Record numbers of AAT PQs united for the three-day accelerate conference, which has now become a big part of the student conference calendar.
Over 3,500 students registered, with thousands tuning in to the live sessions and hundreds more catching up on-demand in the days that followed.
One student, Emma-Louise Waple (pictured), was so inspired by the conference last year, she went on to set up a Facebook group as a way of creating the sense of community all year round. Waple explains: “I was a hairdresser for years and then a full-time mum. After a six-year career break, this is a completely new path for me. Studying at home has been rewarding but can be lonely. The conference last year offered plenty of opportunities to connect through the chat box, which was brilliant. I launched the Facebook group to keep those connections alive. What started as a small initiative has grown to over 1,200 members in just a year, including students, tutors, authors, and honorary AAT members.”
Claire Bennison, Executive Director Customer, Partnerships and Innovation at AAT, said: “When you embark on a new learning and career path, the value of connecting with fellow students cannot be underestimated. Events like accelerAATe are rapidly growing in demand. We saw a 55% increase in the number of students who registered compared to last year and many signed up to attend multiple Conference sessions – we had just over 17,000 session registrations in total. It’s our flagship student event and since Covid our entire programme of student events has grown. For self-studiers or distance learners, the opportunity to connect with others in similar situations is invaluable. Similarly, those who choose face-to face learning still seek community and connection.”
Check out Waple’s group at: AAT Bookkeeping/Accounting Study Group | Facebook
