Finance teams are being asked to do more thanks to tighter timelines, leaner resources, and advances in AI. For CFOs, controllers, FP&A practitioners, and emerging finance leaders the pace of change in the industry means that the value of in-person learning and connection has never been higher.
In 2026 the most impactful finance conferences share a common formula: high-quality education curated by industry experts, immersive sessions that explore real-world challenges, and environments designed to foster meaningful conversations among decision-makers.
Whether you're looking to sharpen your technical skills, understand the next wave of finance technology, simply earn CPE credits, or connect with leaders who are shaping the future of the function, the events in our guide offer unmatched opportunities to learn new skills, gain insights and develop your professional network.
| Conference Name | Location (City, Region) | 2026 Dates | Primary Audience | CPE / CPD Eligibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Excelerate Finance Fest 2026 | Austin, Texas | May 11–13, 2026 | FP&A, finance transformation teams, Office of the CFO, growth + enterprise finance leaders | Yes |
| FP&A Summit 2026 (Multi-City Series) | San Jose, Austin, Boston, London, Chicago | Various dates (e.g., Feb 26 & Sept 24, 2026) | Senior FP&A leaders, finance business partners | Varies (typically Yes) |
| CFO Leadership Summit / CFO Leadership Conference (Spring 2026) | Boston, Massachusetts | June 3–5, 2026 | CFOs and senior finance executives | Yes |
| Gartner CFO & Finance Conference | National Harbor, Maryland (typical venue) | May 27–29, 2026 | CFOs, finance executives, FP&A leaders | Yes (for qualifying sessions) |
| MIT CFO Summit 2026 | Boston, Massachusetts | November 19, 2026 | CFOs, finance innovators, tech-forward leaders | Varies |
| AFP FP&A Forum 2026 | Indianapolis, Indiana | March 23–25, 2026 | FP&A managers, directors, CFOs | Varies (AFP CE; some CPE possible) |
| AICPA & CIMA ENGAGE 26 | Las Vegas, Nevada | June 8–11, 2026 | CPAs, CFOs, controllers, corporate + public finance teams | Yes (up to ~42 credits) |
| Money20/20 2026 (Asia & USA) | Bangkok, Thailand; Las Vegas, Nevada | Apr 21–23 (Asia), Oct 18–21 (USA) | Fintech, banks, payments leaders, tech & finance executives | No |
8 Of The Best FP&A Conferences For Finance Professionals
#1 Excelerate Finance Fest 2026 (Austin, May 11–13)
Excelerate Finance Fest returns to Austin in 2026 as one of the standout in-person events for finance teams focused on modernization, data-driven decision-making, and operational excellence. Held May 11–13, the event is built around CPE/CPD-eligible sessions, hands-on learning, and industry roundtables that bring together FP&A, finance transformation, and Office of the CFO teams from both growth and enterprise organizations.
The agenda centers on the capabilities finance leaders need to build next: AI and automation in planning, integrated business planning, data storytelling, executive communication, and designing modern finance tech stacks that support scale and agility. For teams navigating digital transformation or looking to level up strategic influence, Excelerate combines practical education with a highly engaged peer community, making it a strong choice for leaders who want both actionable insights and meaningful connection.
#2 FP&A Summit 2026 (Multi-City Series)
The FP&A Summit series, run by Finance Alliance, remains one of the most accessible in-person event tracks for senior FP&A leaders and finance business partners. With conferences hosted across major cities, including San Jose (Feb 26, 2026), Austin, Boston (Sept 24, 2026), London, and Chicago the series gives teams multiple opportunities to learn, benchmark, and connect without a heavy travel lift.
Many sessions across the circuit are also CPE-eligible, making it a strong fit for leaders focused on structured professional development.
The agenda is built around the core capabilities modern FP&A teams are expected to excel at: forecasting, scenario planning, business partnering, AI in FP&A, dashboarding, and leadership development. The format emphasizes peer exchange, practical frameworks, and discussions with practitioners who are actively reshaping the planning process inside their organizations. For teams seeking to pressure-test their approaches or accelerate their FP&A maturity, the Summit series is a high-value stop.
#3 CFO Leadership Summit / CFO Leadership Conference (Spring 2026)
The Spring CFO Leadership Conference returns to Boston on June 3–5, 2026, bringing together finance executives from mid-market to large organizations for three days of leadership development, strategic insight, and peer-driven learning. The event is known for its practical, executive-focused programming, with many sessions CPE-eligible and designed to help leaders navigate growth, change, and organizational alignment.
The agenda focuses on the capabilities senior finance leaders need to elevate influence and drive enterprise performance: leadership development, growth strategy, peer-driven case discussions, and building high-performing finance teams. For CFOs looking to expand their strategic toolkit and learn directly from other executives facing similar challenges, the Summit offers a highly curated, executive-only environment.
#4 Gartner CFO & Finance Conference (May 27–29, 2026)
The Gartner CFO & Finance Executive Conference returns May 27–29, 2026, continuing its role as one of the most research-driven events for senior finance leaders. Typically hosted in National Harbor, MD, the conference attracts CFOs, finance executives, and FP&A leaders who rely on Gartner’s analytical depth and market insight to guide long-term strategy. Many sessions are CPE-eligible, adding additional value for attendees seeking continuing education.
The agenda focuses on the macro and technological forces reshaping finance: autonomous finance, digital transformation, AI adoption, strategic cost management, risk, and talent and leadership in an evolving finance function. With its mix of research presentations, expert panels, and executive roundtables, the conference is designed for leaders who want clarity on where finance is heading—and how to prepare their teams for what’s next.
