Whether you're looking to stay ahead of emerging trends or simply reenergize your thinking, the CPA Summit offers a timely and engaging experience you won't want to miss.
8:30 a.m. - 8:35 a.m. | Welcome to Day, Rebekah Olson, CPA, MACPA
8:35 a.m. - 9:20 a.m.
Pulse of the Profession: Leadership Perspectives from AICPA & MACPA
Panelists: Maxene Bardwell, CCPA, CIA, CFE, CISA, CRMA, CIGA, CIGA, Chair, MACPA and Lexy Kessler, CPA, CGMA, Chair, AICPA
Join us for a candid and energizing conversation with three influential leaders at the forefront of the profession: Rebekah Olson, CPA, CEO of the Maryland Association of CPAs (MACPA); Maxene Bardwell, CPA/CITP, CIA, CFE, CISA, CRMA, CIGA, CIG, MACPA Chair; and Lexy Kessler, CPA, Chairman of American Institute of CPAs and Association of International Certified Professional Accountants. Together, they’ll explore the trends, challenges, and opportunities shaping the accounting and finance landscape—from national shifts to what’s happening right here in Maryland.
This panel will dive into everything from talent pipeline and technology disruption to regulatory changes and leadership evolution. Expect honest insights, practical takeaways, and plenty of forward-thinking discussion as these leaders share what they’re seeing—and what it means for you.
9:20 a.m. - 9:25 a.m. | Break
9:25 a.m. - 9:55 a.m.
Elevating CAS: Crafting a Winning HR Advisory Firm Strategy
Presenters: Bree Babcock, Regional CPA Relationship Manager and Rachael Young, Regional CPA Relationship Manager, Paychex
Identify key advisory strategies that align with client needs and complement an existing CAS practice. Assess the strategic impact of integrating HR advisory services within a CAS practice to drive firm growth and differentiation. This discussion will highlight the opportunity HR Advisory may provide to strengthen your client relationships, elevate your firm, and uniquely position your business in a competitive marketplace.
9:55 a.m. - 10:25 a.m.
Calling BS on Cybersecurity Nonsense
Presenter: Luke Kiely, Chief Information Security Officer, SmartVault
Overwhelmed by all the cybersecurity claims vendors boast? It's more complicated than ever to separate substance from noise, especially since many companies use AI to sound impressive and credible. Fortunately, former cybersecurity officer Luke Kiely, will show you how to spot misleading security claims, implement practical security measures at your firm without disrupting your workflow, and use good security practices to build client trust and grow your business. No technical jargon. Just clear, actionable advice you can use immediately.
In this session, you will learn:
- The cybersecurity misinformation crisis and how to identify credible information.
- Common misleading vendor claims and verification techniques.
- Accounting-specific security frameworks that protect your practice.
- Practical WISP implementation strategies that balance security and productivity.
- How to leverage security practices as a competitive advantage in client acquisition and retention.
10:25 a.m. - 10:35 a.m. | Break
10:35 a.m. - 11:05 a.m.
Automation/AI in the Accounting Industry
Presenter: Aaron Gould, Product Lead, Remitian
This session provides a practical, security-first framework for integrating Artificial Intelligence into your accounting firm's daily operations. Based on the article "Building Process for AI in Your Accounting Firm," we'll clearly define how AI differs from automation and explore the benefits, including efficiency, consistency, and capacity reallocation for advisory work. Crucially, you'll learn a 5-step implementation framework starting with small, low-risk tasks. The core focus is on data security, ensuring a responsible shift from experimentation to lasting operational value.
11:05 a.m. - 11:35 a.m.
Strategies to Build High-Performing Accounting Teams in 2026
Presenter: Bahia Larcamon, Talent Acquisition Advisor & Organizational Psychologist, Vintti LLC
Hiring today feels harder than ever: rising U.S. salaries, shrinking mid-level talent, and a growing disconnect between what firms need and what candidates bring to the table. In this 30-minute session, we’ll break down how small CPA firms can hire smarter (not harder) by focusing on the science behind great hires and the human factors that drive retention.
You’ll learn: What makes a “successful hire” in 2026 (and why it’s less about experience and more about mindset), how to identify high-ownership, high-retention talent using simple, psychology-based frameworks, why remote teams often fail and how to build ones that actually stay, how LATAM became the sweet spot for U.S. firms in cost, communication, culture, and performance, and practical steps to hire confidently with limited information and avoid costly churn.
This session is designed for CPAs and firm owners who want to grow sustainably, reduce burnout, and build teams that feel loyal, aligned, and long-term — no matter where they’re based.
11:35 a.m. - 11:40 a.m. | Break
11:40 a.m. - 12:25 p.m.
Building a Culture of Risk Management
Presenters: Nicole Graham, Esq., Risk Consultant, and Robert Albertini, Senior Risk Advisor, Aon
This session is designed for CPAs looking to develop a comprehensive approach to risk management within their organizations. Participants will learn how to create and implement a robust risk management framework, establish clear standards, and promote a culture of transparency and accountability across all levels of the organization. Special focus will be placed on ensuring the “tone at the top” is aligned with organizational goals, as well as empowering every employee to understand and embrace their role managing risk. Participants will be given the tools and strategies to effectively integrate risk management into their organizational culture and ensure that the framework is adhered to with clarity and consistency.
12:25 p.m. - 12:30 p.m. | Day 1 Closing / Wrap-Up, Rebekah Olson, MACPA CEO
