Venue: Palais de la Bourse -9 la Canebière, 13001 Marseille
Our conference, running from 9:30 to 17:00, brought together experts, policymakers and sector representatives to discuss key topics for SMEs and SMPs. The program included sessions on competitiveness, expanding service offerings and sustainability reporting. We also explored AI and process automation in accounting, featuring real-world applications and best practices. The event was concludes with a roundtable on international accounting networks.
Program
Moderated by: Francis Papazian, President of the newspaper Le Méridional
| 09:00 | Welcome coffee and networking |
| 09:30 | Welcome from the regional hosts Frédéric Ronal, Vice-President, Chambre de Commerce et d’Industrie Marseille-Provence Farouk Boulbahri, EFAA Board Member |
| 09:40 | Opening remarks Salvador Marín, EFAA President Damien Charrier, CNOEC President |
| 09:45 | How SMPs can contribute to the competitiveness of the European private and public sectors Jean Bouquot, IFAC President – video message |
| 09:55 | SME Competitiveness: Key drivers across the public and private sectors Q&A Frédéric Ronal, Chambre de Commerce et d’Industrie Marseille-Provence |
| 10:25 | Expand service offerings Essential skills, knowledge, and abilities for future accounting professionals – Prof. Dr. Anatoli Bourmistrov, Nord University Business School EUIPO and the SME Fund – Inge Buffolo, Director Business Development at EUIPO Q&A, Final Remarks |
| 11:25 | Coffee break |
| 11:40 | Expand service offerings SMPs and sustainability: sharing best practices and experiences from some EU Countries Deborah Fisher, Registered Auditor, RSM Belgium George Josephakis, Managing Director, G. Josephakis Audit Ltd Mario LLopis, Chief Operating Officer, NER Audit Services Q&A, Final Remarks |
| 12:40 | Africa link, sharing best practices Panayotis Liolios, President |
| 13:00 | Lunch |
| 14:00 | Enhancing efficiency of SMPs and SMEs through AI and eInvoicing Transforming SMPs using AI and digital innovation Eriona Bajrakutaj, Eriona, a UK-based practitioner, transformed her traditional family practice from paper-based to fully digital by integrating AI-driven technology and solutions. In 2024, she launched a business focused on digital transformation of small businesses and practices. As a speaker at the upcoming conference, she will share her insights and strategies for leveraging technology to drive growth and efficiency of SMPs. eInvoicing – sharing experiences Damien Charrier, CNOEC President Bart Van Coile, ITAA President Q&A, Final Remarks |
| 15:50 | Leveraging international accountancy networks for process automation and competitive advantage for SMPs and SMEs Filipa Correia, Crowe Global Paul Grosjean, DFK International |
| 16:30 | Closing remarks |