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The CPA Summit is a premier virtual event where CPAs and accounting professionals learn from important voices in the profession and find solutions to move our industry forward.
The summit is complimentary for MACPA members and will provide a comprehensive guide on the practical actions that both organizations and individuals can take to nurture our future professionals.
DAY 1, Dec. 2
| Time | Session Title / Description | Presenter(s) |
|---|---|---|
| 8:30 a.m. – 8:35 a.m. | Welcome to Day One | Rebekah Olson, CPA, MACPA |
| 8:35 a.m. – 9:20 a.m. | Pulse of the Profession: Leadership Perspectives from AICPA & MACPA Join us for a candid and energizing conversation exploring trends, challenges, and opportunities shaping the accounting and finance landscape—from national shifts to what’s happening right here in Maryland. | Panelists: Maxene Bardwell, CCPA, CIA, CFE, CISA, CRMA, CIGA, Chair, MACPA; Lexy Kessler, CPA, CGMA, Chair, AICPA Moderator: Rebekah Olson, CPA, CEO, MACPA |
| 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 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. | Bree Babcock, Regional CPA Relationship Manager, Paychex Rachael Young, Regional CPA Relationship Manager, Paychex |
| 9:55 a.m. – 10:25 a.m. | Calling BS on Cybersecurity Nonsense 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. This session 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. | Luke Kiely, Chief Information Security Officer, SmartVault |
| 10:25 a.m. – 10:35 a.m. | Break | — |
| 10:35 a.m. – 11:05 a.m. | Building Process for AI in Your Accounting Firm: Getting Started and Staying Secure This session provides a practical, security-first framework for integrating Artificial Intelligence into your accounting firm's daily operations. The core focus is on data security, ensuring a responsible shift from experimentation to lasting operational value. | Aaron Gould, Product Lead, Remitian |
| 11:05 a.m. – 11:35 a.m. | Strategies to Build High-Performing Accounting Teams in 2026 Learn how small CPA firms can hire smarter by focusing on psychology-based frameworks that identify high-retention talent, build loyalty, and foster long-term team success. | Bahia Larcamon, Talent Acquisition Advisor & Organizational Psychologist, Vintti LLC |
| 11:35 a.m. – 11:40 a.m. | Break | — |
| 11:40 a.m. – 12:25 p.m. | Building a Culture of Risk Management Explore how to create and implement a robust risk management framework, promote accountability, and empower employees to manage risk effectively within your organization. | Nicole Graham, Esq., Risk Consultant, Aon Robert Albertini, Senior Risk Advisor, Aon |
| 12:25 a.m. – 12:30 a.m. | Day 1 Closing / Wrap-Up | Rebekah Olson, CEO, MACPA |
| Time | Session Title / Description | Presenter(s) |
|---|---|---|
| 8:30 a.m. – 8:35 a.m. | Welcome to Day One | Rebekah Olson, CPA, MACPA |
| 8:35 a.m. – 9:20 a.m. | Pulse of the Profession: Leadership Perspectives from AICPA & MACPA Join us for a candid and energizing conversation exploring trends, challenges, and opportunities shaping the accounting and finance landscape—from national shifts to what’s happening right here in Maryland. | Panelists: Maxene Bardwell, CCPA, CIA, CFE, CISA, CRMA, CIGA, Chair, MACPA; Lexy Kessler, CPA, CGMA, Chair, AICPA Moderator: Rebekah Olson, CPA, CEO, MACPA |
| 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 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. | Bree Babcock, Regional CPA Relationship Manager, Paychex Rachael Young, Regional CPA Relationship Manager, Paychex |
| 9:55 a.m. – 10:25 a.m. | Calling BS on Cybersecurity Nonsense 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. This session 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. | Luke Kiely, Chief Information Security Officer, SmartVault |
| 10:25 a.m. – 10:35 a.m. | Break | — |
| 10:35 a.m. – 11:05 a.m. | Building Process for AI in Your Accounting Firm: Getting Started and Staying Secure This session provides a practical, security-first framework for integrating Artificial Intelligence into your accounting firm's daily operations. The core focus is on data security, ensuring a responsible shift from experimentation to lasting operational value. | Aaron Gould, Product Lead, Remitian |
