JUNE 22-24, 2026
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A coastal conference experience—reimagined.

MACPA is thrilled to introduce the Mid-Atlantic Coastal Conference, in partnership with our neighboring state associations. Less than three hours from Baltimore, Virginia Beach, and Washington, D.C., this annual retreat brings together accounting and finance professionals from across the region for three days of learning, collaboration, and inspiration — all in a beautiful beachside setting.

For 2026, we’re elevating the Coastal Conference experience. With four concurrent tracks and immersive two-hour sessions each day, you can build an agenda that fits your goals.

Here’s a preview of confirmed sessions and speakers — and this is just the beginning. Additional programming will be announced soon.

🌊 Come for the learning. Stay for the connection, community, and oceanfront downtime.

Conference highlights
  • NEW 2-hour session format
  • Multiple learning tracks to customize your experience
  • Ethics, tax, AI, technology and industry updates
  • Welcome Reception - Monday night
  • Happy Hour & Beach Bonfire Night - Tuesday night
  • Complimentary professional headshots - all day Tuesday
  • Sunrise Yoga - Tuesday Morning
  • Grab the Full Conference Pass for access to every session, every day. Build your own agenda, dive into the topics that matter most, and earn CPE for the hours you attend and attest to. One pass, total flexibility — and the ultimate conference experience.
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SESSION SCHEDULE
HOTEL INFORMATION
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More Than CPE: Connect, Recharge, and Build Community

The Mid-Atlantic Coastal Conference is an opportunity to step away from the day-to-day, connect with accounting & finance professionals from across the region, and build relationships that last beyond the conference. From networking receptions to wellness activities and memorable beachside experiences, you'll find plenty of ways to connect, recharge, and engage.

Welcome Reception

Sponsored by Frost Law

Monday, June 22 | 4:30 to 6:00 p.m.

Start the conference by connecting with fellow attendees, speakers and sponsors in a relaxed coastal setting.

Sunrise Yoga on the Beach

Tuesday, June 23 | 6:00 a.m.

Begin the day with fresh ocean air, movement and a moment to recharge before diving back into learning and conversation.

Happy Hour & Bonfire on the Beach

Sponsored by AICPA-CIMA

Tuesday, June 23 | 7:30 to 10:00 p.m.

End the day with drinks, conversation and a beach bonfire experience designed to help attendees unwind, reconnect and build community.

Whether you’re attending with your team, reconnecting with longtime colleagues or meeting new peers from across the region, these experiences are a key part of what makes this conference feel different.

Firms & Organizations: Make this a retreat for your team. Take advantage of group registration discounts on CPE seminars and build in time for shared team experiences. Join these organizations at this year’s conference—we hope to see you there.

Merrill Lynch

Masters, Mates & Pilots Benefit Plans

CohnReznick

PeoplesBank

S.E.W. Friel

Leap LLC

The City of Aberdeen

Dowell Financial Services, LLC

MileOne Autogroup

Baptist Convention of MD/De

Tower Federal Credit Union

The Arc Baltimore

Mid-Atlantic Coastal Conference Session Schedule

Here's a preview of confirmed sessions and speakers - and this is just the beginning. Additional programming will
be announced soon. Get ready to be part of an unforgettable new chapter at the beach.

Monday, 6/22

AGENDA: Monday, 6/22

Tech, Tax, Audit & Leadership Highlights

  • Nonprofit tax and Form 990 Essentials: What Every Nonprofit Needs to Know - Fred Longwood, CPA, MST – Senior Manager, GRF CPAs & Advisors
  • Professional Ethical Considerations for CPAs - George Luff, III, CPA, CFE, MAFF, CFF, CVA, Luff & Associates
  • The Algorithm Can't Do This: Leading People in the Age of AI - Jennifer Elder, CSP, CPA, CGMA, CSCA, AICPA
  • Current State of AI: Demystifying the Tools & Real-World Examples - Nick Damoulakis, Orases
  • 2026 Yellow Book Update - Tricia Reaver, CPA, Frederick County Government
  • Automating Accounting workflows: How to save time and enable delegation - Bryant Harrison, The Seventh Wall
  • Balancing the Books on AI: Managing Risk, Maximizing Reward - Jennifer Elder, CSP, CPA, CGMA, CSCA, AICPA
  • Once Upon a Spreadsheet: The Art and Science of Data Storytelling - Jennifer Elder, CSP, CPA, CGMA, CSCA, AICPA
  • Upskilling That Sticks: From Content to Capability - Phil Mills, CPA, Aprio
  • Employee Benefits Update - Trends, Gregory Usberti, ADP
  • Rethinking Talent Strategy: How Offshoring Enables Growth & Retention - Heather Karpawich, CPA, Grant Thornton
  • Power Off - Strategies for Healthy Digital Boundaries - Mauren Dingus, CAE, Virginia Society of CPAs
  • HR Compliance Check-in: Strategies for Small Businesses and the Advisors Who Guide Them - Sharon Webb and Moira McFarlin, blackwellHR

