Record 17,200 attendees make Accountex London 2026 the biggest show yet 

Accountex London and the first-ever co-located FD Show took place at Excel on the 13-14 May 2026.  

The shows welcomed over 17,200 attendees, making it the biggest and most popular Accountex to date, with over 1,000 more attendees than last year. 

Alongside Accountex, 2026 also marked a historic milestone, the launch of the highly anticipated FD Show. The new trade show dedicated to accountants in industry, welcomed nearly 5,000 finance leaders. 

Visitors, speakers and exhibitors travelled from across the country and even around the world to attend, with people coming from as far away as India, USA and Australia.  

Portfolio Director, Caroline Hobden commented “Accountex London 2026 reminded us why face-to-face still matters. When we get in the same room, something shifts, the conversations are richer, the ideas flow faster, and the connections made last long after the show closes. With AI reshaping everything from audit to client relationships, professionals need somewhere to make sense of it all together. That’s what we’re here for, practical learning, real connections, and solutions that genuinely move the needle. This year delivered all of that, and more.”   

‘Really exciting to see the latest technology and solutions helping firms improve efficiency and client service’

The fintech exhibitors ranged from industry leaders to start-ups, including Intuit QuickBooks, Sage, Xero, FreeAgent, Taxcalc, IRIS, Dext, Bright, Wolters Kluwer, Acting Office, Qyon, Combinely, Datasnipper, Briefcase and Ayphen. 

From automation and audit to accounts payable and AML, the 300+ software and service providers gave visitors live demos of their software, caught up with clients and shared their latest tech updates.  

Attendees saved days of research by comparing services under one roof, having their questions answered directly and getting to know the people behind the brands. 

Visitor Sarah Povey, Director for SA Ledgers Ltd commented “It’s a great opportunity to meet all the accounting tech suppliers under one roof, learn about what’s available and see what’s coming next!” 

‘I walked away with a head full of ideas and a heart full of purpose’ 

The CPD-accredited seminar programme boasted 250+ seminars across 13 theatres, and featured 400+ speakers. 

Speakers included Olympians, a 7x Emmy Award-winning comedy writer and an AI expert who worked on the launch of Microsoft Copilot. 

As expected, AI was top of the agenda. Seminars examined the human skills most critical in an AI-first accounting firm, the technology reshaping the profession, and how the UK accountancy workforce is responding to AI in terms of job mobility and career outlook. The programme reflected a profession moving decisively from AI experimentation to practical, confident implementation. 

With the industry evolving faster than ever, topics covered everything affecting professionals, like MTD implementation, compliance and regulations.  

This year there was a big emphasis on looking after yourself and avoiding burnout, with seminars on wellbeing and mental health.  

“If you are the type of person who says they never have time to go to seminars, you need to make the time to go to Accountex. You will learn more in one afternoon than you would do in 3 months of reading materials. Friendly, approachable, motivational and highly knowledgeable speakers make this the ‘go to show’ in your CPD calendar.” Said attendee Aimee Coller, Senior Accountant and Practice owner, Coller Associates Ltd. 

‘This was the best show yet and I’ve been to them all. Looking forward to next year already’

Over the two days, there were countless networking opportunities to explore.  

The Solo Traveller Lounge was buzzing with people who attended alone and left with a new community. 

New this year, the HMRC Customer Service Desk was busy with people getting personalised and practical guidance from the HMRC team, whether it was a pressing question, clarification on a complex issue, or to talk through a challenge. 

The enhanced Wellness Retreat was back for a second year; it included massages, mindfulness, and mental health sessions – a space for attendees to unwind and take care of themselves.  

The Sustainability Zone was back with a new concept, ‘The Canopy’. This area under a tree was dedicated to learning about sustainability and connecting with peers. 

Alongside the educational features, there were a few surprises to keep attendees entertained, including a drone-controlled blimp, DJ, larger than life Transformers, and a triceratops roaming the exhibition floor. 

‘The must attend event for finance professionals’

Designed to fill a genuine gap in the market, the FD show brought together 40+ enterprise solution providers across a CPD-accredited seminar programme, a dedicated Case Study Stage packed with real-world insights, all tailored to the strategic challenges facing senior finance professionals.  

“Accountex and the FD Show provided a fantastic opportunity to talk to suppliers that my normal day-to-day wouldn’t allow the time for, and the chance to listen to some interesting speakers aimed at modern FDs.” commented visitor Jimi Reed, Finance Director, Aura Technology. 

Get your fix of Accountex at Accountex Summit Manchester 2026 

Accountex Summit Manchester is returning on 15 September 2026 to Manchester Central. The event will include 120+ fintech suppliers and a free CPD accredited seminar programme, as well as a post-show networking event.     

You can find out more and register your interest here: www.accountexmanchester.com   

Mark your calendar for Accountex London and the FD Show 2027 

The sixteenth edition of Accountex London and the second edition of the FD Show are taking place at Excel London on 12-13 May 2027. To find out more information about the event and to join the mailing list, please visit: www.accountex.co.uk/london 

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