EMEA Annual & Emerging Leaders Conference 2026
We are excited to announce that the 2026 DFK EMEA Annual & Emerging Leaders Conference will take place in the beautiful city of Florence from 25-27 February!
DFK member firms should register here.
We can't wait to welcome you in Florence to connect, learn and strengthen the relationships that make our community so unique.
DFK regional conferences provide members with essential opportunities to build lasting connections and share knowledge on a global scale. The upcoming EMEA conference offers a unique chance for all members, wherever they’re based, to gain valuable insights and collaborate across borders.
Expand Your EMEA Network: Meet fellow DFK members from across the region and further afield, many of whom you may not have previously connected with. Building new relationships and strengthening existing ones can lead to new referrals, partnerships and collaborative opportunities.
Enhance Your Regional Knowledge: Gain insights into the unique challenges and opportunities in various countries throughout the EMEA region, through our line-up of expert speakers, industry panels and workshops.
Share and Learn: Participate in our specialised business sessions and seminars, designed to provide practical takeaways on the latest industry trends, business strategies and leadership practices.
Emerging Leaders Programme: Led by experienced professionals, this programme offers an excellent opportunity for up-and-coming leaders to develop key skills that are essential for navigating the modern business environment. Participants will explore topics such as leadership influence, managing organisational change and building strong, impactful relationships.
Social Engagements: Engage in a variety of social activities, offering a chance to unwind and experience the vibrant culture of Florence while forming lasting friendships with your fellow DFK members.
Set against the breath-taking backdrop of Florence, our conference will take place in a city celebrated for its Renaissance heritage, magnificent architecture and exquisite cuisine - a place where timeless elegance meets modern vibrancy.
The DFK EMEA Conference promises a welcoming and inclusive environment for both business and social engagement, making it an opportunity not to be missed.
The EMEA Annual & Emerging Leaders Conference is sold to delegates as a package and it will not be possible to offer refunds to delegates that opt out of the core elements, which include the welcome reception and dinner; all business sessions; and the social activities and meals. Some activities are optional and are at an additional cost – this is clearly indicated where applicable.
Other than in exceptional circumstances, refunds to delegates who need to cancel will only be provided to the extent to which DFK is able to recover costs from suppliers.
Cancellations must be notified in writing to [email protected] no later than 15th January 2026 to avoid charges. After this date, charges will apply. Members are permitted to allocate their place to another delegate from their firm to avoid cancellation charges.
All travel and hotel costs are the responsibility of delegates and guests. DFK take no liability for these costs.
Minimum numbers are applicable to some activities and if we do not reach that minimum number, we reserve the right to cancel the activity before we go on-site. In this instance, you will be pre-notified.
Delegate obligations
- Delegates agree to comply with any requirements communicated by DFK or Event venue employees, contractors or agents, including instructions relating to health and safety, fire safety or consumption of food and drinks.
- Delegates must inform DFK of any specific access or other requirements (e.g. dietary requirements) as soon as reasonably practicable, but in any case before the date of the Event.
- Delegates agree to conduct themselves appropriately in their attendance at the Event. DFK reserves the right to exclude or remove from the Event any person for disruptive, inappropriate, or abusive behaviour, at its absolute sole discretion.
Indemnity
- Delegates shall indemnify DFK in full for any direct or indirect loss or damage it incurs as a result of the delegate’s acts or omissions, including any losses arising from damage to the venue, DFK or third-party property or failure to comply with any requirements specified by DFK.
Limited Liability
- DFK will take all reasonable steps to ensure the safety of delegates, but will not be liable in contract, tort or otherwise for any indirect or consequential losses, including but not limited to loss of profit, loss of use, costs or expenses, or other claims whether caused by DFK, its employees, contractors or agents arising from delegates taking part in an Event.
We are excited to be offering a packed agenda! We have the perfect blend of technical and sessions and networking activities that delegates have come to expect from a DFK event!*
Tuesday 24 February
DFK International Tax Committee Meeting
DFK Executive Board and Members Council Dinner (by invitation only)
Wednesday 25 February
DFK Executive Board Meeting (by invitation only)
DFK Members Council Meeting (by invitation only)
Emerging Leaders Social Activity
DFK International Tax Seminar
Welcome Reception
Thursday 26 February
Day 1 Annual Conference
Group Activity (Annual Conference Delegates and Guests Only)
Day 1 Emerging Leaders Conference
Gala Dinner
Friday 27 February
Day 2 Annual Conference**
Day 2 Emerging Leaders Conference**
*Please note this schedule is subject to change and is correct as at 15.10.2025
**Guests are free to depart from 2.30pm
Squash Falconer
Squash Falconer was the First British woman to climb and paraglide from the summit of Mont Blanc having ridden there from the UK on her motorbike. She is a multi-record-breaking adventurer, mountaineer and speaker. When speaking to corporate and business audiences she shares her extreme adventures. From summiting Mount Everest to becoming the world’s highest ever bum boarder.
