Kreston Global and our host Kreston Germany are delighted to invite all members to Berlin for the Kreston World & EMEA Conference 2024 which will take place on 12-15 November 2024.
The conference theme is aligned to one of Kreston’s strategic pillars: forward thinking. This year’s focus will be on how technology and data are significantly impacting our profession. There will also be an update on Kreston’s strategy and a half-day dedicated to Global Group meetings to dive into more specialist topics.
In response to member firms' demand, Kreston Global's Marketing Team will host an optional training session on Tuesday 12 November before the official conference starts with a welcome reception and dinner.
To encourage networking and ensure that members have fun together, the conference registration includes an exciting social programme for members and their companions.
We are pleased to announce that Caseware will be the sole sponsor for the conference. To know more about them please click here.
Delegate rate
The delegate rate includes attendance to the conference, all social activities, and refreshments throughout. Travel, accommodation and insurance are not included and delegates will need to organise these independently.
- Early bird rate: € 1,995 + 19% VAT - for registrations made and paid for by 30 June 2024
- Regular rate: € 2,395 + 19% VAT - for registrations made and paid for by 21 October 2024
Companions are welcome and we have organised activities for them. The companion rate follows the same timelines as the delegate fee and includes attendance to the companions programme as well as to the conference social activities.
ALERT: due to venue capacity, companion registrations confirmed after 23 August will be on a waitlist for welcome dinner, team building and dinner, gala dinner and afterparty. We will inform your companion should a place become available for them for any of these activities. Their attendance is confirmed for the companions programme and tour of Berlin, if chosen to attend one.
- Companion early bird rate: € 1,100 + 19% VAT - for registrations made and paid for by 30 June 2024
- Companion regular rate: € 1,400 + 19% VAT - for registrations made and paid for by 21 October 2024
Innovation Showcase
As part of the event, we want to showcase what our own member firms are doing in the innovation space.
The showcase will take place on 13 November between 14:10 and 15:10 in 4 meeting rooms across the hour. Two firms will present separately in each room with a short interval in between to give delegates the opportunity to attend two showcases. With the exception of the main conference room, the other meeting rooms will have limited spaces available which will be assigned on the day on a first-come, first-served basis.
Innovation Showcase agenda:
Main conference room: Caseware showcasing Caseware ESG at 14:10 and Caseware AiDA/Caseware Cloud at 14:45
Renzo Piano meeting room:
CBIZ showcasing D@taNEXUS at 14:10
Break 14:35-14:45
Kreston Rangamani showcasing Yantrik at 14:45
Isozaki-Kollhof meeting room:
Kreston Iberaudit showcasing K-PDIC at 14:10
Break 14:35-14:45
Kreston BSG showcasing SupPoint (Supplier Website + SAP) at 14:45
Bibliothek meeting room:
Kreston Slovakia showcasing Doklado at 14:10
Break 14:35-14:45
Kreston MDM showcasing MDM EDUtech at 14:45
Showcase Solutions
Caseware ESG
Meet the Caseware ESG app – the leading app that supports accountants and finance professionals in preparing their ESG reporting. The Caseware ESG app is a powerful tool that helps accountants and finance professionals with materiality analysis and the generation of complete sustainability reports. During this session, we will show you how the Caseware ESG app can be used to collect, analyse and present sustainability data in a way that provides meaningful insights for stakeholders. From climate risks to diversity and inclusion, we will show you how to collect and ultimately report this data. For more information: Simon Warren.
Caseware AiDA, Caseware Cloud
Join us for this informative session where we will discuss the key trends that are impacting the industry and the burgeoning technologies that are enabling audit transformation. You’ll learn how Caseware’s cloud audit solutions are helping firms to unlock efficiencies, enhance quality, and produce real ‘value adds’ for their clients. You’ll also get an exclusive sneak preview of AiDA, Caseware’s new AI Digital Assistant, and how it will elevate your audit experience. For more information: Simon Warren.
D@taNEXUS, CBIZ
CBIZ’s new suite of data analytics and automation services is designed to help businesses, particularly in the mid-market segment, transform complex, multi-source information into actionable insights. By enabling faster, more informed decision-making, CBIZ D@taNEXUS is set to redefine how companies manage their data and operations. One of the key benefits of CBIZ D@taNEXUS is its ability to simplify the overwhelming complexity of business data by normalising and standardising reports and forecasts across various systems, providing business leaders with clear, actionable insights. CBIZ’s launch of D@taNEXUS also signals a broader shift in the accounting and advisory industry towards greater reliance on advanced data analytics and automation. The platform has been built to conform to U.S. privacy standards, is GDPR-compliant and leverages industry-leading cloud technologies to deliver services. For more information: Rob McGillen.
