As the duties that encompass the CFO role continue to change, connecting with fellow finance leaders in what has been dubbed the third space, or a dynamic environment that consists of professional and social interactions combined with learning opportunities, has for many CFOs been highly beneficial for both personal and professional development.
For CFOs looking to learn more about things like collaboration across their organizations, the latest buzz on technology, different leadership styles, talent retention, cost management or opportunities for CPE credits, the events on this CFO conferences list will likely offer something to guide a developing finance leader—regardless of tenure—to the next level in their careers.
Private Funds CFO Conference
February 4-5
Hilton Midtown, New York, New York
This conference offers an opportunity to connect with top finance and operations leaders in private markets. Attendees will gain insights on how their firms compare to industry peers, learn about current and upcoming regulations directly from SEC officials and discover actionable strategies to optimize back-office operations.
CFO Open Minds Summit
February 13
Sheraton Sand Key Resort, Clearwater Beach, Florida
CFOs in the healthcare space who are looking to expand service lines and alternative payment systems may benefit from this one-day event. Organizers describe it as an event designed for financial leaders in organizations serving consumers with “complex needs.” Discussion topics include unit cost analysis for budgeting, strategies for “seamless integration” of human resources, electronic health records and financial reporting systems, and a checklist for transitioning from fee-for-service to case and bundled rates.
Radiance
February 24-26
Allegiant Stadium, Las Vegas, Nevada
In the self-proclaimed CFO “unconference,” AP tech provider HighRadius’ vendor conference aims to be a top contender for CFO attendance this year. Speakers include leaders across various industries in corporate treasury, FP&A, technology, marketing and more. The event is also held at the newly built Allegiant Stadium, home of the National Football League’s Las Vegas Raiders.
WSJ CFO Network Summit
March 5-6
New York City, New York
The Wall Street Journal’s CFO event is catered to those looking to get insight from a lineup of reputable speakers. The list includes Jasmine Lee, CFO of Binance; Stan Sutula, CFO of Colgate-Palmolive; Carmine De Sibio, global chairman and CEO of EY; and John Williams, president and CEO of the Federal Reserve Bank of New York.
Media Financial Management CFO Summit
March 12-14
The Karol Hotel, Clearwater, Florida
For CFOs whose companies are working in the media space, this industry-exclusive event provides an opportunity for those working in an industry that has been financially struggling across the board to collaborate and share insight. This will not only provide an opportunity to address the media’s financial headwinds in an intimate format but also an opportunity to earn CPE credits for those who attend.
World Finance Forum Spring Conference
March 20
London, UK
After closing off 2024 in New York, the World Finance Forum’s Spring Conference will take place shortly after in London. This event provides an opportunity for CFOs who are looking for a bit of everything: speaking sessions, roundtables, intimate learning workshops and networking.
Environmental Financial Consulting Group Conference
April 9-11
Location TBD
This event, according to the organizers, is the only event for financial leaders in the architecture, engineering, and construction industry. Sessions include an exclusive first look at the EFCG’s most recent CFO survey, along with projections for the next two years. The agenda also covers tech trends and AI’s impact, valuation and ownership transitions for employee-owned firms, the latest M&A multiples, sustainability goal-setting and reporting, and effective strategies for recruiting and retaining talent.
AICPA & CIMA CFO Conference
April 23-25
La Quinta Resort & Club, La Quinta, California
CFOs who are looking to gain insight into “hot button issues” may find interest in the content presented at this conference. Discussions include the major changes shaping the landscape of corporate finance, macroeconomic outlook, how CFOs and their fellow leaders can stay informed of both business and market trends, strategic decision-making tips and more.
Gartner CFO & Finance Executive Conference
May 20-21
Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center, National Harbor, Maryland
In a mix of peers, thought leaders, Gartner experts and tech providers, attendees can gain insight from a variety of perspectives, including Gartner leadership, technology providers and each other. For CFOs specifically, the event is catered largely toward fine-tuning automation, strategic decision-making and preparing for headwinds. Previously, the event had discussions regarding trends around generative AI, which is expected at this event as well.
CFO Leadership Council’s Spring Conference
June 2-4
Westin Boston Seaport District, Boston, Massachusetts
The CFO Leadership Council’s events are known for their mix of intricate learning opportunities and noteworthy speakers. Their Spring Conference is set to be in the same style and at the same venue as previous events. Currently, speakers on the docket include David Marberger, CFO and executive vice president of Conagra Brands, and Robert K. Wittman, a former special agent for the FBI.
CFO Network USA
September (date TBD)
Newark Liberty International Airport Marriott, Newark, New Jersey
Though the date is still undetermined, this event’s agenda is being designed so attendees can explore insights around boosting profitability, navigating mergers and acquisitions, managing regulatory risks and adopting AI and automation for financial operations. Sessions will also cover talent retention strategies, the evolving role of the CFO and leveraging sustainability for long-term stability. There will also be a focus on the debate between centralization and decentralization of finance.
MIT Sloan CFO Summit
November 20
Boston Marriott Newton, Newton, Massachusetts
Although few details other than the date and location are available, this event usually encompasses CFOs of companies of all sizes and industries, alumni of MIT’s Sloan School of Business, thought leaders from public accounting and corporate consulting, Sloan students and faculty and more.