Mirroring real day-to-day workplace challenges, Squash involves each individual in the audience on a very personal level. Participants leave inspired, motivated and confident that they too can overcome anything and achieve their goals.
Squash holds claim to be the world’s highest ever bum boarder, a title she gained on Cho Oyu, an 8,201m peak, the 6th highest mountain in the world.
In 2013 Squash completed a 3000mile journey on an ElliptiGO setting a new distance record for travel by Elliptical bicycle. She was also the European Women’s ElliptiGO Champion for three consecutive years.
The elements essential to the success of her expeditions and goals include; teamwork, resilience, discipline, motivation and creative thinking. Being able to adapt in rapidly changing environments where decisions must be made under high pressure and still perform at the highest level are key components in the success of Squash’s remarkable endeavours.
Using film and TV to share her adventures Squash has self-shot many of her trips and received accolade for the short films she’s produced.
BMW in Mexico invited Squash to co present a program where she travelled through Baja California on a motorbike. Then for a separate extreme adventure travel documentary she rode thousands of miles through South America on her BMW GS 800.
DFK Florence Conference – Emerging Leaders Session
Growing your business
Learning objectives
- To acquire tools and approaches to demystify business development
- To build confidence and take away actions to ut into practice
- To identify transferrable skills that they already have that will enable them to grow in this space.
Day 1
- Introductions, check-in and agreed ways of working
- Understanding why this is important – reflecting on their role as emerging leaders in growing the business
- Busting some BD myths
- Identifying where growth comes from within their organisations, the growth strategies that exist and what is required for success.
- Sales cycle and sales funnel – understanding the different stages and the key interpersonal skills needed at each stage. Identifying areas for potential personal growth.
- Reflecting on the mindset needed for effective business development including resilience, experimentation and curiosity.
- Identifying client opportunities within existing clients – developing the skills and confidence to have open and exploratory conversations to identify opportunities.
Day 2
- Understanding value propositions and developing a value proposition for their business area/organisation.
- Internal collaboration and cross selling – creating the knowledge, relationships and network to grow the whole firm.
- Sharing of insights and actions before close.
This interactive and intensive training will once again be led by Sue Mitchell.
Sue is a highly experienced executive coach and facilitator with extensive experience and knowledge of the Professional Services sector. She supports leaders and teams across organisations to drive forward personal, team and organisational change, with a deep understanding of the leadership needs and strategic challenges that they face.
Sue brings an empathetic approach together with an ability to provide challenge, create clarity and enable tangible action.
Sue began her professional career as an auditor and corporate tax advisor within the Big 4 before moving into people development and becoming an accredited executive coach. As well as being a senior coach and Head of Coaching within KPMG, she has also worked with the ICAEW for over 10 years, supporting a wide range of coaching, leadership and development programs, including the ICAEW’s Delivering Leadership in Practice. Sue also has a keen interest in supporting firms in achieving their ESG and sustainability goals.
Wednesday 25th February
Welcome Reception
The welcome reception officially kicks off an exciting week and provides an excellent opportunity to meet and connect with fellow delegates.
Welcome drinks and canapés will be served throughout the evening.
Time: 7:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Dress Code: Smart Casual
We look forward to welcoming you!
Thursday 26th February
Group Activity
Exclusive Private Wine Tasting at the Palazzo Antinori - Sponsored by DFK Italia
The Wine Experts will be present in each room, serving three prestigious Antinori labels, accompanying the experience with explanations and assistance.
The service will be provided standing up, with dedicated staff and Wine Experts follow guests during the tasting and tour of the premises. Aperitifs will be served.
Time: 2:00 PM – 5:30PM
Dress Code: Comfortable clothing and sensible footwear
Thursday 26th February
Gala Ball
Enjoy a Gala evening like no other at the beautiful Winter Garden at the St Regis.
Time: 7:00 PM – 12 midnight
Dress Code: Formal- Dress to impress
We look forward to welcoming you to the conference at the St Regis Hotel, Florence.
DFK International has agreed room rates at two hotels. Delegates will need to make their hotel reservations with DFK International via the conference registration form.
