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Why We Excelerate
FAQ

To the finance and business leaders community, 

Last year's Excelerate revealed something powerful. While the mainstage delivered valuable insights, the most impactful moments happened in the lobby conversations - finance leaders connecting over real challenges and building relationships that extended far beyond the event.

You told us what you craved most: authentic peer connections and practical insights from people who truly get it. We heard you. And we've completely reimagined Excelerate Finance in 2026.

In a world where business accelerates daily, finance leaders need space for thoughtful reflection that transforms into strategic action. We've created an environment that balances professional growth with the clarity needed to drive organizational transformation from the office of finance.

Every element has been redesigned around dedicated experiences that create natural opportunities for peer-to-peer knowledge exchange - from morning yoga sessions where strategy conversations flow naturally to fireside chats where insights reshape how you approach challenges back home.

We've streamlined everything to make your planning effortless. Your ticket now includes your luxury resort stay at Lost Pines with locked-in favorable rates - three nights of transformation, all sorted. The early access pricing secures your spot, and with limited space available on a first-come, first-served basis, our most intimate networking opportunities fill quickly because that's where the deepest connections happen.

A finance leader recently shared: "The best decisions I've made came from conversations with peers who challenged my thinking." That's exactly what we're creating - a space where transformative conversations are woven into every experience. Whether you're returning or joining us for the first time, you're investing in relationships and insights that will define the next phase of your career and your organization.

Ready to invest in your future self?

Here's to the connections that change everything,

Allison Munro

Chief Marketing & Ecosystems Officer, Vena
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Hyatt Lost Pines, Austin, TX | May 11-13, 2026

Excelerate Finance Fest 2026

Excelerate Finance Fest 2026

An all-inclusive experience where the brightest minds in finance connect over breakthrough AI, technology, and methodologies–all set against the backdrop of a resort that's entirely yours. 

Who Attends

Microsoft
Microsoft
Coca-Cola Consolidated
Coca-Cola Consolidated
Kansas City Chiefs
Kansas City Chiefs
Purolator
Purolator
Fruit of the Loom
Fruit of the Loom
Greystar
Greystar
Sprout Social
Sprout Social
Suffolk
Suffolk
Brookfield
Brookfield
Bell Partners
Bell Partners
Liberty Bank
Liberty Bank
TruStone
TruStone
Englobe
Englobe
Tridel Delmanor
Tridel Delmanor
First Majestic
First Majestic
Microsoft
Microsoft
Coca-Cola Consolidated
Coca-Cola Consolidated
Kansas City Chiefs
Kansas City Chiefs
Purolator
Purolator
Fruit of the Loom
Fruit of the Loom
Greystar
Greystar
Sprout Social
Sprout Social
Suffolk
Suffolk
Brookfield
Brookfield
Bell Partners
Bell Partners
Liberty Bank
Liberty Bank
TruStone
TruStone
Englobe
Englobe
Tridel Delmanor
Tridel Delmanor
First Majestic
First Majestic

Excelerate Finance Fest 2026 at a glance

For three days in May, The Office of Finance takes over Lost Pines Resort. Excelerate Finance Fest is an all-inclusive experience where every corner of the resort becomes a space to learn, network, and grow. From expert-led sessions by the campfire to strategy talks on horseback, you’ll walk away with insights, connections, and clarity you won’t find anywhere else.*

11 May

Welcome

Settle in, saddle up and connect with the industry’s top finance, accounting and business leaders.

  • Welcome Mixer
  • Finance Hackathon
  • Vena Training Day (optional add-on for Vena users)
12 May

Day 1

Step into the Future of Finance 

Set the stage, align on purpose and open minds to what’s possible in the future of finance.

  • Experiential Keynote 
  • Curated Learning Tracks 
  • CPE/CPD Sessions
  • Intentional Connections 
  • Sponsor and Innovation Lounges
  • Influencer and Analyst-Led Experiences 
  • The Venny Awards Dinner
13 May

Day 2

Advancing Your Modern Finance Journey 

Equip yourself with practical skills and peer-driven insights to take back and transform your business. 