| 11:05 a.m. – 11:35 a.m. | Strategies to Build High-Performing Accounting Teams in 2026 Learn how small CPA firms can hire smarter by focusing on psychology-based frameworks that identify high-retention talent, build loyalty, and foster long-term team success. | Bahia Larcamon, Talent Acquisition Advisor & Organizational Psychologist, Vintti LLC |
| 11:35 a.m. – 11:40 a.m. | Break | — |
| 11:40 a.m. – 12:25 p.m. | Building a Culture of Risk Management Explore how to create and implement a robust risk management framework, promote accountability, and empower employees to manage risk effectively within your organization. | Nicole Graham, Esq., Risk Consultant, Aon Robert Albertini, Senior Risk Advisor, Aon |
| 12:25 a.m. – 12:30 a.m. | Day 1 Closing / Wrap-Up | Rebekah Olson, CEO, MACPA |
DAY 2, Dec. 3
| Time | Session Title / Description | Presenter(s) |
|---|---|---|
| 8:30 a.m. – 8:35 a.m. | Welcome to Day Two | Rebekah Olson, CPA, CEO, MACPA |
| 8:35 a.m. – 9:20 a.m. | Data-Driven Advisory: Harnessing AI to Navigate Workplace Trends The workplace is evolving at an unprecedented pace, driven by technology, generational shifts, and compliance complexity. Learn how accountants can harness AI and data-driven insights to provide high-value, proactive client advice — optimizing compliance, compensation, and workforce strategy. | Heather Sperduto, Vice President, Sales Operations – Accountant Channel, ADP |
| 9:20 a.m. – 9:25 a.m. | Break | — |
| 9:25 a.m. – 9:55 a.m. | TBD This session is still being finalized; more details to follow. | Presenter: To be announced, Financial Cents |
| 9:55 a.m. – 10:25 a.m. | How Small and Midsize Firms Can Offshore Like the Top 100 Without the Same Scale and Budget Large CPA firms have mastered offshoring to solve their talent challenges and improve profitability. Smaller firms, however, often struggle with quality, control, and alignment. This session introduces a new approach towards offshoring, direct ownership, that lets small and midsize firms achieve the same results as Top 100 firms without the same budget or scale. | Anshul Agrawal, CEO, June15 Consulting |
| 10:25 a.m. – 10:35 a.m. | Break | — |
| 10:35 a.m. – 11:05 a.m. | TBD This session is still being finalized; more details to follow. | Presenter: To be announced |
| 11:05 a.m. – 11:35 a.m. | How to Become a CFO to Small Businesses Gain a structured approach for delivering CFO advisory services to small business clients — from identifying client needs and structuring offerings to moving from transactional work to strategic guidance. | Adam Lean, CEO & Co-Founder, The CFO Project |
| 11:35 a.m. – 11:40 a.m. | Break | — |
| 11:40 a.m. – 12:25 p.m. | TBD This session is still being finalized; more details to follow. | Presenter: To be announced, Ramp |
| 12:25 a.m. – 12:30 a.m. | CPA Summit Closing / Wrap-Up | Rebekah Olson, CEO, MACPA |
| Time | Session Title / Description | Presenter(s) |
|---|---|---|
| 8:30 a.m. – 8:35 a.m. | Welcome to Day Two | Rebekah Olson, CPA, CEO, MACPA |
| 8:35 a.m. – 9:20 a.m. | Data-Driven Advisory: Harnessing AI to Navigate Workplace Trends The workplace is evolving at an unprecedented pace, driven by technology, generational shifts, and compliance complexity. Learn how accountants can harness AI and data-driven insights to provide high-value, proactive client advice — optimizing compliance, compensation, and workforce strategy. | Heather Sperduto, Vice President, Sales Operations – Accountant Channel, ADP |
| 9:20 a.m. – 9:25 a.m. | Break | — |
| 9:25 a.m. – 9:55 a.m. | TBD This session is still being finalized; more details to follow. | Presenter: To be announced, Financial Cents |
| 9:55 a.m. – 10:25 a.m. | How Small and Midsize Firms Can Offshore Like the Top 100 Without the Same Scale and Budget Large CPA firms have mastered offshoring to solve their talent challenges and improve profitability. Smaller firms, however, often struggle with quality, control, and alignment. This session introduces a new approach towards offshoring, direct ownership, that lets small and midsize firms achieve the same results as Top 100 firms without the same budget or scale. | Anshul Agrawal, CEO, June15 Consulting |
| 10:25 a.m. – 10:35 a.m. | Break | — |
| 10:35 a.m. – 11:05 a.m. | TBD This session is still being finalized; more details to follow. | Presenter: To be announced |
