Xerocon 2025 Recap ?From Inside the Blue Kombi

A vibrant wrap-up of Xerocon 2025 from a Kombi van, covering AI tools, new Xero features, community energy, and standout apps like SYFT Analytics, Cradle IO & Manage My Renewals. Summary On day 2 of Xerocon I jumped into a community group and asked people to join me at the van at 2pm, and 40 minutes later 5 people showed up. We squeezed into the Kombi and debriefed on the two day Xerocon conference. I can not quite believe that I managed to get 6 people into a Kombi van, and recorded what could possibly be the greatest Xerocon podcast recording ever!   There have been a lot of post following Xerocon, about the strength of the community, and you can really feel a sense of community in this conversation. Today I’m speaking with  Alex Falcon Huerta FCCA (Soaring Falcon), Jolene Elliot of Karlaya Accounting & Business Advisory Michelle Kvello of Lantern Partners Emma Baxter of YouTax Kyelie Baxter of IQ Accountants  In this episode, recorded on Day 2 of #Xerocon 2025 inside a vintage Kombi van with six passionate accounting professionals, we talk about . . . AI innovations including OpenAI, JAX, and the future of automation in accounting. Hot app discoveries like Manage My Renewals, Cradle IO, SYFT Analytics, and Fishbowl Inventory. Key product announcements from Xero: ATO Portal integration, Tax Manager, and Workpapers for individual tax returns. Reflections on session highlights: resilience, time management, and generational engagement. Talks about stage experiences, community strength, and the power of networking. Trends ahead: more automation, younger entrepreneurial accountants, and the growing importance of soft skills. Each guest shared a final thought on embracing innovation, avoiding conference fatigue, and staying connected. ? Apps & Tools Mentioned: SYFT Analytics, Manage My Renewals, Cradle IO, Fishbowl Inventory, FYI, Translucent, XBert, Xero, Dext, ATO Portal, Xero Workpapers, RPA, JAX, RecHound Contact details: Accounting Apps newsletter: http://accountingapps.io/  Accounting Apps Mastermind: https://www.facebook.com/groups/XeroMasterMind  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/HeatherSmithAU/  YouT