  • Morning Keynote
  • Partner-Guided Learning Labs
  • CPE/CPD Sessions
  • Customer Product Mastery
  • Fireside Chats 
  • Group Roundtables and Community Connections
  • Closing Keynote
*Designed to grow with your needs, our agenda will be refined and updated to ensure every moment delivers maximum value.

Lead, Learn and Connect With Purpose

Explore four transformative content themes with sessions for every stage of finance maturity, from emerging teams building momentum to leading organizations driving enterprise-wide impact. 

Finance Elevated:The Modern Maturity Journey

Explore where your finance team is today, and where it can go next, with Vena’s Modern Finance Maturity Model. Then learn how leading organizations build agility, manage volatility, and align people, process and technology to drive real impact.

AI-Powered Planning:Turning Insight into Foresight

The AI revolution is here. Learn how to combine human intelligence with breakthrough AI tools like Microsoft Copilot and Vena’s Agentic AI to automate processes, unlock foresight across the business and act faster in a world that never slows down.

Future-Ready Leaders:Your Career, Your Community

Finance transformation starts with people. Learn how to lead across departments, build credibility with executives, and grow your career—and your network—through storytelling, data fluency and mentorship. 

Finance in Action:From Models to Momentum

Turn ideas into impact. Experience live demos, hands-on tutorials and real-world case studies packed with proof points and use cases you can apply right away—plus best practices to extend Vena with Power BI, Microsoft Copilot and more.

Why Attend Excelerate Finance Fest 2026?

Actionable Strategies To Improve Your Finance Function

Get templates, use cases, and best practices you can put to work right away — real tools to elevate your planning, reporting, and decision-making.

Meet With People Who Get It

Connect with peers and experts who speak your language. Swap ideas, share insights, and be part of a community that celebrates finance excellence.

Your All-Inclusive Working Vacation

Everything’s covered — sessions, meals, and experiences designed to help you learn, recharge, and return to work energized and inspired.

Get The Business Case
Where finance meets festival vibes

Past Speakers

Get Ready for An Exciting Lineup of Speakers for 2026!

John Colbert
Vice President, Advisory Services,
BPM Partners
Andrew McFarlane
Finance Manager,
Kuali
Kwame Moloko
GM:FP&A,
MTN
Cormac Doyle
Director Software Applications,
Greystar
Garrett Astler
Director Analyst,
Gartner
Meg Bear
Controller,
Turner Enterprises
Dan Crumb
Chief Financial Officer,
Kansas City Chiefs
Brandon Combs
Director of Finance,
Young Life
Kristina Bittorf
Head of Finance,
Aeropay
Katherine Regele
Manager, FP&A,
Coca-Cola Consolidated
Rishi Grover
Chief Solutions Architect,
Vena
Melissa Howatson
Chief Financial Officer,
Vena
Watch Last Year's Keynotes

MEALS. ACCOMMODATIONS. INSIGHTS.
NO RECONCILIATIONS REQUIRED.

Early Access Pricing

$2,850

Your all-access ticket includes:

  • 3-night resort stay (May 11–13, room and tax included)
  • Mainstage content, workshops and roundtables
  • Networking with peers, partners and product experts
  • Curated experiences to inspire connection and strategic thinking
  • All meals and receptions, with top-tier food and beverages
  • Evening entertainment, including the Venny Awards Celebration
  • CPE/CPD credits and access to on-demand session recordings
  • Premium swag and exclusive on-site perks

Book early, save big and get first pick at Excelerate Experiences.

Bringing a group? Speak with your Account Manager or contact excelerate@venacorp.com for special group rates. 

