Agenda

GENERAL SESSION

LAUNCH GENERAL SESSION
8:00 AM – 8:55 AM
KEYNOTE PRESENTATION: Transformation Is an Inside Job
One of the keys to retaining great employees, producing outstanding work, leading productive teams and earning more money is examining your own mindset and motives. Identify the obstacles to your own career transformation and commit to moving from where you are to where you want to be.
Charlotte Stallings – President/CEO, Charlotte Stallings Enterprises, Houston, TX
Credits: 1.0 OT

4:10 PM – 5:00 PM
KEYNOTE PRESENTATION: On the Road
MICPA President & CEO Bob Doyle brings important profession news, legislative updates, member benefits and opportunities to you.
Bob Doyle – President & CEO, Michigan Associations of CPAs, Troy
Credits: 1.0 OT

LAUNCH CHANNEL ONE

CHANNEL ONE

9:05 AM – 9:55 AM
Michigan Specific Ethics – The Impact of State Statute & Administrative Rules on Your CPA License
Explore matters such as qualified CPE, firm licensure requirements, prohibited conduct and more. We guide you on a deep dive into Michigan’s accountancy law and administrative rules to help you steer clear of any violations. Explore case studies and ask the experts your questions about licensure and compliance with Michigan’s accountancy act.
Michelle Gallagher, CPA/ABV/CFF – Owner, Gallagher Flintoff & Klein, PLC, Lansing
Credits: 1.0 MI

10:15 AM – 11:05 AM
Implementing New Quality Management Standards
The new quality management standards established by the AICPA, set to take effect at the end of 2025, take an entirely new risk-based approach. Review examples of how to apply the new standards to sole practitioners and small to medium-sized firms and develop strategies for a smooth implementation process that fits your particular circumstances.
Duane Reyhl, CPA, CGMA – Partner, Andrews Hooper Pavlik PLC, Midland
Credits: 1.0 AA

11:15 AM – 12:05 PM
Commercial & Personal Insurance Tips for Navigating Rising Costs (CFP)
Ever wonder what fuels the mechanics of the insurance industry? We take you behind the scenes to explore insights and trends in insurance claims over the last 5 years, areas of concern for insurance companies and where they are limiting exposure as well as strategies for you to navigate rising costs and restrictions.
Brian Pilarski – Senior Vice President, Commercial Risk Consultant, Kapnick, Troy
Credits: 1.0 OT

1:00 PM – 1:50 PM
SAS 145 Impact on Your Audit
Now effective for audits of financial statements, AICPA Statement on Auditing Standards (SAS) 145 enhances and clarifies components of material misstatement risk identification and assessment. Explore the major provisions of SAS 145 and identify first year implementation challenges encountered by teams.
Kendra Dodson, CPA – Managing Director, Grant Thornton LLP, Southfield (Detroit)
Credits: 1.0 AA

2:00 PM – 2:50 PM
Thinking Ethically: The “Science” of Ethical Decision Making
Are our ethics “hard wired” as part of our DNA, or are our ethics developed as part of our habit formation over time? In other words, is our personal morality a matter of nature or nurture? Even the most seasoned professionals find it challenging to consistently exercise practical judgment and strong objectivity. This session considers the influences that create this tension, taking into account neuroscience, moral development, and the ethical parameters of professional ethics.
Albert D. Spalding, CPA, JD, PhD – Associate Professor Emeritus, Wayne State University, Detroit
Credits: 1.0 ET

3:10 PM – 4:00 PM
Lease Accounting Audit Readiness: Prepare, Process & Report
Explore the complexities of initial recognition, lease modifications and common request reports associated with lease accounting audits. We discuss the challenges encountered post-adoption of the lease accounting standard and the best practices for preparing and passing audits.
Lauren Bahr, CPA – VP, Finance, Occupier.com, New York, NY
Credits: 1.0 AA

LAUNCH CHANNEL ONE

CHANNEL TWO

9:05 AM – 9:55 AM
Management Companies, Are They Worth the Risk?
We define what a management company is, ways to identify if a client should consider their use and how to properly structure. Plus examine guidance received from Tax Court cases, their common factors and the double-loss of deduction risk.
Marc Seyburn, JD – Manager/Owner, Seyburn Law, PLLC, Bloomfield Hills
Credits: 1.0 OT

10:15 AM – 11:05 AM
The Letter of the Law
How do laws passed by the state of Michigan and the federal government impact the day-to-day activities of CPAs and accountants? We investigate the affects of sales and personal property tax laws, laws guiding interstate income tax filing requirements and more.
Reed Freiburger, CPA – Supervisor, Gordan Advisors PC, Troy
Credits: 1.0 OT

