The State of the CPA Profession: Staying Agile for What’s Next

8:00 AM - 8:50 AM

From new regulations and legislation to economic uncertainty, there’s plenty of issues keeping CPAs on their toes as
they try to serve their clients and companies. If this year has shown us anything so far, it’s that being agile and
adaptable is paramount. Join us as we dive into the changes, challenges, and trends impacting accounting and
finance professionals today and discuss what’s next as we steward the profession into the future.

Geoffrey Brown, CAE
President and CEO, Illinois CPA Society

Brian Blaha, CPA
Chairperson, Illinois CPA Society and Managing Director, Winding River Consulting

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Get Your Head in the Game! Harnessing Your Mental Fitness

11:15 AM - 12:30 PM

Today’s most effective leaders are like elite athletes, charting their visions of success, building high-performing teams, and setting challenging goals. Learn how to navigate uncertainty and stress as you hone your leadership skills by boosting your mental fitness and emotional intelligence. Find out how to actively shift from a negative to a positive mindset regardless of the obstacle and take away proven tools and tactics to help leverage these strengths.

Kristen Fox, MBA, PCC, CPCC, CPQC
Practice Leader, Coaching and Leadership Development, TalentRise

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Catch Me If You Can: Today’s Pink Collar Criminal

3:45 PM - 5:00 PM

Embezzlement is a crime hiding in plain sight, and it’s often committed by long-term, trusted employees. Examine why this relatable and rapidly growing form of fraud is impacting organizations of all kinds. Learn how to spot the “pink flags,” hear strategies for protecting your assets, and discover ways to ensure your most trusted team member isn’t hiding a devastating secret.

Kelly Paxton, CFE
Principal, K Paxton LLC

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The U.S. Economy: Labor Challenges and Solutions

8:00 AM - 9:15 AM

Receive an update on the trajectory of the U.S. economy with a focus on labor challenges and solutions. Discuss the
direction of the Federal Reserve and the impact of government policies on trade, tax, and spending.

Jeffrey Korzenik
Chief Investment Strategist, Fifth Third Bank

David Snyder
President and CEO, The Economic Club of Chicago

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Cultivating Creativity to Transform Your Career

11:40 AM - 12:30 PM

In today’s data-driven, automated world, the most impactful finance and accounting professionals aren’t just technically strong—they’re strategic thinkers, storytellers, and problem-solvers who leverage creativity to drive business decisions. Through real-world examples and actionable insights, challenge the idea that creativity and accounting are mutually exclusive and explore ways to elevate your career and add value to your organization.

Liz Barhydt, CPA, CMA
CFO, Optimism

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The Evolving Technology Landscape

2:25 PM - 3:40 PM

Delve into today’s technology landscape and its implications for the accounting sector. Learn which trends are worth
monitoring and examine the proper hardware and software for your strategic and tactical plans. Explore the influence
of AI, quantum computing, software as a service, and productivity suites like Microsoft 365. Leave with actionable
insights on how to maximize your return on investment.

Randy Johnston, MCS
Executive Vice President, K2 Enterprises

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