Green leather cowboy boots with a pie chart in the background

What Our Attendees Say

Female singer in a black sequined dress and gloves singing into a microphone with drummer and upright bassist behind her
“I particularly enjoyed the workshop/training and the keynote speakers sharing their wisdom.”
— Choy, Manager of Planning and Analysis
Large group of conference attendees seated and standing with hands raised in front of a green
“Really enjoyed the event and being able to connect with other FP&A professionals. The sessions were invaluable in helping to develop a better understanding of the various things happening in the FP&A space and to gain new ideas for improvements in our organization.”
— Nate, Operations Controller
Five people wearing conference lanyards smile and pose together in a hotel meeting room.
Female singer in a black sequined dress and gloves singing into a microphone with drummer and upright bassist behind her
“I particularly enjoyed the workshop/training and the keynote speakers sharing their wisdom.”
— Choy, Manager of Planning and Analysis
Large group of conference attendees seated and standing with hands raised in front of a green
“Really enjoyed the event and being able to connect with other FP&A professionals. The sessions were invaluable in helping to develop a better understanding of the various things happening in the FP&A space and to gain new ideas for improvements in our organization.”
— Nate, Operations Controller
Five people wearing conference lanyards smile and pose together in a hotel meeting room.
“Very informative, creative, and practical sessions and speakers.”
— Florache, Senior Accounting Manager
Rishi Grover, Co-founder and Chief Solutions Architect of Vena, speaking on stage at Excelerate Finance 2025
“As a team that’s been with Vena for a few years now and implemented multiple processes, I think the value for us really comes in conversations with other experienced users and learning and about new features.”
— Levi, Financial Analyst
Three adults smiling at camera
“These sessions were packed so full of info I had to close my email and not multi-task. This had my full attention and I appreciate the effort that went into making the sessions interesting.”
— Jessica, Senior Financial Analyst
“Very informative, creative, and practical sessions and speakers.”
— Florache, Senior Accounting Manager
Rishi Grover, Co-founder and Chief Solutions Architect of Vena, speaking on stage at Excelerate Finance 2025
“As a team that’s been with Vena for a few years now and implemented multiple processes, I think the value for us really comes in conversations with other experienced users and learning and about new features.”
— Levi, Financial Analyst
Three adults smiling at camera
“These sessions were packed so full of info I had to close my email and not multi-task. This had my full attention and I appreciate the effort that went into making the sessions interesting.”
— Jessica, Senior Financial Analyst

Recharge. Reflect. Connect.

Woman sitting cross-legged on a mat outdoors at sunset, meditating with two blurred people in background

Zen & ROI:
Morning Mindfulness Yoga Sessions

Zen & ROI:
Morning Mindfulness Yoga Sessions

Start your day with intention and clarity in the serene Texas Hill Country. Guided yoga sessions surrounded by wildflowers and pines help you find your center before diving into strategy. Fuel your mind and body while connecting with peers who know balanced leaders drive better outcomes.

Golfer finishing a swing with a driver, silhouetted against an orange sunset.

Fairway to Finance:
Finance Leader Golf Experience

Fairway to Finance:
Finance Leader Golf Experience

Tee off with industry leaders on Lost Pines’ award-winning 18-hole course, where challenging play meets Hill Country views. Build lasting relationships as you navigate terrain that mirrors the strategy required in modern finance (choice of this OR Spa activity included in your ticket).

Long banquet tables with white linens, green napkins, wooden chairs, and tall floral centerpieces in a rustic venue

The Venny Awards Gala:
Celebrate The Finest In Finance

The Venny Awards Gala:
Celebrate The Finest In Finance

Celebrate finance professionals transforming business at our signature evening gala. Connect with innovators and leaders while honoring achievements that inspire excellence. An unforgettable night that fuels your passion and motivates the next stage of your career.

Group of people seated around an outdoor fire pit under a large green umbrella at dusk, chatting and smiling.

Firepit Finance:
Unwind & Connect 

Firepit Finance:
Unwind & Connect 

Gather around crackling firepits for conversations that go beyond spreadsheets. Share s’mores and stories with peers, forming authentic connections away from the boardroom. These relaxed moments often spark the insights that reshape how you tackle challenges back home.

Woman lying on a rolled towel receiving a gentle head massage, with a man receiving a similar treatment in background.

Reset & Recharge:
Spa Sanctuary

Reset & Recharge:
Spa Sanctuary

Escape to The Spa at Lost Pines for treatments that restore focus and energy. Unwind in 17 treatment rooms, eucalyptus steam rooms, and whirlpools—reminding you why balanced leaders make better decisions (choice of this OR Golf activity included in your ticket).

Location

Nestled along the Colorado River and just 18 minutes (15 miles) from Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, the Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort & Spa blends modern luxury with natural beauty. Surrounded by water, trails and wide-open skies, it’s an inspiring backdrop that delivers the space and energy to think bigger and connect deeper.