New England Practice Management Conference
Begins: Ends:
(Check-In 12:30pm EST)
17.00 Credits
Member Price $829.00
Non-Member Price $1,059.00
Overview
You could pay $0 for this course!This course qualifies for reimbursement through the State Workforce Training Express Fund. Firms/companies with fewer than 100 staff will receive 100% of the cost of training reimbursed. You must register for this course and apply for reimbursement through the Workforce Training Express Fund website a minimum of three weeks before the start date of the course to be eligible (By October 30th) The course code for this program is C-2304. To learn more click here or contact Julia Ekelund at jekelund@mscpaonline.org.
MassCPAs is excited to bring back our Management of an Accounting Practice (MAP) Conference in-person this fall! Join us November 20th-22nd at Foxwoods Resort Casino for three days of networking, reconnecting with your peers and informative sessions on the top issues facing firms. Developed by firm leaders for firm leaders and their successors, this conference will feature some of accounting's foremost thought leaders. Click the agenda tab to see the full list of sessions and speakers!
The deadline to book your hotel room under our room block is Tuesday, October 29. Visit masscpas.org/map24hotel to make your reservation.
Preconference Bonus Session: Navigating Productivity in a Staffing Crisis: What’s a Partner to Do?
Still deciding whether you should attend the New England Practice Management Conference? Try a FREE session and unlock the secrets to boosting productivity, even during a staffing crunch! In this session, you’ll learn about workplace changes, including generational differences, managing individuals for productivity and how to plan for firm-level capacity in today’s staffing market.
Notice
Wednesday, November 20
General Session
- Check In
This session is available to registrants only.
General Session
- Professional Issues/Legislative Update and Future of the Industry Discussion and Q&A
Zachary Donah, Massachusetts Society of CPAsZachary Donah
Zach Donah, CAE, is president and CEO of the Massachusetts Society of CPAs (MassCPAs) where he leads state’s professional association of 11,500 certified public accountants (CPAs) and professionals working in their firms and organizations. Prior to his current role, Donah was Deputy CEO at MassCPAs where he worked with the Society’s leadership team on the overall management and oversight of the Society and its Educational Foundation, including advancing the organization’s strategic goals and objectives. He has been a member of the Society’s staff since 2013, serving in various role in the organization’s government affairs team, including vice president of advocacy, where he oversaw the Society’s government relations and the academic and career development programs and the MassCPAs Educational Foundation. Prior to joining the Society, Donah served as a legislative director and chief of staff in the Massachusetts State Senate.
This session is available to registrants only.
General Session
- Networking Break
This session is available to registrants only.
General Session
- The Path to Developing Thought Leadership and Influencer Skills
James Bourke, WithumJames Bourke
Jim Bourke, CPA, CITP, CFF, CGMA is a partner and a member of the Board of Directors and Management Committee at WithumSmith+Brown, as well as a director of firm technology and managing director of advisory services. He has been a frequent speaker around the globe to many Accounting Societies and International Accounting and Trade Associations, the AICPA, CIMA, State Societies of CPAs, Industry Technology Organizations, Incubators, Accelerators and others on topics specifically related to various accounting, technology, practice management and advisory services topics.
The path to becoming a thought leader and influencer is a long one that begins early in one’s career, but it’s never too late to develop these skills. Many factors play into your ability to motivate, lead and inspire team members and clients, and when combined the right way, these factors will allow you to not only be that leader, but more importantly, gain their respect as a leader. In this session, Jim Bourke will discuss the path he took to developing thought leadership and influencer skills, sharing best practices on how this process is achievable by anyone willing to dedicate the time and effort to go above and beyond. He’ll share a wealth of experience from his internship at Withum to his present position as the firm’s largest shareholder. You’ll walk away from this session with actionable steps you can start doing today to inspire others tomorrow.
This session is available to registrants only.
General Session
- Networking Break and Check-in
This session is available to registrants only.
General Session
- Intelligent Reinvention: Leadership Skills for Navigating an Uncertain Environment
Ace Callwood, The Envoy Portfolio LLCAce Callwood
Combining his role as the firm’s lead mediator with his background in tech entrepreneurship, Ace is constantly working at the intersection of digital and human to collaboratively create solutions for some of the world’s intractable issues.
Envoy Executive Programs, he teaches leadership skills in trust-building, conflict navigation, and drawing from diverse perspectives to innovate and disrupt markets.
An instinctive bridge-builder, Ace deploys advanced, transparent techniques to ensure parties truly hear each other and stretch their creative minds to find paths forward.
Intelligent reinvention teaches skills that empower leaders to build anti-fragility into their organization’s strategic planning, shift behaviors that drive culture and lead employees to constantly scan for risk and opportunity. In this session, you’ll be guided through how to design sustainable business models that flex in the face of unpredictable change and build a team-of-teams culture that can deliver the outcomes necessary for organizations to thrive.
This session is available to registrants only.
General Session
- Cocktail Reception at Shrine
This session is available to registrants only.
Thursday, November 21
Breakout Session
- Session 1: Incorporating AI Into Your Accounting Firm Best Practices
This session is available to registrants only.
- Breakfast
This session is available to registrants only.
General Session
- Opening Remarks
This session is available to registrants only.
General Session
- Practicing in Concert: Gaining Partner and Firm Alignment
Renee Moelders, ConvergenceCoaching LLCRenee Moelders
Renee Moelders is a partner at ConvergenceCoaching, LLC, a national consulting firm dedicated to developing leaders and transforming teams. She is a frequent speaker, writer and facilitator on topics impacting CPA firm leaders, offering practical strategies for improvement and change based on her experiences working with clients and her many years as a CPA firm administrator. Additionally, Moelders is passionate about furthering flexible and remote work in the profession and is a coach in the firm’s leadership program.
Too often, we allow the day-to-day issues of running our practices and delivering client service to cloud our vision for the future of the firm. Even worse, as time passes, our cloudy vision seems to differ slightly (or significantly) from the vision of others in the firm. In this session, you’ll learn to develop strategies for regaining clarity on your firm’s vision, gaining buy-in and commitment on the vision and defining the steps necessary to achieve it in concert with partners and team members. You’ll leave this session ready to collaborate more closely with your leaders and take your firm to the next level of success.
