From AI-powered finance to association leadership and governance, the 2026 calendar offers compelling opportunities for forward-thinking association CFOs. Whether you're evaluating new technology, sharpening your strategic outlook, or building peer connections across industries, these conferences deliver real value. Below is SoundPost's guide to the year's most relevant gatherings, spanning association leadership, accounting innovation, and financial transformation.
Note: Event details and pricing information is provided for general reference and reflects publicly available rates as of the publication date. Please consult each event's official website for the most current and accurate information.
Sage Future
Location: Moscone Center, San Francisco, CA
Dates: April 28–30, 2026
Registration Pricing: last chance pricing at $1,795, with special rates for groups of 5 or more
Website: Sage Future
Formerly known as Sage Transform, Sage Future is Sage's flagship annual conference for finance and accounting professionals. The 2026 program centers on AI-powered financial management, product roadmap updates, and hands-on training across the Sage Intacct platform. Keynotes include journalist Kara Swisher and Scott Krug, CFO of the New York Yankees, alongside Sage executives Steve Hare and Aaron Harris. The event is built for Intacct users, partners, and finance leaders interested in automation, decision intelligence, and cloud ERP strategy. Tailored tracks cover sectors including nonprofits, and the programming emphasizes practical takeaways over theory.
DynamicsCon LIVE
Location: Fontainebleau Las Vegas, Las Vegas, NV
Dates: May 12–15, 2026
Registration Pricing: Early-bird pricing of $1,800 available through April 15; ask about group discounts
Website: DynamicsCon
For associations running on Microsoft Dynamics 365 or Power Platform, DynamicsCon remains the premier community-driven event. The 2026 edition features over 300 sessions led by 250+ speakers, including Microsoft MVPs and veteran practitioners, covering Dynamics 365, Dynamics GP, Power Platform, AI, and Copilot. With over 3,000 projected attendees and 125+ sponsors, the event combines deep technical content with peer networking and two community receptions.
ASAE Marketing, Membership, Communications + Tech Conference (MMC+Tech)
Location: Walter E. Washington Convention Center, Washington, DC
Dates: May 28–29, 2026
Registration Pricing:
- ASAE Member: $935
- Non-member: $1,230
- ASAE Small-Staff Member: $825
- Groups of 5 association staff or more: $100 discount per registrant
Website: ASAE MMC+Tech
ASAE's two-day event for marketing, membership, communications, and technology professionals returns to Washington, DC. The 2026 program features keynotes from Ann Handley, world's first chief content officer and best-selling author, and Sheri Jacobs, CEO of Avenue M Group. Attendees can earn CAE credits across learning labs, deep-dive workshops, and innovation theaters focused on branding, retention, MarTech, and member engagement strategy.
AICPA & CIMA ENGAGE 2026
Location: ARIA Resort & Casino, Las Vegas, NV
Dates: June 8–11, 2026
Registration Pricing:
For All-Access In-Person Passes:
- AICPA/CIMA Member: $2,195
- AICPA/CIMA Member/Credential Holder: $2,045
- Non-member: $2,695
- Early Bird discount through May 11: $100 off
Website: AICPA & CIMA ENGAGE
The profession's largest annual gathering returns with nine tracks of expert content spanning tax strategy, AI applications, audit, advisory services, and firm management. Attendees can earn up to 42 CPE credits. ENGAGE continues to draw thousands of CPAs, controllers, and finance leaders for cutting-edge workshops, keynote sessions, and an expansive exhibit hall.
IMA26 Accounting & Finance Conference
Location: The Marriott and JW Marriott Tampa Water Street, Tampa, FL
Dates: June 14–17, 2026
Registration Pricing:
For full conference:
- IMA and CFO Alliance Member: $1,650
- Non-member: $1,945
- Early Bird discount through April 17: $200 off
- 2-day pass options available
Website: IMA Conference
Hosted by the Institute of Management Accountants, IMA26 features specialty tracks covering AI and automation, geopolitical risk and global trade, and future finance talent development. The conference offers CPE credits and a CFO Alliance track, along with strategy workshops and ethical leadership training. It remains a standout for its focus on data-driven finance and transformative innovation in the management accounting profession.
ACCESSE26
Location: Raleigh Convention Center, Raleigh, NC
Dates: July 13–15, 2026
Registration Pricing:
- CESSE Member: $795
- Non-member: $895
- Early Bird discount through May 27: $50 off
- Groups of 5 or more save 10%
- Finance and HR Pre-Conference (alone): $225
- Finance and HR Pre-Conference (with conference): $175
Website: ACCESSE
The premier event for STEM society professionals, ACCESSE26 brings together leaders from science, engineering, and technical associations. The 2026 theme is "Rooted in Purpose," with programming designed to help leaders align personal clarity, organizational strategy, and global impact. The Finance & HR pre-conference remains a valuable track for those overseeing budgets, staffing, and strategy. Attendees can earn CAE and CMP credits.
