Whether you are new to performing system and organization controls (SOC) engagements, building momentum in your SOC practice, or looking to stay current as the landscape evolves, the SOC & Third Party Risk track at AICPA® ENGAGE 2026 offers something for you.
Taking place June 8–11, 2026, in Las Vegas, ENGAGE brings thousands of professionals together to learn, connect, and grow. Within the broader conference, the SOC & Third Party Risk track is intentionally designed to offer relevant learning and networking opportunities, bringing together SOC practitioners at varying stages of experience to learn alongside one another, exchange perspectives, and build professional relationships that extend well beyond the conference.
Sessions designed for practitioners across all experience levels
The SOC & Third Party Risk track features sessions and hands‑on workshops designed to demystify complex topics and help practitioners apply key concepts with clarity in real‑world engagements. A cornerstone of this track is “School of SOC,” a session created specifically with new practitioners in mind. This session aims to:
Reinforce core SOC concepts and key requirements.
Walk through common challenges and misconceptions.
Provide practical decision-making frameworks that can be applied to engagements.
If you’ve already worked on multiple SOC engagements and want to continue building your expertise, the SOC track offers thoughtful, practical depth, and more advanced sessions that help both SOC practitioners and those who use SOC reports. Sessions like “Bridging the Gap: Integrating SOC Findings into Financial Audits” speak directly to practitioners who are past the basics and focused on execution. By the end of this session, attendees will be able to:
Understand the scope of SOC engagements.
Identify SOC report areas that support a risk-based audit approach.
Apply best practices for using SOC reports within financial audits.
Curious about what’s next? Explore emerging topics
To help practitioners stay current on emerging developments shaping the SOC space, ENGAGE’s SOC & Third Party Risk sessions spotlight trending topics such as the ethical considerations of AI-powered tools and their impact on SOC engagements, using SOC reports on the audit of digital assets, and updates on the cybersecurity landscape. Through these discussions, attendees will explore key risks and evolving issues and identify the critical questions to ask to stay ahead of future developments.
Want insight into the SOC projects currently underway at the AICPA? “Behind the Scenes: What’s in the SOC Pipeline” provides a preview of the initiatives shaping the future of SOC reporting. Led by members of the AICPA’s SOC 1® and SOC 2® working groups, this session offers firsthand updates on current and upcoming projects. Attendees will come away with a clearer understanding of how proposed standards updates may affect SOC engagements and what practitioners should be anticipating now to stay aligned with future expectations. This session is ideal for those who want to stay informed, prepared, and actively connected to what’s next in the SOC space.
Networking isn’t an add‑on — It’s central to the SOC track
You don’t have to arrive with all the answers. ENGAGE is about learning alongside peers who are navigating the same questions. Panels like “SOC Experts Unplugged” create space for candid conversations about current trends in SOC, common challenges, and the future of SOC reporting. This interactive session promotes audience participation and meaningful dialogue.
Interactive formats also play a big role in the SOC track. “SOC Showdown: The Guidelines Game” brings SOC reporting to life in a way that’s engaging and memorable. It’s a chance to test your understanding, learn from others’ perspectives, and deepen your familiarity with guidance in a low‑pressure, fun environment.
The bottom line
The SOC & Third Party Risk track at ENGAGE 2026 isn’t about checking a box or cramming in technical updates; it’s about meaningful growth at every stage of your journey.
It’s about finding sessions that align with your current experience, learning in ways that are practical and relevant, and connecting with a community that understands the work you do. It’s about walking away not just more informed, but more confident in how you perform SOC engagements in the real world.
From novice to intermediate, and everywhere in between, there’s truly something for everyone in the SOC & Third Party Risk track at ENGAGE 2026. Most importantly, you won’t be navigating SOC reporting alone. You’ll be learning, growing, and building lasting connections with a community invested in your success. Hope to see you there!