This year’s AAA theme, “Innovating for a New Generation,” invites us to look boldly toward the future of accounting education and scholarship. While we continue to build on the rich history that has shaped who we are, this theme encourages us to lean into new ideas and explore fresh ways to create value—value for our members, our students, those who rely on our research, and the global accounting profession. It’s an exciting call to action that asks us to think creatively about how we engage, teach, and discover in this new era.

This year’s AAA Global Connect Meeting embodies that spirit of innovation. We have preserved the most valued elements of our traditional annual meeting, while introducing new features designed to inspire and energize. One of the AAA’s greatest strengths is the sense of community we create when we gather, and AAA Global Connect expands that community by opening our doors wider to colleagues around the world. The new name reflects that vision: a global, inclusive, and forward‑looking space for connection and collaboration.

We’ve also built an agenda filled with new opportunities for learning and engagement. Our well‑regarded Data Analytics and Technologies in Accounting (DATA) Conference and Sustainability Conference are now seamlessly integrated into the AAA Global Connect program. Special sessions for these events will take place on Sunday, followed by optional concurrent tracks throughout Monday–Wednesday. By bringing these meetings together, attendees can enjoy all the benefits of our traditional annual programming while also diving deeper into emerging, high‑demand areas, shaping the future of accounting practice and research.

Our Monday opening plenary will set an exciting tone for the week, bringing together four distinguished scholars—John Campbell (The University of Georgia), Isabella Grabner (WU Vienna), Jeff Hales (The University of Texas at Austin), and Bridget Stomberg (Indiana University). Each will share insights on innovation opportunities across their research fields, challenging us to envision a new generation of scholarship—one that is impactful, rigorous, and responsive to the needs of society.

On Tuesday, we are honored to welcome Eddie Aleman, Senior Vice President and Controller of Caesars Entertainment, as our morning plenary speaker. Eddie will offer a behind‑the‑scenes look at leading accounting and reporting in a complex, technology‑driven hospitality and gaming environment. His perspective on data analytics, advanced technologies, and the evolving role of AI will highlight both the challenges and exciting opportunities ahead for our profession.

I’m also delighted that Mohan Venkatachalam (Duke University) will serve as our 2026 Presidential Scholar. During Tuesday’s luncheon, Mohan will reflect on innovation in accounting scholarship as he begins his term as Senior Editor of The Accounting Review (TAR). His remarks will offer thoughtful guidance on how we can shape the next generation of research in ways that are both impactful and forward‑looking.

This momentum will carry into our newly featured TAR concurrent research sessions, held Tuesday afternoon and Wednesday morning. Curated by the incoming editorial team of The Accounting Review, these sessions will spotlight early‑stage and cutting‑edge research across accounting disciplines. Discussants will introduce selected papers, followed by author responses—creating a dynamic, interactive forum for idea development. These sessions are open to all AAA Global Connect attendees and represent a new way to engage with scholarship as it evolves.

Beyond the TAR track, AAA Global Connect continues our tradition of offering diverse, high‑quality research and education sessions. Whether you’re interested in teaching innovations, practice‑focused panels, or rigorous scholarly presentations, you’ll find a mix of sessions that feel familiar from past Annual Meetings—alongside new ideas and formats designed to help us grow together.

Don’t miss this newly “reimagined” Annual Meeting—now AAA Global Connect!  I encourage you to register and join us in Las Vegas for a vibrant, energizing experience that celebrates who we are and who we are becoming.

Mark Beasley
President, AAA