ASAE Annual Meeting & Exposition
Location: Indiana Convention Center, Indianapolis, IN
Dates: August 15–18, 2026
Registration Pricing:
- ASAE Member: $1,248
- Non-member: $1,648
- Early Bird discount through April 10: $400 off
- Special pricing for small staff associations, international attendees and others
- 1-day passes available
Website: ASAE Annual Meeting
ASAE's flagship event convenes thousands of association leaders for immersive keynotes, trend-driven content, and deep engagement across every functional area of association management. The 2026 edition features keynotes from Amy Edmondson, Novartis Professor of Leadership and Management at Harvard Business School, and Justin Patton, founder of The Trust Architect Group. Indianapolis is completing a $3 billion investment in new convention infrastructure, making this a notable year for the venue. This event remains the definitive gathering place for association professionals, offering unparalleled depth, breadth, and networking. SoundPost will be exhibiting at this event.
SuiteWorld
Location: Caesars Forum, Las Vegas, NV
Dates: October 25–28, 2026
Registration Pricing: Not yet published as of publication date
Website: SuiteWorld
Oracle NetSuite's annual user conference returns with both in-person and virtual attendance options. SuiteWorld is built for financial professionals leveraging cloud ERP to drive transformation, with role-based and industry-specific breakout sessions, hands-on training labs, and executive keynotes. Recent SuiteConnect announcements have previewed features including an Intelligent Close Manager, AI-powered bank transaction matching, and AI-generated report narratives. The conference is ideal for CFOs looking to deepen their operational and reporting capabilities within NetSuite.
digitalNow
Location: Hilton Arlington Rosslyn The Key, Washington, DC area
Dates: October 25–28, 2026
Registration Pricing:
- Individual: $949
- 2–3 Registrants: $859/person
- 4–5 Registrants: $799/person
Website: digitalNow
Produced by Sidecar, digitalNow blends Silicon Valley perspective with association sector practicality. Featuring AI, governance, and digital transformation themes, the 2026 edition moves to the Washington, DC area after several years in Chicago. The three-day program is built for senior association leaders and their key staff, with powerful keynotes from outside the association industry, in-depth workshops, and curated networking. Ideal for tech-minded CFOs exploring the next wave of innovation in association management.
CSAE Annual Conference
Location: St. John's, Newfoundland, Canada
Dates: October 27–30, 2026
Registration Pricing:
- CSAE Member: $1,199
- Non-member: $1,499
- Early Bird discount through May 29: $300/$400 off member/non-member
Website: CSAE Annual Conference
The Canadian Society of Association Executives' flagship event convenes association professionals from across Canada for three days of learning, networking, and community building. The 2026 edition heads to St. John's, marking a move to Atlantic Canada with its coastal setting and warm hospitality. Programming spans governance, operations, leadership, and member value, with sessions eligible for CAE credits. For finance leaders at Canadian associations or organizations with cross-border operations, CSAE offers peer connections and strategic perspectives that complement the US-focused events on this list. SoundPost will be exhibiting at this event.
Holiday Showcase (Association Forum)
Location: Hilton Chicago, Chicago, IL
Dates: November 29–30, 2026
Registration Pricing: Not yet published as of publication date
Website: Holiday Showcase
Association Forum's Holiday Showcase is a well-respected staple for association professionals across roles, now in a two-day format at the Hilton Chicago. Expect sessions on event strategy, vendor management, and end-of-year leadership reflections, along with a dynamic exhibit hall and extensive networking. An ideal touchpoint to reconnect with peers, reflect on progress, and gather insights heading into the new year. Attendees can earn CEUs across both days.
One-Day Events Worth Your Time
Not every valuable learning opportunity requires a multi-day commitment. These focused, single-day events deliver concentrated insight on topics directly relevant to association finance leaders.
Innovation Hub
Location: American College of Surgeons Offices, Chicago, IL
Dates: April 21, 2026
Registration Pricing: $299 (includes breakfast, lunch, and happy hour)
Website: Innovation Hub
Produced by Sidecar, the Innovation Hub is a full-day immersive event focused on AI and innovation for association professionals. The program features sessions on AI strategy, data activation, governance frameworks, and live demonstrations of next-generation AI tools built for the association sector. Attendees earn 6 CAE credits and AAiP continuing education credits. At $299 for a full day of programming, it is one of the most accessible events on this list.
Non Dues-A-Palooza
Location: Arlington, VA
Dates: May 27, 2026
Registration Pricing: Available via nonduesapalooza.com
Website: Non Dues-A-Palooza
Non Dues-A-Palooza is a focused, single-day workshop designed for association executives exploring new approaches to non-dues revenue. The program features real-world case studies, interactive discussion, and actionable strategies drawn from association and industry leaders who have built and scaled revenue streams beyond membership dues. Topics typically span corporate sponsorships, digital monetization, online learning, and partnership models. For CFOs and finance leaders responsible for revenue diversification and long-term financial sustainability, this is one of the most concentrated learning opportunities on the calendar. Note: Non Dues-A-Palooza takes place the day before ASAE's MMC+Tech conference, also in the Washington, DC area, making it possible to attend both in a single trip.
Closing Notes
Whether you're mapping out AI adoption, refining budgeting workflows, or evaluating your next systems investment, these conferences offer knowledge and networks to elevate your role in 2026. From powerhouse gatherings like ASAE Annual and AICPA & CIMA ENGAGE to focused intensives like Non Dues-A-Palooza and ACCESSE, these events offer essential opportunities to stay sharp, connected, and forward-focused.
Disclosure: SoundPost is a Blue Cypress company and sister company of Sidecar, which produces digitalNow and the Innovation Hub.
Tags:
Association FinanceApril 7, 2026 10:00:00 AM EDT
Comments