Event Recap: Dubai's QuickBooks Global Product Showcase 2024

The revolution of AI-driven cloud-based accounting software

On July 4, 2024, The Palace Downtown Dubai set the scene for the QuickBooks Global Product Showcase, bringing together accounting professionals eager to delve into the latest advancements and innovations from QuickBooks. Attendees were privy to not only insightful discussions but also a wealth of networking opportunities.

Those who attended learned the power of Intuit’s QuickBooks platform and the complete set of QBO subscriptions needed to service the smallest of clients, through to large and complex corporations. QuickBooks Online is the only solution in the market able to offer a complete single platform.

Curious about how the day unfolded and the key insights shared? Read on to discover the highlights and see why this is an event you won’t want to miss in the future.

Energised Start

Kayur Desai, QuickBooks' Global Sales & Marketing Director, welcomed attendees and opened the event with an engaging introduction. 

He shared Intuit’s vision for the UAE, highlighting the company's focus on localising solutions to meet the unique needs of regional accounting professionals. Kayur emphasised Intuit’s commitment to developing tools that not only address global challenges but also cater to the specific regulatory and business environments of the UAE.

“Our goal is to empower you with the tools and knowledge necessary to thrive in this fast-evolving industry.”

Unveiling Groundbreaking Features

After the warm introduction, Amanda Newton, Group Manager - Accountant Segment at QuickBooks, took the stage. Amanda’s deep dive into QuickBooks Advanced and QuickBooks Ledger was both detailed and compelling. Designed to show how these innovations can revolutionise accounting practices, her session included live demos and practical examples showcasing automation and customisation in QuickBooks Advanced to optimise workflows.

"Seeing these new tools in action gives us a glimpse into how we can fundamentally transform our day-to-day operations."

Amanda’s session was more than a feature rundown; it painted a picture of a future where automation handles repetitive tasks, freeing accountants to focus on more strategic activities.

Intuit’s world-class platform helps Accountants and Bookkeepers streamline their workflows and provide better service to their clients. The QuickBooks Online platform stands out in the market, offering the right solution for a firm’s complete client list. The subscription range covers everyone from sole traders and non-trading clients, all the way up to large corporations.

Product highlights 

Amanda’s session also included the launch of Ledger and QBO Advanced, which complements Simple Start, Essentials, and Plus. Key features such as Multi-Currency begin as a standard in Essentials and extend into Plus and Advanced plans, providing the flexibility needed for clients to run their businesses across diverse economies like in the UAE.

When it comes to larger, more complex clients, QBO Advanced offers the necessary flexibility, configuration, permissions, security, and workflows. Amanda detailed these features, which include:

• Flexible Chart of Accounts: Configurations for entity, industry, and sub-accounts.
• Locations, Classes, and Custom Fields: Deeper transactional data separation and reporting.
• Powerful Workflow Creation: Support for conditional approvals, notifications, and task creation.
• Backup and Restore: Ensuring client data safety and security.

If you want to know more about the QBO subscription portfolio, please reach out to your QBO account manager to find out what options would suit you and your client base.

Insights on Emerging Trends

Building on the momentum, the event featured an insightful presentation by Elcim Sirek, VP Sales - EMEA at Sovos. Elcim's comprehensive talk covered emerging trends in digitisation, focusing on critical areas such as e-invoicing, banking, compliance, HR, payroll, and eCommerce. 

Drawing from her extensive experience, she shared firsthand insights and practical advice that resonated deeply with the audience. Elcim emphasised the importance of staying ahead of regulatory changes and adopting new technologies to streamline operations and enhance compliance. 

Her practical examples and forward-thinking ideas provided a roadmap for attendees to navigate the complexities of the modern accounting landscape. As one participant remarked, "The insights from Elcim's presentation were incredibly relevant and actionable. It’s fantastic to hear from industry leaders who are navigating the same challenges we face."

The AI Revolution in Accounting

The highlight of the event was the keynote delivered by James Taylor, a globally recognised expert in AI and digitisation. James captivated the audience with his deep dive into the transformative role of AI in accounting, blending expertise with real-world applications.

"AI has the potential to not only transform the way we work but also to unlock new levels of creativity and efficiency" 

James also shared compelling case studies that illustrated the successful integration of AI. These examples demonstrated how AI can automate routine tasks, provide deeper insights through data analytics, and even assist in strategic decision-making processes.

Reflecting on this, an accountant present at the event expressed: 

"AI is definitely not going to replace us; instead, it will augment our capabilities and help us deliver even more value to our clients."

Building Valuable Connections Through Networking

Networking breaks facilitated meaningful interactions among attendees. These periods were not just about exchanging business cards but about sharing real-world experiences, discussing current industry challenges, and exploring potential collaborations. 

These face-to-face interactions provided an unmatched opportunity for professionals to deepen their understanding and build stronger networks, reinforcing the value of in-person events.

Concluding a Productive and Insightful Day

The event wrapped up with attendees feeling both informed and motivated. Feedback collected afterwards was highly positive, particularly praising the quality of speakers, the relevance of session content, and the overall organisation of the event. 

Social media activity reflected this enthusiasm, with many participants highlighting the actionable insights and valuable connections they gained.

One attendee summed it up well, stating:

 "The opportunity to meet and connect with peers is always invaluable."

Looking Forward

As we plan future events, the success experienced in Dubai underscores the profound impact of human connection. These gatherings are essential not just for introducing new features or discussing industry trends, but for building a community and fostering collective advancement.

A LinkedIn post captured the essence of the event: "An incredible day at the QuickBooks Product Showcase in Dubai! The energy, insights, and networking opportunities were unmatched. Can’t wait for the next one!"

Let's continue to innovate and build a stronger, more connected accounting community together. Don't miss your chance to be part of this transformative journey.