More than 150 friends and colleagues reunited in Sydney from 21 to 24 July 2026 for our annual Asia Pacific Gathering. Our event brought members together from across Asia Pacific and beyond for three days of innovation, collaboration and sustainable growth, all focused on delivering an even stronger, more consistent client experience.

Networking with a difference

After a warm welcome from our hosts PKF Sydney Newcastle and PKF Australia, we kicked off our event with a ‘bingo networking’ session. This light-hearted icebreaker was a fun and effective way for members to get to know more about each other, make new connections and welcome newcomers to our regional community, and it set the tone for lots of open and energised discussions over the days ahead.

The forces reshaping our industry and how we’re responding

During our plenary session on ‘Network of the future: Private equity, succession and transformation’, a panel of speakers explored the impact of market consolidation and PE investment on our profession. Ben Cosentino, partner at law firm Gilbert + Tobin, shared his experience of advising investors on PE transactions. Delegates found it incredibly valuable to hear about PE from an external viewpoint. 

This session also saw presenters analyse the current talent landscape, highlighting the importance of showcasing professional value to the next generation of talent and building agile retention pathways. Drawing on insights from across our network, speakers demonstrated the power of embracing digitalisation and integrating AI as core components of modern practice.

Business development: It's a contact sport

Emma Hansen (Head of Marketing at PKF Sydney Newcastle) and Tony Doyle (COO at PKF Sydney Newcastle) took to the stage to deliver a highly engaging presentation on business development. People-focused and practical, this session revealed the value of nurturing relationships over time and building trust, as well as using marketing initiatives to help forge new client relationships. Guest speaker Andrew Lacey, Managing Principal at McCabes Lawyers and a PKF client and referrer, shared his perspective that feeling valued and prioritised leads to long-lasting business relationships, friendships and referrals.

People and culture: Shaping the future of the workplace

Passionate speakers from across Asia Pacific outlined the strategic people and culture initiatives that our members are pursuing in the region. Covering everything from AI-driven learning platform LUCA, which has transformed PKF Australia’s approach to developing its people, to PKF Impact, an initiative that encourages positive social change and feeds into firm strategies on employee engagement, D&I and sustainability, this was another very well-received session.

Meaningful collaboration with our event partners

We were delighted to welcome Accountancy Insurance, Caseware, Datasnipper, Talent Formula and Xero as our event partners. Thank you for joining us in Sydney and sharing insights with our members. 

Belong together

As well as enjoying lots of topical and thought-provoking content, our delegates relished the opportunity to reconnect with familiar faces from all corners of our global community and build new friendships. It was a pleasure to welcome 11 delegates from outside our Asia Pacific region, representing member firms in France, Germany, India, the UK and South Africa. Their attendance highlights the collaborative spirit of this region and the synergies across our network.

Be the change

All fundraising from our global events in 2026 is being directed to community impact work in Zambia, led by Antony Ranjan and his team at PKF Zambia. Funds will be used to support initiatives like the Grace Centre, which offers education, skills training and microfinance to vulnerable girls and young women. We raised US$5,500 at our Asia Pacific Gathering – thank you to our members for your commitment to this cause and empowering us to make a difference. 

Thank you to our hosts

Thank you to our incredible hosts, PKF Sydney Newcastle and PKF Australia, for welcoming us so warmly to Sydney. Special thanks to Emma Hansen, Tony Doyle, Bob Bell, Steve Meyn, Lana Weldon, Jo Crosbie, Erin Viljoen, Molly Mappin and Carla Said for your support in putting the event together and for your energy throughout the gathering.

A fantastic event – but don’t just take our word for it

We’re thrilled to have received lots of glowing feedback from delegates, who felt the gathering was a huge success thanks to the excellent session content and members’ openness to engage. Read on for a selection of reflections from delegates.

Antoinette Tatarelli, Managing Partner at PKF Adelaide, said, ‘It’s been a while since I’ve caught up with some of my PKF friends, and it’s been so good to see them again. The honest conversations, whether they’re during a dinner or on a boat cruise under Sydney Harbour Bridge, all make our daily work lives that much easier. There’s nothing like catching up with like-minded people to remind you of the benefits of being part of a global community like PKF.’ 
 
Tony Doyle, Chief Operating Officer at PKF Sydney and Newcastle, ‘Congratulations on putting together another wonderful AsPac conference. It was a joy to be part of it, both on stage and behind the scenes.’

Hugo Zeng, auditor and tax advisor in German member firm PKF Fasselt’s China Affairs Department, said, ‘The event was packed with energy, openness and ambition that could be felt throughout the entire week…What impressed me most was the clear strategic vision and shared commitment to continuous improvement across the PKF family.’

Loata Qarau, partner at KTK Accountants, our correspondent firm in Papua New Guinea, said, ‘Three things stood out at the PKF AsPac event. First, AI and talent strategy have to move together; they're not separate conversations any more. Second, everyone offers the same services, but what really matters is that one thing that makes you memorable. For us, that's being different – not just delivering good technical work but creating an experience people actually remember. And third, reconnecting with our peers across the region, over 20 countries represented. That network, that collaboration, that's real value. That's what we're taking home.’

PKF Tauranga Managing Director Russ Browne said, ‘Thanks for an amazing conference. I really enjoyed it, with great topics, a great vibe and plenty of opportunity to network and build relationships. One of the best I’ve been to.’

Nicholas Falzon, business advisory director at PKF Sydney Newcastle, said, ‘One theme came through consistently over the course of the event – we’re stronger together…Having trusted colleagues across the PKF network who understand local markets, regulations and business environments allows us to better support clients wherever opportunity takes them. The innovation of the independent firms multiplied by the strength of the collective is what makes the PKF network so strong.’

Interested in joining a global community that unites, empowers and supports its members around the world? Find out more about the benefits of becoming a PKF Global member here.