Top Proposal Examples

Check out the examples below of accepted sessions from past AFP Conferences. The descriptions highlight key challenges and why they matter. The learning objectives are practical and actionable, so attendees know exactly what they’ll be able to take away and apply. The topics are also relevant and timely, reflecting how FP&A is evolving.

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The FP&A Transformation Playbook: From Spreadsheet Heroes to Strategic Partners

Proposal Description: Building a world-class FP&A function takes more than talented analysts and modern tools—it requires a clear foundation for sustainable excellence. This session examines five pillars that distinguish high-performing FP&A teams: strategic partnership alignment, process excellence, technology enablement, talent development, and stakeholder engagement. Through case studies spanning a Fortune 500 corporation, a mid-sized family-owned business, and a fast-growing NYC media startup, participants see the application of these principles in diverse contexts. Attendees gain practical frameworks, structured evaluation methods, and implementation timelines, along with proven change management strategies to close capability gaps and elevate FP&A impact across any organization.

Learning Objectives

  • Develop a phased implementation roadmap that balances quick wins with long-term strategic initiatives.
  • Establish key performance indicators and success metrics that demonstrate the business value of an enhanced FP&A function.

Why is Topic Important for Finance Practitioners: organizations increasingly rely on FP&A teams to drive strategic decision-making and business performance, the expectations for finance professionals continue to evolve beyond traditional reporting and analysis. Building a world-class FP&A function is essential for career advancement, organizational impact, and ensuring finance remains a valued strategic partner rather than a cost center. This transformation enables FP&A professionals to move from reactive reporting to proactive business partnering, ultimately driving better business outcomes and enhancing their professional value proposition.

Smarter Forecasts, Not Bigger Spreadsheets: Scaling FP&A for Real-World Decision Making

Proposal Description: In many organizations, financial models have become bloated, outdated, or disconnected from decision-making. This session challenges the “more data = better forecast” mindset and offers a roadmap for building flexible, purpose-driven planning tools that serve the business. You’ll learn how to define the minimum effective model (MEM) for your company’s size and needs, align FP&A processes with operational priorities, and embed forecasting into faster, more agile decision cycles. Whether you’re working with startups, mid-size firms, or cross-functional teams, this session helps you simplify and amplify the role of FP&A in business performance.

Learning Objectives

  • Define and implement the minimum effective financial model tailored to your organization’s size and needs.
  • Apply best practices to align FP&A processes with operational priorities and accelerate decision-making cycles.

Why is Topic Important for Finance Practitioners: As businesses navigate constant change, traditional forecasting approaches fall short. Finance professionals must evolve from static modeling to adaptive, scenario-based planning that delivers clarity and speed. This session provides actionable strategies to realign FP&A with its true mission — empowering decisions, not just reporting numbers.

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More Call for Speakers Information

At AFP, we believe the treasury and finance profession becomes stronger when diverse voices come together. Our goal is to create an inclusive, respectful conference experience that welcomes participation from people of all races, ethnicities, gender identities and expressions, sexual orientations, abilities, religions and ages. As such, we are actively striving to increase the diversity of perspectives within our conference sessions, in order to enrich the experience for the entire treasury and finance community.