11:15 AM – 12:05 PM
The Talent Shortage – Which Parts of the Tax Return Lifecycle Should You Automate or Outsource?
The shortage of accounting talent for CPAs is not abating any time soon, but the complexity and volume of work is only growing for your firm. You may have looked at outsourced solutions to fill the gap, but there are ways to dramatically increase efficiency, while reducing costs, if you deploy remote resources in a more strategic manner. Break down the tax return lifecycle and gain practical guidance on where you can better leverage your remote staff, what you’re missing, and how you can easily incorporate AI solutions to get more bang for your buck.
Neil Shah – Senior Technical Director, alliantgroup, Houston, TX
Chris Stephenson – Managing Director – Intelligent Automation, AI & Digital Services, alliantgroup, Houston, TX
Credits: 1.0 OT

1:00 PM – 1:50 PM
Unlock Team Brilliance: Building Engagement, Inclusivity, and Collaboration
Focus on three pivotal components of workplace dynamics including: how professionals “show up”, the nuances of team collaboration and the concept of psychological safety. From active participation to passive observation, and the factors influencing collaboration, participants will gain actionable insights that align words with action and enhance workplace environments.
Lisa Dy, CPA, MBA – Owner and Mindset Coach, Boundless Potential Coaching, LLC, Concord Township, OH
Mark James – President/Lead Advisor, Performance Advisors Group, Yorkville, IL
Credits: 1.0 OT

2:00 PM – 2:50 PM
Accounting in the Liquor Industry
Explore the history of Liquor Control in the U.S. and Michigan from pre-prohibition to current times. Hear the differences between what a wet, dry, and moist county means and the various types of controls in place by the Michigan Liquor Control Commission and other State’s Liquor Control agencies. Gain a better understanding of how liquor products make their way from the supplier to the consumer from both a retailer, consumer, and supplier view. Unfortunately, samples will not be provided.
Evan Scarbrough, CPA – Senior Staff, Edwards, Ellis & Associates PC, Troy
Credits: 1.0 AA

3:10 PM – 4:00 PM
How Artificial Intelligence Can Save Accounting
Artificial intelligence (AI) is a powerful tool with the potential to revolutionize the accounting profession. Explore the impact of AI on key areas of the profession, from how CPAs work to the tools they use perform that work. Plus, gain insight into the industry’s top challenges and how AI can offer tangible solutions.
Robyn K. Fuller-Butler, CPA – Partner, J&F Advisors, PLLC, Detroit
Credits: 1.0 OT

LAUNCH CHANNEL ONE

CHANNEL THREE

9:05 AM – 9:55 AM
No session offered at this time.

10:15 AM – 11:05 AM
From Hungry Hesitation to Audacious Action!
Our complex world creates endless uncertainties that can overwhelm us, causing excessive hesitation. Studies show that our influence, performance, and success all suffer when we lack the confidence to navigate challenges. (Gitnux Marketdata Report, 2024). Moreover, these hesitations lead to missed opportunities, trouble coping with change, and getting stuck in deep ruts. Sound familiar, either in yourself or your team? Confidence is not the absence of failure but the courage to take calculated risks and grow from mistakes. It’s a cornerstone of strong leadership, and everyone is a leader. Whether you’re a department of one or the head of an organization, we can all benefit from transforming our timidity into forward momentum. What’s holding you back?
Charlotte Stallings – President/CEO, Charlotte Stallings Enterprises, Houston, TX
Credits: 1.0 OT

11:15 AM – 12:05 PM
Ways to Aid an Employee with Substance Abuse Problems
As substance abuse reaches epidemic levels, how can you, as an employer, utilize the resources and knowledge available to protect your greatest asset- your employees? Gain the skills and tools to identify and assist employees with a possible opioid substance abuse problem.
Michelle Fullerton, BA, BScN, CCM – Vice President of Market Insights and Care Management, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan
Credits: 1.0 OT

1:00 PM – 1:50 PM
Wayfaring: Navigating the Nexus for e-Commerce and Sales & Use Tax
Following the U.S. Supreme Court ruling on the South Dakota v. Wayfair case, state tax compliance for businesses operating across state borders is significantly more complex. Explore the tax nexus changes brought forth by Wayfair, as well as associated state laws taking affect in 2024, and determine compliance impacts for various business models, including e-commerce.
Melinda S. Phelps, MBA, CPA – MSP State and Local Tax Specialty PC, Detroit
Credits: 1.0 OT

2:00 PM – 2:50 PM
Short-Term Rental Masterclass (CFP)
Short-term rental (STR) properties may have unique complexities, but offering services to clients subject to these particular tax rules could create new possibilities for your firm. From cost segregation studies and tax loopholes to safe harbor rules, we examine this niche with takeaways you can apply for yourself.
Chris Picciurro, CPA, MBA, PFS, ARA – Founder, Integrated CPA Group, PC, Franklin, TN
Credits: 1.0 OT

3:10 PM – 4:00 PM
30 Best Practices for Building and Growing Client Relationships
Could standing out from the competition be as simple as refining your client experience? Identify 30 relationship management best practices for building and growing client relationships, including quick tips on how to leverage AI effectively.
Jeff Rayis, CPA, CTP, MBA – AVP, Treasury & Financial Management, Michigan State University, East Lansing
Credits: 1.0 OT

Technical Difficulties? Use the chat function on the right to get help, or you may call (785) 274-9105.
(Please leave a message if we are busy helping others.)