After more than two years of adapting to and coping with the pandemic, I’ve found myself saying those words aloud and to myself as I’ve similarly wondered when this journey will be over and things will finally return to “normal.”
One lesson that the past two years have forced on many of us is the critical need to discover ways to do things better, faster, smarter. Individuals, organizations, governments—the world—needed to adjust because we had to. That’s been true for IMA® as well. We found new ways to deliver value to you and provide professional support as you’ve navigated these challenging times. And we continue to do that because our mission, as always, is to serve you and the profession.
That’s why I’m so pleased that we’re going to be able to offer members a new opportunity for this year’s annual conference, which we’ve renamed IMA’s Accounting & Finance Conference (or IMA22, for short). For many years, IMA’s Conference offered an unbeatable chance for hundreds of our members to earn CPE credits, connect with old and new colleagues, visit an interesting destination, and take time from the daily grind to listen and learn. In the past two years, we’ve had to do things a little differently. Following an incredible celebration of our 100-year anniversary in 2019, we had to cancel in 2020. Last year, we adjusted by offering a purely virtual experience, providing a valuable learning experience and a chance to earn CPE but without an in-person component.
This year, as IMA continues to evolve and adapt, I’m happy to share that we will offer the Conference as a hybrid experience. Under the “Reimagine” theme, IMA22 envisions the ways that we can shape the future of the profession and find the best way to get there, together. More inclusive and accessible, the hybrid format will allow those who are able and feel comfortable joining us in Austin, Texas, on June 12-15, 2022, to attend in person. Those who may be unable to travel or not ready for an in-person event will have the opportunity to attend select sessions from the comfort of home or their office. Attendees of both formats will have access to recordings of select sessions for up to 30 days after the event.
As we’ve done in the past, this year’s lineup of speakers promises inspiring and educational sessions organized along nine specialty tracks. These tracks hit the main issues that matter most to our members and offer a way for you to customize a Conference experience that best suits your schedule and interests. All attendees will have the chance to engage in networking events and learn ways to drive value within their organizations. You can learn more and register for IMA22 at imaconference.org.
The question “Are we there yet?” assumes we know where the “there” actually is. I’m not sure we do yet, and that’s okay. But it’s my hope that, together, we will reimagine the destination and discover what it means to succeed.
March 2022