This session is available to registrants only.
General Session
- Networking Break and Visit Exhibit Hall
This session is available to registrants only.
Breakout Session
- Session 1: How to Effectively Utilize Offshore Talent
Laurence Whittman, Impact Global SolutionsLaurence Whittman
Laurence Whittam, Founder and Managing Director of Impact Global Solutions is an Outsourcing Expert for accountants and businesses looking to utilize outsourced talent. With a wealth of expertise and a passion for driving transformative growth, Laurence empowers organizations to navigate the complexities of outsourcing and build successful international teams. Their deep industry knowledge and strategic guidance have helped countless businesses overcome staffing challenges and achieve sustainable growth. As a featured speaker and trusted advisor, Laurence brings a unique perspective to the podcast, sharing invaluable insights and practical strategies for leveraging outsourcing as a game-changer in today’s dynamic business landscape. Get ready to be inspired and equipped with actionable tips as Laurence takes the stage to share their expertise on optimizing outsourcing and unlocking your firm’s true potential.
In this session, you’ll learn best practices and critical considerations for successful offshoring and gain actionable strategies to address common challenges, enhance operational efficiency and achieve sustainable growth through offshoring. Key topics include aligning offshoring initiatives with long-term strategic goals, selecting offshore partners, creating and maintaining standard operating procedures for consistency and quality, establishing clear communication channels, managing cultural differences and implementing key performance indicators and reporting frameworks.
This session is available to registrants only.
- Session 2: Creating a Culture of Empathy
Trish Foster, Trish Foster Consulting LLCTrish Foster
Trish Foster is founder of Trish Foster Consulting and is a diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) change agent, a sought-after DEI speaker, advisor, writer and workshop facilitator and a certified energy healing practitioner. Her expertise includes allyship across identity difference – including race and gender – inclusive leadership, psychological safety, intersectionality, sponsorship and mentorship and gender equity. Foster also has extensive experience working with organizations throughout the U.S. and internationally, with clients ranging from international corporations, early-stage companies, nonprofits and academic institutions. She works with employees at all levels and coaches senior leaders to help them navigate DEI challenges. Furthermore, Foster has written numerous research reports on topics ranging from disability inclusion and allyship to intersectionality and workplace culture. Her speaking engagements draw on this research.
Progressive organizations recognize the growing need for “high EQ” workplaces that create psychological safety for workers. These organizations benefit from positive outcomes, such as increased job satisfaction and innovation. In this session, you’ll learn to nurture a culture that prioritizes empathy, compassion and trust, with an emphasis on the leader’s role versus the employee’s role.
This session is available to registrants only.
- Session 3: Keep Your Best Leaders: Four Keys to Build a Flourishing Leadership Pipeline
Jon Lokhorst, Your Best Leadership LLCJon Lokhorst
Jon Lokhorst, CPA, PCC, is the founder of Lokhorst Consulting LLC where he develops leaders everyone wants to follow, builds teams no one wants to leave and delivers exceptional results . Prior to this role, he served for 18 years at Wallace, Lokhorst & Company, Ltd. before becoming a managing partner at Wallace, Lokhorst & Company. Lokhorst spent 15 years in nonprofit leadership roles, primarily as CFO or development director, and has served clients throughout the U.S. as a speaker, coach and trainer. On top of his coaching and accounting credentials, he is a member of the National Speakers Association (NSA), on the Board of Directors of the NSA Minnesota Chapter, a certified facilitator of RightPath assessment tools and an adjunct faculty member in the School of Business and Nonprofit Management at North Park University in Chicago.
Which leaders in your organization are you most afraid of losing? What are you doing to ensure these key leaders stay with you for the future? A recent Gallup study highlights significant challenges for organizations concerned about leader retention, finding that managers are more likely than non-managers to be disengaged at work, burned out, looking for a new job and feeling like their organization doesn’t care about their wellbeing. In this session, we’ll focus on four crucial steps to keep your best leaders and get a jump-start on creating an effective strategy for leader retention, using practical tools that will equip your organization to build a flourishing leadership pipeline from within.
This session is available to registrants only.
- Session 4: Why Revenue Growth is Old School
Matt Rampe, Rosenberg AssociatesMatt Rampe
Matt Rampe is a consultant, coach and speaker to CPA firm owners in North America. Rampe began his career in finance at a Fortune 500 company. He then transitioned to the business valuation of venture backed startups at top-50 ranked Frank Rimerman. Later Rampe served as an expert witness on business valuation matters related to divorce and corporate disputes before joining Rampe Consulting.
Matt has also earned his professional coaching certification and is trained in new product design, mediation and organizational change.
He was a 40 Under Forty – Honoree by the National Association of Certified Valuators and Analysts (NACVA) & Consultants’ Training Institute (CTI) and is a regular author and speaker on practice management topics.
Matt is a graduate of San Jose State.
The staffing shortage and baby boomer retirements are making firms rethink whether they really want to grow. Without enough capacity, revenue growth can be unsustainable and even unwise. But that’s not the end of the story – innovative firms are still finding ways to take on more of their ideal clients while improving partner income. In this session you’ll learn why revenue growth may not be right for your firm right now, steps to help identify your ideal clients and tactfully remove your worst clients to free up capacity and how to raise your fees with confidence and elevate partner income regardless of revenue growth.
This session is available to registrants only.
- Session 5: Transforming CAS Pricing and Packaging
Renee Moelders, ConvergenceCoaching LLCRenee Moelders
Renee Moelders is a partner at ConvergenceCoaching, LLC, a national consulting firm dedicated to developing leaders and transforming teams. She is a frequent speaker, writer and facilitator on topics impacting CPA firm leaders, offering practical strategies for improvement and change based on her experiences working with clients and her many years as a CPA firm administrator. Additionally, Moelders is passionate about furthering flexible and remote work in the profession and is a coach in the firm’s leadership program.
