Sustainability and collaboration are primary focus at AGA’s EMEA conference in Sofia

Law and accounting firm representatives of Alliott Global Alliance (‘AGA’) met in Sofia, Bulgaria recently for AGA’s annual EMEA Regional Conference.

85 delegates from 54 firms in 30 countries attended a programme of plenary and breakout sessions, as well as networking and social activities.

Over two days, conference attendees engaged in panel discussions and workshops on a range of topics that are transforming the legal and accounting industries and the activities of clients, including the impact of AI and cybersecurity, ESG compliance, the digital economy and the need to develop our future leaders.

This year’s keynote speaker was Pamela (‘Pam’) Cone of Amity Advisory, a leading ESG consultant to the professions. Pam decoded ESG and explained that in five years time, ESG will be a routine part of business activity. While highlighting that consulting on ESG compliance offers commercial opportunities, she also urged attendees to consider if the work they do for their clients is prolonging the climate crisis. Pre-selected attendees then joined a panel to discuss their experiences of ESG before all attendees were given four key suggestions of tools they can utilize to kickstart their own ESG programme.

Additional plenary sessions included keynotes and workshops focused on how to build the perfect professional services firm, how professionals can engage more effectively with LinkedIn and whether now is the time for firms to invest in Microsoft Copilot.

One of the major conference highlights was the launch of AGAOne, the alliance’s digital collaborative platform. Tech partner LexRing was on hand to promote the features and benefits of a SaaS platform designed to maximize synergies and client development opportunities between member firms.

Conference sessions were interspersed with unique opportunities to network and experience the nightlife and culture of one of Europe’s oldest and most historic cities.

Giles Brake, AGA’s CEO, commented:

"The quality of this conference in terms of practical insights, professional and jurisdictional updates and networking events was higher than ever this year. Thank you to all our speakers, to the Executive Office team, to our tech partner LexRing, to our local hosts, and of course to all our members for their contribution to making this another successful conference. We look forward to seeing everyone in Vienna 21-24 May, 2025.”

About Alliott Global Alliance:

Founded in 1979, and with 220 member firms operating out of 300 offices in 100 countries Alliott Global Alliance is an international alliance of independent law, and accounting firms, working across the world Together as One.

Each of our members share a common goal: to learn and share knowledge, resources, and opportunities to make the world smaller and their businesses stronger.

We work with a spirit of generosity and openness — so that together, we can continue to fulfil our ambitions, gain greater experience, and drive mutual success.

Alliott Global Alliance is expanding fast, and the alliance has its sights set firmly on growing its legal and accounting membership to 100 countries. Opportunities are available to independent professional firms in specific countries in Africa, but also in Europe, China, the ASEAN region, Australasia, the Gulf Cooperation Council region, Central and South America and in North America. For information about membership in Europe, email membership@alliottglobal.com.