your team to discuss ways to integrate new strategies into your firm.

The Right Investments Define Your Firm’s Future

The most successful accounting professionals don’t just keep up with industry trends; they actively seek out new strategies, technologies, and connections that push their firms forward.

This event is your opportunity to do exactly that. It’s a chance to step away from the daily grind, gain fresh perspectives, and walk away with tangible action steps that can help you grow and scale your firm. Basically, it’s an investment in your firm’s future.

So, make the most of it. Register early, plan your sessions, and engage with the community. And if you need a friendly face, visit the Financial Cents booth, grab a t-shirt and say hi. We’d love to meet you!