Xerocon 2022 by Danny Sutton
Day One at Xerocon 2022
Morning Session
The day was kicked off by Sue Perkins, the well-known comedian. She acted as a host and compere so the day started with a warm welcome and many laughs. Xero CEO, Steve Vamos, took up the mantle next to cover what we could expect over the next two days and to update us on the latest from his company. Finally, Dragon’s Den’s, Deborah Meaden, gave a fascinating talk about sustainability and the role SME’s have in safeguarding the future of the world.
The day had gotten off to an action-packed start, so we refilled our Xero water bottles, grabbed a quick ice cream, and had a quick look around the show’s exhibits. Back at the main stage, we took our seats to listen to Anna Curzon (Chief Product Officer) who detailed all the exciting new Xero innovations and partnerships that have taken place and will be introduced in the near future.
Following Anna, ex-England woman’s international and current pundit, Fara Williams, was joined on stage by New Zealand international, Bex Smith. They discussed Xero’s partnership with the women’s game and the exciting new era of women’s football.
We then broke for lunch which offered an array of world foods, as well as stopping to hydrate and grab another ice cream!
Afternoon Session
In the afternoon, we attended different breakout sessions and talked with some of the exhibitors. We also collected our Xerocon merchandise from the merch stand.
That was Day One over, so we headed to Old Billingsgate to attend the infamous Xerocon party.
The Xerocon party was an amazing event with many circus acts including trapeze artists and contortionists, as well as live bands and DJ’s performing. Additionally, there was a huge selection of world street food available. This was a particular highlight as we tried Uzbekistanian and Syrian food for the first time.
At 10:30 the event closed, so we headed to the train to get a good night’s sleep ready for day 2.
Day Two Xerocon 2022
Day 2 began once again with the wonderful Sue Perkins cracking jokes about the accounting profession and the stereotypical accountant. Wellness expert Samantha Clarke, then explored the ideas around how to be a better you, how to be healthy both mentally and physically, and how to sleep better.
We found the talk on the Xero partnerships and how to best utilise the apps in the Xero marketplace particularly useful. It was great learning about the potential options available to us in order to grow, better record data, and solve challenges arising.
We then decided it was time to walk around the exhibits speaking to the different stands to really gain a better understanding of how they could directly impact the business here at FI. It was then time to stop for lunch and a chance to explore the Tobacco Docks.
After lunch, it was time for a quick session with Xero UK’s senior leaders before the event was closed by MC Sue Perkins.
Overall, a spectacular event that really puts the Xero customer at the forefront of innovation.
