Agenda

GENERAL SESSION

LAUNCH GENERAL SESSION
8:35 AM – 9:25 AM
KEYNOTE PRESENTATION:What Now? – Trends in the Current Economy
The volatility of the economy has been nearly constant with shifts in interest rates, jobs, inflation and the impact of geopolitics. Where do we stand now and what do the future scenarios look like. The issues of 2025 will still be with us and there will be new ones to contend with – all of which will affect the accounting profession.
Dr. Chris Kuehl, Ph.D. – Founder, Armada Corporate Intelligence, Kansas City, KS
Credits: 1.0 OT

LAUNCH CHANNEL ONE

CHANNEL ONE

9:35 AM – 10:25 AM
Looking at the AICPA’s “Nonauthoritative Guidance” From an Ethics Perspective
Most professional accountants are at least somewhat familiar with the AICPA’s Code of Professional Conduct, available at the AICPA’s online ethics library. But the online ethics library also includes other information, such as nonauthoritative case studies. This course provides an overview of – and commentary on – these instructive supplemental materials
Albert Spalding, JD, PhD – Emeritus Associate Professor of Accounting, Mike Ilitch School of Business, Detroit
Credits: 1.0 ET

10:35 AM – 11:25 AM
Mergers & Acquisitions: Legal Trends and Strategic Insights for CPAs
Paul Mallon will cover key legal trends shaping M&A activity in 2026, including regulatory developments, due diligence pitfalls, deal structuring strategies, and post-transaction integration issues. Learn how CPAs can add value throughout the transaction lifecycle, mitigate risk, and collaborate more effectively with legal teams.
Paul C. Mallon, Jr., JD – Member, Kerr Russell, Detroit
Credits: 1.0 OT

11:35 AM – 12:25 PM
The Case for AI in Auditing
By the end of 2024, reports indicated that 90% of partners were prioritizing firm budgets around artificial intelligence (AI) technologies for 2025. Explore the issues driving the surge of AI in the auditing realm, including risk assessment, data analysis and more efficient, more accurate audits. Then, examine recent case studies to explore best practices and considerations for maintaining high professional judgement, skepticism and auditor responsibility.
Megan Angle, CPA – Partner, Porte Brown LLC, Elk Grove Village, IL
Credits: 1.0 AA

1:10 PM – 2:00 PM
Delivering High-Quality Reviews, Compilations, and Financial Statement Preparation Engagements
Explore best practices for reviews, compilations, and financial statement preparation with a focus on planning and performing analytical procedures and effective documentation. Gain insights into designing review procedures based on risk awareness and understand the implications of SSARS No. 27, including applicability of AR-C Section 70 for consulting services engagements.
Navneet Sharma, KNAV CPA LLP – Partner, KNAV, Atlanta, GA
Credits: 1.0 AA

2:10 PM – 3:00 PM
From Errors to Excellence: Correcting Common Peer Review Deficiencies
When it comes to peer review, there is always room for improvement. Examine the most common deficiencies, including poor documentation, unclear leadership responsibilities, failure to properly consult applicable compliance supplements and other key issues. Then, develop strategies for avoiding top concerns and improving overall audit quality and peer review results.
Peggy Jury, CPA, CGMA – Peer Review CPA on Staff, Michigan Association of CPAs, Troy
Duane M. Reyhl, CPA, CGMA – Audit and Accounting Partner, AHP, Midland
Credits: 1.0 AA

3:10 PM – 4:00 PM
The Five Core Components of Fraud Risk Management
The Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission (COSO) expanded its Fraud Risk Management Guide with the publication of its second edition in 2023. Focused heavily on fraud deterrence, the new guide sets forth five principles for building a solid program for managing fraud risk. Explore the key components of the new Guide, including risk governance, risk assessment, fraud control activities, investigation and corrective measures and continuous monitoring.
Gregory H. Soule, CPA, CISA, CISSP, CFE – Partner, AHP, Bloomfield Hills
Credits: 1.0 AA

4:10 PM – 5:00 PM
A Deep Dive into Private Equity in Accounting & Advisory Industry
Explore the transformative impact of private equity (PE) on the accounting and advisory industry, beginning with an analysis of current PE-backed firms, investment strategies, and potential future exits. Gain a deeper understanding of the “why” behind the seemingly sudden spike in PE’s interest in accounting and how this will impact both those firms that partner with PE and those that opt to remain independent.
Alex Drost, CPA – Founder, Connection Builders, Royal Oak
Credits: 1.0 OT

LAUNCH CHANNEL TWO

CHANNEL TWO

9:35 AM – 10:25 AM
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 – Chief Financial Officer, Indiana Wesleyan University, Marion, IN
Credits: 1.0 OT

10:35 AM – 11:25 AM
Inside the Cost Segregation Power Play
Examine how cost segregation accelerates depreciation for real estate assets and enhances income-tax shielding. Evaluate the classification of Modified Accelerated Cost Recovery System personal property, qualified improvement property, and land improvements eligible for bonus and accelerated depreciation. Then, interpret key 2017 and 2025 tax law changes and apply practical steps to document and implement cost segregation analyses that maximize tax savings.
Craig Miller, CPA CGMA, CCSP – President and Managing Partner, Duffy + Duffy Cost Segregation Services, LLC, Novi
Credits: 1.0 OT

11:35 AM – 12:25 PM
Need to Know: Employment Law Updates
Join us for an engaging and interactive update on state and federal employment laws, including Michigan’s Earned Sick Time Act, the FTC Non-Compete Ban, Pregnant Workers’ Fairness Act, new wage and hour rules, and more.
Michelle P. Crockett, JD – Partner, Honigman LLP, Detroit
Credits: 1.0 OT

1:10 PM – 2:00 PM
Your 2025 Federal Tax Update (100-minute session)
Tax policy is always changing, but 2025 is already shaping up to be one of the most active years in recent history. Review all the latest changes to federal individual and business tax policy, including IRS procedures, payroll, current tax court cases, incoming legislation and more. Plus, learn techniques for quickly and efficiently implementing new standards as they arise.
Allison McLeod, LL.M., CPA – Allison M. McLeod, LL.M., CPA PLLC, Denton, TX
Credits: 1.0 OT

2:10 PM – 3:00 PM
Your 2025 Federal Tax Update (Session continued)
Tax policy is always changing, but 2025 is already shaping up to be one of the most active years in recent history. Review all the latest changes to federal individual and business tax policy, including IRS procedures, payroll, current tax court cases, incoming legislation and more. Plus, learn techniques for quickly and efficiently implementing new standards as they arise.
Allison McLeod, LL.M., CPA – Allison M. McLeod, LL.M., CPA PLLC, Denton, TX
Credits: 1.0 OT

3:10 PM – 4:00 PM
Critical Tax Issues in Divorce
Discover key tax pitfalls divorcing clients encounter and how planning can help them avoid costly mistakes. We explore the tax implications of dividing assets, ownership rules for the marital home and smart settlement structures to support long-term financial stability.
Kali Hassinger, CFP, CSRIC – Center for Financial Planning, Southfield
Jacqueline Roessler, CPA, CDFA – Roessler Divorce Consulting, Birmingham
Credits: 1.0 OT

4:10 PM – 5:00 PM
Cyber Protection and Compliance Go Hand in Hand
We bring to the forefront how cybersecurity, IRS laws and federal compliance work together to protect your business and client information.
Robert Cote – President, Security Vital, Pontiac
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.)