Scaling New Heights 2026 Sessions and Speaker Lineup Announced

Woodard is pleased to announce the full session agenda, session speakers, and featured speakers for Scaling New Heights 2026, the premier educational and technology conference for accounting professionals. Set for June 14–17, 2026, in Orlando, Florida, Scaling New Heights continues its tradition as one of the largest and most forward‑looking gatherings for accountants, bookkeepers, controllers, CFOs, and practice leaders seeking to sharpen their skills, grow their practices, and lead with confidence.

Now entering its next chapter under the theme “Strange New World,” the 2026 program is meticulously crafted to guide attendees through practical strategies, advanced technology applications, and real‑world practice management insights in a rapidly evolving professional landscape.

A conference built for practical impact

Scaling New Heights has earned a reputation for combining deep, actionable education with a highly engaging event experience. Over four days, participants can expect a thoughtfully sequenced agenda featuring keynotes, breakout sessions, interactive workshops, and networking opportunities designed to elevate daily practice and long‑term strategy.

The training schedule includes over 100 unique sessions spanning essential areas of practice growth and firm success. Session tracks are organized around:

• Artificial Intelligence and Emerging Technology: Practical training on AI tools, automation, risk management, and technology‑enabled workflows, from basic capabilities to advanced implementations.
• General Ledger Expertise: Deep dives into leading accounting platforms, including QuickBooks Online, Intuit Enterprise, Xero, Zoho Books, Sage Intacct, and up‑and‑coming AI‑native GL systems.
• Practice Advancement & Professional Development: Non‑technology topics focused on firm branding, client acquisition and retention, pricing strategy, team building, and operational excellence.
• Tax Advisory & Representation: Sessions addressing smarter tax workflows, advising in an automated environment, audit preparedness, and integrating CAS (Client Advisory Services) for greater client value.

Each session is designed with the working professional in mind. They’re practical, immediately applicable, and grounded in real practice challenges and opportunities.

Featured keynote speakers 

The Scaling New Heights 2026 main stage features an outstanding lineup of keynote and featured presenters, representing thought leaders with unique insights into both the profession and broader economic forces shaping the future.

Shola Kaye 

An award‑winning speaker and author focused on communication, inclusive leadership, and emotional intelligence, Shola Kaye helps professionals deepen human connection and team performance, particularly important in technology‑rich contexts where human factors are often undervalued. 

Dr. Daniel Susskind 

A bestselling author and Research Professor in Economics at King’s College London, Dr. Susskind brings a distinguished perspective on the future of work, the economic impact of automation and AI, and how professional services must adapt. His research bridges macroeconomic insight with practical implications for leadership and firm strategy.

April Rinne 

An internationally recognized futurist, advisor, author, and change navigator, April Rinne has traveled to more than 100 countries and specializes in understanding how individuals and organizations thrive through change. Her work equips professionals to cultivate resilience, agility, and strategic foresight, essential skills in a continually shifting business environment.

Joe Woodard 

As Publisher of The Woodard Report and host of Scaling New Heights, Joe Woodard brings a combination of visionary leadership and practice‑centric insight, helping attendees frame their conference experience to achieve long‑term traction in growth, leadership, and innovation.

Beyond sessions: experience & community

Scaling New Heights 2026 is more than a collection of individual sessions. This is an immersive event experience. Alongside deep educational content, attendees can engage in networking opportunities, social events, and orientation sessions designed to connect professionals across firms, roles, and regions. 

Highlights include:

• Build-A-Bike® Charity Event – A pre-conference team-building experience benefiting The M Family Foundation, where attendees assemble bikes for children facing serious illness.
• Woodard Member Open House – An informal Saturday evening gathering for Woodard Members and prospective members to connect with the coaching team and learn more about community offerings.
• New Attendee Orientation & Table Talk – A welcoming session for first-time attendees, offering practical guidance and peer connection through facilitated table discussions.
• Woodard Member Social – A Sunday night event featuring karaoke, refreshments, and a book signing with keynote speaker Daniel Susskind.
• Premium Member Social – An exclusive networking event for Woodard Premium Members on Monday evening, designed for deeper engagement with fellow members and coaches.
• Conference-Wide Social at Main Event Orlando – A high-energy closing celebration on Tuesday night with bowling, arcade games, and dinner, all included with registration.

Delivering lasting value for accounting professionals

Participants consistently report that Scaling New Heights provides tangible value, from immediate improvements in daily practice to meaningful advancements in long-term strategy. Whether your goals involve expanding technical skills, strengthening client relationships, leveraging new technologies, or enhancing your leadership effectiveness, this conference offers targeted education designed to inform, equip, and empower.

Explore the full agenda and secure your spot and SAVE!

Scaling New Heights 2026 will take place at the Orlando World Center Marriott in Orlando, Florida, a venue that combines extensive conference facilities with resort‑level amenities and proximity to local attractions.

Registration is open, and your last day to save on a discounted ticket is on Groundhog Day, February 2, 2026! Find out what the discount will be if Woody, the groundhog, sees his shadow! You’ll want to visit the event website to explore the full agenda, sessions included , and the main stage speakers. This is your opportunity to identify the sessions that align with your goals, highlight the speakers you want to learn from, and begin mapping out your personalized conference experience today. Excited to see you in June!

This article was written with the assistance of AI and edited by a human.