#5 MIT CFO Summit (Boston, November 19, 2026)
The MIT CFO Summit, one of the most established one-day gatherings for finance executives, returns to the Boston area on November 19, 2026. Known for its blend of academic insight, industry innovation, and executive-level discussion, the event attracts CFOs and finance leaders who want to stay ahead of where technology and strategy are moving.
Programming typically centers on the evolving skill set of the modern CFO, with sessions covering advanced analytics, technology-enabled finance, innovation, and strategic leadership. The Summit’s mix of MIT faculty, technology pioneers, and senior finance executives offers attendees a forward-looking perspective grounded in practical application. This conference is a strong fit for leaders shaping the next generation of finance capabilities.
#6 AFP FP&A Forum 2026 (Indianapolis, March 23–25)
The AFP FP&A Forum is a three-day, in-person event designed specifically for FP&A teams looking to modernize planning, enhance analytical capabilities, and benchmark their practices against peers. The 2026 Forum will be held March 23–25 in Indianapolis, IN, bringing together FP&A managers, directors, and CFOs focused on elevating the planning and analysis function.
Content spans both foundational and emerging practices, with sessions on dashboarding, agile forecasting, AI for FP&A, scenario planning, and peer-selected breakout topics. For teams looking to sharpen their analysis skills and stay current with FP&A best practices, the Forum delivers a mix of practical frameworks and structured peer learning.
#7 AICPA & CIMA ENGAGE 26 (Las Vegas, June 8–11)
ENGAGE 26, hosted by AICPA & CIMA, remains one of the largest and most comprehensive professional development conferences for accounting and finance leaders. Held June 8–11, 2026 at the ARIA Resort & Casino in Las Vegas, the event offers extensive opportunities to earn CPE—up to roughly 42 credits across its various learning tracks.
With nine or more specialized tracks, ENGAGE covers the full spectrum of modern finance issues: technical accounting, AI and digital transformation, advisory services, leadership development, and practice management. The breadth makes it a strong option for CPAs, controllers, CFOs, and finance professionals across corporate, public, and advisory roles who need both depth and variety in their learning experience.
#8 Money20/20 2026 (Bangkok in April; Las Vegas in October)
Money20/20 remains one of the most influential global events in fintech and financial innovation. In 2026, Money20/20 Asia takes place April 21–23 at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center in Bangkok, while Money20/20 USA returns October 18–21 in Las Vegas. While not a traditional CPE-focused conference, the event is a major draw for finance executives interested in the future of financial services and emerging technology.
The agenda covers the forces reshaping financial ecosystems, including payments innovation, embedded finance, digital assets, regulatory trends, and cross-industry partnerships. For finance leaders in banking, fintech, payments, or tech-driven industries, Money20/20 is a strategic destination for spotting trends, meeting industry innovators, and understanding where the money movement ecosystem is heading.
How to Choose the Right Finance Event
Selecting the right conference depends on what you want to achieve. For CFOs and senior finance leaders, those goals can vary widely depending on where the organization is headed, what industry you're in, and what even what you're looking to get out of your career. Whether it’s earning CPE credits, strengthening strategic networks, or deepening expertise in a specific finance function.
Some things to consider are:
Your Professional Objectives
Start with what you want to walk away with:
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Technical mastery and CPE credits
If staying compliant, deepening accounting knowledge, or catching up on regulatory changes is the priority, choose a conference built for structured learning with accredited sessions. -
Strategic elevation and executive insight
If you’re looking to refine thinking around transformation, AI adoption, organizational design, or stakeholder communication, target events with senior-level speakers and C-suite discussions. -
Network expansion and peer benchmarking
If your goal is to connect with other CFOs, compare strategies, or scout vendors and partners, choose conferences known for curated networking and peer roundtables.
Your Team’s Skill Gaps and Transformation Agenda
Your conference choice should also reflect where your finance organization is headed:
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Scaling FP&A capabilities? Look for events rich in forecasting, scenario modeling, and analytics best practices.
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Strengthening business partnering? Seek out sessions on communication, influence, and decision support.
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Exploring automation or AI? Prioritize tech-forward events showcasing implementations, tools, and case studies.
Selecting the right event can accelerate your team’s development and align with your broader finance transformation roadmap.
Geographic Preference and Reach
Location matters, not just for convenience but for exposure:
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U.S.-based events deliver strong North American business insight, vendor ecosystems, and regulatory updates.
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International conferences offer global perspectives, emerging-market innovation, and access to cross-border expertise.
Choosing a global event may be especially valuable if your organization is expanding internationally or navigating multi-regional operations.
Content Focus and Specialization
Different events serve different needs. Consider where you want depth:
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FP&A – planning, analytics, automation, modeling
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CFO leadership – strategy, transformation, communication, capital allocation
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Accounting and assurance – compliance, controls, reporting, CPE
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Fintech and innovation – payments, AI, digital platforms, future finance models
Clarity on your learning priorities ensures you select a conference that aligns with your personal development and your organization’s needs.
Time, Budget, and ROI
CFOs are measured on value creation, and conference attendance is no different.
Ask yourself:
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What is the tangible value of attending this event?
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Will it provide insights I can immediately apply?
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Does it offer connections or solutions that accelerate my roadmap?
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Can my team benefit if I bring back frameworks, tools, or best practices?
The right event should pay dividends in improved processes, better decision-making, or meaningful strategic clarity.
Events & Conferences Are A Smarter Approach To Professional Development
Ultimately, choosing the right conference is a strategic decision.
The best events are those that align with your professional goals, support your team’s development, and contribute to the broader transformation of the finance function.
The right event can offer clarity, connection, and momentum. With a thoughtful approach, every conference becomes an opportunity to accelerate your impact as a finance leader.
