RSM US Alliance

Last week we attended and sponsored the RSM US Alliance Leadership Conference at The Drake Hotel in Chicago. The theme for this year’s event was “Innovate. Collaborate. Elevate.” Over the five-day span RSM US Alliance member firm leaders built relationships in the Alliance community, developed their leadership skills, and prepared to take new practices back to their teams. Tuesday’s keynote by Karrikans Group CEO, Peter Sheahan, was especially thought provoking. Peter explained why firms will need to find new market opportunities in the coming years and explored ways firms can differentiate themselves. Attendees were challenged to question old assumptions and take intelligent risks.

During Wednesday’s Innovation Challenge, more than forty cross-firm and cross-functional teams were tasked with developing innovative solutions to the challenges facing the tax and accounting industry. At an assigned restaurant, each team discussed their problem over lunch and explored potential solutions. Then each team visited and observed a local business to determine if there was anything those companies were doing that could be applied to the team problem. The Innovation Challenge was a fun, unique event that gave everyone an opportunity to get outdoors and enjoy the city of Chicago. Mid-week optional well-being wake ups gave participants a chance to engage mind and body with runs along Chicago’s lakefront trail, a walk along the gold coast and seated mindfulness. Numerous break-out sessions capped off a week’s worth of education, valuable strategy and fun. We look forward to next year’s RSM US Alliance conference.