AGENDA: Monday, 6/22

Tech, Tax, Audit & Leadership Highlights

  • Nonprofit tax and Form 990 Essentials: What Every Nonprofit Needs to Know - Fred Longwood, CPA, MST – Senior Manager, GRF CPAs & Advisors
  • Professional Ethical Considerations for CPAs - George Luff, III, CPA, CFE, MAFF, CFF, CVA, Luff & Associates
  • The Algorithm Can't Do This: Leading People in the Age of AI - Jennifer Elder, CSP, CPA, CGMA, CSCA, AICPA
  • Current State of AI: Demystifying the Tools & Real-World Examples - Nick Damoulakis, Orases
  • 2026 Yellow Book Update - Tricia Reaver, CPA, Frederick County Government
  • Automating Accounting workflows: How to save time and enable delegation - Bryant Harrison, The Seventh Wall
  • Balancing the Books on AI: Managing Risk, Maximizing Reward - Jennifer Elder, CSP, CPA, CGMA, CSCA, AICPA
  • Once Upon a Spreadsheet: The Art and Science of Data Storytelling - Jennifer Elder, CSP, CPA, CGMA, CSCA, AICPA
  • Upskilling That Sticks: From Content to Capability - Phil Mills, CPA, Aprio
  • Employee Benefits Update - Trends, Gregory Usberti, ADP
  • Rethinking Talent Strategy: How Offshoring Enables Growth & Retention - Heather Karpawich, CPA, Grant Thornton
  • Power Off - Strategies for Healthy Digital Boundaries - Mauren Dingus, CAE, Virginia Society of CPAs
  • HR Compliance Check-in: Strategies for Small Businesses and the Advisors Who Guide Them - Sharon Webb and Moira McFarlin, blackwellHR

Tuesday, 6/23

AGENDA: Tuesday, 6/23

Innovation, Compliance & Succession Focus

  • Technology Trends for CPAs & CFOs: 2026 Update - John Higgins, CPA, CITP, Higgins Advisory, LLC
  • Linking It All Together: Audit Planning & Risk Assessment (AU-C 315) - Phil Mills, CPA, Aprio
  • How to not get hacked: The 5 security safeguards that actually matter - Bryant Harrison, The Seventh Wall
  • No Title Required: How CPAs Lead Through Influence, Not Authority - Jennifer Elder, CSP, CPA, CGMA, CSCA, AICPA-CIMA
  • Tax Planning Strategies for Today’s Environment - Art Werner, JD, MS (Taxation), Werner Rocca Seminars
  • See What's Possible: A Live Demonstration of AI with Claude and Claude Cowork - Nick Damoulakis, Orases
  • AI Ethics 2026 (VBOA approved) - John Higgins, CPA, CITP, Higgins Advisory, LLC
  • Nexus – Know Your Triggers - Art Werner, JD, MS (Taxation), Werner Rocca Seminars
  • Succession Starts Today - Barrett Young, III, CPA, GWCPA
  • Microsoft 365 for CPAs: Unlocking Hidden Productivity Tools - John Higgins, CPA, CITP, Higgins Advisory, LLC
  • Estate Planning, Local Issues (MD, VA, DC concerns) - Art Werner, JD, MS (Taxation), Werner Rocca Seminars
  • Internal Audit in the Government Environment - Tricia Reaver, CPA, Frederick County Government
  • Picture This: What Finance and Audit Professionals Need to Know about Data Visualization - Joe Oringel, CPA, CIA, MBA, Visual Risk IQ
  • Leadership in Motion: Steadying the Ship During Change - Janice Stucke, CPA, CREW Network, and Jessica McClain, CPA, CISA, PMP, CGFM, American Staffing Association
  • CPA & Banker Partnership to build Client Resiliency - Chris Sweeney, PNC Bank
  • Supervised AI Agents as Audit & Finance Team Members - Joe Oringel, CPA, CIA, MBA, Visual Risk IQ

