5 Conferences for CPAs in 2017
Attending conferences for CPAs is an excellent way to expand your professional know-how and avoid career stagnation. After finishing 150 hours of higher education and passing a rigorous Uniform CPA examination, Certified Public Accountants often mistakenly believe their training is done. However, maintaining your CPA license will require continuing professional education (CPE) in most states. Accounting conferences provide a stimulating atmosphere where you can attain these necessary credits and brush up on the field’s intricate, ever-evolving rules. Even though conference registration may be expensive, it can save time, money, and headaches from finding multiple NASBA-approved courses on your own. Therefore, we suggest clearing your schedule for at least one of these CPA conferences in 2017.
1. AICPA Annual CFO Conference: Phoenix, AZ
May 3-5, 2017
The American Institute of CPAs invites C-suite executives to its Annual CFO Conference in May at the JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort & Spa. Offering 19.5 CPE credits, the three-day conference will follow the theme “Navigating Challenging Terrain” to help corporate leaders shape policy with today’s profound accounting changes. From a Chief Finance Officer’s perspective, sessions will cover hot topics, such as risk management, corporate governance, economic forecasting, IT security, and strategic planning, with speakers like James Glassman.
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2. AICPA 2017 ENGAGE Mega Conference: Las Vegas, NV
June 12-15, 2017
At the MGM Grand, the American Institute of CPAs will host its premier, four-day ENGAGE Mega Conference in June. The unique event brings together six conferences on personal financial planning, estate planning, taxation, accounting technology, advanced auditing, and accounting marketing for one price. More than 3,500 Certified Public Accountants will participate in the AICPA Learning Labs for fresh, real-world ideas from industry leaders. Top-notch companies like TD Ameritrade, Thomson Reuters, and Intuit QuickBooks will also exhibit.
3. IMA Annual Conference & Expo: Denver, CO
June 17-21, 2017
The Institute of Management Accountants (IMA) Annual Conference & Expo will gift 30+ NASBA-approved credits for meeting continuing professional education requirements. In Denver, more than 800 CPAs and CMAs will expand their network in the management accounting niche. Along with 50 cutting-edge workshop sessions, attendees can meet with recruiters from premier organizations, including Johnson & Johnson. This year’s conference will also welcome speakers like Oakland A’s VP Billy Beane, Emmy Award winner Leeza Gibbons, and MGM Resorts VP Rick Arpin.
4. American Accounting Association Annual Meeting: San Diego, CA
August 5-9, 2017
In August, the American Accounting Association (AAA) will host its 2017 Annual Meeting at the Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego. Centered on the theme “Imagining Our Future,” the five-day, jam-packed event will include the Conference on Teaching and Learning in Accounting (CTLA) and Annual Ethics Research Symposium. Attendees participate in 350+ concurrent sessions on relevant practice issues for CPE credits. As one of the largest conferences for CPAs, up to 7,000 members will congregate in the beautiful Seaport Village.
5. 110th Annual Conference on Taxation: Philadelphia, PA
November 9-11, 2017
CPAs who specialize in tax guidance could benefit greatly from the 110th Annual Conference on Taxation held at the DoubleTree by Hilton in Philadelphia’s City Center in November. Sponsored by H&R Block, the National Tax Association (NTA) attracts attendees with nearly 100 concurrent sessions ranging from 401K design to tax evasion. Graduate students can even attend a specialized NTA Next Generation seminar. Early registration before October 7th will save members $145. Check out the mobile app for interactive conference access too.
Accounting conferences are offered at desirable destinations across the United States and abroad to sharpen your CPA leadership skills. Conferences are ideal for learning the latest field techniques, fulfilling recertification credits, and networking with like-minded accountants. If you can’t attend any of these conferences for CPAs, Robert Half also has helpful virtual webinars.
See also: Top 10 Best Online Accounting Degree Programs 2015