MGI Worldwide 2019 Global AGM highlights
This year’s Global AGM took place on the 23-25 October in one of the most extraordinary international destinations, Dubai, UAE, a city of diversity and contrasts. With its glittering skyscrapers, the wealth of the Burj al Arab and towering Burj Khalifa – this unique and wonderful location proved to be the perfect venue for the MGI Worldwide 2019 Global AGM.
The conference this year was particularly special not only for the unique and wonderful location, but for the diversity of membership the event attracted. We had fantastic representation from our Asia and Middle East & North Africa regions, as well as from Africa, Australasia, Europe, Latin America, North America and the UK & Ireland. A record-breaking 57 countries were represented, which was more than expected and great to see.
The AGM also included the live merger debate and voting on one of the most important changes for the future of MGI Worldwide and it was here in Dubai where the membership formally decided, by a large majority, to merge with CPA Associates International.
Thank you to our host, Faiyaaz Rajkotwala and team at MGI Salim Rajkotwala & Associates, for all of their support and help in organising a truly remarkable event that provided members with plenty of opportunities to network with their MGI colleagues from around the world and explore everything Dubai has to offer.
Speed networking
This year’s speed networking session proved popular among members, new and old, especially those that were attending the Global AGM for the first time. It was the perfect opportunity for members to meet and interact and learn more about their firms and each other.
Exciting line-up of speakers
Gale Crosley, recognised as one of the most influential people in accounting, took an insightful look at firms that are building a technology-centric growth model, and explored the trends for successfully growing an international firm. Jonathan Pain, author and publisher of the widely read investment newsletter, The Weekly Pain Report, gave a spirited overview of the world economy and chaired some interesting questions from delegates.
Successful merger vote
This exciting moment for MGI Worldwide took place on the second day of the event and involved a live merger debate and vote. Those that were unable to attend in person had the opportunity to embrace new technology and join the debate via a live web stream.
It was here in Dubai that the membership formally decided, by a large majority, to merge with CPA International Associates and we were delighted to welcome Michael Parness, President of CPAAI and Jim Holmes, International Chairman of CPAAI to enjoy the moment.
Welcome to our newest members
6 new member firms attended this year’s Global AGM. Please welcome: Baraka Cassian from Cassian & Associates in Tanzania; Anuj Sharedalal from C. R. Sharedalal & Co. in India; Anthony Dobbyn from Dobbyn + Carafa in Australia; Vladimir Kolmakov from MGI Delta in Bulgaria; Lyo Marques from Quantrex in Brazil; and Shankar Thapa from Shankar Associates, Chartered Accountants in Nepal.
40 years of membership celebrations
Long-standing members Alan Worsdale and Kevin Thomas from Rickard Luckin Limited in the UK and Ken Yeung from Kenneth Chau & Co. in Hong Kong jointly celebrated their 40 Years of Membership with plenty of ice cream and a wonderful cake tower. The anniversary celebration took place at The Palace, overlooking the famous Burj Khalifa light show.
Well done to all our 2019 Award Winners!
The Global Awards Dinner held in the Dubai Desert was an opportunity to celebrate the exceptional quality among firms and the amazing people and teams from around the world who have gone the extra mile to make a success of membership. A big thank you to everyone who sent their nominations and to our jury, and congratulations to our well-deserved winners who were presented with a prestigious MGI Worldwide Award and Certificate on the night:
- MGI Worldwide 2019 Professional Staff Member of the Year Award- Evelyne Kayume Julius, Alekim Associates LLP (Nairobi, Kenya)
- MGI Worldwide 2019 Large Firm of the Year Award- Rickard Luckin Limited (Essex, UK)
- MGI Worldwide 2019 Mid-sized Firm of the Year Award– 2 joint winners – Roberts Nathan (Dublin, Ireland), and MGI Guerra & Asociados (Quito, Ecuador)
- MGI Worldwide 2019 Employer of the Year Award- Seymour Taylor (High Wycombe, UK)
- MGI Worldwide 2019 Tax Firm of the Year Award- MGI Modzelewski (Warsaw, Poland)
Dinner programme and entertainment
The dinner programme did not disappoint. On the second day delegates enjoyed a traditional Arabian meal under the stars at The Palace, with striking views of the Burj Khalifa - the world’s tallest building, and overlooking the legendary Dubai Fountains - the world's largest choreographed fountain system.
To mark the end of the conference, delegates boarded 4x4 jeeps for a Desert Safari and Dinner experience at the famous Dubai Desert Conservation Reserve, where a traditional Arabic meal was served with lots of music and entertainment to be enjoyed.
Other highlights included an annual global update from Roger Isaacs (MGI Chairman) and Clive Bennett (MGI CEO); Marketing update from Maxine Brock (International Marketing Director); and a report from the Technical Committee from Luis Uncal (MGI Jebsen & Co., Argentina), Dr. Michael Grüne (Prof. Dr. Binder, Dr. Dr. Hillebrecht u.Partner GmbH, Germany); Sharon J. Gregor (Selden Fox, USA) and Jo Parker (Mercia Group UK).
Thank you to everyone who was able to attend the Global AGM this year and for making it a truly wonderful and unique experience with many positive outcomes. For more information contact [email protected]
Download photos
Please go to the MGI Worldwide Flickr account here to view and download all photos from this year’s event, go HERE.
For more information contact the MGI Worldwide Marketing Director, Maxine Brock ([email protected]).
MGI Worldwide is a top 20 ranked international accounting network with some 5,400 independent auditors, accountants and tax experts in over 260 locations around the world.