Time flies, huh? It seems like it was just 12 months ago that we were talking about the upcoming Workiva conference. Okay, so maybe it was 12 months ago, and that's our not-so-clever way of saying the 2019 Workiva Amplify conference is right around the corner. Despite our pedestrian stab at humor, we honestly couldn't be more excited for this year's event.

Insights Galore

2019's Workiva conference in Dallas promises to be the biggest and best one yet, featuring over 80 sessions, 100 speakers & experts, CPE credits, delicious finger foods, and seemingly endless opportunities to network and learn. Granted, Embark happens to be huge fans of Workiva's Wdesk platform but, we assure you, whether you're an old pro with Wdesk or just looking to soak in a whole lot of valuable insights, the 2019 conference isn't something you should miss.

With so many lessons to learn and people to meet, however, there just isn't enough time in the day to experience everything that Workiva Amplify has to offer. So to give you a wee bit of guidance, we've selected four sessions that seem especially promising at this year's conference. Whether you take our advice or venture out on your own, be sure to spend some time with the session schedule, chart your course, and get ready for a memorable mixture of education and good times.

1. How GE, Southwest Airlines, and Global Water Resources Improved Internal Reporting

Tuesday, September 10, 10:00am to 11:00am

Course level: Basic

CPE credits: 1

Field of study: Finance

Course description: Hear from current accounting and finance leaders as they share tactics they have used to drive process rigor and efficiency in financial close internal reporting, while ensuring confidence and accuracy. Learn the bottom-line benefits real customers have seen by connecting their data and analysis directly to internal reports.

After this session, you will be able to:

• Identify areas for simplification and improvement in your organization
• Recall strategies on implementing best practices
• Recognize the benefits of using Workiva solutions for internal management reporting

Prerequisites: No prerequisite knowledge is required to attend this session.

Why we want to attend: There's something to be said for listening to actual users and case studies to put everything in proper context. We think big names like GE, Southwest, and Global Water Resources will open attendees' eyes to the art of what's possible within the Wdesk Platform.

2. Keeping Up with a Changing Risk Landscape: RPA, Cybersecurity, and More

Tuesday, September 10, 4:00pm to 5:00pm

Course level: Overview

CPE credits: 1

Field of study: Business Management and Organization

Course description: Trends that impact the internal audit and controls landscape continue to increase at a rapid pace. Learn more about these recent trends, including risks such as cybersecurity, privacy, and new technologies like RPA and AI, plus find out how to keep up with this accelerating risk environment.

After this session, you will be able to:

• Describe trends impacting internal audit and business risk
• Apply best practices to quickly react to recent changes
• Determine ways to prepare your organization for the future

Prerequisites: No prerequisite knowledge is required to attend this session.

Why we want to attend: As you know, Embark is all about improving the finance function through transformation, but that process can include a whole slew of new risks. The audit experts at Baker Tilly will highlight some of the things to consider as companies digitize more and more.

3. How to Take Your Wdesk Financial Reporting From Good to Great

Wednesday, September 11, 2:30pm to 3:30pm

Course level: Basic

CPE credits: 1

Field of study: Computer Software and Applications

Course description: Embark and WorkOps invite you to learn how to optimize your financial reporting with Workiva. Learn to utilize the platform for items such as external and statutory reporting, management and performance reporting, and more. Leverage creative applications of the platform through custom dashboards and validation tables, rounding models, and automated analytics.

After this session, you will be able to:

• Recall best practices for your reporting solution project and spreadsheet set up
• Use Workiva linking technology in your work
• Outline the basics of creating more sophisticated reporting models and review dashboards

Prerequisites: This session is designed for professionals with knowledge and experience in the domain mentioned in the title and/or course description.

Why we want to attend: The reporting side of the record-to-report process has traditionally lagged behind recording in technology. This session will explain how Wdesk can take your financial reporting to a better, more efficient level. Fast and accurate reporting benefits the entire organization, from reducing costs to better decision-making. As this session will demonstrate, Workiva’s platform will help you unlock all the value that’s been hidden behind inefficiencies, inaccuracies, and slow reporting processes.

4. Hands-On: Mastering SOX Reporting

Tuesday, September 10, 4:00pm to 5:00pm

Course level: Intermediate

CPE credits: 1

Field of study: Computer Software and Applications

Course description: Improve the efficiency of your SOX program, and become more proficient when creating SOX reports and dashboards. Learn how to easily build, edit, and deliver real-time reports and personalized dashboards.

After this session, you will be able to:

• Demonstrate how to improve compliance with real-time, ad hoc, and personalized reports
• Construct, edit, and share dashboards with key stakeholders
• Identify areas of improvement in your compliance process

Prerequisites: Recommend attending the session Hands-On: An Overview of Workiva for SOX and Internal Controls

Why we want to attend: Unfortunately, not all dashboards and reports coming from your SOX work are as good as they can or should be. By rolling up your sleeves in this hands-on session, we think you'll learn a lot of useful tips and tricks to make the SOX management processes more efficient, accurate, and beneficial.

5. How These Fortune 500 Companies Mastered Change Management

Wednesday, September 11, 8:30am to 9:30am

Course level: Intermediate

CPE credits: 1

Field of study: Business Management and Organization

Course description: Change is difficult, but especially for large organizations with multiple stakeholders. Hear from expert panelists on how they built consensus and changed entrenched processes, even with reporting cycles that never stop.

After this session, you will be able to:

• Employ change management best practices from other Workiva customers
• Change processes in iterative steps that avoid work stoppage and rework
• Prepare materials that aid in proof points, business cases, and quantified results

Prerequisites: No prerequisite knowledge is required to attend this session.

Why we want to attend: A critical part of any transformation is managing the change that comes along with it. Given the importance of adapting to that change, this session will be an excellent opportunity to learn how you can equip your teams to become advocates for change.

As we said, those are just the five sessions – out of 80+ – that stand out to us most. Even if you choose a different itinerary for yourself, get everything you can out of your time in Dallas. Walk away from 2019's Workiva Amplify conference with a noggin full of new insights, phone brimming with new networking contacts, and a smile on your face. And if you get a chance, come by and say hello to your friendly neighborhood finance consultants here at Embark.