Your community. Your inspiration. Your celebration.
Join us for our biggest in-person member event of the year on Friday 7 November at AAT Connect.
We’ll be returning to our stylish London venue, The Brewery, for the ultimate one-day member experience covering what matters most to our community, designed by members for members.
It’s your day to shape. Choose sessions and activities that match your goals and interests. With talks on key topics and issues in the industry, 1-2-1 clinics for personalised advice, exhibition stands to explore and of course plenty of opportunities to meet other members.
What to expect
Are you an early bird? Drop in to a breakfast session to enjoy a coffee with a side of conversation and learning. There’ll be sessions for all our members, from Making Tax Digital for practice owners to sessions for new members who want to stay up to date with the latest industry developments.
Get expert advice throughout the day: With a flexible schedule, you can join a 1-2-1 clinic whenever suits you. You’ll be able to get personalised guidance on CVs, practice management and more.
Get the latest insights: Member-led panels will discuss the key topics in the industry and spotlight real stories. Keen to join the conversation and be part of the panel? Keep an eye out, as we’ll be releasing more information soon on how you can get involved.
Make meaningful connections: Catch up with familiar faces or get to know someone new, whether that's in the main exhibition area, in a breakout space or a quiet zone – however you socialise best.
Learn more about AAT’s future: Meet members of the AAT Members' Advisory Council (MAC) and find out how they’re helping shape AAT, and how your voice can be a part of that too.
Celebrate your community: Staying for the Impact Awards? We’ll end the day with a three-course meal and drinks as we celebrate our members’ achievements.
All this for just £59 – that’s your ticket to a full day of learning, connecting, and celebrating with your AAT community.
MTD breakfast session 8.15–9.00
Speaker: Chris Downing
Fancy breakfast with a side of Making Tax Digital? Start your day by preparing for the transition, with only a 150 left until it’s in full effect, make every one of them count. We’ll be breaking down the latest HMRC updates and practical steps to get you ready, including:
- who MDT applies to what’s changing
- key deadlines and obligations
- software and digital record keeping
- effective client communication strategies.
Sponsored by Sage
For members in practice
New member breakfast session 8.15–9.00
Speaker: Tom Duncan and Member Advisory Council
New to AAT? Kick off the day by meeting other new members over a coffee and a bite to eat. You’ll also have the chance to chat with AAT staff and the Member Advisory Council (MAC), giving you some familiar faces and a clearer idea of what to expect of the day.
For members in practice, industry, bookkeeping, private and public sector
Meet the MAC 9.30–10.00
Speaker: Member Advisory Council
Get to know your Member Advisory Council (MAC), the people who represent you and feed into key decisions, ensuring your voice is heard at the highest level. This is not just an opportunity for you to meet them, but to share your views and experiences so they can better reflect the needs of members like you and help shape the future of AAT.
For members in practice, industry, bookkeeping, private and public sector
Career tips from a CFO: maximising your impact 10.15–10.40
Hosted by Becky Glover, FMAAT
Speaker: Claire Elliot, AATQB
No matter your role, there are always opportunities to move your career forward and increase the value you bring. Small changes can often make the biggest difference to career often, join Becky Glover, FMAAT and Finance Director of the Year, to discover how Claire Elliot, AATQB, maximised her impact leading to her becoming a CFO. Together, they’ll show how you can propel yourself forward and make your contributions stand out.
For members in industry
Building your practice with confidence 10.15–10.40
Hosted by Ali Jaw and Sam Gooding
Speaker: Grace Hardy, MAAT and Nic Lonsdale, MAAT, AATQB
AAT members Grace and Nic both took the plunge to start their own practice at a young age, and in this session will be sharing their insights into the challenges & the opportunities, being your own boss brings. This inspirational session will equip you with insight and practical tips to help you start or grow your own practice with confidence.
In this session we’ll discuss:
- advantages of being your own boss
- start-up challenges & how to attract clients
- advise and practical tips for those looking to start a practice
- considerations and tips for practice growth
- and much more
This session will be ideal for anyone considering starting their own practice as well as those running a practice and potentially looking to scale.
