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HeadWaters Conference

 

Join us July 2027 for our premier leadership conference for accounting firms!

Our two-day annual conference brings together top firm leaders from across the US and Canada to share their wisdom on topics like leadership development, strategic planning, people management, and innovative future-focused strategies. 

Register for HeadWaters 2027

HeadWaters Conference

July 15-16, 2027 at the Marriott Country Club Plaza in Kansas City, MO.

Widely regarded as one of the best firm management conferences, HeadWaters is held each July and draws partners and others in leadership positions from firms across the United States and Canada.    

Agenda and speakers coming this fall.

Kansas City 1
Kansas City 6
Kansas City 10
Kansas City 11
This conference is motivational, dynamic and inspirational. It refocused my energy and mind to the future of my firm and reignited excitement in my heart. Kudos to the Upstream staff and all the speakers. Fantastic overall experience.
Sarah Krom
Sarah KromManaging Partner at SKC & Co. CPAs, LLC
The best thing this conference provides is the opportunity to hear from innovative, forward-thinking leaders, which really allows me to rise out of the details and issues in my day-to-day and gain perspective and see where my personal and firm opportunities are. The conference is BOTH theory and practical which I love.
Bryce Hatch
Bryce HatchAudit Partner at Hagen, Kurth, Perman & Co. PS

Wonderful conference! I know what to do, and I am determined to have the discipline to follow through!
Jennifer North
Jennifer NorthDirector at Brady Ware
Overall, this was the best conference I have ever attended. The topics and information were top notch. The ability to discuss issues and successes with other leaders during the breakout session was unbelievably impactful. Thank you!
Terry Kissler
Terry KisslerDirector at Harris CPAs

I love the overall vibe and the people interaction at the UA conferences. The location was awesome, speakers were great, and the UA staff world class.
Randy Nail
Randy NailCEO at HoganTaylor LLP

I love this conference! It energizes me and the speakers this year reignited my excitement about our profession!
Amanda Stolz
Amanda StolzPartner at Seidel Schroeder

This may have been the all-around best conference I've ever attended. I can't wait to attend more Upstream Academy events in the future.
Matt Stuart
Matt StuartPrincipal at PYA
Always good materials and I was happy to see how many other firms you've helped and the environment in which you've done this. Respectful, safe, open, and productive! Really good!
Fred Deschenes
Fred DeschenesPartner at Crowe MacKay LLP

Thank you for a great conference! It was very nice to be on-person, to hear from experts passionate about people and growth. My cup is full! Thank you!
Larissa Bunker
Larissa BunkerChief Operating Officer at Nichols Accounting Group, P.C.

Overall a great conference and experience!
Jeff Brocklebank
Jeff BrocklebankPartner at Walsh King LLP
This was such a valuable conference for me - hearing we can have personal and professional success along with direct ways to assist partners and staff to get there.
Kelly O'Farrell
Kelly O'FarrellManager at Conway, Deuth & Schmiesing, PLLP
I always enjoy the fellowship these events promote. Speaking and sharing with others who understand my environment - hearing their perspectives and struggles, sharing my questions and concerns - there is no way to quantify how comforting and encouraging that is to my spirit.
David McMillan
David McMillanPrincipal at PYA

Additional Information on the HeadWaters Conference

Who Should Attend?

HeadWaters is attended by managing partners, shareholders, firm administrators, and current and future leaders.

What is the cost?

Individuals can register for $1,500  (UAN Members pay $1,275). 

Unconditional Guarantee

We’re confident that the HeadWaters Leadership Conference will be of immeasurable value to you. Like everything we do at Upstream Academy, this program is unconditionally guaranteed to your full satisfaction. If you’re not completely satisfied, we will, at your option, either waive your fee or accept that portion of the fee that reflects your level of satisfaction.

Past Conference Brochures

HeadWaters Leadership Conference 2026

HeadWaters Leadership Conference 2025

HeadWaters Leadership Conference 2024

HeadWaters Leadership Conference 2023

HeadWaters Leadership Conference 2022

HeadWaters Leadership Conference 2019

HeadWaters Leadership Conference 2018

NASBA_CPERegistry_logo_color_transparent
After attending the HeadWaters Conference, you will be able to identify and implement improvements to your leadership development skills, as well as your firm’s leadership development processes.
Upstream Academy will recommend 13 hours of CPE credit for participants. Prerequisite: None. Skill level: Overview.
Upstream Academy is registered with the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) as a sponsor of continuing professional education on the National Registry of CPE Sponsors. State boards of accountancy have final authority on the acceptance of individual courses for CPE credit. Complaints regarding registered sponsors may be submitted to the National Registry of CPE Sponsors through its website: www.nasbaregistry.org.