Business & Industry Conference

We’ve shifted from a complicated to a complex global operating environment, which means negotiating systems, decision-making, and accountability have become evermore critical in delivering results in our organizations.

In this interactive keynote session, Ace Callwood draws from his experience as Envoy’s executive mediator to share frameworks for navigating change — starting with being grounded leaders and understanding team dynamics through to concepts of subsidiarity, delegation protocols, decision-making systems, briefing  rules, and clear communication of leadership goals. Pragmatic, practical and contemporaneous to today’s rapidly shifting work environment, this session provides the tools to define the rights and responsibilities of your organization in a style that provides deep accountability and motivating incentives for performance.

Credit: Personal Development - 1

Succession planning is on everyone’s list as well as meeting agendas at every level of our industry. The dilemma with this critical topic is there isn’t a “one-size-fits-all” solution. The uniqueness of each organization’s cultural and performance expectations creates different lenses by which we view solutions. Clarity and action, however, is a must. In this session we’ll have group discussion around best practices, principles common to effective plans, recent findings and case studies surrounding this impactful topic.

Credit: Specialized Knowledge - 1.5

In this interactive session, we will delve into the essential techniques and best practices for effective cash flow management. Understanding the dynamics of cash flow is crucial for the financial health and sustainability of any business. Attendees will gain insights into the cash conversion cycle, a key metric that illustrates how efficiently a company manages costs, inventory and collects receivables while paying its suppliers.

Credit: Finance - 1.5

This session will provide an update on the latest developments in federal and Virginia income taxes affecting businesses. Topics include passed and pending legislation.

Credit: Taxation - 1.5

The old maxim “the more things change, the more they stay the same” certainly does not apply in the workplace. Employment laws seem to change every day. Businesses must keep up with new laws and regulations, new court decisions, and new agency policies and agendas. During this session, we will look at recent legal developments in the labor and employment realm, including the current state of non-compete and unfair competition law, actions from the new administration that impact HR, recent decisions from the courts on HR issues, new and pending legislation, and the enforcement priorities of various federal agencies to enable you navigate our constantly changing business world.

Credit: Personnel/Human Resources - 1.5

This session will be a mix between sales and use tax and remote employees. We will go over some basic general descriptions before we dive into what triggers nexus. We will finish with a discussion on what to do once you have triggered nexus.

Credit: Taxation - 1

In today’s data-driven world, finance and accounting professionals must go beyond traditional analysis to extract meaningful insights from data. This session provides a comprehensive guide to effective data analytics, covering key methods and techniques, factors that impact reliability and effectiveness, and the process of developing strong analytics — from assessing suitability to investigating variances. Explore common deficiencies in analytics, learn how AI and technology are transforming the field, and discover how visualization and storytelling can enhance communication of financial insights. Through practical case studies and activities, you'll gain the skills to apply analytics confidently in your role.

Credit: Information Technology - 1

It feels as if no country, economy or industry around the globe has seemingly been spared in some way from the impacts stemming from: price inflation fluctuations; energy or environmental shocks; a rising and uncertain interest rate environment; pre-and-post-pandemic-era labor market changes; the perils and prospects for AI and the advancements in other technologies; or record levels of human migration. While at the same time, these impacts have impelled governmental, business, financial and personal innovation and resilience ... and fostered opportunities. Let’s explore these developments and discover what may lie ahead!

Credit: Economics - 1 & Finance - 1

Although the pace of FASB's standard-setting has slowed, the changes that have been issued can significantly impact organizations across sectors. This session begins with an overview of the standards effective in 2025 for public, private and nonprofit organizations. We'll then explore what's on the horizon, including standards effective after 2025, key exposure drafts, and ongoing FASB projects. Equip yourself with the insights you need to stay informed and up-to-date in financial reporting.

Credit: Accounting - 1 & Auditing - 1

Discuss the current state of the national economy and the state of Virginia.

Credit: Economics - 1

Fulfill your 2025 ethics requirement in person!

The CPA profession in Virginia, like in many other states, is governed by a complex framework of laws, regulations and ethical standards. As a CPA, you are expected to adhere to these guidelines, maintain the highest level of professional integrity, and act in the public interest.

This Virginia Board of Accountancy (VBOA)-approved ethics course is designed to provide you with a comprehensive understanding of the regulatory and ethical landscape of the accounting profession in Virginia. We will explore the key principles of professional ethics, the role of the VBOA, and the specific regulations that govern the practice of public accounting in the state.

Credit: Regulatory Ethics - 2

Join us for an engaging morning of knowledge sharing and networking at our second annual Corporate Accounting Networking Group breakfast. Connect with experts and colleagues to explore topics like financial reporting, internal controls, budgeting and team management strategies. Gain valuable insights, share expertise and gain actionable takeaways to enhance your role in corporate finance. Reserve your seat now.