Doklado, Kreston Slovakia
Doklado is an application for entrepreneurs and accountants. With Doklado receipts and invoices for accounting can be posted electronically. The app allows to automatically post up to 300 documents in 30 seconds. With Doklado, customers no longer need to carry receipts in wallets since they can save them on the Doklado mobile app, immediately after purchase. Doklado also allows for easy and automatic issue invoicing. You can email all issued invoices directly from the app to the customer or export them to your accounting software. In addition to receipts and invoices, Doklado allows you to store other documents in the digital archive, such as bank statements, contracts, execution letters, delivery notes, purchase orders and more. Last but not least, Doklado converts payment gateway statements into a format that is compatible with any given accounting program. It is no longer necessary to manually transcribe gateway statements. With the converter, customers will save up to 90% of their time when accounting for online store. For more information: Julius Cincala.
K-PDIC, Kreston Iberaudit
K-PDIC, Kreston Iberaudit's Independence and Quality Platform, works with ISQM 1 and 2 requirements, ensuring the veracity and accuracy of client information. It facilitates the management of independence confirmations and automated analysis of incompatibilities and threats, all through an intuitive system that optimises staff availability and training, and manages hours and budget reporting. With K-PDIC, maintain independence and quality in your audits with clear evidence and regulatory compliance, saving time through automation. Transform your audit process with K-PDIC! For more information: Dario Aldana Acerete.
MDM EDUtech, Kreston MDM
The MDM EDUtech platform aims to improve the financial literacy necessary to make sound business decisions. Combining topics related to finance and taxes with multimedia components, the system uses modern learning techniques so that our experts transfer their knowledge to the User. We offer interactive courses to help you acquire practical skills and applications that will make your daily work easier. For more information: Jelena Mihić.
SupPoint (Supplier Website + SAP), Kreston BSG
Supplier Website (SupPoint) is a tool that manages supplier invoices, allowing you to view purchase orders and the receipt of goods/services on a web platform. It performs tax, negotiation, and operational validations by comparing the received quantity with the invoiced quantity. If all validations are approved, it connects with ERP systems (SAP) to create the account payable. Taking into consideration the aforementioned information, the payment is scheduled accordingly (based on payment policy). Afterwards, the payment is authorized in the ERP system being the supplier notified thereof through the Supplier Website. Focus point: “AI -ChatBSG -” is used to analyze the data. For more information: Eloy Obregón Ruíz.
Yantrik, Kreston Rangamani
Yantrik is designed to carry out outsourcing of the accounting and audit function for non-English jurisdictions. The documents in origin languages get translated to English in the built-in language studio and then processed into a product re-converted to the original language at point of delivery. This AI powered product automates detection and entry tasks in outsourcing resulting in substantial reduction of manual effort and processing time. Yantrik focuses on accuracy and thereby reduces errors. Non-English reporting jurisdictions will find the product interesting as they can outsource audit and accounting to English speaking countries to leverage on cost. For more information: Ganesh Ramaswamy.
Agenda
Click here to download the conference agenda.
Venue & accommodation
Grand Hyatt Berlin
The Grand Hyatt Berlin is located next to Potsdamer Platz. Once an empty land divided by The Berlin Wall, this is now one of the most modern areas of the German capital, full of amenities and walking distance from several historical sites.
The hotel offers stylish restaurants and bars and a large rooftop Spa and pool with spectacular views of Berlin.
Potsdamer Platz tube station is three minutes away and the international airport is about a 30-minutes drive.
We are holding a number of rooms at the Grand Hyatt Berlin between 9 and 16 November at the preferential group rates below:
- Single Room: €270 per night B&B
- Double Room: €300 per night B&B
ALERT: all double bedrooms in our block have now been reserved but there are still few twin rooms available. If when booking using our link there is no availability, you can book directly with the Grand Hyatt at their Best Available Rate or contact one of the hotels nearby. These are some of the walking distance hotels near the Grand Hyatt: Berlin Marriott Hotel, The Mandala Hotel, The Ritz Carlton, Novotel Suites Berlin City Potsdamer Platz, Scandic Berlin Potsdamer Platz, Mövenpick Hotel Berlin.
