Collaboration and networking have always been at the heart of PrimeGlobal’s success, and 2024 has been no exception. With three of the organization’s five strategic themes centered on collaboration, PrimeGlobal events—both virtual and in-person—continue to foster remarkable member connections. In this article, Heidi M. Brundage, CPA, Practice Community Lead & Senior Program Manager – North America at PrimeGlobal, reflects on the suceess of the events so far in 2024.

With three of PrimeGlobal’s five strategic themes rooted in collaboration, it is no surprise that PrimeGlobal staff often witness amazing member connections, especially via networking at events, both virtual and in-person. For example, the North American Tax: International Community of Practice (COP) collaborated on two projects to develop best practice resources for the complicated nuisances of IRS Form 5471 and IRS Schedules K-2 and K-3. Another example is when the Internal IT Directors (or North American Technology COP) frequently does deep dives into specific software solutions and IT configurations resulting in expanded knowledge among members. Further, several groups have discussed hosting specialized surveys and creating training together (e.g. survey of new hire salaries, internal Employee Benefit Plan audit training and internal International Tax training). I am delighted report that the collaboration examples keep coming and 2024 has resulted in extraordinary member teamwork, such as MegaWeek and the July State & Local Taxes (SALT) Roundtable.

Networking and collaboration have always been cornerstone concepts within the Practice Management COPs (i.e. Firm Operations & Administration, Human Resources, Internal Finance, IT, and Marketing). This year’s MegaWeek evaluations show how valuable they are to members. The following are numerous responses to the evaluation question What did you enjoy most about the 2024 MegaWeek event? “Networking with firms my size and those in similar roles.” “Connecting and reconnecting with people.” “The group discussions.” “The people – networking and connecting.” “Collaboration with other PG firms and hearing what they are doing.” “Networking with peers.” “Getting to talk to other firms about what they are doing and their challenges.” “Networking, hearing about what other CPA firms are doing, sharing the same pains. :)”

In my humble opinion, this year’s SALT (State And Local Tax) Roundtable, hosted in sunny San Diego, California, was the best one yet due to an evolution of growing member collaboration and strong group leadership. Since SALT’s knowledge base is extremely vast (imagine the rules and regulations for income taxes, sales & use taxes, property taxes, and more among 55+ US states and territories!), SALT practitioners must have connections throughout North America. For over a decade, PrimeGlobal’s SALT Roundtable has fostered and strengthened those essential connections, but this year I noticed something particularly special.

Allow me to take you back to 2017 when one of PrimeGlobal’s most passionate COP Chairs, Chris Laine, was preparing for her retirement from then-member firm Berntson Porter. The SALT COP was already a tight-knit group and Chris wanted to ensure it remained strong into future years. So, 18 months before her retirement, she identified and confirmed her successor Chair, enthusiastic SALT member Peter Seidel (SingerLewak), and immediately got to work training him. A year later, Chris and Peter recruited a Co-Chair, Mike Grim (former member MCM CPAs), and the leadership baton was officially passed to the new Co-Chairs. For nearly six years, Peter and Mike continually encouraged SALT COP participants to increase member activity, resulting in a progression of diverse agenda topics and member presenters. When it was time for new COP leadership, Peter recruited the dynamic duo of current Co-Chairs Amy Zimmer (Katz, Sapper & Miller) and Jon Wellington (Lane Gorman Trubitt).

Amy and Jon upheld the strong leadership traditions of previous SALT Chairs with a well-organized 2024 Roundtable that featured 14 speakers and nearly 20 topics. Attendees spanned various career stages and firm sizes, with many remote workers making meaningful connections. Evening dinners inspired discussions on promoting the accounting profession, balancing work with family, and managing multigenerational teams. During sessions, everyone actively contributed, offering thoughtful questions, resources, and appreciation for presenters. The event even included a fun group trip to a famous gelato shop, and revealed many hidden talents—more on that in a future article!

My description of the 2024 SALT Roundtable might sound familiar to some readers because our members are dedicated to planning impactful PrimeGlobal events. What made this one stand out was the immediate and palpable synergy. I witnessed genuine camaraderie between new acquaintances and old friends, with high praise for the agenda and the participants’ knowledge and generosity. This year’s meeting reflected a strong tradition of leadership, growing member engagement, and collaboration across all ages and firms. It fostered the deep professional and personal connections that SALT practitioners rely on. I firmly believe I witnessed the rare occurrence where ALL participants walked away richer with multiple highlights and meaningful relationships, myself included!

When looking back at 2024 events, I am personally more encouraged than ever to help facilitate additional member connections because I know it is the precursor to collaboration. While I may not be present to witness every aspect of the collaboration that occurs amid PrimeGlobal members after they have attended an event, I know it is happening because I am often made aware of direct communications, official referrals, instances of co-pitching to protective clients and more. Ultimately, when I hear members during events refer to each other as friends time and again, I am compelled to imagine powerful collaboration is imminent. I think when members of the accounting community use the term friend they are referring to endearment and trust. Trust must be present in any successful relationship, which is necessary to foster meaningful collaboration. I foresee a growing number of PrimeGlobal friends in the near future and I can’t wait to learn of the amazing collaboration that comes from these friendships!