2023 Summer Education Conference

Overview

**NOTE: THIS EVENT WILL SELL OUT. RESERVE YOUR ROOM ASAP.**

Make plans to join us in Gulf Shores this summer!
The Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Louisiana, and Oklahoma CPA societies are hosting a fun-filled week of learning and lounging at The Lodge, a beach-front, eco-friendly resort in Gulf State Park in Gulf Shores, AL. This conference will offer 4 hours of CPE each day, leaving the rest of your time free to explore the park, kayak the gulf, or simply chill on the beach. The conference agenda is still being finalized. In the meantime, make plans to join us in July!

ABOUT THE LODGE

The Lodge features:

• 28 miles of hiking/biking trails
• Private beach
• Daily activities
• Free bike-share (up to 3 hours)
• Kayak and paddleboard rentals
• Guided Segway eco-tours
• No resort fees!

Plus Gulf State Park offers dozens of weekly activities, like guided beach walks and star-gazing, opportunities to “meet” local wildlife (owls, turtles, snakes, etc), fitness classes, pickleball, and more! 

NIGHTLY RATES 
SEC attendees get exclusive discounted rates at The Lodge: 

Gulf Front

• King or 2 Queens (w/ balcony) $289 
• King w/ bunk beds (w/ balcony) $315 

Park View 

• King (no balcony) $245 
• King w/ bunk beds (w/ balcony) $269
• 2 Queens (w/ balcony) $269 

RESERVATIONS: These rates are good for arrivals as early as July 15, departing July 20, and are subject to state and local taxes. Hearing and mobility accessible rooms are also available.

CLICK HERE TO RESERVE YOUR ROOM

IMPORTANT: OUR ROOM BLOCK WILL SELL OUT. Make your reservations early.

AGENDA:

Sunday, July 16

1:00 - 4:40 pm 
Fraud Update: The Latest Schemes and How to Prevent Them
Kevin Cross, CPA, MST, EA

Monday, July 17
 
8:00 - 11:40 am
Tax Update
Lisa McKinney, CPA • University of Alabama, Culverhouse School of Accountancy • Tuscaloosa, AL
This workshop will cover recent legislative, administrative, and judicial developments that affect tax compliance and consulting.  CPAs from all levels can benefit from the workshop.  

Tuesday, July 18

8:00 - 11:40 am
Accounting and Auditing Update
Kurt Oestriecher, CPA • Oestriecher & Company • Alexandria, LA
The past 14 months have been challenging for everyone, and the CPA profession has had a unique opportunity to assist our clients and companies navigate various federal and state programs.  This session will focus on the most current issues related to COVID relief, as well as discuss the impact on existing accounting, financial reporting, and ethics standards for CPAs.

Wednesday, July 19 

8:00 - 9:40 am
Technology Update for Accountants
Paul M. Perry, FHFMA, CDPSE, CISM, CITP, CPA • Warren Averett • Birmingham, AL
This session will explore some of the latest technology updates related to the accounting profession and how the future will be impacted.  We will discuss the metaverse, updates to AI – including ChatGPT, the latest on cryptocurrency and NFTs (note – some of the slides will be written with ChatGPT in order to show its usefulness and limitations).
 
9:40 -10:00 am Break

10:00 – 11:40 am
Professional Issues Update
Jennifer Elder, CPA, CMA, CIA, CFF, CGMA • AICPA • Annapolis, MD
This entertaining and informative session will cover the major issues happening in the accounting world today. This special update for financial professionals provides the latest developments in the five driving trends of the shift change – leadership, learning, technology, generations and workplace. It will also cover the latest updates on regulations and standards, tax, employee benefit plan audits, and issues with the IRS and DOL.

Thursday, July 20 

8:00 - 9:40 am
The Power of Effective Feedback
Sandy Michelet, SHRM-SCP, SPHR • Sparkhound • Baton Rouge, LA
Feedback is a leader’s most effective performance tool, but it is the one least often used. During this interactive session we will discuss top tips to regularly sharing feedback, why “constructive criticism” is a thing of the past and the long term impact of keeping your thoughts to yourself.  

9:40 - 10:00 am Break

10:00 – 11:40 am
Mind the Gap: Leading 5 Generations
Jennifer Elder, CPA, CMA, CIA, CFF, CGMA • AICPA • Annapolis, MD
This session is designed to provide participants with an in-depth understanding of the events and circumstances that shaped each generation. In addition, we will address the challenges and opportunities presented by generational diversity in the workplace. The course will explore the unique perspectives, values, and work styles of different generations and how these differences can impact workplace dynamics and communication. You will come away with concrete ideas on how to harness the power and strengths of each generation and learn how we can all work better together!

CPE: 20 credits (including 8 A&A hours) 

SPONSOR THIS EVENT
From pre-event promotion to the in-person conference, our sponsor packages can put your brand in front of 25,000+ CPAs across the southeast. Check out the packages and pricing below and contact Misean Reed for more information.