| 11:05 a.m. – 11:35 a.m. | How to Become a CFO to Small Businesses Gain a structured approach for delivering CFO advisory services to small business clients — from identifying client needs and structuring offerings to moving from transactional work to strategic guidance. | Adam Lean, CEO & Co-Founder, The CFO Project |
| 11:35 a.m. – 11:40 a.m. | Break | — |
| 11:40 a.m. – 12:25 p.m. | TBD This session is still being finalized; more details to follow. | Presenter: To be announced, Ramp |
| 12:25 a.m. – 12:30 a.m. | CPA Summit Closing / Wrap-Up | Rebekah Olson, CEO, MACPA |
| Time | Session Title / Description | Presenter(s) |
|---|---|---|
| 8:30 a.m. – 8:35 a.m. | Welcome to Day One | Rebekah Olson, CPA, MACPA |
| 8:35 a.m. – 9:20 a.m. | Pulse of the Profession: Leadership Perspectives from AICPA & MACPA Join us for a candid and energizing conversation exploring trends, challenges, and opportunities shaping the accounting and finance landscape—from national shifts to what’s happening right here in Maryland. | Panelists: Maxene Bardwell, CCPA, CIA, CFE, CISA, CRMA, CIGA, Chair, MACPA; Lexy Kessler, CPA, CGMA, Chair, AICPA Moderator: Rebekah Olson, CPA, CEO, MACPA |
| 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 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. | Bree Babcock, Regional CPA Relationship Manager, Paychex Rachael Young, Regional CPA Relationship Manager, Paychex |
| 9:55 a.m. – 10:25 a.m. | Calling BS on Cybersecurity Nonsense 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. This session 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. | Luke Kiely, Chief Information Security Officer, SmartVault |
| 10:25 a.m. – 10:35 a.m. | Break | — |
| 10:35 a.m. – 11:05 a.m. | Building Process for AI in Your Accounting Firm: Getting Started and Staying Secure This session provides a practical, security-first framework for integrating Artificial Intelligence into your accounting firm's daily operations. The core focus is on data security, ensuring a responsible shift from experimentation to lasting operational value. | Aaron Gould, Product Lead, Remitian |
| 11:05 a.m. – 11:35 a.m. | Strategies to Build High-Performing Accounting Teams in 2026 Learn how small CPA firms can hire smarter by focusing on psychology-based frameworks that identify high-retention talent, build loyalty, and foster long-term team success. | Bahia Larcamon, Talent Acquisition Advisor & Organizational Psychologist, Vintti LLC |
| 11:35 a.m. – 11:40 a.m. | Break | — |
| 11:40 a.m. – 12:25 p.m. | Building a Culture of Risk Management Explore how to create and implement a robust risk management framework, promote accountability, and empower employees to manage risk effectively within your organization. | Nicole Graham, Esq., Risk Consultant, Aon Robert Albertini, Senior Risk Advisor, Aon |
| 12:25 a.m. – 12:30 a.m. | Day 1 Closing / Wrap-Up | Rebekah Olson, CEO, MACPA |
| Time | Session Title / Description | Presenter(s) |
|---|---|---|
| 8:30 a.m. – 8:35 a.m. | Welcome to Day One | Rebekah Olson, CPA, MACPA |
| 8:35 a.m. – 9:20 a.m. | Pulse of the Profession: Leadership Perspectives from AICPA & MACPA Join us for a candid and energizing conversation exploring trends, challenges, and opportunities shaping the accounting and finance landscape—from national shifts to what’s happening right here in Maryland. | Panelists: Maxene Bardwell, CCPA, CIA, CFE, CISA, CRMA, CIGA, Chair, MACPA; Lexy Kessler, CPA, CGMA, Chair, AICPA Moderator: Rebekah Olson, CPA, CEO, MACPA |
| 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 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. | Bree Babcock, Regional CPA Relationship Manager, Paychex Rachael Young, Regional CPA Relationship Manager, Paychex |
| 9:55 a.m. – 10:25 a.m. | Calling BS on Cybersecurity Nonsense 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. This session 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. | Luke Kiely, Chief Information Security Officer, SmartVault |
| 10:25 a.m. – 10:35 a.m. | Break | — |
| 10:35 a.m. – 11:05 a.m. | Building Process for AI in Your Accounting Firm: Getting Started and Staying Secure This session provides a practical, security-first framework for integrating Artificial Intelligence into your accounting firm's daily operations. The core focus is on data security, ensuring a responsible shift from experimentation to lasting operational value. | Aaron Gould, Product Lead, Remitian |
