The annual ICB Bookkeepers Summit has always attracted the brightest and the best speakers in the bookkeeping world. Now it’s time for you to play your part.
The ICB Bookkeepers Summit is the only full-scale national conference dedicated to bookkeepers. Comprising both in-person and virtual sessions, it draws together hundreds of bookkeepers - keen to learn, connect and be inspired.
On Monday 16 November 2026, hundreds of bookkeepers will gather for the in-person event at the Queen Elizabeth II Conference Centre in Westminster, London. We then hold our virtual summit Monday 23 November and Tuesday 24 November. There are different speakers at each of these three events.
If you haven’t attended the ICB Bookkeepers Summit before, you should know that it’s not like other industry events. We begin the summit together before splitting into two tracks to allow delegates to choose the right content to suit their own stage of career.
We run the virtual summit via a dedicated event platform that facilitates high levels of attendee interaction. All those who attend the in person summit can access the virtual event – and stand alone virtual tickets are available too.
What are we looking for in 2026
For 2026, our theme is Bookkeepers Mean Business and we want to celebrate what that truly looks like in practice.
Behind so many successful businesses is a bookkeeper, finance professional or payroll expert who has done far more than keep the numbers in order. They’ve offered reassurance, spotted opportunities and helped owners make confident decisions.
That’s the story we want to hear on stage.
We’re looking for real case studies that show the wider impact of financial support. Not just on profit, but on growth, stability and direction. Perhaps you’ve helped a client manage cashflow, tackle late payments, improve stock control, plan succession, adopt new tech or shape their strategy.
If a client is willing to join you and share their perspective too, even better. Hearing directly from business owners about the difference you’ve made is powerful.
Between the in-person summit and virtual events, we host over 800 bookkeepers for Global Bookkeeping Week. Predominantly ICB members, non ICB bookkeepers also join in for the unique mix of community, inspiration and networking.
Recent survey data tells us that 65% of ICB Bookkeepers are sole traders, with an average of 35 clients while 7% have over 100 clients.
In the majority, they own small, agile practices. Because of the nature of bookkeeping work, they work extremely closely with the business clients they serve and so the decisions they make are based on what brings benefit to their clients.
It’s also worth noting that 54% are running these successful businesses on a part time basis. And 78% are female.
What do they want to hear?
ICB Bookkeepers are forward thinking, tech savvy and community minded. They’re interested in new ideas, new software and new ways of doing things that will make their working lives easier. They’re also highly entrepreneurial and looking for insight on how to make their businesses run better. Advice on changes that will impact their work in terms of tax, legislation, payroll, and wider business trends is useful.
Attending the summit is a significant investment in terms of time and money. We want to make it worth their while and value for money. Attendees are looking to be educated, inspired and entertained.
Remember: this is a competitve space and people are looking for content that will support their journey as bookkeepers, payroll professionals and finance clerks. And we’re looking for original content that they won’t have heard at previous events. And absolutely no sales pitches!
If you’ve got something you think would be of interest, please apply to speak.
Maybe you want to do a joint presentation with a colleague/ fellow bookkeeper?
We are really interested in hearing inspiring bookkeeper stories. Maybe you’ve had to work differently to suit a particular client, or you’ve worked in a way that’s really changed a client’s life?
If you haven’t spoken before, we can support you to find coaching. And if you’re not sure about your subject and you want to chat it through, contact Elizabeth Carter.
