Gartner CFO & Finance Executive Conference 2024: A Recap

This year, the CFO Solutions team was ecstatic to attend our first-ever Gartner CFO & Finance Executive Conference!

Before the start of the conference on Sunday evening, the start of the next few days really kicked off with a stunning sunset through the glass ceiling of the Gaylord.

What is The Gartner CFO & Finance Executive Conference?

The Gartner CFO Executive & Finance Conference is an annual conference tailored for Chief Financial Officers (CFOs) and senior finance executives, organized by the research company, Gartner. This event is targeted to help CFOs stay on top of the finance world to lead their teams more effectively. Attendees look forward to presentations and keynotes from industry experts, thought leaders, and Gartner analysts who share the latest trends, challenges, and opportunities in finance and business.

The conference covers various finance topics, including financial planning, digital transformation, risk management, budgeting, Enterprise Performance Management (EPM), and much more. There are interactive workshops and panel discussions for those who a deep dive into specific topics. The conference is an incredible networking opportunity, and a chance to connect with peers, exchange experiences, and discuss common challenges.

The main goal of the Gartner CFO Executive Conference is to provide finance leaders with insights and tools they need to make better decisions to drive their organizations forward, and stay competitive in today's fast-changing business environment. With this goal in mind, this year's event focused on how technologies relating to AI, machine learning, and automation can boost efficiency.

First-Time Gartner Sponsor

The conference took place just outside of Washington, DC in National Harbor. Gartner events are the perfect opportunity to connect with industry leaders across the world of finance and explore the latest trends that ultimately shape how we do business. 

Given the name of the conference and the nature of our business, there is no doubt that this conference was the perfect synchronistic event for our team to attend.

Day 1: Gearing Up for Gartner

The first day started with a bang as the conference kicked off. Attendees gathered to discuss different solutions and share valuable insights from all different types of finance teams. The CFO Solutions booth was stocked with swag and ready for the next two days!

Gartner Day One Recap: The Future of Finance

Gartner CFO & Executive Conference Opening Keynote

The opening keynote, "The 'AI Stalls' That CFOs Must Navigate," addressed the upcoming surge in enterprise AI spending and adoption, emphasizing the role of CFOs in managing costs and common challenges like cost overruns, decision-making misuse, trust issues, and rigid mindsets. Gartner VP Analyst, Nisha Bhandare, and Senior Director Analyst, Clement Christensen, presented a comprehensive framework to categorize AI initiatives, assess their value, and help CFOs proactively establish leadership in this transformative technology.

Controllers in the Spotlight at Gartner

Monday afternoon’s sessions had a spotlight on controllers, covering the unique challenges they face in their day-to-day. From driving faster closes to reducing errors and accelerating key financial processes, the sessions were invaluable. The emphasis on controllers using technology to enhance productivity resonated deeply with the audience. It was fascinating to see the innovative approaches being discussed, all aimed at transforming the controllership function to achieve greater efficiency and accuracy.

Breakout Sessions

Our team went to several breakout sessions, including the track on how controllers can drive a faster close, reduce errors, and accelerate key financial processes. The emphasis on technology’s role in transforming the controllership function resonated deeply with us.

Networking:

Engaging with brilliant minds from across the finance sector was a highlight of the day. It was especially great to share ideas, discuss challenges, and explore potential collaborations. 

The first day ended with a fun cocktail and networking hour that extended throughout the booths. Collars loosened up and attendees had a ball with caricature artists, games, prizes, small bites, good drinks, and even better discussions.

We ended the day having incredibly valuable discussions with customers and prospects in different phases of their EPM journey. Some of our favorite discussions of the day came from those in the thick of searching for a new EPM system, which is never easy and often sets off "paralysis of analysis". Luckily, this is an area of expertise for the CFO Solutions team, and we've done thousands of EPM Implementations in the last two decades. 

Gartner Day Two Recap: Financial Innovation in Full Swing

The crowd gathered at the Gaylord for the second day of the conference, eager to explore sessions focusing on AI, data analytics, and strategic growth.

AI in Finance Takes Center Stage

AI was the star of the show again on Tuesday. The focus on artificial intelligence was evident throughout the day, with numerous sessions dedicated to exploring its transformative potential in finance. Here are some key AI trends that we heard about at the event:

Predictive Analytics
Using AI to forecast future financial scenarios with greater accuracy, helps businesses make proactive decisions to stay ahead of the curve.

Automation of Routine Tasks
Streamlining repetitive tasks like data entry, reconciliation, and reporting to free up finance teams to focus on strategic initiatives.

Enhanced Fraud Detection
Advanced AI algorithms are improving the detection and prevention of fraudulent activities, safeguarding financial integrity, and boosting confidence.

Personalized Financial Insights
AI-driven analytics are providing tailored insights, enabling more precise and personalized financial planning and analysis.

Discussions on integrating AI into finance processes were of significant interest. The major buzz was around AI trends, learning how to effectively utilize it to revolutionize operations. 

Transforming FP&A

Financial Planning and Analysis (FP&A) is at the heart of strategic decision-making. Enhancing data analytics, streamlining processes, and enabling real-time decision-making were focal points in our discussions. Attendees appreciated the approach to integrating advanced analytics and AI-driven forecasting into their finance operations, learning about ways to:

• Accelerate financial close processes by automating routine tasks and leveraging predictive analytics, finance teams can close books faster and more accurately.
• Improve accuracy and reduce errors: Advanced data analytics tools help identify and rectify errors in real-time, enhancing overall data integrity.
• Enhance strategic planning and performance tracking: Continuous Performance Management (CPM) allows for real-time monitoring and adjustment of financial strategies, ensuring alignment with organizational goals.
  
  

  

The feedback from attendees was overwhelmingly positive, and the interest in our FP&A services was a testament to the growing recognition of the importance of advanced analytics and AI in financial planning.

Key Takeaways from Gartner:

As the conference came to a close, we took a moment to reflect on a fantastic two days of insightful discussions, new connections, and a deeper understanding of emerging finance trends. 

The Gartner CFO & Finance Executive Conference provided a wealth of knowledge and networking opportunities. Here are some key takeaways from the event:

1. The Future of Finance is Digital: Digital transformation is not just a buzzword; it's a reality shaping the future of finance. Embracing technology is essential for staying competitive.

2. AI is Revolutionizing Finance: From predictive analytics to automation, AI is transforming how finance teams operate. The potential for increased efficiency and accuracy is immense.

3. EPM Selection is Critical: Choosing the right EPM platform can significantly impact an organization’s financial performance. A structured approach to selection ensures the best fit for specific needs.

4. FP&A is Evolving: Advanced analytics and forecasting are redefining the daily work of FP&A functions. Organizations that understand and leverage emerging business intelligence tools will be better positioned to navigate future challenges.

Honored to be a Gartner Sponsor

The CFO Solutions team extends our heartfelt thank you to Gartner for organizing such an incredible event and to all attendees, speakers, and partners for making it a success. We're thrilled we could be a part of it, meet so many incredible people, and leave with so many valuable takeaways.

EPM Selection Guide

Choosing the right Enterprise Performance Management (EPM) platform can be daunting. Our comprehensive EPM Selection Guide, featuring in-depth analysis, best practices, and a selection framework, was a valuable resource for attendees. Visitors to our booth were eager to get their hands on this guide and learn more about optimizing their financial management strategies. The guide provided practical insights into navigating the complexities of selecting the best EPM solution for their specific needs.