Accountex London 2025 — happening 14–15 May at ExCeL London — is the UK event for accountants and finance pros who want to stay sharp, connected, and maybe sneak a free pen or two. With 11,000+ attendees, 300+ exhibitors, and 250+ CPD sessions on offer, it’s the must-attend event if you’re serious about future-proofing your practice… but it’s also a lot. A lot of people. A lot of content. A lot a lot.
So, as someone who’s not missed an Accountex in the last decade (yes, I’ve got the swag bags to prove it), I’ve picked up a few tips on how to really make the most of this essential event.
Here’s my no-nonsense guide to squeezing every bit of value out of Accountex London 2025.
Set clear objectives
Before you even step foot inside ExCeL (and get distracted by the first shiny stand you see), know what you’re there for:
- Identify Your Needs: Are you hunting for new software, fresh insights, or just good old-fashioned networking?
- Prioritise Your Goals: Be honest with yourself — what will actually move your business forward, not just look good on LinkedIn (although that IS important also… see later).
Having clear objectives helps you stay laser-focused — otherwise, you’ll spend the day wandering aimlessly, coffee in one hand, brochure in the other.
Plan your agenda
With hundreds of sessions and stands competing for your attention, a plan is essential. Otherwise, chaos awaits.
- Review the Agenda: Pick sessions that genuinely support your goals. When you know WHY you are going you can see what sessions and vendors align with that and focus your attention there.
- Map Out Exhibitors: Highlight the must-visits — both the ones you know and the new kids on the block. Allow time for each conversation. But remember you don’t have to buy anything on the day. Those deals will still be there weeks later (and likely more so closer to month end)
- Allocate Your Time: Leave room for a few spontaneous conversations — they’re often the most valuable.
Top tip: If you want a chair, popular sessions fill up fast, so don’t saunter in five minutes late clutching your Pret. Get there early.
Engage with Exhibitors (Like a Pro)
Approaching stands without a plan is like going shopping hungry — you’ll end up with things you don’t need. Trust me I do BOTH a lot.
- Prepare Questions: Know what you want to ask — make it specific to your real challenges and the pain you are trying to solve (Top Tip: Share that pain, if they can’t solve it they will tell you soon enough)
- Request Demos: A quick live demo will tell you more than any slick sales pitch. And if they cant show it to you it probably isn’t real… yet (Yes Vendors bring tech that isn’t ready)
- Give Feedback: Be brave enough to tell your current suppliers what’s working (and what isn’t). You might just spark improvements and if not at least get an idea if they are right for you.
Trust me, exhibitors love a visitor who knows what they want — and aren’t just after the branded stress balls (and on this yes there’s a lot of swag but don’t be a #SwagHag, take what you need. I hate how much waste events can produce and unneeded Swag is a huge part of that!)
Make the most of networking
Yes, you’re there to learn — but don’t underestimate the power of a good conversation. For me, events are roughly 50% networking, 25% vendors and 25% talks.
- Attend Social Events: After-hours gatherings are brilliant for relaxed, genuine conversations (and yes, usually a drink or two). Accountex usually has LOTS of these (including the night before… #accountaxe)
- Visit Feature Zones: In previous years places like the Bookkeepers’ Base Camp and the LinkedIn Lounge were networking goldmines.
Some of the best opportunities aren’t on the main agenda — they’re in the conversations you didn’t expect to have.
Get Social (Digitally Speaking)
If you’re not posting about Accountex, did you even attend? But joking aside, make sure people know you are going beforehand (pre-networking) and what you’ve done throughout the day!
- Share Insights: Post key takeaways to build your personal brand (and help others find their way).
- Engage with Hashtags: #ACX25 & #Accountex is buzzing during the event — join the conversation.
- Connect With Speakers and Peers: Follow up online while the connection (and conversation) is still warm.
It’s an easy way to extend the event experience way beyond those two days at ExCeL.
Follow-up is key
The event may end, but the real work starts afterwards.
- Review Your Notes: Summarise key actions — before they disappear into the ‘I’ll get round to it’ pile and use them to make a plan.
- Reach Out: Don’t let those new connections go cold.
- Implement Changes: Apply what you’ve learnt — otherwise, what was the point?
A bit of prompt follow-up can turn a good event into a game-changing one.
Final thoughts
Accountex London isn’t just another date in the diary — it’s a genuine opportunity to sharpen your skills, discover new ideas, and build the connections that’ll drive your practice forward.
Go in with a clear plan, stay flexible enough to spot hidden opportunities, and crucially, act on what you learn.
Oh and my last big tip… wear comfortable shoes. There is a LOT of walking to be done!
Register now at accountex.co.uk — and I’ll see you at ExCel
Heading to Accountex 2025? So are many of our customers — and you can meet them on our stand 🎉
🗣️ Speak to accountants on our stand including customers and product experts who can relate to your growth challenges and answer your questions.
So, swing by stand 1320 — or book a chat here
📍Join us @ Showcase stage on Wednesday 14 May at 10:15 (BST) for a quick dive into how Silverfin helps firms work smarter, not harder.
Think: simplified workpapers, automated tasks, and way less time chasing client files (up to 50% less, in fact).
Day 2; Practice Excellence stage (Theatre 12) at 14:00 BST — The Power of Communities: How They Can Supercharge Your Accounting Success
Our UK Sales Lead, Phil Hobden, is teaming up with Johann Goree (Engager), Kirsty Mitchell (FreeAgent), and Zoe Whitman (The 6 Figure Bookkeeper) to explore big ideas, fresh insights and a conversation that puts YOU — the accountant — at the centre of product innovation.