Sponsored by Xero
For members in practice
Guiding clients through IHT: pension proposals and Inheritance Tax mitigation 11.00–11.30
Speaker: John Kelly, Senior Wealth Management Consultant
Sponsor: Mattioli Woods
Inheritance Tax is becoming more complex, with frozen thresholds, pension funds falling into scope, and growing speculation around tighter rules on gifting. Gain confidence in guiding clients through these changes as John Kelly shares real-world examples and practical strategies to help reduce the impact of IHT, protect family wealth, and ensure clients keep more of what they’ve worked for. You’ll come away with actionable techniques you can apply immediately, whether you’re advising directly or strengthening your expertise.
Sponsored by Mattioli Woods
For members in practice, industry, bookkeeping, private and public sector.
Bookkeepers’ roundtable 11.00–11.30
Hosted by Member Advisory Council and Libby Walkeltt
A chance to connect with other bookkeepers, share experiences, and talk openly about the challenges and opportunities in practice. You’ll pick up practical tips from peers, expand your support network, and leave feeling more confident about tackling the issues you face day-to-day.
For bookkeeping members
AI and the future of finance 11.45–12.10
Speaker: Chris Downing
Artificial intelligence is transforming the way accountants and bookkeepers work, creating opportunities to streamline processes, improve accuracy, and enhance efficiency. But alongside the potential, there are important questions to ask about transparency, trust, and the ethical use of data. Chris Downing will explore both the opportunities and challenges, giving you a clear understanding of how to use AI with confidence and integrity in your day-to-day work.
Sponsored by Sage
For members in practice
Developing a mindset for success 11.45–12.10
Hosted by Kirsty Heywood McDonald
Speaker: Donna Spalding, Julie Spence and Carlene Pearson
Success doesn’t look the same for everyone, but mindset plays a crucial role in achieving it. Our panel of AAT members will share personal experiences of seizing opportunities, setting goals, and overcoming obstacles while maintaining balance and wellbeing. Expect an open, honest discussion designed to leave you reflecting on your own path, motivated to define success on your own terms and take the next steps towards it.
Celebrate with us: lunch and Impact Awards 12.30–17.00
Enjoy a drink with fellow members before sitting down to a three-course lunch, followed by the AAT Impact Awards. It’s a chance to celebrate success across the profession and connect with others in a relaxed setting.
Exhibitions
We’re partnering up with exhibitors to keep you up to date with the latest tools and systems that could make your life a little easier. From automation software to techniques to help you attract new clients, you’ll find it at one of our partner stands.
Keep an eye out: our list of partners is coming soon.
The venue
Located in central London, The Brewery combines historic charm with modern sophistication, offering the perfect setting for networking and celebration. The iconic venue is an ideal backdrop for connecting with peers, learning, and enjoying the day in style.
Closest stations:
- Moorgate: 5-minute walk
- Liverpool Street: 10-minute walk
- Barbican: 5-minute walk
- Old Street: 12-minute walk.
Still not sure? Here’s why you should attend
Boost your career: gain practical advice from AAT members who are experts in the industry.
Build connections: network with fellow AAT members and expand your professional circle.
Shape your experience: tailor your day to the sessions and activities that matter most to you.
Maximise your membership: meet with AAT staff and learn how to make the most of your membership.
Celebrate: raise a glass at the drink’s reception, enjoy a gourmet lunch, and cheer on the winners of the AAT Impact Awards.
Sage
Sage is the market leader for integrated accounting, payroll, and payment systems, supporting the ambition of the world’s entrepreneurs.
Like many of the businesses we serve, Sage began as a small business and has grown beyond what seemed imaginable. Today over 11,000 colleagues now support millions of entrepreneurs across more than 20 countries as the power the global economy.
We help drive today’s business builders with a new generation of solutions to manage everything from money to people.
Our social and mobile technology provides live information so you can make fast, informed decisions anytime, anywhere in the world. We support our business builders for life by offering choice, support, expertise, and innovation. We champion your causes and provide world-leading advice and support when you need it most.
Xero
Xero is a global small business platform with 3.95 million subscribers which includes a core accounting solution, payroll, workforce management, expenses and projects. Xero offers an extensive ecosystem of connected apps and connections to banks and other financial institutions helping small businesses access a range of solutions to run their business and manage their finances.
Solveway
Solveway Apprenticeships, based in Hertfordshire, offers Level 2 to Level 4 apprenticeships in accountancy, IT, and data. With flexible training solutions and outstanding first-time pass rates, we pride ourselves on strong student progression and have built lasting partnerships with employers who return to us repeatedly for their apprenticeship needs.
