My recent trip to Calgary for the CPB Ignite conference was an experience I won’t soon forget. As a first-time visitor to this vibrant city, I was blown away by its beauty, the warmth of its people, and the sheer number of steps my fitness tracker racked up. This incredible opportunity would not have been possible without the generous support of Women in Business NB, and for that, I am truly grateful.
As Canada’s premier conference for bookkeepers and accountants, CPB Ignite is where we go to get our brains fed. I attend these conferences specifically to improve my knowledge base for my clients, because let’s face it, if I’m not learning, my clients aren’t getting the best of me. The world of bookkeeping is constantly evolving faster than my coffee pot brews in the morning, and it’s my job to keep up. This conference was the perfect caffeine shot of knowledge.
From the moment I arrived, I was struck by how friendly everyone was. Calgarians are genuinely welcoming, and their “Western hospitality” is no myth. Navigating the city was a breeze, too. I loved exploring the different neighborhoods and finding great spots for coffee and a bite to eat. Beyond the conference, I had the chance to visit some of Calgary’s iconic attractions. The Calgary Zoo was a fantastic experience—I even had a staring contest with a penguin (I think I won). I also made sure to visit the Calgary Tower, where the breathtaking 360-degree view of the city and the surrounding mountains was simply unforgettable, even if my fear of heights did a little dance.
One of the absolute highlights of my trip was taking a day trip to Banff. The bus ride from Calgary was a scenic journey in itself, offering breathtaking views of the rolling foothills before giving way to the majestic Canadian Rockies. Once in Banff, I was completely captivated.
The stunning turquoise lakes, the towering snow-capped mountains, and the fresh, crisp air made for a truly incredible escape from the city. I spent my day exploring the charming town of Banff and took the gondola up Sulphur Mountain. The panoramic views from the top were absolutely breathtaking—it felt like stepping into a postcard.
The CPB Ignite conference itself was a phenomenal success. The agenda was packed with diverse and insightful sessions, covering everything from AI in bookkeeping to strategic planning. The speakers were engaging and knowledgeable, and the sessions were well-organized and easy to follow. My brain was so full by the end of each day, I felt like I needed to reboot. I walked away with so many new ideas and practical tools to implement in my own practice to better serve my clients.
Beyond the formal learning, the networking events were fantastic. Each evening, there were fun events hosted by great companies like QuickBooks and Wagepoint, which were a blast. CPB also had daily networking opportunities on the tradeshow floor, where I got to meet and chat with so many people. The highlight of it all, though, was the CPB Ignite Gala. It was a time to get dressed up, celebrate our profession, and dance the night away—a truly memorable time with so many amazing bookkeepers and accountants from across Canada. It’s not every day you get to talk debits and credits with people who are just as excited about it as you are.
My trip to Calgary for CPB Ignite was the perfect blend of professional development and personal adventure. I’m so grateful for the knowledge I gained, the connections I made, and the incredible memories of my first time in this amazing city.