1. Click on booking link below
2. Click on the bar at the top of the page to select your arrival and departure dates and the number of guests, then Update Search
3. Click on Select & Book in the room's box and then follow the instructions on screen
Please note that rooms are on a first-come, first-served basis and while a number of rooms have been pre-blocked for Kreston delegates, the unreserved rooms will be gradually released. We recommend to reserve your room as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.
If you would like to reserve nights outside the dates above or have any questions about your reservations, you can contact the hotel's reservations department on berlin.grand@hyatt.com or +49 (0)6131 796 4940 mentioning the Kreston Global World Conference 2024.
For early check in or late check out, please contact Angelika: angelika.weisse@hyatt.com. For any other requests, please contact the concierge: BERGH-Concierge.Group@hyatt.com
Kreston Germany
Kreston Germany is made up of six accounting member firms across Germany, who work together to provide domestic and international clients with comprehensive accounting solutions.
Together we have over 600 employees who work from fifteen offices across Germany. We are ranked 18th in Germany by the International Accounting Bulletin in 2023 and 10th by Lünendonk in 2022.
We can offer accounting, tax and legal, HR, IT and Corporate Finance advisory services wherever in the world your client may be located. Our focus is always on the long term sustainability and growth of your client’s business.
For more information please contact Anna Schonhardt at Kreston Bansbach.
Caseware
Caseware is the sole sponsor for this year's conference.
Caseware is the leading global provider of desktop and cloud-enabled solutions for audit, assurance, financial reporting and data analytics for Accounting firms, Corporations, and Government regulators. Caseware’s innovative tools and platforms help more than half a million customers in 130 countries work smarter, dig deeper and see further as they transform insights into impact. For more information visit www.caseware.com.
Sustainability
In 1987, the United Nations Brundtland Commission defined sustainability as “meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.” Following this principle and in line with our purpose, Kreston Global aims to minimise negative impacts from event-related activities and have started a journey to “carbon net zero”.
Our first steps have been to start measuring events emissions to set achievable and yet ambitious goals, and to develop a sustainable procurement policy that includes ESG criteria that suppliers must comply with. Actions we have already undertaken are:
- seeking to completely remove single use plastic
- seeking to use digital staging and branding and to use recyclable materials when not possible
- using the event attendee app instead of a printed agenda
- reusing existing roll-up banners, name badges and branded lanyards made of recycled materials
- replacing plastic name badges with recyclable ones
- travelling by train whenever possible and encouraging members to use greener transport options when available
- seek to offset event emissions
- started a Kreston ESG advisory committee to inform members and the Kreston Team on best practice
With regards to the World & EMEA Conference 2024, so far we have:
- selected only suppliers that have clear sustainability policies and targets, prioritising those who have or are in the process of achieving a green certification
- reused branded lanyards and name badges
- replaced almost all printed branding with digital assets (signage, stage backdrops, roll-up banners)
- reduced emissions from F&B by limiting as much as possible buffet meals, having one vegetarian lunch, working with catering to ensure all ingredients are local and in season, limiting the consumption of red meat
- selected a Sustainable DDR package that includes a sustainable lunch with minimal food waste, as well as distribution of surplus food through the ‘Too Good To Go’ scheme
- limited the use of buses including more walking distance activities in the programme
- ensured all suppliers would provide us with post-event data on CO2e emissions
After the conference, we will measure our carbon footprint and we will seek to offset what we could not reduce.
Grand Hyatt Berlin:
Hyatt have ESG statement and policies on responsible consumption, reducing single-use plastics, managing carbon emissions, and water conservation. The Grand Hyatt Berlin has received a seal of approval for commitment to sustainability by the German Institute for Sustainability and Economy. They also:
- installed solar panels to help power the hotel’s logo on the rooftop
- use mainly regional suppliers for their restaurants
- serve only unprocessed and natural honeycombs for the buffet breakfast and have bee colonies on the hotel’s rooftop
- selected sustainable farmers in nearby Brandeburg for meat and freshwater fish
- stopped using plastic in their bars and restaurants and use only biodegradable take-away containers
- replaced plastic water bottles in all rooms with glass ones and provided their team with water dispensers to encourage the use of reusable bottles
- use compostable coffee cups for all coffee machines and RECUP reusable cup system in restaurants and bars
- change linen and towels in the rooms only every third day
- annual training of all teams on sustainability and environmental issues and best practices and regular social days organised for employees
- partnerships with Too Good To Go and Berliner Tafel
- installed more than 10 charging stations for electric vehicles in their car park
- replaced all light bulbs with LED ones
- replaced cosmetic product dispensers in the rooms with refillable ones
Event agency sustainability policy:
Kreston Global is working with Dynamic Events to organise this year's conference. Dynamic Events are certified Silver by EcoVadis and a member of Isla, a non-profit organisation focusing on sustainable futures for events. They will help design the conference to be as sustainable as possible and they will measure the conference's emissions using the TRACE carbon measurement platform, providing us with a thorough post-event report. You can find more information on their sustainability certifications and strategy here.