AGENDA: Tuesday, 6/23

Innovation, Compliance & Succession Focus

  • Technology Trends for CPAs & CFOs: 2026 Update - John Higgins, CPA, CITP, Higgins Advisory, LLC
  • Linking It All Together: Audit Planning & Risk Assessment (AU-C 315) - Phil Mills, CPA, Aprio
  • How to not get hacked: The 5 security safeguards that actually matter - Bryant Harrison, The Seventh Wall
  • No Title Required: How CPAs Lead Through Influence, Not Authority - Jennifer Elder, CSP, CPA, CGMA, CSCA, AICPA-CIMA
  • Tax Planning Strategies for Today’s Environment - Art Werner, JD, MS (Taxation), Werner Rocca Seminars
  • See What's Possible: A Live Demonstration of AI with Claude and Claude Cowork - Nick Damoulakis, Orases
  • AI Ethics 2026 (VBOA approved) - John Higgins, CPA, CITP, Higgins Advisory, LLC
  • Nexus – Know Your Triggers - Art Werner, JD, MS (Taxation), Werner Rocca Seminars
  • Succession Starts Today - Barrett Young, III, CPA, GWCPA
  • Microsoft 365 for CPAs: Unlocking Hidden Productivity Tools - John Higgins, CPA, CITP, Higgins Advisory, LLC
  • Estate Planning, Local Issues (MD, VA, DC concerns) - Art Werner, JD, MS (Taxation), Werner Rocca Seminars
  • Internal Audit in the Government Environment - Tricia Reaver, CPA, Frederick County Government
  • Picture This: What Finance and Audit Professionals Need to Know about Data Visualization - Joe Oringel, CPA, CIA, MBA, Visual Risk IQ
  • Leadership in Motion: Steadying the Ship During Change - Janice Stucke, CPA, CREW Network, and Jessica McClain, CPA, CISA, PMP, CGFM, American Staffing Association
  • CPA & Banker Partnership to build Client Resiliency - Chris Sweeney, PNC Bank
  • Supervised AI Agents as Audit & Finance Team Members - Joe Oringel, CPA, CIA, MBA, Visual Risk IQ

Wednesday, 6/24

AGENDA: Wednesday, 6/24

Technical Updates & The Future of the Profession

  • ChatGPT Deep-Dive Bootcamp for CPAs - John Higgins, CPA, CITP, Higgins Advisory, LLC
  • Federal Tax Update - Art Werner, JD, MS (Taxation), Werner Rocca Seminars
  • Alternative Firm Structures - Matthew Bosher, Hunton Andrews Kurth LLP
  • What's Ahead in Financial Reporting: FASB Updates and Regulatory Development - Ryan J. Walker, CPA, and Julia Bell, CPA, Crowe LLP
  • Forensic Accounting & Fraud Prevention Techniques - George Luff, III, CPA, CFE, MAFF, CFF, CVA, Luff & Associates
  • Smarter Tax Services with AI Tools - John Higgins, CPA, CITP, Higgins Advisory, LLC
  • Tax Planning Strategies for Today’s Environment - Art Werner, JD, MS (Taxation), Werner Rocca Seminars
  • The AI Revolution in 2026: What CPAs Should Know - John Higgins, CPA, CITP, Higgins Advisory, LLC
  • VSCPA & MACPA Town Hall - Rebekah Olson, CPA, Maryland Association of CPAs, and Maureen Dingus, CAE, Virginia Society of CPAs
  • Common Federal Tax Issues Practitioners Are Seeing Now - Art Werner, JD, MS (Taxation), Werner Rocca Seminars
  • Designing an AI-Ready Firm - Barrett Young, III, CPA and John Benish, Jr., CPA, CGMA, GWCPA
  • Economic Update - Dr. Leonard Arvi, Salisbury University
  • Private Equity in Accounting Firms: Pros, Cons & Lessons Learned - Matthew Bosher, Hunton Andrews Kurth LLP
  • Women in the CPA Profession (Roundtable Experience) - Jessica McClain, CPA, CISA, PMP, CGFM, American Staffing Association, Janice Stucke, CPA, CREW Network, Jennifer Elder, CSP, CPA, CGMA, CSCA, AICPA, and Rebekah Olson, CPA, Maryland Association of CPAs