CAS practices across the country are demonstrating the incredible difference they can make for clients. Growth is up, and service providers are in high demand. Yet traditional time and materials pricing methodologies don’t communicate or capture the value created, limiting profitability of this fast-growing service area and inhibiting investments in staffing and technology. In this interactive session, you’ll explore creative packaging and pricing strategies and leave with concrete, actionable ideas that will drive profitability and grow your CAS practice.
This session is available to registrants only.
- Session 6: Legal Considerations in Business Succession and Transition Planning
Michael Duffy, Fletcher Tilton PCMichael Duffy
Michael Duffy is co-chair of the Tax Practice Group focusing on corporate, estate, and individual tax planning matters. He advises clients on the tax consequences of forming, operating, restructuring, and liquidating business entities with a focus on tax-efficient succession planning. He also handles issues related to the formation and management of nonprofit entities, executive compensation, federal and state tax audits and controversies, mergers and acquisitions, and the taxation of gifts, trusts, and estates.
This session is available to registrants only.
Optional Session
- Break
This session is available to registrants and their guests
General Session
- 10 Practical AI Applications to Deploy Today
Jason Staats, RealizeJason Staats
Five years ago I switched my firm to a new practice management system. We spent a year of work researching, planning and training a team of 40 for the change, and in three months I realized we’d chosen the wrong system.
The reason? We made decisions according to what colorful brochures and commissioned sales people told us.
We were left with an impossible decision. We’d thrown away two years on this project, only to start the process over again. The ultimate cost would be years of lost productivity, and more sleepless nights than I could count.
I needed to ensure I never made the same mistake again.
Tired of trying to keep up with all the AI hype? Don’t miss this talk from thought leader Jason Staats who will help you cut through the AI noise and deliver actionable applications you can use today. In addition to his own research, Staats has worked with some of the largest brands in the industry to deploy meaningful AI developments with the goal of helping practitioners run more profitable, sustainable firms.
AI Fireside Chat: Your Burning Questions Answered
The more we hear about AI, the more questions we seem to have. Join this Q&A with the industry’s leading AI thought leader Jason Staats to learn what’s real, what’s fake and what accountants can expect over the next 3 years? Come armed with questions big and small and leave better prepared for what’s to come.
This session is available to registrants only.
General Session
- Lunch
This session is available to registrants only.
Breakout Session
- Roundtable 1: Revenue Growth/Pricing/Culling Clients
This session is available to registrants only.
- Roundtable 2: TBD
This session is available to registrants only.
- Roundtable 3: TBD
This session is available to registrants only.
- Session 1: Mentors, Sponsors, and Networks - An Inclusion Imperative
Trish Foster, Trish Foster Consulting LLCTrish Foster
Trish Foster is founder of Trish Foster Consulting and is a diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) change agent, a sought-after DEI speaker, advisor, writer and workshop facilitator and a certified energy healing practitioner. Her expertise includes allyship across identity difference – including race and gender – inclusive leadership, psychological safety, intersectionality, sponsorship and mentorship and gender equity. Foster also has extensive experience working with organizations throughout the U.S. and internationally, with clients ranging from international corporations, early-stage companies, nonprofits and academic institutions. She works with employees at all levels and coaches senior leaders to help them navigate DEI challenges. Furthermore, Foster has written numerous research reports on topics ranging from disability inclusion and allyship to intersectionality and workplace culture. Her speaking engagements draw on this research.
Mentors, sponsors and networks accelerate career growth and help employees thrive, particularly those in historically underrepresented groups. In this session, we’ll work to educate attendees about the role of mentorship, sponsorship and networks and increase understanding of how these practices align with employee inclusion, belonging and career success. We’ll also provide best practices and incorporate data, stories, self-assessments and exercises such as network mapping to enhance learning.
This session is available to registrants only.
- Session 2: Technology/AI Q&A/Fireside Chat with Jason Staats
Jason Staats, RealizeJason Staats
Five years ago I switched my firm to a new practice management system. We spent a year of work researching, planning and training a team of 40 for the change, and in three months I realized we’d chosen the wrong system.
The reason? We made decisions according to what colorful brochures and commissioned sales people told us.
We were left with an impossible decision. We’d thrown away two years on this project, only to start the process over again. The ultimate cost would be years of lost productivity, and more sleepless nights than I could count.
I needed to ensure I never made the same mistake again.
The more we hear about AI, the more questions we seem to have. Join this Q&A with the industry’s leading AI thought leader Jason Staats to learn what’s real, what’s fake and what accountants can expect over the next 3 years? Come armed with questions big and small and leave better prepared for what’s to come.
This session is available to registrants only.
- Session 3: Building Trust at Every Level in the Firm
Heather Lisle, The Rainmaker CompaniesHeather Lisle
Heather Lisle is a communications and marketing expert, entrepreneur, and professional problem-solver who helps executives stand out from their competition by creating unique brand positioning based on their personality using the DiSC profile. With 20 plus years of executive level experience, Heather has mastered the ability to cut through the small talk and dig deep to identify her client’s “special sauce” or uniqueness that sets them apart from their competition to increase leads and sales.
In this interactive session, we cover David Maister’s trust equation and how credibility, reliability, intimacy and self- interest all play a critical role in your relationship with your clients and your team. We’ll cover how to raise your score in each area and ideas for how others at all levels in the firm can strengthen their scores as well.
This session is available to registrants only.
- Session 4: How to Effectively Utilize Offshore Talent
Laurence Whittman, Impact Global SolutionsLaurence Whittman
Laurence Whittam, Founder and Managing Director of Impact Global Solutions is an Outsourcing Expert for accountants and businesses looking to utilize outsourced talent. With a wealth of expertise and a passion for driving transformative growth, Laurence empowers organizations to navigate the complexities of outsourcing and build successful international teams. Their deep industry knowledge and strategic guidance have helped countless businesses overcome staffing challenges and achieve sustainable growth. As a featured speaker and trusted advisor, Laurence brings a unique perspective to the podcast, sharing invaluable insights and practical strategies for leveraging outsourcing as a game-changer in today’s dynamic business landscape. Get ready to be inspired and equipped with actionable tips as Laurence takes the stage to share their expertise on optimizing outsourcing and unlocking your firm’s true potential.
