What happens when rising leaders from across the globe gather in one place to learn, connect, and grow? At the 2025 UHY Forum, the answer was clear: transformation.”
The UHY Forum, now in its 23rd year, brings together rising leaders from across the global UHY network for a week of immersive learning, collaboration, and connection. Held in the serene Spanish countryside, the Forum is designed to develop future accounting and other business leaders through sessions on negotiation, strategy and technology, whilst fostering relationships that transcend borders.
Each year, one delegate stands out for their leadership, collaboration, and impact. This year, that honour goes to Samantha Eidinger, newly appointed partner at UHY Victor in Montreal, Canada. Her prize? A fully sponsored trip to the 2025 UHY International Annual Conference in Sydney, Australia.
This year a further recognition of excellence was introduced with a runner-up award f- which went to Rakesh Ramachandran from UHY James Chartered Accountants in the UAE, whose contributions and leadership throughout the Forum were widely acknowledged.
Samantha, a recently appointed partner from UHY Victor, Montreal, Canada, shared her reflections on the Forum experience with Felicity Sandford (UHY International Marketing and Brand Manager), revealing how it’s already shaping her leadership journey.
Global collaboration at UHY Forum
For Samantha, the highlight was simple: the people.
“Meeting delegates from all over the world was really interesting,” she said. “Just getting to talk to them about how their firms work, different ideas. And getting to know them on a personal level helps as well. You make connections that facilitate working together and cross-border collaboration in the future.”
The Forum’s intimate setting - an exclusive hotel tucked away from distractions - created the perfect environment for meaningful conversations. “You’re in sessions during the day, and in the evening, you just find someone to talk to on the patio. It’s easy to connect because everyone’s part of the same experience.”
Leadership insights from UHY Board
This year’s Forum was especially impactful thanks to the presence of several UHY board directors, as well as UHY International CEO Rhys Madoc.
“I sat next to Rhys at dinner,” Samantha shared “and two of the UHY International board directors were there the whole time, I really got to know them. They passed on so much wisdom - not just about leadership, but about the network itself.”
For Samantha, who had only briefly crossed paths with UHY International’s senior leaders previously, the Forum offered a rare opportunity for deeper engagement. “It’s not something that would have happened outside the Forum.”
Key takeaways from UHY Forum 2025
The learning wasn’t just relational; it was practical. Samantha highlighted a standout session led by Manuel González (San Telmo Business School) focused on negotiation.
“It was phenomenal. Negotiation comes up everywhere - in client work, with staff, with partners. I’ve already started applying it, especially around job offers and salary discussions. I’m looking at it completely differently now.”
Beyond formal sessions, the Forum also strengthened her soft skills and self-belief.
“Winning gave me a huge confidence boost. I showed up and people recognised the qualities I contributed. I’ve had a mental shift in how I lead my team since coming back.”
Tips for future UHY Forum delegates
Samantha’s top tip for next year’s delegates? Go all in and absorb yourself completely. “I didn’t check emails. I didn’t try to work. I took just one very short phone call the entire time I was there. I was fully committed to the experience. I spoke to as many people as possible, asking questions. That’s definitely how you get the most out of it. It really demonstrates the benefits of being part of a global accounting network like UHY too”
Looking ahead as an accounting leader
After attending her first UHY International Conference in London last year as a new partner, Samantha is now preparing for Sydney with renewed confidence.
“Last year, I was slightly overwhelmed. I didn’t know anyone. This year, I’m excited to reconnect with people I’ve met and walk in with a stronger sense of belonging.”
As Samantha heads to Sydney, she carries not just memories, but momentum. Her story is one of many leadership stories shaping the future of UHY.
