2024 Summer Education Conference

Overview

Join us in Gulf Shores this summer!
The Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Louisiana, Oklahoma, and (new this year) Kentucky CPA societies are hosting a fun-filled week of learning and lounging in Gulf Shores, AL. The agenda includes 4 hours of CPE each morning, leaving plenty of time to explore the park, kayak the gulf, or simply chill on the beach. 

CONFERENCE AGENDA

SUNDAY, JULY 21

4:00 pm Check-in at The Lodge

5:00 - 6:00 pm 
Build Your Asset Location Strategy: CES Life Income Plan Optional Bonus Session
Neil Eggers CFP, CPA • Equitable Advisors • Birmingham, AL
Join Neil and his team, as they unveil revolutionary retirement planning strategies and keys to maximizing retirement income while minimizing taxation. [Qualifies for 1 CPE credit and 1 CLE credit]

6:00 - 7:30 pm  Welcome Reception & Seaside Smorgasbord (Guest fees apply)

MONDAY, JULY 22

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 23

8:00 - 11:40 am
Accounting and Auditing Update  
Kurt Oestriecher, CPA • Oestriecher & Company • Alexandria, LA
This course will cover recently issued standards that relate to United States GAAP and performance of auditing through preparation engagements. You will learn how to account for cryptocurrency and hear about the top peer review issues. Join us to get the most up to date information from the AA world.

WEDNESDAY, JULY 24

8:00 - 9:40 am
Turbocharge Your Life with Emotional Intelligence (EQ)!
Jaclyn T. Badeau, EQ Certified, MBA, CPA, CGMA • Badeau Consulting • Lexington, KY
Research shows people with high usage of EQ skills are happier, more resilient when facing obstacles, better leaders, and stronger performers. Furthermore, EQ is the largest predictor of job success no matter your field! Discover more about EQ, practice tips to increase your usage of some EQ skills to improve your happiness, resiliency, leadership skills, and overall performance in your personal and professional life, and apply what is learned to build a personal leadership action plan.

9:40 - 10:00 am Break

10:00 - 11:40
Professional Issues Update 
Jan Lewis, CPA • BMSS, LLC – AICPA Board of Directors • Jackson, MS
I will present an update on issues affecting the profession, advocacy efforts, and current topics impacting AICPA members.  I will share how the AICPA is seeking to serve its members, and I welcome comments and questions that I can take back to the Board of Directors, our Legislative Affairs Group, and AICPA Staff.  I will cover tax advocacy work, financial reporting topics, international issues, the National Pipeline Advisory Group, and resources available to AICPA members.

THURSDAY, JULY 25

8:00 - 11:40 am
Top 5 Frauds CPAs May Miss
Kevin Cross, CPA, MST • Author, Counselor, and Convicted Fraudster • Roswell, GA
What if fraud were staring you in the eyes not flinching? What would you do? Would you notice? Would you try to avoid this because you don’t have time? How far are you willing to push your intuition? Are you willing to lose your job over this crusade? Can you build a team of like-minded people to go with you on this journey that may be a battle? How do you look at people the same way if everyone is a suspect? How can you do your job, stay in your lane, and still be that CPA that prevents (deters) fraud and perhaps detects fraud before things become catastrophic. 

This session will discuss the top 5 fraud schemes CPAs most often miss, plus:
• What value is placed on whistleblowers?
• Determining intent and propensity based on personality.
• Which Myers-Briggs personality matrix is most prone to cheating?
• Recognizing red flags related to fraud.
• Trusting your gut.
• Identifying unusual transactions (stale, old, small, forgotten accounts)
• Learn the 7 top clues to deter and detect fraud.

FRIDAY, JULY 26

8:00 - 11:40am
Natural Language Processing (NLP) and Prompt Engineering: Overview and Application
Marc Hamilton, CPA • CFO/Treasurer - CDG, Inc. • Andalusia, AL
Delve into the cutting-edge realms of 'Natural Language Processing (NLP) and Prompt Engineering: Overview and Application' in our specialized presentation for CPAs. This session offers an in-depth look at how NLP is transforming the accounting field, enhancing data interpretation and communication efficiency. Discover the art of prompt engineering and its pivotal role in maximizing the potential of AI tools in your practice. Join us to explore how these innovative technologies are not just shaping the future but are essential tools for modern accountants to stay ahead in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.

LODGING
Unfortunately, our room block at The Lodge is sold out, but we have secured additional rooms nearby:

Hilton Garden Inn Orange Beach Beachfront
23092 Perdido Beach Blvd
Orange Beach, AL 36561
Rate: $319/night
Cut-Off Date: June 20, 2024
Group Code: SOLCPA
Phone: 251.974.1600
MAKE A RESERVATION

Eagle Cottages at Gulf State Park (Max occupancy 6)
Cost: $595.00 per night, plus tax
1,600 square foot house on Lake Shelby, with three queen bedrooms, three full bathrooms, a large living room, kitchen, and dining area. The cottages also have two back porches overlooking Lake Shelby, as well as a side deck with outdoor dining table. Outside, each cottage have a BBQ grill, picnic table, and firepit with Adirondack seating perfect for evening campfires.

Guests of Eagle Cottages receive made-to-order breakfast each morning at Woodside Restaurant for up to six people, daily housekeeping refresh, bicycles to enjoy their time in the park, firewood and kindling, complimentary parking at the Beach Pavilion so they can enjoy the Gulf of Mexico, as well as complimentary access to the Campground where they can enjoy the large swimming pool with splash pad, utilize the tennis, pickleball, & basketball courts, and visit our nature center (a living museum housing a variety of our local wildlife).

Lakeside Cabins (Max occupancy 6: 4 adults, 2 children)
Cost: $420.00 per night, plus a one-time cleaning fee of $180.00, plus tax
860 square foot cabin on Lake Shelby, with one-king bedroom, one-queen bedroom, a bunk nook, two bathrooms with walk-in shower, a living area, and a kitchenette with counter seating.  The cabins also have a front porch and laundry room.  Outside, each cabin has a BBQ grill, firepit, and picnic table.  

Guests of Lakeside Cabins will receive complimentary parking at the Beach Pavilion so they can enjoy the Gulf of Mexico, as well as complimentary access to the Campground where they can enjoy the large swimming pool with splash pad, utilize the tennis, pickleball, & basketball courts, and visit our nature center (a living museum housing a variety of our local wildlife).

Pet Fee: Eagle Cottages and Lakeside Cabins will allow guests to bring their four-legged family member with them.  There is a one-time pet fee of $175.00, plus tax, that will be added to the invoice.  

RESERVE A COTTAGE OR CABIN
Promo Code: LCPA
Rates are good July 17 - August 1, 2024.
MORE INFORMATION

To be notified if additional rooms become available at The Lodge, email info@lcpa.org.

REGISTRATION INFORMATION
Members: $650
Non-Members: $750
CPE: Up to 21 hours (including 8 hours of A&A) if you attend all sessions.
Prices are good through July 5. Non-CPA staff of members may attend at the member rate. Additional fees may apply to optional extracurricular activities.

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.