AGENDA: Wednesday, 6/24

Technical Updates & The Future of the Profession

  • ChatGPT Deep-Dive Bootcamp for CPAs - John Higgins, CPA, CITP, Higgins Advisory, LLC
  • Federal Tax Update - Art Werner, JD, MS (Taxation), Werner Rocca Seminars
  • Alternative Firm Structures - Matthew Bosher, Hunton Andrews Kurth LLP
  • What's Ahead in Financial Reporting: FASB Updates and Regulatory Development - Ryan J. Walker, CPA, and Julia Bell, CPA, Crowe LLP
  • Forensic Accounting & Fraud Prevention Techniques - George Luff, III, CPA, CFE, MAFF, CFF, CVA, Luff & Associates
  • Smarter Tax Services with AI Tools - John Higgins, CPA, CITP, Higgins Advisory, LLC
  • Tax Planning Strategies for Today’s Environment - Art Werner, JD, MS (Taxation), Werner Rocca Seminars
  • The AI Revolution in 2026: What CPAs Should Know - John Higgins, CPA, CITP, Higgins Advisory, LLC
  • VSCPA & MACPA Town Hall - Rebekah Olson, CPA, Maryland Association of CPAs, and Maureen Dingus, CAE, Virginia Society of CPAs
  • Common Federal Tax Issues Practitioners Are Seeing Now - Art Werner, JD, MS (Taxation), Werner Rocca Seminars
  • Designing an AI-Ready Firm - Barrett Young, III, CPA and John Benish, Jr., CPA, CGMA, GWCPA
  • Economic Update - Dr. Leonard Arvi, Salisbury University
  • Private Equity in Accounting Firms: Pros, Cons & Lessons Learned - Matthew Bosher, Hunton Andrews Kurth LLP
  • Women in the CPA Profession (Roundtable Experience) - Jessica McClain, CPA, CISA, PMP, CGFM, American Staffing Association, Janice Stucke, CPA, CREW Network, Jennifer Elder, CSP, CPA, CGMA, CSCA, AICPA, and Rebekah Olson, CPA, Maryland Association of CPAs
REGISTER FOR SESSIONS HERE

2026 Featured Instructors

Arthur Werner, J.D., M.S.

Arthur Werner, J.D., M.S.

Arthur Joseph Werner, J.D., M.S. (Taxation)

Arthur Joseph Werner, JD, MS (Taxation), is the president and is a shareholder in the lecture firm of Werner-Rocca Seminars, Ltd. Mr. Werner’s lecture topic specialties include business, tax, financial and estate planning for high net worth individuals.

In addition, Mr. Werner is a former adjunct professor of taxation in the Master of Science in Taxation program at the Philadelphia University.

Mr. Werner received his B.S. in Accounting and his M.S. in Taxation from Widener University. He holds a J.D. in Law from the Delaware Law School. Mr. Werner lectures extensively in the areas of Estate Planning, Financial Planning, and Estate and Gift Taxation to Certified Public Accountants and Financial Planners and has presented more than 3000 eight-hour seminars over the past twenty-five years as well as numerous webinars and video presentations. Mr. Werner has been rated as having the highest speaker knowledge in his home state of Pennsylvania by the Pennsylvania Institute of Certified Public Accountants, was awarded the AICPA Outstanding Discussion Leader Award in the State of Nevada, the Florida Institute of CPAs Outstanding Discussion Leader Award, and the South Carolina Association of CPAs Outstanding Discussion Leader Award.

Barrett Young, III, CPA

GWCPA

Barrett Young, III, CPA

GWCPA

Bryant Harrison

Seventh Wall

Bryant Harrison

Seventh Wall

Chris Sweeney

PNC Bank

Chris Sweeney

PNC Bank

Fred Longwood

GRF CPAs & Advisors

Fred Longwood

GRF CPAs & Advisors

George Luff, III, CPA, CFE, MAFF, CFF, CVA

Luff & Associates

George Luff, III, CPA, CFE, MAFF, CFF, CVA

Luff & Associates

Gregory Usberti

ADP

Gregory Usberti

ADP

Heather Karpawich, CPA

Grant Thornton

Heather Karpawich, CPA

Grant Thornton

Janice Stucke, CPA

CREW Network

Janice Stucke, CPA

CREW Network

Jennifer Elder, CPA, CMA, CIA, CFF, CGMA

Jennifer Elder, CPA, CMA, CIA, CFF, CGMA

Jennifer Elder, CPA, CMA, CIA, CFF, CGMA is a keynote speaker, trainer, and business coach dedicated to business transformation. For more than 20 years, she has been helping businesses by peeling back the layers of “administrivia” and finding the hidden strengths and core values that make you and your company awesome. Ms. Elder works with businesses to develop a compelling business strategy that is quick to implement that transforms your company from what you are now to what you have always wanted to be. Known for being energetic and enthusiastic, Ms. Elder has been delivering high-quality, customized training that make complicated topics easy to understand, relevant, and useful for years. She has conducted seminars for the Fortune 500, US Government, State CPA Societies, and CPA Firms in 33 states. Her sessions are highly interactive, full of discussion, and even entertaining. Ms. Elder received her BA from the University of Massachusetts and an MS in Organizational Management from Antioch University New England.

