I’m thrilled to be writing my very first blog entry – and for none other than CPA Congress 2009!
Having worked in the South Australian Division of CPA Australia since 1980, I have witnessed the creation of Congress, its growth, and it’s evolution to what it is today: South Australia’s largest annual conference, and one of the biggest regular finance and accounting events in the southern hemisphere.
I’m sure many of you could enlighten me with stories of how the accounting profession has changed over the years, and I’d guess that one of the things many of you would point out is the ubiquity of technology and how it has changed the nature of accounting work, as well as how we work, learn and receive information.
Like many of you, I still find some of aspects of technology to be both daunting and really exciting at the same time. Last year we trialled a session at Congress in the virtual world ‘Second Life.’ Its success is such that it’s likely to be a fixture at Congress from now on. You can experience a session in this new frontier again this year with Beyond the Downturn – getting ahead in small business, from the convenience of your computer by signing up to attend in Second Life.
For those who think this is not their cup of tea, all the more reason to step out of your comfort zone and try something new. You’ll soon be thinking of the potential for yourselves of such technology. And don’t forget that while some of us who are a little older may find this daunting at first, it’s just the sort of media your younger staff members (and probably your kids and, for those even older, grandkids) are using as a matter of course.
As a newcomer to the blogging virtual world, I’d love to hear your comments and questions about the use of technology in our professional and personal lives. Has it improved your quality of life? How has it changed the way you work? Has it opened your eyes to things you may not otherwise have ever thought about?
