The AGM's World Cafe: an exciting new way to network and connect!
One of the big highlights of this year’s Global AGM in Cape Town was the introduction of our first ever World Cafe — a new format designed to bring members together for open, practical, and high-value conversations and networking.
The session, which received enthusiastic feedback from members, offered a refreshing change of pace, creating an environment where delegates could connect, share experiences, and exchange ideas in a more interactive way than ever before.
How the World Cafe works
Across 12 tables, members explored the three major themes shaping firms today — Technology, Talent, and Succession. Each table was guided by one of 12 hosts from around the world, helping to spark thoughtful discussion and encourage contributions from every corner of our network. Delegates moved between tables, comparing approaches, asking questions, and gaining insight into how other firms are navigating similar challenges.
The conversations touched on areas that matter to all of us: AI adoption and practical tools firms are experimenting with, shifting talent expectations, developing future leaders, professionalising onboarding, strengthening retention, and planning for succession. While each table had its own direction, the overall energy was one of openness, curiosity, and shared learning. It quickly became clear why this new format resonated so strongly with members.
World Cafe Takeaway Menus: something to take home
To ensure these conversations could continue beyond the AGM, we created three World Cafe Takeaway Menus — one each for Technology, Talent, and Succession.
Each menu brings together:
- The key questions explored at the tables
- A high-level summary of the main outcomes
- Insights members can take back and share within their firms
The takeaway menus were designed to provide something tangible, both for delegates who joined us in Cape Town and for members who couldn’t attend in person. They offer a clear snapshot of the themes discussed, capturing the collective thinking that emerged across our global network.
Download your World Cafe Takeaway menus here:
Click on the images to download
A big thank you to our table hosts
Huge thanks to our 12 table hosts whose guidance, thoughtful prompts, and international perspectives shaped the success of this first World Cafe. Their leadership helped create an environment where members felt encouraged to contribute, challenge ideas, and learn from each other — and an extra special mention to Andreas Klier, from Pape & Co., Germany, who was instrumental in getting the World Cafe off the ground.
Looking ahead
The World Cafe has set a strong foundation for future AGMs. It gave members the opportunity to speak openly about the issues they are facing — and to hear how others are responding to similar challenges across regions and firm sizes. The ideas and tools discussed have already sparked follow-up conversations and new thinking within the network.
As we look ahead to Auckland 2026, we’re excited to build on this momentum and continue developing the World Cafe as a space for connection, collaboration, and shared insight.
Our first World Cafe was the start of something valuable — and we look forward to seeing where it goes next.
For further information reach out to Maxine Brock.
MGI Worldwide is a leading global accounting network and association with over 8,800 professionals, accountants and tax experts in some 440 locations in almost 100 countries around the world.