An organization focused on growth knows it should implement a customer relationship management (CRM) system. The problem is that it is quite difficult for firms to find one they like, and when they do find one they like, it can be almost impossible to get traction. A successful CRM journey starts with the right expectations and the right set-up. CRM isn't only for sales and marketing, it's an effective tool for client service! This session will discuss the various uses and roles of CRM and what you should look for in a system that matches your needs.

Learning objectives:

1. Participants will learn how a customer relationship management (CRM) system benefits the various branches of an accounting firm.
   
2. Participants will learn what they should look for when selecting a CRM system and how they can set it up for success.

Storytelling is the powerful analytical tool fueled by data. However data are just numbers until you use them in an influential way to communicate a story visually. 65% of the population are visual learners and human beings absorb information 60 times faster with visuals. Business leaders and their staff therefore need to turn their financial data into effective visualizations to produce operational action items which will positively impact an organization.

Learning objectives:

1. What does it mean to tell a story with data visualization?
2. How does that story drive business performance?

Big data is having a profound impact on the accounting profession and CPA firms are utilizing data analytics applications, machine learning and robotic process automation. This session will discuss actual utilization of these technologies within accounting firms and and overview of where these technologies are going.

Learning Objectives:

1. 1Hear firsthand examples of data analytic and dashboard tools, automated production processes use machine learning and robotic process automation being implemented in CPA firms today. 
   
2. Understand the process the panelists went through to evaluate and implement applications.

Practitioners Roundtable to facilitate discussion on Human Resources, Information Technology and Business Development.

Learning objectives:

1. Discuss best practices in internal CPA Firm management and administration.
   
2. Learn from experiences of other participants.

This session will help you identify ways to maximize your clients' Section 199A deductions. Reduce taxable income; properly identify qualified business income, and maximize the W-2 and property-based limitations.

Learning Objectives:

1. Identify the proper choice of entity and structure for maximizing the W-2 limitation for taxpayer's above the income threshold.
   
2. Identify traps for the unwary that may prevent a taxpayer from maximizing the Section 199A deduction.

Why do you want to be a manager? Tips to transition into your new leadership role. You may be considering becoming a manager or you’ve been recently promoted. This change will shift your career focus from being an individual contributor to leading a team. As our focus changes, so must our attitudes and skills. We’ll talk about the transition to management and leadership and talk about some practical tools and focus areas to springboard you forward in your leadership journey.

Learning Objectives:

1. Learn how to shift your focus when you become a manager. 
   
2. Learn manager vs. leader areas of focus for new managers. 
   
3. Learn tools to help you move into your new role.

Technology is everywhere. You're constantly hearing about how automation will make accounting tasks more efficient, but that doesn't mean your role will be replaced by a robot. The human mind is just as important! Let's talk about key areas of emotional intelligence and the impact they have in the time of machines.

Learning Objectives:

1. Acknowledge and assess the impact of machines in our careers.
   
2. Dive into emotional intelligence: What it is and how we can use it to set us apart in the age of the machines.

Your clients' experience working with your firm is your greatest differentiator and one of the key drivers of client loyalty. We've all heard the term cross-selling--but it's time for a change of mindset. When practitioners begin to re-imagine cross-selling as helping clients with solve the puzzles of both issues and opportunities facing clients' businesses, those practitioners unlock endless potential ways to endear clients, create more satisfying relationships and generate revenue.

During this session we will look at key factors in changing the dialog around doing more for existing clients by understanding the skills and behaviors professionals should practice to deepen relationships with clients and begin to become a true advisor. We'll discuss what cross-solving looks like and more importantly, how to communicate to clients the value you are delivering.

After completing this session participants will be able to:

1. Understand the mindset of cross-solving.
   
2. Talk with clients about how the value you create solves their issues and/or helps them take advantage of opportunities.
   
3. Help their firms drive top-line revenue growth through client relationships.
   
4. Meet needs as clients' demands evolve and keep their firm relevant to a market that wants more from the CPA relationship.

We come to events like this not only to hear great speakers and interesting topics, but to connect with our peers for those rare opportunities we get to see them face to face. It's nice to see old friends, but we also like to hear what new and innovative things those friends are doing at their firms. Well, here is a chance to get all of those ideas - at least fifty of them in less than an hour. Join us for this moderated session to hear innovative ideas in practice management in a quick and fun format. Everyone attending will receive value from their participation - whether it is contributing an idea(s) or taking one or more home with them. You won't want to miss this session!

Audit clients continue to become more global, diverse and technology reliant while the audit methodologies used by most firms hasn’t fundamentally changed in 25 years. While there has long been discussion that the future audit will shift from attesting on past results once per year to delivering real time assurance very little has been accomplished to date. This session will discuss approaches to virtual integration to client’s systems and data to leverage data analytics. Leveraging “big data” through use of “data analytics in our audit processes are sure to be future foundational capabilities. This session will layout a virtual audit model for how that could work, the potential benefits, and the current barriers around moving this from myth to reality.

During this session, specific recommendations will be presented to start positioning the firm for virtual engagements will be discussed. 

Topics Include: 

• a) Out Instant Gratification Culture, 
• b) Audit of the Future – Dynamic Integration, 
• c) Use of Data Analytics  Continuous Auditing, 
• d) Virtual Continuous Audit models, 
• e) What can I do today? 
• f) Moving Ideas to Action.

Learning objectives:

1. Participants will understand the benefits of moving to virtual auditing.
   
2. Participants will learn how to set up a virtual audit practice in their firm.