This month, two members of the Dafferns team had the opportunity to attend the AGN International Excellent+ Next Gen Event in Barcelona. As first-time attendees, it was an invaluable experience for Luke Horne and Aman Dhaliwal, that combined professional development, technical learning and the chance to build relationships with peers from AGN member firms.
Starting with mental focus and wellbeing
The event opened with a session on mental focus and performance, which proved to be one of the highlights of the programme. In a profession where concentration, accuracy and judgement are critical, the discussion around practical techniques for maintaining focus was particularly relevant.
The session introduced a range of methods that can be easily incorporated into the working day, including box breathing, body scan exercises and mental reset techniques. Participants explored how taking a panoramic view of their surroundings can help refresh the mind, especially during the afternoon slump when concentration often begins to dip.
A key takeaway was the importance of focusing on one task at a time rather than constantly switching between competing priorities. While the concepts were simple, the impact they can have on productivity, wellbeing and decision-making was eye-opening. It was a refreshing reminder that high performance is not just about working harder, but also about working smarter.The day concluded with a fantastic tapas meal, providing the perfect opportunity to get to know delegates from other member firms in a more informal setting. Building these international relationships is one of the major strengths of the AGN association, and it was great to exchange ideas and experiences with professionals from across a variety of countries.
Technical learning and industry insights
Day two focused on technical content, with delegates splitting into audit and tax streams. While some sessions were more relevant than others depending on individual roles, there was plenty of valuable insight to take away.
Topics included IFRS developments, ESG reporting, transfer pricing, audit technology and artificial intelligence. The IFRS session provided a practical overview of both the advantages and challenges of evolving reporting standards, while ESG remained a topic of discussion. However, the consensus was that although ESG is still important, it is no longer viewed as the “next big thing” and is not currently dominating conversations in the way it once did.
The growing role of AI in Professional Services
One of the most anticipated topics was artificial intelligence. Several sessions explored how AI is reshaping professional services, particularly within accounting, audit and tax.
A recurring theme was that AI should be viewed as a tool that supports professionals rather than replaces them. It can streamline repetitive tasks, improve efficiency and free up time for complex higher-value work. However, judgement, client relationships, professional scepticism and critical thinking remain firmly in human hands.
The discussions also highlighted the importance of continually reviewing internal policies and procedures as AI technology evolves. Firms need to ensure that governance keeps pace with innovation while maintaining quality, security and professional standards.
While the AI panel prompted some interesting conversations, there was a desire for more practical examples of how firms are currently using AI in real-world audit scenarios. Understanding not only why AI matters, but exactly how it is being implemented, would provide valuable food for thought for firms that are still in the early stages of adoption.
Bringing ideas back to Dafferns
Overall, the AGN Excellent+ Next Gen Event was an excellent experience for Aman and Luke. It provided a balance of technical learning, personal development and networking, while offering fresh perspectives on some of the key issues shaping the future of the profession.
The event reinforced an important message: technology will continue to evolve, but people remain at the heart of what we do. AI can enhance efficiency and support decision-making, but the ability to identify what is missing, apply professional judgement and build trusted client relationships will always be essential.
As Dafferns continues to explore new technologies and innovative ways of working, events like this provide valuable opportunities to learn from peers, share experiences and bring fresh ideas back to benefit both our team and our clients.
Business valuations 
Cross border taxes 
Cloud accounting, bookkeeping and VAT 
Corporate tax 