In this session, you’ll learn best practices and critical considerations for successful offshoring and gain actionable strategies to address common challenges, enhance operational efficiency and achieve sustainable growth through offshoring. Key topics include aligning offshoring initiatives with long-term strategic goals, selecting offshore partners, creating and maintaining standard operating procedures for consistency and quality, establishing clear communication channels, managing cultural differences and implementing key performance indicators and reporting frameworks.
This session is available to registrants only.
Breakout Session
- Session 1: Employment Law Update
Adam Hamel, McLane MiddletonAdam Hamel
Adam Hamel is a Director in McLane Middleton’s Litigation Department, concentrating his practice in the areas of business, employment and probate litigation. Adam regularly assists clients on a variety of commercial and employment litigation matters, including claims of wrongful termination, discrimination, violations of restrictive covenants, and wage and hour issues. Adam also has extensive experience working on will contests, fiduciary litigation and guardianships. Adam, who received his J.D., magna cum laude, from New England Law / Boston in 2005, has been recognized as a Rising Star by Super Lawyers®.
Stay up-to-date with the latest changes in employment law that impact businesses across Massachusetts. This session will provide an overview of key legal updates, including the new Massachusetts Pay Transparency requirements signed into law on July 31, 2024, and an update on the state of noncompetition agreements in light of the recent court decision striking down the FTC’s noncompete rule. This informative session will provide CPAs with timely information about evolving employment laws in Massachusetts.
This session is available to registrants only.
- Session 2: Firm Culture Panel
Join a panel of managing partners from leading accounting firms as they share insights on building and sustaining a positive workplace culture. Discover strategies for fostering employee engagement, enhancing collaboration and creating an environment that drives both productivity and satisfaction. Panelists will discuss their experiences, challenges and best practices for shaping firm culture to support growth and retention.
This session is available to registrants only.
- Session 3: Role of a COO at an Accounting Firm
Matt Rampe, Rosenberg AssociatesMatt Rampe
Matt Rampe is a consultant, coach and speaker to CPA firm owners in North America. Rampe began his career in finance at a Fortune 500 company. He then transitioned to the business valuation of venture backed startups at top-50 ranked Frank Rimerman. Later Rampe served as an expert witness on business valuation matters related to divorce and corporate disputes before joining Rampe Consulting.
Matt has also earned his professional coaching certification and is trained in new product design, mediation and organizational change.
He was a 40 Under Forty – Honoree by the National Association of Certified Valuators and Analysts (NACVA) & Consultants’ Training Institute (CTI) and is a regular author and speaker on practice management topics.
Matt is a graduate of San Jose State.
In this session, you’ll learn how firms are using the roles of COO and/or firm administrator and how these roles can best support the partner group and enhance firm performance. We’ll also cover common fears that stop firms from creating those roles and pitfalls that make those roles less effective than they can be.
This session is available to registrants only.
- Session 4: Effectively Transitioning Responsibility from One Generation to Another
Renee Moelders, ConvergenceCoaching LLCRenee Moelders
Renee Moelders is a partner at ConvergenceCoaching, LLC, a national consulting firm dedicated to developing leaders and transforming teams. She is a frequent speaker, writer and facilitator on topics impacting CPA firm leaders, offering practical strategies for improvement and change based on her experiences working with clients and her many years as a CPA firm administrator. Additionally, Moelders is passionate about furthering flexible and remote work in the profession and is a coach in the firm’s leadership program.
Organizations across the country are preparing for (or are already facilitating) the retirement of thousands of talented baby boomer CPAs. Many elements of succession need attention, but one of the most important areas to address is effective transition of responsibility. Transition affects far more than the retiree, as the transition often creates a ripple effect that causes all others in the organization to shed responsibility too. In this session, we’ll discuss answers to the most common transition questions, so you leave the session armed with the information you need to plan and execute your transitions effectively.
This session is available to registrants only.
- Session 5: CPA Firm Technology and Management Update
Randy Johnston, K2 EnterprisesRandy Johnston
Randy Johnston is a nationally recognized educator, consultant, and writer with over 30 years experience in Strategic Technology Planning, Systems and Network Integration, Accounting Software Selection, Business Development and Management, Disaster Recovery and Contingency Planning, and Process Engineering.
In the ever-evolving landscape of public practice accounting, K2’s CPA Firm Technology and Management Update stands as a beacon of knowledge and innovation. In this session, we’ll cover the latest advancements in technology and management strategies, as well as cutting-edge developments in data analytics, cybersecurity, practice management and client service excellence in a highly competitive market. We’ll also examine technologies like AI-enhanced auditing, blockchain in finance and the latest in Cloud computing and automation to give you a comprehensive overview of significant trends, and help you make informed decisions for your firm’s current and future technological and managerial needs.
This session is available to registrants only.
- Session 6: 2025 Accounting Hiring and Compensation Trends
Corey Adams, Robert Half InternationalCorey Adams
Corey Adams is a regional manager for Robert Half International, the world’s first and largest staffing firm specializing in accounting, finance and information technology. During his nearly 15 years with the company, Adams has helped clients locate highly skilled professionals in the areas of finance and accounting, with a primary focus on temporary, contract, consulting and permanent searches in the Greater Boston Area for mid to senior level roles.
This session is available to registrants only.
General Session
- Break
This session is available to registrants only.
