Beyond the Keynotes: Finding Inspiration and Community at BeyondTheBlack

The energy was palpable. From September 7th to 10th, over 1,600 modern accounting leaders gathered at the Aria Resort & Casino in Las Vegas with a shared purpose. The annual BeyondTheBlack conference is more than just a series of presentations; it is a convergence of ideas, innovation, and community.

While the mainstage announcements provided a powerful glimpse into the future of finance, they weren’t the only thing people are talking about. The full story [JW1] of BeyondTheBlack 2025 was also found in the connections we made, the stories we shared, and the incredible community we celebrated.

The keynotes set an inspiring tone for the week, focusing on a future powered by intelligent technology. The central theme was clear: AI is reshaping the landscape of finance and accounting, and BlackLine is leading the charge.

The most significant reveal was Verity, our groundbreaking AI built to truly understand the nuances of finance and accounting. Verity delivers strategic insights, agentic experiences that go beyond automation, and the absolute transparency, control, and audibility that F&A teams need from AI.

The excitement around the BlackLine product roadmap was undeniable. BlackLine leaders looked ahead to how cutting-edge technologies will continue to transform financial operations through exciting AI-driven innovations. From the opening session to multiple breakout discussions, the focus remained on the opportunities AI presents.

Expert-led sessions and customer-led talks from industry leaders, including LAZ Parking, Starbucks, ExxonMobil, and Pentagon Federal Credit Union, demonstrated how BlackLine delivers transformation to record-to-report and invoice-to-cash processes for any company in any industry.

Beyond the main stage, the Innovation Hub was the vibrant heart of the conference. This central area was where BlackLine experts, partners, and sponsors hosted interactive booths, sparking real conversations with customers.

It was a dynamic space where attendees could trade tips and tricks, share their unique challenges, and experience those "aha!" moments that drive progress.

Partners showcased their financial transformation expertise while BlackLine product experts offered deep dives into our platform's capabilities. The Hub was designed for interaction, from one-on-one discussions to the popular AI photo booth, where attendees could get professional headshots or reimagine themselves as superheroes.

It was in this energetic environment that ideas flowed freely, and the power of the BlackLine ecosystem came to life.

A core principle of BeyondTheBlack is celebrating the success of our customers. This year, their stories were the main event. Hearing directly from companies that have transformed their financial operations using BlackLine provided powerful, real-world validation of our platform’s impact.

These sessions went beyond technical discussions; they were narratives of strategic change, highlighting shared success and the value of learning from one another's journeys.

We also demonstrated why BlackLine is the future-ready financial operations platform for your industry. With dedicated industry forums for manufacturing, wholesale distribution, travel and hospitality, retail, and more, attendees explored current trends impacting their sectors. They identified key challenges and reviewed BlackLine use cases that drive automation, control, and efficiency in finance operations.

BeyondTheBlack has always been about building relationships that extend beyond a title or company name. The networking events and evening parties provided the perfect backdrop for fostering this sense of community. The week was filled with laughter, music, and connection.

The BlackLine Bash at Brooklyn Bowl was a standout highlight. Customers and partners came together for an evening of food, drinks, bowling, and music from two live DJs. It was an opportunity to relax, connect on a personal level, and celebrate the shared experience of being part of the BlackLine community. These moments are what make the conference so unique and memorable.

As the conference concluded, one feeling was universal: BeyondTheBlack is more than a user conference; it's a reunion for the best and brightest in the business.

We leave inspired by the vision for the future and connected by the community we are all a part of. We hope you discovered new ideas and solutions to tackle your biggest financial operations challenges.

The momentum from this week will carry us forward. We look forward to seeing you next year in Orlando from November 16-18, 2026.

Were you able to attend BeyondTheBlack 2025? If so, what was your favorite moment from the week? Share it with us on social media!