If you’re heading to Sage Future this year, you’re in for a busy few days.
Taking place in San Francisco from 28–30 April, Sage Future 2026 brings together finance leaders, partners, and technology providers to explore what’s next in AI, automation, and modern finance. Expect a packed agenda with keynotes, product updates, breakout sessions, and plenty of opportunities to connect with others in the Sage ecosystem.
With so much going on, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. A bit of planning upfront can make all the difference in how much value you get from the event.
Here are seven simple ways to make the most of your time at Sage Future.
1. Do your research
Before you arrive, take some time to look through the agenda and identify the sessions that are most relevant to you.
Sage Future tends to cover a wide mix of topics, from AI and product innovation to finance strategy and operational best practice. Having a shortlist of sessions in mind means you won’t waste time deciding on the day.
It’s also worth checking which partners and providers will be there. If there are tools or solutions you’ve been considering, plan time to speak with those teams in person. It’s often the quickest way to understand how something would actually work in your environment.
2. Ask better questions about AI
AI will be a big focus at Sage Future this year, and you’ll likely hear a lot about what different tools can do.
Instead of focusing on features alone, take the time to understand how those capabilities actually work in practice. Ask what data is being used, how accurate the outputs are, and how much control your team has over the process.
It’s also worth exploring how AI fits into your existing workflows, rather than treating it as something separate. The real value often comes from small, practical improvements that save time or reduce manual work.
Approaching these conversations with a clear idea of your own processes and challenges will help you cut through the noise and identify what’s genuinely useful.
3. Make time to recharge
It’s a full-on few days, and it can be tempting to fill every gap in your calendar.
But in reality, the most valuable conversations often happen in between sessions. Give yourself a bit of space to step away, grab a coffee, or take a walk between meetings.
Those informal moments are often when you end up having the most useful discussions, whether that’s with peers or solution providers on the expo floor.
4. Set clear goals
Think about what you want to get out of the event before you arrive.
That might be learning more about a specific product, meeting a certain number of partners, or getting clarity on a particular challenge your team is facing.
If improving your accounts receivable process or reducing late payments is on that list, it’s worth planning time to speak with teams who specialise in that area so you can get practical advice tailored to your setup.
Having a clear focus helps you prioritise your time and avoid trying to do too much.
5. Engage and network
One of the biggest benefits of Sage Future is the people you meet.
There are plenty of opportunities to connect, whether that’s during sessions, in the expo hall, or at evening events. Don’t be afraid to introduce yourself, ask questions, and start conversations.
Some of the most valuable insights come from hearing how others are approaching similar challenges, especially when it comes to scaling finance operations or adopting new technology.
If you’re exploring ways to improve your processes, the expo floor is a great place to have more in-depth, practical conversations. You can see how different solutions work and get a feel for what would suit your business.
6. Focus on practical takeaways
It’s easy to leave an event feeling inspired, but the real value comes from what you actually take back and implement.
During sessions, try to note down a few specific ideas or actions you can apply when you’re back at work. That might be a new process, a different way of structuring your workflows, or a feature you hadn’t considered using before.
It’s also worth asking vendors to show you exactly how something would work in practice, rather than just high-level overviews. That way, you leave with something tangible you can act on.
7. Follow up
The event doesn’t end when you leave San Francisco.
Take some time afterwards to follow up with the people you met, whether that’s connecting on LinkedIn, sending a quick message, or booking in a follow-up call.
If you had conversations with solution providers, this is the time to continue those discussions, ask further questions, or explore a trial so you can properly evaluate the fit for your business.
Sage Future is more than just a conference. It’s an opportunity to step back, learn from others, and rethink how you approach your processes and technology.
If you’re attending this year, feel free to come and say hello to the Chaser team. It’s always great to meet in person, and we’re happy to share how other finance teams are improving their credit control and getting paid faster.