Berlin Cuisine:
Our gala dinner catering company obtain almost all of their produce from the local Berliner Grossmrkt, and all deliveries (of less than a few hundred metres) are made by low-CO2 forklifts. For this reason, products are delivered unpackaged in reusable crates, reducing waste and enable produce to be processed quickly, keeping it as fresh and local as possible. Berlin Cuisine have an environmental team dedicated to working on their sustainability goals, are EMAS certified, are a Sustainable Meetings Berlin certified service partner.
Grosse Orangerie:
The gala dinner venue is powered on green energy, and works with local suppliers as much as possible. The Grosse Orangerie are also in the process of applying for their EMAS certification to continue developing their sustainability in a systematic and verifiable way, as well as setting themselves measurable targets. This certification should be awarded in March 2024.
Street Art BLN: Guided Art Tour, Graffiti Workshop:
The aprons are reused and will be reused for future workshops. To protect the wall and floor from the paint only fabric sheets will be used and they will be reused for future workshops. All paint spray bottles are refillable. The canvas will be donated to a youth centre to be repainted by their users. Sustainability information attached here.
WithLocals: Hidden Gems, Bode Museum
Withlocals started in 2013 with the vision of a world with no mass tourism but authentic and private experiences at scale that bring people and cultures together. They are in the long run to make positive impacts and change the way we travel. Withlocals is a B-Corp certified business. Sustainability information here.
Birchy Berlin: Historical Tour
Birchy's Berlin has signed the Berlin Declaration On “Transforming Tourism” and are committed to positively effecting Berlin's community, the monuments and historical sites, and economic partners. Sustainability information here.
Secret Food Tours are committed to delivering exceptional food tours while minimising environmental impact and supporting local communities. Their sustainability process is integral to their operations and guides them in achieving their goals of preserving natural resources, reducing waste, and promoting sustainable practices within the food tourism industry. Sustainability information here.
Berlin as a sustainable destination:
Berlin is one of Europe’s more sustainable destinations and it ranked six in the world among cities with more than 1.5 million inhabitants (Global Destination Sustainability Index). The city has been investing heavily in sustainability and becoming climate-neutral by 2050 is one of Berlin’s objectives with this target being incorporated into law. To help achieve this goal, the city has developed BEK 2030, a “roadmap” towards climate neutrality.
The tourism and events industry has embraced this vision. Since 2020 visitBerlin has been a member of the Global Destination Sustainability Movement (GDSM) and it has been working with tourism partners, leisure facilities, hotels, locations and event agencies on their path to greater sustainability.
FAQ
How much is the delegate rate and what does it include?
- Member early bird rate: € 1,995 + 19% VAT (valid for bookings made and paid for by 30 June 2024)
- Member regular rate: € 2,395 + 19% VAT (valid for bookings made and paid for between 1 July and 21 October 2024)
The fee includes two full-days conference and social activities. It does not include travel and accommodation. If you are unable to attend any of the socials the fee will remain the same.
Can I bring family members?
Yes, companions are welcome and we have organized some activities for them on 13 and 14 November included in their fee.- Companion early bird fee: € 1,100 + 19% VAT (valid for bookings made and paid for by 30 June 2024)
- Companion regular fee: € 1,400 + 19% VAT (valid for bookings made and paid for between 1 July and 21 October 2024)
What is the cancellation policy?
Owing to the financial commitments that Kreston Global has undertaken for the event, no refunds will be given for cancellations of event registrations. You are strongly encouraged to purchase travel insurance to provide coverage in the event that you need to cancel your attendance.Can I share a room with a colleague?
