Gratitude for a Remarkable Year
The Appy Hour New Year’s Eve episode opened with heartfelt thanks to the sponsors who supported the community throughout 2024. Liz and Heather emphasized how these partnerships not only shaped the year but also fostered meaningful friendships. Judy, a long-time friend and Client Hub representative, joined the conversation to reflect on the personal connections that make Appy Hour more than just a professional community.
Inspiring Stories of Growth and Transformation
Judy’s story of selling her firm after years of hard work sparked a lively discussion about embracing change. Her metaphor of “jumping off a cliff into beautiful water” resonated deeply with attendees. Liz shared her vision for 2025: leveraging AI-powered tools like BotKeeper, MakersHub, and AIDER AI to push her firm forward before eventually considering a transition herself.
The conversation highlighted the balance between holding on to the familiar and taking bold steps into the unknown, with Judy and Liz offering relatable insights into the emotional and strategic aspects of such decisions.
New Year’s Resolutions: Themes of Growth and Intention
The episode celebrated New Year’s resolutions with a mix of reflection and excitement. Liz shared her tradition of choosing a word of the year, with “intentional” continuing to guide her personal and professional goals. Attendees enthusiastically shared their own resolutions:
- Matthew’s Playwriting Journey: A creative leap into writing plays, blending dragons, magical creatures, and bold narratives.
- Kathy’s Artistic Revival: Returning to painting and embracing the joy of creation, fueled by inspiration from her former art teacher.
- Heather’s Grand Canyon Adventure: Plans to visit the iconic landmark while focusing on writing her book.
The blend of ambitious goals and personal passions showcased the diversity and creativity within the Appy Hour community.
Big Announcement: Xero Joins as 2025 Champagne Sponsor
In a major highlight, Liz and Heather unveiled Xero as Appy Hour’s 2025 Champagne Sponsor. This marks a new chapter of collaboration and innovation. After a thrilling experience at XeroCon, they are eager to explore Xero’s features with the Appy Hour audience.
Starting January 14th, the hosts will dive into:
- Xero’s Latest Tools: From AI-powered solutions to enhanced bank reconciliation features for the US market.
- Deep Dives and Spotlights: Exploring tech partners like Finsmart, Melio, and others.
- Interactive Webinars: Showcasing Xero’s capabilities and inviting feedback from the community.
This partnership aims to deliver valuable insights for accounting professionals while addressing audience requests for alternative tech solutions.
Games, Trivia, and Community Spirit
The evening wasn’t all business—games and trivia brought out the competitive spirit! Participants competed for prizes like Xero swag, an Appy Hour gift bag, and more. Highlights included:
- Trivia Rounds: Testing knowledge on accounting tools, industry trends, and sponsor fun facts.
- Two Truths and a Lie: A playful way for attendees to share personal goals and laugh together.
The mix of education and fun reinforced the strong sense of community that defines Appy Hour.
Looking Ahead: A Year of Innovation and Connection
Liz and Heather ended the episode with optimism, acknowledging the challenges and opportunities of 2025. With a focus on AI, technology adoption, and community support, Appy Hour is ready to help accounting professionals thrive in a rapidly evolving industry.
As Liz aptly put it, “We have each other, and we’re all in this together.”
Final Toast
Here’s to a New Year filled with innovation, growth, and camaraderie. Thank you for making 2024 unforgettable, and let’s make 2025 even better!