Five key takeaways from IIA International 2025, Toronto

We’ve just got back from the IIA's 2025 International Conference in Toronto, Canada. This truly was a global event, bringing together internal audit leaders from over 120 countries – the sessions even had real-time translation in 63 languages.   

And if there’s one thing we could say to summarize it: internal auditors love what they do – and the feeling is contagious! 

The theme: Embracing change and elevating standards 

The conference theme was "Embracing Change and Elevating Standards," designed for sharing new ideas and best practice in pursuit of audit excellence. The focus was on equipping audit professionals with the advanced methodologies and tools they need to navigate challenges with precision and confidence. 

Here's our top five takeaways from the event

1. Expanding your network expands your expertise 

Everyone we spoke to was impressed by the event’s community spirit and how accessible it was for a global audience. This created a valuable hub for sharing ideas and best practice, finding common ground and new ways to solve problems. As well as facilitating great conversations between delegates, we were impressed with the quality of the event’s speakers. For example, Zack Kass, formerly of Open AI, helped us visualize the future with AI alongside us and we enjoyed great insights on sustainability from Pia Heidemark of Ikea. 

2. AI is an internal auditor’s friend

AI has been a pervasive theme at many events we’ve been to over the past year. The sessions at IIA International offered more practical guidance on how to use AI for managing financial risk, strengthening controls and working more efficiently without sacrificing the expertise of internal auditors.  In one thought leadership session, examples were shared of AI uncovering financial errors – like $25.7M in purchase order issues at a U.S. real estate firm - which sparked discussions about the practical applications of the technology. 

3. Improving board relations increases your influence

We know from the IIA’s Vision 2035 survey that 75% of you are excited about adding more value to you organization. And the best way to do that is to go straight to the top. Thought leadership sessions included CAEs sharing strategies to secure board support so that internal auditors can really grow their reputation as a trusted advisor. If you didn’t get the chance to see our popular webinar on having ‘courageous conversations’ with your stakeholders, you can still catch it here on-demand. 

4. Implementing the latest Global Internal Audit Standards effectively 

Improving board relations takes us neatly to the latest Global IIA Standards – engaging boards and senior management is covered in Doman III. Conference workshops and seminars offered practical advice on how to implement the latest standards, from how to prepare for External Quality Assessments (with advice from firms including KPMG, PWC and Crowe), to how to train staff and how to leverage technology to power-up risk management and efficiency. You can see more practical advice on how to implement the standards in our latest e-book. 

5. Internal auditors like to party 

As if we didn’t know already… 

There were plenty of reasons to celebrate at the IIA International - especially the 80th anniversary of the Toronto Chapter! For all delegates and for people who work the event, it’s always a real pleasure to get know one another and make new friends after a solid day of high-value ‘shop talk’. Especially for those of us who travelled a long way to be there, you all made Toronto feel like home for a few days. 

So - where are we going next? We’ll be at the UK’s Internal Audit Conference in London in October. And then we’ll meet you in Las Vegas for GAM 2026!