Business & Industry Virtual Conference

What are the impacts of COVID-19 on the CPA profession and what can you do to protect yourself and your clients?

We had a potent reminder of the importance of remote work with the pandemic closures globally in 2020. Is this going to be the “new normal?” Why not make your team more productive every day with tools built for collaboration and remote work? How do we have enough security, speed and productivity in this work environment? Can you provide better service for your clients while delivering better work experiences for your team?

Credit: Information Technology - 1

Information coming soon!

This session takes place via Zoom Meetings. Each attendee MUST have video capabilities in order to see and interact with the other participants. Click here for instructions on how to join a Zoom meeting.

Look in the rear view mirror at the speed bumps, pot holes and smooth sections of the early revenue recognition highway. Discuss what went well, what went badly and what surprises we encountered. Also find out how to make the rest of the year go more smoothly.

Credit: Accounting - 1

Get an economic outlook for the national and Virginia economies, including U.S. economic growth and investment. Also explore labor markets in the U.S. and Virginia, and the role that different industries play in economic growth.

Credit: Economics - 1

Information coming soon!

You have heard of the Dark Web, but have you experienced it? If not, buckle in for a scary ride through the underbelly of the Internet. Here, many illicit and illegal activities occur every day, potentially affecting our personal and organizational security. In this session, experience first-hand the Dark Web and all that it entails — both positive and negative. Walk away with an understanding of why it is important to secure your information so that you do not become yet another victim of the Dark Web.

Credit: Information Technology - 2

Information coming soon!

Credit: Personnel/Human Resources - 2

History took place in Virginia in January, when the legislative session convened with Democrats in control of both chambers of the General Assembly as well as the Administration for the first time in a quarter century. Hear firsthand from Del. Joe McNamara (R), a fellow CPA, how the session played out and the importance of working across the aisle to accomplish business in Virginia.

Credit: Specialized Knowledge - 1

While the digital landscape has certainly made our financial lives more convenient, it has also made it easier for fraudsters to take what isn’t theirs. Focus on the common threat vectors facing small- to medium-sized businesses and the practical steps you and your clients can take to prevent most financial fraud attacks.

Credit: Finance - 1

What strategies should investors be considering this year? Discuss trends and obtain information that is timely and beneficial for investors to consider.

Credit: Economics - 1

Discuss recent developments in state taxation of pass-through entities and some of the key issues involved when your taxpayer receives income from a pass-through entity or is the one providing information to partners.

Credit: Tax - 1

In today’s marketplace, the team you build and the leaders you have are your greatest competitive advantage. They are the best resource for growth in good times and resilience in tough times. The most successful leaders know the secret to business growth, and sustainability begins with attracting top talent and committing to building your leadership bench. Investing in attracting top talent. Developing a culture of succession. Creating a deep pool of talent that is committed to getting results.

In an uncertain marketplace, you need to be prepared. You need answers to the important questions: What positions are critical to the success of our economy? Who is prepared to step in when a leader leaves? Do we have the team in place to ensure the long-term growth and sustainability no matter what challenges or opportunities we face? Do we know who comes next?

In this innovative session, discover the proven strategies you need to build your leadership bench and design a succession plan that ensures no matter the market conditions, you are positioned for success. Find out what it takes to build a strong talent pipeline, develop your future leaders, and create a succession plan that gives you clear competitive advantage.

Credit: Personal Development - 1

You've done these with your friends and family, now try it out with fellow CPAs! Grab your favorite beverage or whip up our conference "quarantini." We'll send you the recipe ahead of time! Also participate in some friendly competition by joining us for an interactive online game.

This virtual happy hour takes place via Zoom Meetings. Each attendee MUST have video capabilities in order to see and interact with the other participants. Click here for instructions on how to join a Zoom meeting.

Over the years CPAs have heard time and time again that the profession is changing. In the summer of 2019 National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) and the AICPA created the CPA Evolution Initiative which aims to transform the CPA licensure model in recognition of the rapidly changing skills and competencies the marketplace requires today and will require in the future. In this session, Stephanie Saunders, CPA, who is a board member of the Virginia Board of Accountancy (VBOA) and NASBA, will share insights into the how, why and when this change will take place. 

