This blog originally appeared on Workiva.com on September 12, 2019

Over 2,200 accounting, finance, and compliance professionals gathered in Dallas for Workiva Amplify, the annual Workiva user conference. And they left with one concept on their mind: connections that drive trust.

Amplify focused on the importance of filling the gap that technological advancements have left in regard to flexible access to data. Workiva and their partners highlighted the importance of addressing the gap and shared stories of how to overcome the dangerous, disconnected process of this technology void. Amplify made it clear that connected reporting and compliance is sculpting the future for the industry and has the potential to impact the global economy as a whole.

Here are seven key highlights from Workiva Amplify:

1. Welcome to a new era of connectivity, transparency, and trust

The opening keynote session—which you can watch here—connected the dots between Workiva solutions, trust, and transparency.

CEO Marty Vanderploeg reiterated how a fundamental component of Workiva solutions—transparent data—could have averted some of this century's most troubling financial crises.

"Lack of transparency is a fundamental problem in our financial system," said Marty. "And the connectivity innate to Workiva solutions," he said, "can make a real, substantive difference in the stability of the global financial system." This led to the unveiling of the Workiva mission: To build trust in the global economy with transparent data and connected reporting.

"Workiva can only fulfill its mission with your help—create a fully connected ecosystem for your organization," said Marty. "Imagine the time-savings, the risk reduction, and the profound impact you can have on your organization. Connected reporting and compliance allows teams to achieve both data control and data accessibility, without having to sacrifice one over the other."

Yasser Mahmud, Senior VP Marketing, pushed that call for transparency even further and said trust is "the most important asset that a company has, and the cost of losing that trust has never been greater."

The keynote and daily recaps were broadcast on LinkedIn Live. Follow Workiva to check them out.

2. Sal Khan: Technology connects us all

Sal Khan is no stranger to the underlying necessity of connectivity in the world of business, as he described in a recent interview. Sal has dedicated his career to advocating for the importance of education and knows the impact connectivity, technology, and education can have on our world.

3. SEC Chairman leads list of all-star guests for professional groups

The sixth annual SOX & Internal Controls Professionals Group summit and the SEC Professionals Group national meeting held during Amplify offered incredible opportunities to hear directly from foremost experts in the field.

Featuring presentations by former PCAOB board member Jeanette Franzel, forensic accounting expert Kelly Richmond Pope, and Jay Clayton, Chairman of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, the two industry events offered Amplify attendees a behind-the-scenes look at the people involved in developing and enforcing the laws critical to reporting and compliance professionals.

4. Workiva platform users elevated to connected champions

Workiva Amplify also cranked up the potential of Workiva platform users in a multitude of ways: putting them center stage, where they could share their stories and successes with other users.

More than 50 Workiva customers led sessions about their firsthand experiences in transforming reporting, risk management, compliance, and the way their teams work, while thought leaders shared industry trends and insights.

5. The Amplify Expo electrified

The Amplify Expo was alive with activity—and for good reason.

Mingling with the brightest minds in reporting and compliance. One-on-one time with sponsors, partners, and the team behind the Workiva solutions.

At the Idea Lab, users shared feedback directly with Workiva interaction designers, product managers, and developers. Attendees were then asked to help influence the future of Workiva technology by voting on their favorite idea.

6. Amplify Live brought down the house

The closing night event, featuring rockers X Ambassadors, turned the party up to eleven. The band performed raucous versions of their hit songs, including "Renegades," "Boom," and "Jungle."

7. Amplify headed to Washington, D.C. in 2020

Next year, Workiva Amplify will take place Sept. 21–24 in the shadow of the nation's capital. Make sure you are among the first to register—sign up to receive alerts about Workiva Amplify.