First AAT Connect brings together member experts, celebrates exceptional community

AAT demonstrated the power of its professional community at its inaugural AAT Connect event on Friday 8 November, when hundreds of members gathered for a day of innovative peer-led learning covering artificial intelligence, sustainability, career development, and practice growth. 

In a groundbreaking approach for UK professional bodies, the event was designed by members, for members – with AAT's network of accomplished member-leaders sharing their expertise through workshops and presentations. An exhibition space showcased the latest accounting technology and professional service solutions. 

Experts provide practical tips  

Recently appointed AAT President, Michael Steed, said, “AAT Connect brings our member community together to learn from each other, share expertise, and celebrate success. It was fantastic to see members from right across the profession so thoroughly engaged.” 

The unique event, co-designed by members themselves, had strong participation from AAT members working in industry, running their own practices, and those helping to bring the next generation of accountants through as AAT tutors.  

“Members have been at the heart of designing a programme that combines practical learning from genuine industry leaders amongst their peers, with the irreplaceable benefits of in-person networking,” he said. 

Steed, who ran a successful small practice before becoming President, praised the event's practical focus: “We can learn so much from each other, from those at the coalface. The quality of member-led sessions show exactly why AAT's dynamic and diverse membership is at the heart of everything we do.” 

“Initial training is just the beginning," Steed added. “Accountancy professionals are under growing pressure to stay relevant with modern ways of working and changes in technology and regulation. The reaction from members who attended tells me we’ve helped them keep their practice relevant, and much more.” 

AAT’s new flagship event gets A+ from members 

AAT CEO Sarah Beale agreed that the event was a tremendous success, key to its success was its innovative approach. 

“Based on the terrific, enthusiastic support from those in attendance and from those who wish they’d had, we can confirm that AAT Connect will be back next year – likely bigger and better than even this incredibly strong start. The response has blown us away, quite frankly.”. 

Beale welcomed strong participation from AAT members working in industry, running their own practices, and those helping to bring the next generation of accountants through as AAT tutors.  

“After four years of pandemic-era professional development, we’re proud to bring together our members for a new flagship face-to-face event aimed at learning from, and then connecting and celebrating our fabulous AAT community– one where they are the absolute focus,” she said.  

Beale said whilst remote events had their place, “We noticed a gap in what our members and most professionals were missing. To support networking, an event needs to have opportunities for downtime and moments of fun. They can be just as important as the serious stuff – and the evidence shows they’re actually more important when it comes to growing attendees’ confidence and professional networks.”

Gen-Z relishes opportunity for real-world facetime  

Recent research by Australia-based academics Dumbell and Haddow (2024) found face-to-face professional events were three times more effective than virtual events in supporting effective networking according to attendees.1  

Grace Hardy, a 22-year-old AAT Licensed Accountant originally from Oxford who now serves creative sector clients from her southwest London base, shared why she attended AAT Connect: "To be honest, I had FOMO when I started to see all the people on my LinkedIn feed posting saying they were going. I knew had to be there.” 

“This is honestly such a good way for people like me who deal almost only online with clients to have something in person where you can be in the room, learn lots, and take the time away from the distractions of work and home offices. It’s been fun to get to chat with people I’d otherwise probably never have met.” 

Hardy said too often it was assumed "‘Oh, she’s Gen-Z, she can do everything online… she won’t want something in person’. The truth is, I’ve absolutely loved this event." 

In-person Impact Awards celebrates top AAT members’ excellence 

Friday's AAT Connect event culminated in the second-annual and first in-person AAT Impact Awards with a sit-down lunch, dazzling entertainment, and a ceremony to celebrate outstanding contributions across the profession.  

AAT CEO Sarah Beale said: "The calibre of nominations showcases the remarkable, positive impact AAT members make across the profession, to our economy, and in our society. There is no denying that we have an exceptional professional community. The Awards provided inspiration to us all, to us all, and quite frankly makes me incredibly proud to lead an organisation that supports such talent, innovation and passion.” 

Michael Steed presented the 9 Impact Awards and Past President Tim Light presented the prestigious Past-Presidents' Award to Carbolic Moroka. Moroka began his AAT qualifications in 1997 and has gone on to become Branch Chairman of AAT’s Botswana branch, during which time he implemented initiatives that revitalised the branch, increased member engagement, and improved the quality of education for AAT students in Botswana. 

"The AAT Past-Presidents' Award celebrates those rare individuals who go above and beyond in service of our profession and its values. Carbolic Moroka's commitment to widening access to our profession and supporting aspiring accountants in Botswana makes him a worthy recipient this year," said Michael Steed.  

Michael Steed and AAT Vice-President Lucy Cohen were on hand to wish winner Carbolic Moroka congratulations, themselves both recipients of the prestigious AAT Past-Presidents' Award - in 2004 and 2021 respectively. The full-circle moment made clear the strong pipeline of leadership talent continues to nurture amongst its membership. 

Full list of winners: 

• AAT Excellence Award - Jessica Brindle FMAAT 
• AAT One to Watch Award - Julie Spence AATQB 
• AAT Inspiration Award - Will Boardman MAAT 
• AAT Influence Award - Rosie Berridge FMAAT 
• AAT Triumph Award - David Bennett MAAT 
• AAT Global Champion Award - Paul Lyn FMAAT 
• AAT Professional Member of the Year (MAAT/FMAAT) - Ellis Harris-Boulter MAAT 
• AAT Professional Member of the Year (AATQB) - Zara Farr AATQB 
• AAT Licenced Member of the Year - Andrew Smith FMAAT 
• AAT Past-Presidents' Award - Carbolic Moroka MAAT