As we say goodbye to 2023, the dawn of 2024 presents a golden opportunity for financial planning...
CFO Solutions was delighted to be at Board Beyond 2024, held in Boston at the prestigious Langham Hotel.
As a Premier Partner and proud sponsor, it was an honor for CFO Solutions to be in attendance. Board Beyond was a resounding success for the CFO Solutions team. From enlightening finance panels to thrilling conversation at our booth to a lively happy hour, to an electric Red Sox v. Phillies game under the lights, the day was packed full of activities from sun up until well after sundown!
A Grand Welcome to Board Beyond 2024
On Tuesday night, The event kicked off with a warm welcome reception from the Board team that set the scene for the day ahead. The Langham Hotel, a venue filled with history and architectural beauty, offered a stunning setting for the welcome event. This former Federal Reserve Bank building, inspired by Renaissance-era palaces, was the perfect spot to host the 1.25-day-long conference.
It was incredible to see so many familiar faces and meet new connections, who are all equally passionate about the future of Board and Intelligent Planning as we are.
Engaging Keynotes and Panels on Board Intelligent Planning
The inspiring opening keynote session presented insights into the latest advancements into Board's Intelligent Planning platform. Throughout the conference, various panel discussions covered a wide range of topics, including financial consolidation, strategic implications of AI in Enterprise Performance Management (EPM), and much more.
One of the most impactful sessions, in my opinion, focused on the challenges CFOs face in controlling margins and optimizing costs. The panelists highlighted the importance of balancing simplicity and complexity in financial planning, ensuring plans are realistic and actionable.
Another session dove into the world of AI, exploring practical use cases and the strategic advantages it offers to businesses. These discussions bridged the gap between theory and practice, providing actionable insights for attendees.
Customer Success Stories in Enterprise Performance Management (EPM)
At Board Beyond, the power of customer stories and real-world use cases is, of course, a crucial part of the event. One standout story is our partnership with OTC Industrial Technologies. Initially challenged with managing disparate ERP systems, OTC needed a more efficient financial consolidation process. That's where CFO Solutions stepped in, identifying the Board platform as the perfect solution.
OTC implemented Board Financial Consolidation (BFC), establishing a single consolidation point for all their business units. This framework has become the foundation for efficient close and consolidation processes, providing instant access to summary and transactional financial data. The journey didn’t stop there; OTC continues to expand their use cases with Board, focusing on cross-functional, company-wide planning, and enhancing their operational and sales reporting capabilities.
For more details on OTC’s success, read the full case study here.
Networking at Board Beyond
The next highlight was our happy hour at The Fed, the posh hotel bar at The Langham. After a busy day at Board Beyond 2024, it was the perfect setting to unwind. Surrounded by an elegant ambiance, we loved the chance to connect with attendees in a more relaxed and informal environment. The conversations flowed freely as we exchanged ideas and experiences, building new connections and strengthening existing ones.
Red Sox vs. Phillies Game at Fenway Park
After the happy hour, we moved on to Fenway Park to catch the Red Sox vs. Phillies game. The seats had a fantastic view of the game and the stadium. We even got to see the Red Sox World Series trophy up close, which was an incredible experience for all the baseball fans among us.
From classic Fenway franks to lobster rolls, there was something for everyone to enjoy. The most perfect spring weather and a gorgeous sunset provided the ideal backdrop for a memorable evening. It was the perfect way to cap off our day in Boston, blending the excitement of the game with the opportunity to relax and socialize in a legendary sports venue.
Recognizing Excellence in Board Implementation
The most exciting part of Board Beyond 2024 was being honored as 'Board Implementation Partner of the Year'. This prestigious award recognizes our exceptional commitment to excellence and innovation in implementing Board. We extend our gratitude to Board for the recognition and to our dedicated team and clients who made this achievement possible.