Breakout Session
- Session 1: Maximize Your Medicare: Effectively Transitioning to Medicare at 65 or Retirement
Mark Brownstein, Emerald MedicareMark Brownstein
Mark Brownstein is highly regarded as a “trusted educator and advisor” and the Director of Medicare for Emerald Medicare. He a fully licensed Medicare professional servicing 20 states. Mark is a 3-time President of his local Financial Planners Association (FPA) and received industry recognition as a highly energetic leader who is both committed to the highest fiduciary standards and to service quality. He is a passionate, independent, and dedicated provider of comprehensive and competitive Medicare solutions. As an advisor, Mark has built his career based on objective education to assist in implementing Medicare solutions to meet clients’ changing needs. Mark has extensive experience working with individuals, veterans, Financial professionals, medical offices and CPA and tax professionals to implement Medicare solutions to meet clients’ changing needs. He and his team of 5 are committed all year long to service quality. Mark has provided Medicare solutions for over 1,500 clients and conducted educational workshops for over 3,000 clients and trusted advisors. Mark has a 2 local monthly radio shows focused on discussion that support seniors. Mark is also a CSA (Certified Senior Advisor). As an elder advocate he helps improve many facets of seniors and the adult children’s lives including Medicare. He delivers practical strategies and solutions to help one better deal with the eldercare issues.
Take the mystery out of Medicare and educate yourself and your clients. Everyone knows that it is important to consider Medicare at age 65 and again approaching retirement, but to know the rules the government has imposed is often confusing and overwhelming. Finding the right Medicare plan requires careful consideration and a reliable independent resource. In this session, you’ll learn about the enrollment process, timing and how to choose a plan that’s right for their individual situation.
This session is available to registrants only.
- Session 2: Attract New Clients, Grow Your Practice, and Increase Service Offerings - Cost Segregation Studies, Energy Efficiency Incentives and More
Kyle Young, MS Consultants, LLCKyle Young
Since joining MS Consultants LLC in 2007, Kyle Young, director, has consulted on cost segregation studies, tangible property regulations, fixed asset reviews, sect179D deductions, historic rehabilitation certification, and energy savings analysis. He is responsible for analyzing depreciation schedules and related records for proper asset classification and preparing tax filings required in conjunction with engineering studies. Prior to joining MS Consultants, Young spent four years with a Western New York public accounting firm.
Mike Smith
Mike has had a meaningful and diverse career path with ms consultants since joining the firm in 1987. Initially hired as an intern in the Youngstown office, his role evolved from an environmental engineer to a branch manager, and he eventually became the firm’s chief operating officer. Today, Mike leads the company as President.
As the firm’s leader, Mike assumes responsibility for providing the highest level of service to clients. He enforces quality control procedures for all assignments, ensuring customer goals and objectives are met and exceeded through the efforts of talented and skilled personnel.
Outside the office, you can find Mike traveling with his wife and two daughters to destinations across the United States. They especially enjoy hidden gem and oddball sites that aren’t well-traveled. Mike also enjoys making furniture, watching sports, and helping family, friends, and neighbors with home improvement projects.
Jeff Hiatt
Jeffrey Hiatt is director of New Business Development at MS Consultants, LLC. Since joining the firm in 1999, he has developed and fostered relationships with CPA firms, real estate professionals and accounting societies throughout the New England area helping to make MS Consultants the leading provider of Cost Segregation Studies in the Northeast.
This session is available to registrants only.
- Session 3: Inflation Reduction Act - Rules for Section 30C Alternative Fuel Vehicle Refueling Property Credit
This session is available to registrants only.
- Session 4: Navigating Benefits Trends, Healthcare Costs, and Legislative Updates for a 2025 Outlook
Ryan Ransford, Sentinel Benefits Group IncRyan Ransford
Ryan advises both for-profit and not-for-profit organizations in the areas of fiduciary oversight and investment selection within retirement plans. Ryan works directly with plan sponsors in helping them manage their fiduciary risk by implementing a fiduciary governance process. His area of focus is in the design, implementation, communication, and administration of qualified and non-qualified retirement plans.
To Ryan, his role is about building relationships with individuals and taking the time to help improve his clients’ lives. He is dedicated and his passion for his work is evident to his colleagues and clients.
Greg Puig
With a passion for assisting clients in all things benefits and Health & Welfare, Greg is a key player on Sentinel’s leadership team. Having called Sentinel home for 13+ years, he is driven by a desire to help people day in and day out.
Greg brings a unique view of benefits to the table, having curated a diverse background in Health & Welfare, Insurance Consulting, and Retirement. While many companies are stuck in the past with outdated group insurance strategy, he appreciates Sentinel’s ability to innovate by bringing everything under one roof.
Greg understands insurance and benefit plans can be incredibly confusing for people. By helping firms create strong education game plans, his expertise enhances the value of their offerings and empowers employees to feel confident in what is offered to them.
When Greg isn’t involved in his Reading community, he enjoys taking trips to Newport, RI, with his wife Kristin and their two boys. Fun fact about Greg: He met Kristin on the first day of college orientation at the University of Connecticut! Nowadays, they enjoy cheering on their alma mater together.
As we head toward the end of 2024, employers will start to feel the effects of changing benefits trends. Some of these shifts are new, while others have been developing for some time now, and understanding the benefits landscape is essential. In this session, you’ll learn to review your offerings to better meet employee needs, tackle challenges and stay competitive.
This session is available to registrants only.
- Session 5: From Insight to Impact: R&D Tax Credit 179D Best Practices for CPA Firms
Jake Quast, EPSA, USAJake Quast
Jake has a Bachelor’s degree in business finance with a pre-law Minor from Dominican University of California. He’s now the Senior R&D Consultant at EPSA USA, helping Architecture, Manufacturing, Oil and Gas, and Engineering firms claim research and development tax credits. He works with a team of experts, including tax attorneys and data analysts.
Connor Mitchel
Connor Mitchell is a seasoned tax professional with extensive expertise in Section 179D, currently serving as the CPA Partnership Manager at EPSA USA. Known for his deep understanding of tax regulations, energy-efficient tax incentives, and R&D tax credits, Connor has become a trusted advisor for clients seeking guidance on 179D deductions. Throughout his career, he has demonstrated a remarkable ability to navigate the complexities of tax codes and regulations, particularly in the realms of energy-efficient commercial building deductions and research and development incentives. His proficiency in identifying and maximizing the benefits available under Section 179D and R&D tax credits has been instrumental in helping clients optimize their tax positions, making him an invaluable asset to the EPSA team and their partners.
