The Finance and Accounting Technology Expo (FATE) at Manhattan’s Javits Center this week served as the inaugural kickoff for the Chief Executives Group’s trade show focused on accounting-specific technology. While the show featured startup pitches and speakers similar to events like Finovate Fall, it distinguished itself by combining an opportunity to learn about new technology with a chance for familiar faces to reconnect.

Outside of keynotes from Shark Tank’s Daymond John, Eventus’ Glenn Hopper and Kapitus’ Anthony Rose, the show offered unique insights on technology’s role in accounting and several panel discussions, including one about sports tech stacks featuring CFOs working in professional sports and AI’s practical applications.

Below are five takeaways from the event:

1. Relationship building reigns supreme

Though the showcase emphasized technology offerings via booths and sales representatives, many attendees spent their time in conversation with one another. Unsurprisingly, many conversations overheard by CFO.com were less about finance and accounting and more about thought leadership, family, return to office and even some politics.

2. Finance leaders understand the importance of AI awareness

Despite concerns over data sources, energy consumption and profitability, engaged attendees seemed to understand the importance of staying aware of AI’s potential impact on finance. Although much of finance is already automated, questions remain. The chance to address these questions in a group setting was valuable for CFOs who either lack a go-to person or don’t want to ask questions their CEO or CIO may expect them to know.

“What FATE provided to CFOs over the past two days was reinforcement that they don’t have to shoulder this [AI] burden alone. Instead, they can lean into the support, recommendations and counsel from their peers,” said Nick Araco Jr., founder and CEO of the CFO Alliance and a speaker at the event. “Finance leaders are more likely and willing to tell each other what not to do, what mistakes or pitfalls to avoid, than chest pound. They are true ‘chief reality officers.’ In fact, as CEO and founder of the CFO Alliance, I’m seriously considering a name change for our community.”

3. Female-led sports panel hits a home run

One of the most interesting panels at the event focused on the tech stack in sports, titled “Data and Technology Driving the Future of Sport.” The moderator Angela Ruggiero is a four-time Olympic champion and gold medalist in ice hockey for the United States. She was joined by Pauline Phillip, CFO of the National Women’s Soccer League, and Dr. Tim Naddy, vice president of finance at the Savannah Bananas.

“Sitting on a panel of three amazing women of sports, I was reminded about how it’s not only important to have strong women in various fields of play, but also to have women strongly represented in the front office,” said Naddy. “There is a wealth of talented female leaders out there who, when given the chance to flex their competitive spirits and sharp business acumen through administrative mettle, financial prowess and level-headed decision-making, do so with such poise and panache. I was honored to be included with them.”

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