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 & Beach Bonfire Night
Complimentary professional headshots
Sunrise/Sunset Yoga
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.
FIRMS & ORGANIZATIONS, make this a retreat for YOUR team: get group registration discounts on CPE seminars, and find time for shared activities for your staff.
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.
Professional Ethical Considerations for CPAs - George Luff, III, CPA, CFE, MAFF, CFF, CVA, Luff & Associates
Human Leadership in an AI World - Jennifer Elder, CSP, CPA, CGMA, CSCA, AICPA
Current State of AI: Demystifying the Tools & Real-World Examples - Nick Damoulakis, Orases
Yellow Book Update - Tricia Reaver, CPA, Frederick County Government
Economic Outlook & Tariffs - Chris Sweeney, PNC Bank
Ethics in the World of AI - Jennifer Elder, CSP, CPA, CGMA, CSCA, AICPA
Risk Management - Jennifer Elder, CSP, CPA, CGMA, CSCA, AICPA
Upskilling That Sticks: From Content to Capability - Phil Mills, CPA, Aprio
Employment Law Update (VA & MD), Speaker to be Announced, Blackwell HR
Rethinking Talent Strategy: How Offshoring Enables Growth & Retention - Heather Karpawich, CPA, Grant Thornton
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
Tax Planning Strategies for Today’s Environment - Art Werner, JD, MS (Taxation), Werner Rocca Seminars
Claude & Claude Work - Nick Damoulakis, Orases
Ethical AI Practices for CPAs - John Higgins, CPA, CITP, Higgins Advisory, LLC
Nexus – Know Your Triggers - Art Werner, JD, MS (Taxation), Werner Rocca Seminars
Succession Planning for CPA Firms - Barrett Young, III, CPA, GWCPA
Microsoft 365 for CPAs: Unlocking Hidden Productivity Tools - John Higgins, CPA, CITP, Higgins Advisory, LLC
Internal Audit in the Government Environment - Tricia Reaver, CPA, Frederick County Government
Data Visualization for Finance & Audit Professionals - 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
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
Tax Planning Strategies for Today’s Environment - Art Werner, JD, MS (Taxation), Werner Rocca Seminars
Claude & Claude Work - Nick Damoulakis, Orases
Ethical AI Practices for CPAs - John Higgins, CPA, CITP, Higgins Advisory, LLC
Nexus – Know Your Triggers - Art Werner, JD, MS (Taxation), Werner Rocca Seminars
Succession Planning for CPA Firms - Barrett Young, III, CPA, GWCPA
Microsoft 365 for CPAs: Unlocking Hidden Productivity Tools - John Higgins, CPA, CITP, Higgins Advisory, LLC
Internal Audit in the Government Environment - Tricia Reaver, CPA, Frederick County Government
Data Visualization for Finance & Audit Professionals - 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
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
FASB Update - Ryan J. Walker, 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
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
Individual Income Tax Update - Art Werner, JD, MS (Taxation), Werner Rocca Seminars
Designing an AI-Ready Firm - Barrett Young, III, CPA and John Benish, Jr., CPA, CGMA, GWCPA
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
FASB Update - Ryan J. Walker, 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
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
Individual Income Tax Update - Art Werner, JD, MS (Taxation), Werner Rocca Seminars
Designing an AI-Ready Firm - Barrett Young, III, CPA and John Benish, Jr., CPA, CGMA, GWCPA
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
Professional Ethical Considerations for CPAs - George Luff, III, CPA, CFE, MAFF, CFF, CVA, Luff & Associates
Human Leadership in an AI World - Jennifer Elder, CSP, CPA, CGMA, CSCA, AICPA
Current State of AI: Demystifying the Tools & Real-World Examples - Nick Damoulakis, Orases
Yellow Book Update - Tricia Reaver, CPA, Frederick County Government
Economic Outlook & Tariffs - Chris Sweeney, PNC Bank
Ethics in the World of AI - Jennifer Elder, CSP, CPA, CGMA, CSCA, AICPA
Risk Management - Jennifer Elder, CSP, CPA, CGMA, CSCA, AICPA
Upskilling That Sticks: From Content to Capability - Phil Mills, CPA, Aprio
Employment Law Update (VA & MD), Speaker to be Announced, Blackwell HR
Rethinking Talent Strategy: How Offshoring Enables Growth & Retention - Heather Karpawich, CPA, Grant Thornton
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
Tax Planning Strategies for Today’s Environment - Art Werner, JD, MS (Taxation), Werner Rocca Seminars
Claude & Claude Work - Nick Damoulakis, Orases
Ethical AI Practices for CPAs - John Higgins, CPA, CITP, Higgins Advisory, LLC
Nexus – Know Your Triggers - Art Werner, JD, MS (Taxation), Werner Rocca Seminars
Succession Planning for CPA Firms - Barrett Young, III, CPA, GWCPA
Microsoft 365 for CPAs: Unlocking Hidden Productivity Tools - John Higgins, CPA, CITP, Higgins Advisory, LLC
Internal Audit in the Government Environment - Tricia Reaver, CPA, Frederick County Government
Data Visualization for Finance & Audit Professionals - 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
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
Tax Planning Strategies for Today’s Environment - Art Werner, JD, MS (Taxation), Werner Rocca Seminars
Claude & Claude Work - Nick Damoulakis, Orases
Ethical AI Practices for CPAs - John Higgins, CPA, CITP, Higgins Advisory, LLC
Nexus – Know Your Triggers - Art Werner, JD, MS (Taxation), Werner Rocca Seminars
Succession Planning for CPA Firms - Barrett Young, III, CPA, GWCPA
Microsoft 365 for CPAs: Unlocking Hidden Productivity Tools - John Higgins, CPA, CITP, Higgins Advisory, LLC
Internal Audit in the Government Environment - Tricia Reaver, CPA, Frederick County Government
Data Visualization for Finance & Audit Professionals - 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
Supervised AI Agents as Audit & Finance Team Members - Joe Oringel, CPA, CIA, MBA, Visual Risk IQ
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
FASB Update - Ryan J. Walker, 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
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
Individual Income Tax Update - Art Werner, JD, MS (Taxation), Werner Rocca Seminars
Designing an AI-Ready Firm - Barrett Young, III, CPA and John Benish, Jr., CPA, CGMA, GWCPA
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
FASB Update - Ryan J. Walker, 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
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
Individual Income Tax Update - Art Werner, JD, MS (Taxation), Werner Rocca Seminars
Designing an AI-Ready Firm - Barrett Young, III, CPA and John Benish, Jr., CPA, CGMA, GWCPA
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
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.
Read Bio
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.
Read Bio
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
9100 Coastal Hwy, Ocean City, Worcester County, Maryland 21842
Event Accommodations
A special room block has been reserved for attendees from Sunday, June 21, 2026, through Tuesday, June 23, 2026 at Princess Royale. If you would like additional nights outside the block, please contact the hotel directly to make those arrangements.
Please use this link to book your room today. Please book your room using the provided link no later than May 21, 2026, our group code is 26CPA.
Special rates are available for suites: Ocean/Pool View Suites at $229.00 and Oceanfront Suites at $289.00.
Check-in is after 5:00 PM, and check-out is before 11:00 AM (baggage storage is available).