In this session, you’ll learn best practices for CPA firms to effectively manage and apply the R&D Tax Credit 179D for their clients. Key takeaways include steps for conducting thorough R&D tax credit studies and documentation, tips for navigating the complexities of tax laws and ensuring compliance and techniques for communicating the benefits and value of the credit to clients.
This session is available to registrants only.
- Session 6: Reverse and Improvement Expenses
Michele Fitzpatrick, 1031 Exchange Division, Northern Bank & Trust CompanyMichele Fitzpatrick
Michele Fitzpatrick is the vice president of Northern 1031 Exchange where she brings 17 years of banking knowledge and almost 20 years working as a real estate professional. Since Northern 1031 Exchange was formed in 2016, she has played an integral role in the growth and inception of this wholly-owned subsidiary, and has successfully grown both the exchange transaction volume and exchange dollar amount. In addition, Fitzpatrick is actively involved with the Federation of Exchange Accommodators, the only 1031 nationwide industry association. She also recently completed all course work and hours required to sit for the Certified Exchange Specialist Exam in September 2021.
This session is available to registrants and their guests
General Session
- Networking Break
This session is available to registrants only.
General Session
- Roundtables
Firms will be divided by size
• Roundtable 1 – Less than 1 million gross revenue
Facilitated by: Arthur Arsenault, CPA, Laura Gannon, CPA, Bob Fineman, CPA
• Roundtable 2 – 1-3 million gross revenue
Facilitated by: Michael Castro, CPA, Tim MacLellan, CPA, CGMA, PFS
• Roundtable 3 - 3-5 million gross revenue
Facilitated by: Andrew Schwartz, CPA, Thomas Savino, CPA
• Roundtable 4 - 5+ million gross revenue
Facilitated by: David Lorenzi, CPA, Leah Shanahan, CPA, Mark Audi, CPA, Jeff Levine, CPA
This session is available to registrants only.
General Session
- Cocktail Reception at High Rollers
This session is available to registrants only.
Friday, November 22
General Session
- Breakfast
This session is available to registrants only.
General Session
- Opening Remarks
This session is available to registrants only.
General Session
- Leading Everyday Innovation in the Accounting Industry
Simone Ahuja, Blood Orange, Inc.Simone Ahuja
Simone Ahuja is the founder of Blood Orange, a marketing and strategy advisory boutique with a focus on innovation and emerging markets. Headquartered in Minneapolis, with partners around the globe, Blood Orange shares and practices innovation principles learned through extensive work in India, including jugaad–a frugal, flexible and inclusive approach to innovation inspired by emerging markets.
She is the producer and director of Indique | Big Ideas from Emerging India, which broadcasts on PBS stations across the country. For the series, she conducted extensive ethnographic, background, and academic research on innovation occurring at the grassroots level in emerging markets with social entrepreneurs and US-based multinationals. Coupled with her own experience working with transnational teams, this experience has given her a holistic lens through which to view the mindset and principles of emerging markets-inspired innovation–and its relevance in a global context.
Simone is the co-author of “Jugaad Innovation:Think Frugal, Be Flexible, Generate Breakthrough Growth” (Jossey-Bass, 2012). The book has been published in the US, Brazil, Holland, France and India, where it is now a #1 business bestseller, and has been called “the most comprehensive book yet on the subject” of frugal innovation by The Economist.
She has served as a consultant to the Centre for India & Global Business at Judge Business School, University of Cambridge, and as an associate Fellow for the Asia Society in New York City. She provides advisory services, keynotes and interactive frugal innovation labs to entrepreneurs, academic institutions, and corporations including PepsiCo, Best Buy, Procter & Gamble, 3M, Medtronic, the World Economic Forum, MIT, and Harvard University. She is a regular columnist for the Harvard Business Review online.
Most recently, Simone served as a judge for the Ashoka Changemakers League of Intrapreneurs competition which recognizes and supports global intrapreneurs driving social innovation within large organizations.
The accounting industry is evolving rapidly, with innovation becoming a key differentiator for firms aiming to stay ahead in a competitive landscape. As senior leaders, it’s crucial to foster a culture of creativity and intrapreneurship that drives continuous improvement and innovation and positions your firm for future success. In this session, Dr. Simone Ahuja, a global innovation expert and bestselling author, offers invaluable insights tailored specifically for the accounting industry, which emphasize the power of simplicity and show how leveraging existing resources can spark meaningful change. You’ll learn how to identify new opportunities for growth, enhance staff engagement and build a culture where everyday innovation thrives.
This session is available to registrants only.
General Session
- Networking Break and Visit Exhibit Hall
This session is available to registrants only.
Breakout Session
- Session 1: Empowering a Hybrid Workforce: Strategies to Set Your Leaders Up for Success
Jon Lokhorst, Your Best Leadership LLCJon Lokhorst
Jon Lokhorst, CPA, PCC, is the founder of Lokhorst Consulting LLC where he develops leaders everyone wants to follow, builds teams no one wants to leave and delivers exceptional results . Prior to this role, he served for 18 years at Wallace, Lokhorst & Company, Ltd. before becoming a managing partner at Wallace, Lokhorst & Company. Lokhorst spent 15 years in nonprofit leadership roles, primarily as CFO or development director, and has served clients throughout the U.S. as a speaker, coach and trainer. On top of his coaching and accounting credentials, he is a member of the National Speakers Association (NSA), on the Board of Directors of the NSA Minnesota Chapter, a certified facilitator of RightPath assessment tools and an adjunct faculty member in the School of Business and Nonprofit Management at North Park University in Chicago.
When the COVID-19 crisis hit full force, it sparked a dramatic shift to remote work for much of the
workforce. Since then, your “new normal” likely includes some degree of remote work or a hybrid
work model. In this session, you’ll learn how to set your leaders up for success as work arrangements continue to evolve by designing a workplace model that promotes a healthy culture, collaboration and productivity. You’ll learn to identify the challenges and opportunities present in each workplace model, equip your team to maximize the advantages of each work environment and make in-person work compelling.
