GGI Conference Reviews
GGI Latin American Regional ConferenceMedellin, Colombia, 19 - 22 June 2025
GGI North American Regional ConferenceAtlanta, GA, USA, 26 - 29 June 2025
The GGI Latin American Regional Conference, held in Medellín, Colombia, during 19-22 June 2025, was not just another event on the calendar; it was a resounding success that will leave an indelible mark on the future of our alliance in the region. With the impeccable organisation of GGI Latin America and the host firm, OCH Ochoa Consulting Holding SAS, and the support of key sponsors, Medellín became the epicentre of innovation and collaboration, demonstrating the dynamism and vision of our professional community.
From the welcome cocktail at Tierra de Dios (the residence of OCH's main partner) to the intense work sessions at the Novotel Medellín El Tesoro, every moment was imbued with a spirit of camaraderie and a firm commitment to excellence. Plenary sessions and practice group sessions addressed cutting-edge topics crucial to the development of our firms and their adaptation to a constantly changing global environment.
Highlights that made a difference:
• Artificial Intelligence and Digital Tax Transformation: Presentations on the application of AI in daily professional practice and how it is redefining auditing globally offered a clear vision of the challenges and opportunities that technology presents. The need for specialised advice and the design of tax internal controls based on technological mechanisms were emphasized.
• Strengthening the network between regions: The importance of transcending references and fostering proactive and culturally appropriate communication to generate added value among members was highlighted. This strategic approach is vital for the expansion and consolidation of GGI in Latin America.
• Talent management and operational efficiency: Sessions on innovative strategies for retaining human talent and improving operational efficiency with time controls provided practical tools to optimise the internal management of our firms, ensuring their sustainable growth. Dr Miguel Mantelli, Senior Partner at GMD Public Accountants in Argentina and Regional CEO Latin America at GGI, was one of the key speakers on this topic, sharing his vast experience.
• Business strategies and new business development: Successful models were explored, and concrete tools were provided to identify, adapt, and replicate business development strategies, which are essential in an uncertain economic environment.
• The impact of AI on taxation: Dr Daniel Diosa Martínez (OCH Ochoa Consulting Holding SAS, Colombia), Latin American Regional Vice Chair of GGI's International Taxation Practice Group (ITPG), highlighted how AI is redefining global taxation and the need for companies to seek specialised advice on digital tax transformation.
The Medellín conference was a clear reflection of GGI's commitment to excellence, innovation, and strengthening ties among its members. The discussions, shared knowledge, and new connections forged in this vibrant city propel us toward a promising future. We are proud to be an active part of this global alliance and to contribute to the growth and development of the profession in the region.
A memorable event that will make history
An extraordinary meeting that will undoubtedly be etched in the collective memory as a milestone of success and significance.
Dr Miguel MantelliRegional CEO Latin AmericaGGI | Global Alliance
Some further impressions from OCH Ochoa Consulting Holding SAS.
The vibrant city of Atlanta, Georgia, played host to the 2025 GGI North American Regional Conference during 26–29 June, drawing more participants from across North America and beyond. With participants representing firms from across the United States, Canada, Europe, Latin America, and Asia, the conference embodied the truly international spirit of our alliance.
Kindly sponsored by our three local host firms, Draffin Tucker, SeatonHill, and Taylor Duma LLP, the event offered a powerful platform for professional exchange, collaboration, and the strengthening of cross-border ties between GGI members.
The conference kicked off on Thursday morning with a brunch for GGI Women, led by Leslie A. Berkoff (Moritt Hock & Hamroff LLP, Long Island & New York, NY, USA) and Amy Seneshen (Welborn Sullivan Meck & Tooley, P.C., Denver, CO, USA). The spirit of these high-achieving professional women always inspires.
Some expert group meetings provided insightful presentations and lively discussions, before participants met for pre-reception cocktails in the hotel, sponsored by Taylor Duma. It provided a terrific lead-in to the official Welcome Reception & Dinner, which took place in the Ballroom of the Four Seasons Hotel Atlanta. During the welcome dinner, it was fabulous to see all the new member firms attending the event, as well as a few candidate firms. Certainly, one could not miss the familial atmosphere and the true joy of our members connecting in person.
The dynamic agenda included an exciting plenary session, technical expert group sessions and interactive panels, but also plenty of networking breaks and social events. Highlights included two very thought-provoking keynote speeches.
Michael Weidokal, author of “The Coming Decline”, provided a global economic and risk outlook. Covering the near-term outlook for the global economcy, the US, Europe, developed economies, China, and emerging economies, Michael also highlighted key points for members to prepare for their business to succeed.
Mohamed Massaquoi continued with an engaging keynote speech on the importance of collaboration in a competitive world. Drawing from his personal experience, he provided many examples of how teams can perform better than solo acts, while each player can still be a star in their role.
The vastly different topics covered provided for a very interesting panel discussion afterwards, led by GGI Global CEO Michael Reiss von Filski.
Other excellent guest speakers during this conference included:
Anna Boon at the GGI Business Development & Marketing (BDM) Practice Group session, talking about how to win more of the work we want with the clients we want.
Ed Geller at the GGI Best Practices for Professional Service Organizations, discussing how to unlock the hidden driver of profit: firm culture.
Prof Andrew K. Jennings at the GGI Corporate Governance & Compliance Practice Group, who covered the prevalence of veil-piercing factors.
All participants particularly appreciated the interactive expert group sessions, where hot topics included the impact of AI on GGI member firms, hiring and retaining talent, succession planning and firm sustainability. Expert group meetings offered real-world case studies and guidance on navigating multi-jurisdictional complexities.
Beyond the technical sessions, the social sessions also enabled and celebrated networking serendipitously – between our accountants, lawyers, investment bankers, auditors, associates, partners, managing directors, managing partners, and CEOs. The Friday dinner at the Ecco Restaurant Midtown set the tone for camaraderie, while the closing gala dinner, hosted at the beautiful and historic Piedmont Driving Club, celebrated both Southern hospitality and the alliance’s shared mission.
GGI Regional CEO North America Niko Brosnihan reflected, “This conference demonstrated the value of coming together—not just to exchange technical knowledge, but to build trust across borders and specialties. We leave Atlanta better connected, and better prepared for the future.”
As we look ahead to the next regional and global gatherings, the success of the Atlanta conference serves as a reminder: when we bring our diversity of expertise and perspectives to the table, we all stand taller and stronger.
*Here are some informal photos. More photos in the next issue of INSIDER when we receive the official photos.