Yes, you can select a twin room when booking your room using the hotel booking system.Is accommodation included in the rate?
No. You need to book your room directly with the hotel of your choice.Do I need to arrange my travel to/from Berlin?
Yes, this is your responsibility to book your flight and to arrange transportation between the hotel and the airport.Do I need a visa to enter Germany?
Germany, as a member state of the Schengen area, allows citizens from 62 countries to enter its territory visa-free for leisure or business. Please check with the German Embassy/Consulate in your country of residence if you need to apply for a visa before travelling to Berlin.Helpful information about Berlin
The local time in Berlin is CET (GMT+1) and the temperature in November ranges from high of 8°C to lows of 3°C.Germany's currency is Euro. Most places will take credit or debit card-American Express is widely used in Germany, but not every outlet will accept AmEx.
Germany operates on a 230V supply voltage and 50Hz and uses power sockets of type C and F (plug C has two round pins and plug F has two round pins with two earth clips on the side). The hotel bedrooms have type C plug sockets, as well as some USB sockets.
What is the Attendee App mentioned in the registration form?
This app will be released closer to the event and is used instead of a printed conference agenda. It will include a profile for each attendee, the conference agenda, information on social activities, the EventStream for live posts and much more. It will also allow us to send you alerts to remind you of meeting points, timings etc.After the conference you will be able to export from the app all contacts you connected with. The app will stay live until April 2025.
Dress code
Tuesday 11 November Welcome reception: casualWednesday 12 November Conference: smart casual
Social activity: casual
Gala dinner: cocktail dress or smart casual (no jeans please)
Will I be able to see the delegate list before the conference?
Yes, you will find all attendees in the event Attendee App and you will be able to connect with them, message, schedule meetings etc.Will presentations and photos be available after the conference?
Yes, all presentations will be available on Kreston Kommunity shortly after the conference.Will there be the possibility to attend online?
Not on this occasion.Can I get a CPE/CPD certificate after the conference?
Yes, of course. Please send your request to events@kreston.com.Contact us
Global Groups
Audit: Theo Theodoulou
Corporate Finance: Kees Teeuwissen
Indirect Taxes: Rupert Moyle
Tax: Mark Taylor
Social activities
Networking and building relationships are at the heart of Kreston and we have organised social activities to make sure that members have the opportunity to have fun together. We would love to see you there.
Welcome reception and dinner
The conference will open with a welcome reception and dinner at the Grand Hyatt. This will be the opportunity to reconnect with old friends, make new ones, and hear the Chairman's welcome. There will also be the opportunity for some fabulous branded photos.
Kreston graffiti workshop and tour followed by dinner
During this year's team building activity delegates and companion will unleash their creativity, learning techniques and expressing themselves on urban canvases under the guidance of experienced Berlin street artists, to create Kreston's first street art piece. We will also enjoy a walking tour of the East Side Gallery and its surroundings before relaxing with a German family style dinner.
Gala dinner & afterparty
The gala dinner & afterparty will be hosted at Charlottenburg Palace's Grosse Orangerie. Charlottenburg Palace is the last remaining palace in Berlin and is considered one of the most beautiful historic aristocratic residences in the world. Expect welcome drinks, scrumptious dinner, and loads of fun at the afterparty.
Tours of Berlin with lunch
We have organised different tours of Berlin to offer a memorable experience to everyone. Delegates who have not visited the city before will have the chance to cover all the must-see in the Historical Tour of Berlin. Those who have visited before, will discover secret spots in less touristy locations during the Hidden Gems Tour. Both tours will include lunch and will bring us back to the Grand Hyatt around 15:00.
Companions' programme
Bode Museum guided tour and lunch
The day will start with a guided walk to Museum Island (about 40 minutes) followed by a tour of the Bode Museum. This architectural gem houses an impressive collection of sculptures, Byzantine art, and numismatic treasures, providing visitors with a comprehensive glimpse into the diverse cultural heritage spanning centuries. Lunch will be provided after the tour. Please wear suitable shoes for walking.
Secret food tour
Discover both the traditional German dishes as well as multicultural contributions that have made Berlin's food scene so exciting. Led by knowledgeable guides, this tour unveils the city's diverse food scene, offering a taste of Berlin's authentic flavours and culinary traditions while revealing delicious secrets tucked away in its vibrant neighbourhoods. Food will be provided throughout the tour. Please wear suitable shoes for walking.