Credit: Personal Development - 1

Discover the basics between hemp and marijuana and the different uses and markets for each. Learn the legislative history of pharmaceutical/medical marijuana and industrial hemp. Explore the current market status, common misconceptions and issues with the current regulatory framework. Lastly, hear all about what's to come in the future.

Credit: Specialized Knowledge - 1

Financial leadership means everything to today’s changing workforce. Innovation, community, empathy and personal growth must be cultivated and prioritized for your company to thrive. Hear how CFOs are leading the charge and building the foundation for the evolution of the CPA in corporate finance.

Credit: Personal Development - 1.5

Innovations in accounting are on the horizon: artificial intelligence, blockchain, big data, and many more. What do accountants and tax advisors need to do to be ready for these innovations? Review the impact of these emerging technologies and identify what you and your teams need to do NOW to start getting ready for the changes that are coming and ensure your company has a competitive advantage.

Credit: Information Technology - 1

Review the basics of Topic 842 (leases) from a lessee perspective and discuss lessons learned from implementing it.

Credit: Accounting - 1

The Setting Every Community up for Retirement (SECURE) Act impacts retirement plan design and how small businesses will adopt plans in the future. Obtain an overview of the provisions and take a look at its impact for both plan participants and plan sponsors. Some provisions went into effect Jan. 1, 2020 but all key dates will be reviewed, including when plan amendments must be adopted and how plan sponsors can operate in the meantime. There are great incentives for small businesses to adopt a retirement program. This session will also include retirement plan provisions from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act and related guidance from the Department of Labor and Internal Revenue Service.

Credit: Personnel/Human Resources - 0.5 & Finance - 0.5

Artificial intelligence (AI), blockchain and big data are being heralded as the end of the accounting profession. This is definitely not true. These emerging technologies will actually increase the value of the services provided by accountants by removing the need to perform mundane transactional and basic compliance work. Accounting firms and finance departments need to develop an innovation strategy to transcend these emerging technologies and prepare their staff for the changes that are coming ... and they are coming sooner than you think!

Credit: Information Technology - 2

Information coming soon!

Credit: Taxation - 2

Information coming soon!

Credit: Personnel/Human Resources - 2

This totally interactive session will provide you with a chance to ask our resident tax expert, Art Auerbach, CPA, any and all questions related to the Coronavirus Aid, Relief & Economic Security (CARES) Act, the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA), the Payment Protection Program (PPP) and Internal Revenue Services (IRS) extensions just to name a few! 

Take a moment now to think of your questions and submit them to [email protected] to get the ball rolling and ensure that YOUR question will be answered. 

Credit: Taxation - 2

This session is for anyone with little-to-no knowledge of the Credit for Increasing Research Activities, aka “The R&D Tax Credit.” Explore a brief history of the research tax credit, qualifying activities, qualifying expenses, an overview of the two methods to compute the credit, documentation requirements, IRS examination issues, and the latest IRS updates.

Credit: Tax - 2

Companies are faced with new and different challenges and threats on what seems to be a daily basis — cyber attacks, data security breaches, fraud and corruption risk.  These challenges not only come with financial ramifications, but also can greatly challenge your brand and customer confidence. How can you manage these risks while providing strategic value to your company?  This session will cover the role that advanced data analytics is playing in organizations today and how you can use these tools, while also gaining a competitive advantage through predictive analytics and modeling.

Credit: Information Technology - 2

Competitive, challenging and constantly shifting. That is the world we live in today. Most of us are just trying to keep up and survive. We’ve let go of our dream of achieving the life we want. But the most successful among us know that even in today’s uncertain world, you can design and achieve a life that far exceeds your dreams. It’s about living your life strategically. Being clear about what you want, what path you’ll take to get there and how you’ll commit to making it happen.

In this high-energy, power-packed keynote, go on a journey to living your life strategically. Walk through the secrets that turn getting the life you want from fantasy to reality. This is a nuts-and-bolts get ‘er done program. No walking on coals, no breaking boards, just powerful strategies that ensure you get the life you want.

Credit: Personal Development - 1