Credit: Personal Development — 1

The CPA profession is always changing and moving fast. In this session, we'll learn the latest professional developments, both nationally and within Virginia. This session will offer valuable insights into the evolving landscape of the CPA profession.

Credit: Personal Development - 1

Leadership is the backbone of an organization, providing direction, stability and motivation — especially in times of chaos and change. During uncertain times, employees look to their leaders for guidance, reassurance and a sense of purpose. Effective leadership fosters resilience, ensuring that teams can adapt and thrive despite challenges. This session covers ways leaders can provide clarity amid uncertainty, instill confidence and stability, and foster adaptability and innovation.

Credit: Personal Development - 1.5

Staying up to date with advances in today's technology has never been more vital. This comprehensive session is designed for accountants who want to understand the evolving technological landscape and its implications for the accounting profession.

• Which technology trends are worth monitoring?
• What are the proper hardware and software products for your strategic and tactical plans?
• How do artificial intelligence (AI), quantum computing, Software-as-a-Service and productivity suites like Microsoft 365 influence practice — especially since this year marks the 40th anniversary of the release of Excel? 

Separate vendor hype from reality and discover how to achieve a two times or more return on investment from your technology expenditures. Leave with actionable insights, including ideas you may not have previously considered.

Credit: Information Technology - 1.5

Is poor communication creating bottlenecks in your productivity and causing unnecessary stress? Miscommunication is the silent productivity killer, costing companies a staggering $1.2 trillion annually and causing over 50% of workers to experience anxiety. It doesn’t have to be this way. In this session, you’ll discover practical strategies to transform your team’s communication. By mastering five key communication principles, you'll learn to prevent costly errors, build stronger connections and reduce workplace anxiety. This session will equip you with actionable tools to drive real, measurable results. Don’t let poor communication stand in the way of your team's success. Take control of your communication today!

Credit: Personnel/Human Resources - 1.5

Generative AI is seemingly everywhere, and business professionals are embracing the technology ... and for a good reason — generative AI provides opportunities for enormous gains in efficiency and productivity. However, those gains can be even greater if you understand best practices for issuing AI prompts.

In this session, learn the best ways to ask questions of your AI platforms so you can easily get the information you seek quickly. Stop wasting time with inefficient and ineffective prompts! Learn the best ways to get the information you seek!

Credit: Computer Software & Applications - 1.5

Get up to speed on current economic conditions including interest rates, equity markets and the effect of tariffs. Also get a glimpse into expectations based on long-term trends from numerous sources.

Data security and privacy issues continue to plague businesses of all sizes. No matter where you look, the numbers are bad — really bad! But that doesn’t mean you can’t take steps to reduce these risks. In this session, you learn about the key security and privacy risks facing businesses today and the steps you can take to mitigate these risks.

This session starts with a review of how cybercriminals attack businesses of all sizes and the related costs of these attacks. From there, you will progress into discussions of practical tools, policies and other solutions you can use to mitigate cybersecurity risks to prudently acceptable levels. This is a “must-attend” session for anyone concerned about data security and how to mitigate threats to sensitive and confidential data.

Credit: Information Technology - 1.5

How do we bridge the gap and truly connect in a time of deep division? In this immersive and thought-provoking talk, Eva DeVirgilis will guide you through a powerful experiment in community, communication and empathy. Through humor, storytelling and practical strategies, you'll explore how we can foster positive and productive conversations — even with those whose perspectives differ significantly from ours. Walk away with renewed inspiration and actionable tools to build common ground and move forward together.

Credit: Personal Development - 1

Attend this ethics webcast on a later date at no additional charge.

The rapid evolution of artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping industries, including accounting, with profound implications for professionals and firms. This Virginia Board of Accountancy-approved ethics course on responsible AI for the accounting profession explores the integration of AI in accounting, emphasizing ethical principles like transparency, accountability, privacy, and fairness. The course offers a comprehensive overview of AI technologies, their applications in streamlining processes, and improving decision-making within the profession. It also addresses the challenges of regulatory compliance, data privacy and mitigating risks such as bias and security breaches. Through real-world case studies, you will gain insights into resolving ethical dilemmas, ensuring responsible AI usage, and fostering trust with clients and stakeholders.

By completing this course, you will develop strategies to navigate the complexities of AI governance and regulation, create robust frameworks for ethical decision-making, and adopt sustainable practices to balance innovation with responsibility. Designed for accounting professionals at all levels, this course equips learners with the tools to harness AI's potential while upholding the profession's ethical standards, ensuring compliance with legal obligations, and contributing to a more inclusive and accountable AI future.

Credit: Regulatory Ethics — 2