Jessica McClain, CPA, CISA, PMP, CGFM

American Staffing Association

Jessica McClain, CPA, CISA, PMP, CGFM

American Staffing Association

Joe Hackimer

AON

Joe Hackimer

AON

Joe Oringel, CPA, CIA, MBA

Visual Risk IQ

Joe Oringel, CPA, CIA, MBA

Visual Risk IQ

John Higgins CPA, CITP

John Higgins CPA, CITP

John is the founder and CEO of Higgins Advisory, LLC, established with the mission of helping CPAs, CFOs and other financial professionals to successfully guide their firms and business organizations through a successful digital transformation that leverages the power of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, blockchain technology, data analytics, workflow automation and more. 

John is a seasoned entrepreneur with experience as the founder of two separate accounting technology advisory firms that were acquired by larger organizations. In addition, he has experience with a local CPA firm and as a technology advisory practice leader partner in a national CPA firm. John shares his expertise as a nationally recognized thought leader, strategic advisor, and speaker on accounting technology through coaching and speaking engagements. His primary contribution is his passion for helping the profession move forward through the understanding and adoption of emerging technologies. 

Some of John's notable accomplishments include: * Co-founder of CPA Crossings, LLC, a national provider of CPA technology advisory and educational services * Founder of Computools, Inc. a provider of financial and ERP solutions for small and mid-size businesses * Strategic technology advisor to CPA firms * AICPA Business & Industry CPA Hall of Fame inductee * Top 25 Thought Leader recognition by the _CPA Practice Advisor magazine_ (2011 - 2023) * Nationally recognized speaker on accounting technology * National technology advisory partner with BDO, LLP * Past Chair of the Michigan Association of CPAs * Michigan Association of CPAs Innovative User of Technology award * Co-author of _10 Steps to a Digital Practice in the Cloud_, published by the AICPA * Contributing author to _The Insiders' Guide to Accounting Advisory Success _on Amazon

John M Benish

GWCPA

John M Benish

GWCPA

Julia Bell, CPA

Crowe LLP

Julia Bell, CPA

Crowe LLP

Leonard Arvi

Salisbury University

Leonard Arvi

Salisbury University

Matthew Bosher

Hunton Andrews Kurth LLP

Matthew Bosher

Hunton Andrews Kurth LLP

Maureen Dingus

Virginia Society of CPAs

Maureen Dingus

Virginia Society of CPAs

Nick Damoulakis

Orases

Nick Damoulakis

Orases

Peter Haukebo, Esq.

Frost Law

Peter Haukebo, Esq.

Frost Law

Phil Mills, CPA

Aprio

Phil Mills, CPA

Aprio

Rebecca Sheppard, Esq.

Frost Law

Rebecca Sheppard, Esq.

Frost Law

Robert Albertini

AON

Robert Albertini

AON

Ryan J. Walker, CPA

Crowe LLP

Ryan J. Walker, CPA

Crowe LLP

Scott Douglas

Douglas Commercial LLC

Scott Douglas

Douglas Commercial LLC

Jaideep Singh

Flyfin

Jaideep Singh

Flyfin

Tricia Reaver, CPA

Frederick County Government

Tricia Reaver, CPA

Frederick County Government

Dr. David Arrington

Arrington Coaching

Dr. David Arrington

Arrington Coaching

Amplify your brand at this year's event

COMPLETE SPONSORSHIP FORM

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Hotel Information:

NEWLY RENOVATED Princess Royale

9100 Coastal Hwy, Ocean City, Worcester County, Maryland 21842

Check-in is after 5:00 PM, and check-out is before 11:00 AM (baggage storage is available).

Event Accommodations

Looking for Accommodations?

The conference room block at the Princess Royale has reached its deadline, but there are still several nearby lodging options available. View our alternative lodging / overflow hotel list below for convenient alternatives located just minutes from the conference.

View Alternative Lodging Options

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