Alberto Vettoretti and Riccardo Benussi Attend LEA Global 2024 World Conference in Vienna

Vienna – Managing Partner and LEA Board Member Alberto Vettoretti, along with Partner Riccardo Benussi, recently represented Dezan Shira & Associates at the Leading Edge Alliance (LEA) Global World Conference held in Vienna, Austria, from October 21-25.

In celebration of the association’s 25^th anniversary, over 100 international attendees convened this year in the historic city of Vienna for the ‘Reimagine Now’ Global Conference, marking the close of this year’s theme series. Earlier events in this series included the LEA European Regional Conference held in Prague in April and the LEA Global Asia Pacific Regional Conference held in Bali in August.

On the first day of the conference, participants engaged in a series of presentations and panel discussions on pivotal topics, including “Elevating Business Success through Strategic Alliances,” “Changing Labor Markets & Offshoring Strategies,” and “Insights on Talent Attraction & Retention.”

The day wrapped up with a session on LEA Global’s 2030 Strategic Roadmap, where board members reviewed recent progress, outlined key priorities for the upcoming years, and highlighted the metrics that will measure success.

Discussions on the second day of the conference centered around sustainability and technology, exploring how artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming the professional services landscape and can be integrated into internal processes. Speakers highlighted how emerging technologies—such as AI, machine learning, process automation, BI and analytics, and cloud computing—are driving growth opportunities for network firms, along with examining the ESG landscape and the challenges posed by differing reporting standards. This full day of sessions concluded with a Gala Dinner held at Palais Ferstel.

On the conference’s last day, a keynote session engaged attendees with interviews and interactive discussions on personal branding, offering actionable strategies and exploring its significance in the accounting field.

The conference wrapped up with the reveal of the 2025 theme, “Collaborate to Create: The Power of Strategic Alliances,” reflecting LEA’s commitment to strategic partnerships. These alliances are seen as essential for driving innovation, broadening member services, and accelerating growth while minimizing resource limitations.

 

Dezan Shira & Associates’ Presence in Europe

Europe maintains substantial trade and investment connections with Asia. As various regions in Asia experience rapid development, and with the EU actively pursuing trade agreements with Asian counterparts, there is a wealth of opportunities for European investors in the region.

Incorporated in Munich in January of 2021, Dezan Shira & Associates’ European presence serves as a first point of contact for European companies wishing to do business in Asia. In both the Munich and Milan offices, our European-based team works with a variety of partners to educate businesses on the economic performance and regulatory environment of developing Asian economies.

 

About LEA Global

LEA Global (Leading Edge Alliance) is one of the world’s largest professional alliances, bringing together independent accounting and consulting firms across the globe. Established in 1999, LEA Global includes around 200 member firms, representing over 16,000 professionals and nearly 1,600 partners in 451 offices across more than 100 countries, with a mission to create opportunities and add global infrastructure that helps member teams execute on their own firm growth, client and talent strategies. Among its accolades, Dezan Shira & Associates claimed the Alliance’s highest honor, the “Most Innovative Practice” award, along with the “Recognition of Excellence” award in 2013. The following year, in 2014, it secured the prestigious “Edge Award,” and in 2016, it clinched the “Outstanding Marketing Award.” Notably, Alberto Vettoretti, Managing Partner at DSA, concurrently serves as an LEA Global Board Member.

 

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