This session is available to registrants only.
- Session 2: The Seven Things Your Company Should Be Doing With AI
Beth Ziesenis, Your Nerdy Best FriendBeth Ziesenis
Beth Z cuts through the noise to bring you tech tips, tools and tricks for productive productivity, sexy social media, tolerable to-do lists and truly collaborative collaborations.
She is exciting, fun, and packed full of knowledge that she shares in easy-to-digest sound bites. Beth takes the fear out of technology and helps you get right to the point with effective apps and tools that you can integrate into your everyday work and life.
Professionals have embraced AI in the workplace, but many companies are not ready for it. Join Beth Z, Your Nerdy Best Friend, for an overview of the challenges of AI in your business and how to put your company and employees on the right path to increased productivity and decreased stress. In this session, you’ll learn why you need an AI policy and what goes into one, how AI can replace tasks (not jobs), how to protect your company’s data and more.
This session is available to registrants only.
- Session 3: Shaping your future: Redefining your Client Service Strategy Internally and Externally
Heather Lisle, The Rainmaker CompaniesHeather Lisle
Heather Lisle is a communications and marketing expert, entrepreneur, and professional problem-solver who helps executives stand out from their competition by creating unique brand positioning based on their personality using the DiSC profile. With 20 plus years of executive level experience, Heather has mastered the ability to cut through the small talk and dig deep to identify her client’s “special sauce” or uniqueness that sets them apart from their competition to increase leads and sales.
A central theme today is recruiting and retaining the best talent. In this session, you’ll learn how to create an engaged, productive and resilient workforce to ensure your firm remains front and center, and that your clients know you always have their best interest in mind.
This session is available to registrants only.
- Session 4: Outsourcing Vendor Roundtable
This session is available to registrants only.
- Session 5: Engagement Letters
John Colucci, McLane MiddletonJohn Colucci
John has a dual background as both an attorney and CPA. This unique skill set gives John a differentiating perspective and depth of understanding of the legal issues necessary for protecting a growing business, as well as the financial drivers of operating and sustaining a successful company. John’s ability to communicate complex legal and business issues clearly, concisely and simply is a hallmark of his work, as is his easy manner, yet nononsense style in effectively managing business and legal matters for his clients. John’s clients range from startup companies to large multiowner private and publicly traded corporations. John has extensive experience in all areas of commercial transactions and business operations, and practices in the areas of business law, tax law, estate and business succession planning and real estate. John received his J.D. from Suffolk University, cum laude, (1992), B.S. in Accountancy and A.S. Management from Bentley College, magna cum laude, (1985). Previous to McLane, John was the Founding Partner of Colucci Norman LLP (2008-2010), Partner, Metaxas, Norman & Pidgeon, LLP (2000-2008), Shareholder, Colucci & Associates, PC (1998-2000), Partner, Gormley & Colucci, PC (1992-1998) and Accountant, PricewaterhouseCoopers (1985-1988).
Engagement letters are a critical foundation of any client relationship, setting clear expectations and protecting both parties. This session will provide a comprehensive overview of current best practices for drafting and negotiating effective engagement letters. Learn how to enhance clarity, limit liability, and ensure compliance with evolving professional standards. CPAs will gain practical insights into managing risk and strengthening client relationships through well-structured engagement letters.
This session is available to registrants only.
- Session 6: Botkeeper Session
Discover practical steps to transform your accounting firm into a scalable and agile enterprise. Whether you’re a solo practitioner or managing a larger team, learn how modernizing your processes can lead to sustainable success and adaptability in today’s competitive market.
This session is available to registrants only.
General Session
- Change Break
This session is available to registrants only.
General Session
- Wrap Up Roundtables
This session is available to registrants only.
General Session
- I’VE GOT YOUR BACK- Building Joyful & Resilient Teams with Humor
Eva Devirgilis, Eva DeVirgilis ConsultingEva Devirgilis
A vocal advocate for the empowerment of women and girls globally, award-winning playwright, actor, and makeup artist Eva DeVirgilis is on a mission to help you own your power and stop saying “Sorry.” With nearly a million views, her TEDxWomen talk on self-acceptance was named by HER magazine as one of their “Top inspirational TEDtalks to help you change your life.” Named as a 2023-2024 Pipeline Fellow DeVirgilis is currently creating her next theatrical piece under the mentorship of Pulitzer-Prize & Tony award-winning playwright, David Lindsay-Abaire (KIMBERLY AKIMBO- 2023 Tony Award for Best Musical, RABBIT HOLE, SHREK THE MUSICAL) IN MY CHAIR, written and performed by DeVirgilis, garnered the 2019 RTTC Award for Best Original Work. To create the show DeVirgilis packed up her makeup chair and embarked on a journey around the world to gather eye-opening perspectives on self-esteem, body image, and often unrealistic 21st Century beauty standards. Along the way she collected countless inspiring stories from the women who sat in her chair. Eva’s work has been featured on PBS, Upworthy and Beauty Launchpad. As an actress, you’ve seen her on Law & Order: Criminal Intent and AMC’s, Turn: Washington’s Spies and you can currently catch her waxing comically in numerous commercials including Capital One, Audi, Mastercard. In addition, DeVirgilis loves to teach leaders to creatively communicate to their highest potential. As a Communication Consultant and Speaker Coach her client list is vast and diverse providing coaching & consulting to Fortune 500 companies, CEOs, Chief Medical Officers, Executives, politicians, authors, advertising agencies, religious leaders, Doctors, medical professionals and MBA programs. She is a proud Military Spouse, and serves as the Command Ombudsman for the U. S Navy, Naval Reserve Forces Command. Eva is an active member of the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), Look Good Feel Better (LGFB), and Safe Harbor. She lives with her husband, U.S. Navy Chief Petty Officer Scott Wichmann (AKA Mister Showtime) and their hairless rescue pup, Uni.
Looking to cultivate cohesion, communication and joy with your team? Join the list of organizations from Fortune 50 companies to government agencies who have laughed and learned their way to communication through the golden rules of improvisational comedy. Comedian and actor Eva DeVirgilis will guide you on how to ‘play’ to the top of your integrity and intelligence, while establishing group confidence, synchronicity, and most importantly, fun.
