Some of speakers at this year’s Wagefest
Wagefest is returning in 2026, bringing together Canada’s accounting, bookkeeping, and small business communities for a virtual event focused on professional development, industry insights, and collaboration. Organized by payroll software company Wagepoint, the annual event aims to connect professionals who manage payroll, accounting, and business operations, providing an opportunity to exchange ideas, learn from industry experts, and explore strategies for navigating an evolving business landscape. This year’s event will centre around the theme “Unstoppable,” highlighting the importance of combining the right technology, business systems, and professional relationships to help organizations succeed.
The virtual gathering will feature practical educational sessions, continuing professional development (CPD) opportunities, and networking experiences designed to help attendees strengthen their knowledge and build connections across the payroll and accounting industries.
“This year’s theme is Unstoppable, and that’s exactly how we see the payroll pros in our community. Whether you’re at an accounting firm, running a bookkeeping practice or keeping a small business on track, Wagefest is built to bring you together, share what’s working and help you leave ready for whatever comes next. And we’re going to have a lot of fun doing it.” – Adrienne Watts, Growth Marketing Manager, Wagepoint
Industry Leaders and Experts Join the Speaker Lineup
Wagefest 2026 will feature a diverse lineup of speakers representing payroll technology, accounting, bookkeeping, taxation, financial services, and small business operations.
Among the featured speakers are:
Ben Richmond, CEO at Wagepoint
Alex Webber, Keynote Speaker
Laura Acs, CPB, PCP, CNAP, Founder and Managing Partner at Collective Finance
Steven Van Alstine, VP of Professional Standards & Education at the National Payroll Institute
Chantal Mercier-Ouellette, LIT/SAI, CIRP, D. & A. MacLeod Company Ltd.
Eric Saumure, CPA, CA, Principal at Zenbooks
Yannick Lemay, Senior Tax Training Specialist at H&R Block Canada
Andrew Wall, CPA, CMA, Managing Partner at CPA4IT
Clayton Achen, CPA, CA, TEP, Managing Partner at Achen Henderson CPAs
Jenna Poste, VP of Product at Wagepoint
Bianca Mueller, Community Manager at Wagepoint
Julie Morris, CPHR, Country Manager at MyHR
Teresa Slack, CPB, Founder at Teresa Slack Consulting
Dawn Barrett, New Business Manager at Xero
Melissa Lenos, CPB, PCP, Partner at King Business Solutions
Amin Torfe, MFE, Account Manager, Small Business at TD Commercial Banking
The speaker lineup brings together professionals with expertise across several areas of business management, offering attendees perspectives from both technology providers and practitioners working directly with Canadian businesses.
Supporting Canada’s Accounting and Small Business Community
As Canadian businesses navigate changing payroll requirements, evolving technologies, and operational pressures, events such as Wagefest provide a platform for professionals to share knowledge and discuss practical solutions. For accounting firms and bookkeeping practices, the event offers opportunities to explore approaches to improving workflows, supporting clients, and managing business operations more efficiently. Small business owners can also benefit from insights into payroll management, financial processes, and the tools available to simplify administrative responsibilities. Beyond educational programming, Wagefest emphasizes community engagement, encouraging attendees to connect with peers, exchange experiences, and develop relationships that extend beyond the virtual event.
With its combination of professional learning, industry expertise, and networking, Wagefest 2026 aims to equip Canada’s payroll and accounting community with practical knowledge and connections to support their continued growth.
More information about the event, including programming and speaker details, is available at Wagefest.com.
