Our friends and colleagues from across the North America region reunited in Houston, Texas from 11 to 13 June 2024 for our annual North America Gathering.

After a long 51-hour journey from South Africa via London, PKF Global CEO Theo Vermaak joined PKF North America coordinator Cheryl Burke and J. Del Walker, Chief Growth Officer and tax director at our host firm, PKF Texas, to welcome delegates and provide an update on our global priorities.

We enjoyed a wealth of interactive and engaging sessions over the three-day event. One of the highlights was a thought-provoking discussion entitled ‘Rethinking Resourcing’ led by Theo and Darren Isaacs, founder, Executive Chair and Chief Product Officer at Makosi. Delegates were challenged to consider changing the way their firms meet resourcing needs and explore the benefits offered by a variable workforce model.

Another standout session, ‘Pass the Mic: New Leaders Speak Up’, saw a panel of the region’s dynamic young leaders present their insights and experiences on a range of hot topics. Our industry trailblazers shared their perspectives on progressing through the ranks, discussed recruitment, retention and how to build effective teams, and reflected on how established leaders can best support their rising stars.

Panellist Jairan Shirazi, senior tax manager at member firm Berkowitz Pollack Brant, said, ‘I am thankful for the opportunity to share my thoughts with firm leaders. Firm leadership plays a pivotal role in empowering us to achieve greater heights, and I hope by sharing my perspective we will all be positioned for even greater success.’ 

The event culminated with a memorable highlight dinner at Manor House, the former home of George H. W. Bush. Delegates were treated to an authentic Texas barbecue hoedown, complete with cowboy hats, country music and line dancing lessons.

We were delighted to welcome Caseware, KBKG, SAPRO and Suralink to Houston as our event partners. Thank you for travelling out to join us and sharing insights with our members.

Building on last year’s success, we’re replacing delegate gift bags at our global events with donations to local charities. We’re proud to have raised $3,000 for Texas Forensic Nurse Examiners, a non-profit organisation which partners with hospitals and clinics to provide compassionate crisis services to survivors of violence. Thank you to our members for helping us make a positive difference.

Special thanks to our hosts J. Del Walker, Chris Hatten, Christopher Dodd, Jen Lemanski, Melanie Bolton, Michael Veuleman, Rafael Carsalade, Ryan Istre and everyone at PKF Texas for their fantastic Houston hospitality.

J. Del Walker, Chief Growth Officer and tax director at PKF Texas, said, 'It was truly our pleasure for PKF Texas to serve as the host firm for the recent annual PKF North America Gathering. As Bob Dylan says, “Times they are a changing” in our profession. The conference sessions reflected this, being timely, relevant and insightful. The value of the PKF network was on full display to all attendees. Most importantly, everyone’s time in Houston offered ample opportunities for relationship building, collaborative dialogue and some good ‘ole Texas fun! Definitely looking forward to 2025’s PKF North America Gathering. Can’t wait!'

PKF Global CEO Theo Vermaak said, ‘I was delighted to attend our 2024 North America Gathering and experience first-hand the incredible engagement amongst our members. We’re united in our passion to drive success and grow together, to benefit our people, our member firms and their clients. The power of our network truly lies in the strength of our relationships. Thank you to everyone who attended our gathering and contributed to the event’s success.’

Interested in joining our global community and unlocking a world of opportunities for you and your firm? Find out more about PKF membership here.