This session is available to registrants only.
General Session
- Bag Lunch to go!
This session is available to registrants only.
- Jodi Anselmo - Harvey & Martin, PLLC (North Andover, 01845)
- Kevin Boisselle - Boisselle Morton & Wolkowicz, LLP (Hadley, 01035)
- Ann Borges - Ann M Borges LLC (Dartmouth, 02747)
- Sandra Brown - Smith, Sullivan & Brown, P.C. (Westborough, 01581)
- Michael Callahan - Sachetta, LLC (Lynnfield, 01940)
- Mark Carrison - Verdolino & Lowey PC (Foxboro, 02035)
- Juliana Caruso - Smith, Sullivan & Brown, P.C. (Westborough, 01581)
- Michael Castro - Castro Thresher & Oliveira PC (Attleboro, 02703)
- James Castro - Castro Thresher & Oliveira PC (Attleboro, 02703)
- William Colangeli - LGA, LLP (Woburn, 01801)
- John Colucci - McLane Middleton (Manchester, 03105)
- Johnny Cordeiro - Fernandes & Charest PC (Westport, 02790)
- Valerie Curran - Non Profit Captial Management LLC (Sterling, 01564)
- Pamela Davis - LGA, LLP (Woburn, 01801)
- Tracy Descoteaux - Sullivan Bille PC (Andover, 01810)
- Mari Dobson - Kenneth Freed & Co PC (Woburn, 01801)
- Megan Ercolani - Megan E. Ercolani, CPA LLC (North Dartmouth, 02747)
- Christine Flanders - Fortitude CPA, PLLC (Nashua, 03063)
- Matthew Flynn - Verdolino & Lowey PC (Foxboro, 02035)
- Debra Franks - Fortitude CPA, PLLC (Nashua, 03063)
- Gerald Gagne - Wolf & Company, P.C. (Boston, 02109)
- John Geraci - LGA, LLP (Woburn, 01801)
- Robert Gorton - Gorton & Company PC (Danvers, 01923)
- Michelle Hatch - Pozerski Hatch & Company, P.C. (Rockland, 02370)
- Kimberly Hennessey - Hennessey & Vallee PLLC (Concord, 03301)
- Beilei Huang - Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce (Boston, 02110)
- Charles Hulbert - Kenneth Freed & Co PC (Woburn, 01801)
- Rosa Jardim - Jardim & Marotta LLC (New Bedford, 02740)
- Jillian Johnson - Simply J Bookkeeping & Consulting, LLC (Middleboro, 02346)
- Kevin Johnson - O'Connor Maloney & Company, P.C. (Worcester, 01608)
- Nune Khachatrian - Nune Khachatrian CPA PC (Belmont, 02478)
- Ryan Killeen - Killeen Arace & Quinn, PC (Pittsfield, 01201)
- Brian Kindorf - Non Profit Captial Management LLC (Sterling, 01564)
- Thomas Kirwin - Sullivan Bille PC (Andover, 01810)
- Katrina Kowalski - OnPoint Tax & Consulting (Stratham, 03885)
- Angela Leo - Angela T. Leo, CPA, Inc. (Wakefield, 01880)
- Georgios Liakakis - Sachetta, LLC (Lynnfield, 01940)
- Ronald Loberfeld - LGA, LLP (Chestnut Hill, 02467)
- Michael Luise - Kenneth Freed & Co PC (Woburn, 01801)
- George Malloy
- Maria Marchand - Sullivan Bille PC (Andover, 01810)
- John McNamara - Sullivan Bille PC (Andover, 01810)
- Heather Medeiros - Verdolino & Lowey PC (Foxboro, 02035)
- Kevin Miller - Schwartz & Schwartz, P.C. (Woburn, 01801)
- Alan Murray - Kenneth Freed & Co PC (Woburn, 01801)
- Christopher Nash - Nash CPAs LLC (Norwood, 02062)
- Wendy Nasser - Kenneth Freed & Co PC (Woburn, 01801)
- Stefanie Natoli - Non Profit Captial Management LLC (Sterling, 01564)
- Tina Novo - Sullivan Bille PC (Andover, 01810)
- Laura O'Brien - LGA, LLP (Chestnut Hill, 02467)
- Traci Pozerski - Pozerski Hatch & Company, P.C. (Rockland, 02370)
- Jonathan Remillard - Boisselle Morton & Wolkowicz, LLP (Hadley, 01035)
- Timothy Riordan - Greenhaus Riordan & Co (New Milford, 06477)
- Sheldon Rosenberg - Tankel Rosenberg & Company PC (Wellesley Hills, 02481)
- Emily Roster - OnPoint Tax & Consulting (Stratham, 03885)
- Thomas Savino - Treeful Damaso Aniceto Inc (Walpole, 02081)
- Otto Schleinkofer - Fernandes & Charest PC (Westport, 02790)
- Andrew Schwartz - Schwartz & Schwartz, P.C. (Woburn, 01801)
- Linda Smith - Smith, Sullivan & Brown, P.C. (Westborough, 01581)
- James Spoto - Spoto CPA, LLC (Sharon, 02067)
- John Stanton - Kenneth Freed & Co PC (Woburn, 01801)
- Maureen Sullivan - Smith, Sullivan & Brown, P.C. (Westborough, 01581)
- Stephen Tankel - Tankel Rosenberg & Company PC (Wellesley Hills, 02481)
- Steven Thebodo - O'Connor Maloney & Company, P.C. (Worcester, 01608)
- Robert Thompson - Bisceglia Steiman & Fudeman LLP (Worcester, 01608)
- Matthew Touma - LGA, LLP (Woburn, 01801)
- Charlene Vallee - Hennessey & Vallee PLLC (Concord, 03301)
- Joseph Wolkowicz - Boisselle Morton & Wolkowicz, LLP (Hadley, 01035)
Non-Member Price $1,059.00
Member Price $829.00