| 11:05 a.m. – 11:35 a.m. | Strategies to Build High-Performing Accounting Teams in 2026 Learn how small CPA firms can hire smarter by focusing on psychology-based frameworks that identify high-retention talent, build loyalty, and foster long-term team success. | Bahia Larcamon, Talent Acquisition Advisor & Organizational Psychologist, Vintti LLC |
| 11:35 a.m. – 11:40 a.m. | Break | — |
| 11:40 a.m. – 12:25 p.m. | Building a Culture of Risk Management Explore how to create and implement a robust risk management framework, promote accountability, and empower employees to manage risk effectively within your organization. | Nicole Graham, Esq., Risk Consultant, Aon Robert Albertini, Senior Risk Advisor, Aon |
| 12:25 a.m. – 12:30 a.m. | Day 1 Closing / Wrap-Up | Rebekah Olson, CEO, MACPA |
| Time | Session Title / Description | Presenter(s) |
|---|---|---|
| 8:30 a.m. – 8:35 a.m. | Welcome to Day Two | Rebekah Olson, CPA, CEO, MACPA |
| 8:35 a.m. – 9:20 a.m. | Data-Driven Advisory: Harnessing AI to Navigate Workplace Trends The workplace is evolving at an unprecedented pace, driven by technology, generational shifts, and compliance complexity. Learn how accountants can harness AI and data-driven insights to provide high-value, proactive client advice — optimizing compliance, compensation, and workforce strategy. | Heather Sperduto, Vice President, Sales Operations – Accountant Channel, ADP |
| 9:20 a.m. – 9:25 a.m. | Break | — |
| 9:25 a.m. – 9:55 a.m. | TBD This session is still being finalized; more details to follow. | Presenter: To be announced, Financial Cents |
| 9:55 a.m. – 10:25 a.m. | How Small and Midsize Firms Can Offshore Like the Top 100 Without the Same Scale and Budget Large CPA firms have mastered offshoring to solve their talent challenges and improve profitability. Smaller firms, however, often struggle with quality, control, and alignment. This session introduces a new approach towards offshoring, direct ownership, that lets small and midsize firms achieve the same results as Top 100 firms without the same budget or scale. | Anshul Agrawal, CEO, June15 Consulting |
| 10:25 a.m. – 10:35 a.m. | Break | — |
| 10:35 a.m. – 11:05 a.m. | TBD This session is still being finalized; more details to follow. | Presenter: To be announced |
| 11:05 a.m. – 11:35 a.m. | How to Become a CFO to Small Businesses Gain a structured approach for delivering CFO advisory services to small business clients — from identifying client needs and structuring offerings to moving from transactional work to strategic guidance. | Adam Lean, CEO & Co-Founder, The CFO Project |
| 11:35 a.m. – 11:40 a.m. | Break | — |
| 11:40 a.m. – 12:25 p.m. | TBD This session is still being finalized; more details to follow. | Presenter: To be announced, Ramp |
| 12:25 a.m. – 12:30 a.m. | CPA Summit Closing / Wrap-Up | Rebekah Olson, CEO, MACPA |
| Time | Session Title / Description | Presenter(s) |
|---|---|---|
| 8:30 a.m. – 8:35 a.m. | Welcome to Day Two | Rebekah Olson, CPA, CEO, MACPA |
| 8:35 a.m. – 9:20 a.m. | Data-Driven Advisory: Harnessing AI to Navigate Workplace Trends The workplace is evolving at an unprecedented pace, driven by technology, generational shifts, and compliance complexity. Learn how accountants can harness AI and data-driven insights to provide high-value, proactive client advice — optimizing compliance, compensation, and workforce strategy. | Heather Sperduto, Vice President, Sales Operations – Accountant Channel, ADP |
| 9:20 a.m. – 9:25 a.m. | Break | — |
| 9:25 a.m. – 9:55 a.m. | TBD This session is still being finalized; more details to follow. | Presenter: To be announced, Financial Cents |
| 9:55 a.m. – 10:25 a.m. | How Small and Midsize Firms Can Offshore Like the Top 100 Without the Same Scale and Budget Large CPA firms have mastered offshoring to solve their talent challenges and improve profitability. Smaller firms, however, often struggle with quality, control, and alignment. This session introduces a new approach towards offshoring, direct ownership, that lets small and midsize firms achieve the same results as Top 100 firms without the same budget or scale. | Anshul Agrawal, CEO, June15 Consulting |
| 10:25 a.m. – 10:35 a.m. | Break | — |
| 10:35 a.m. – 11:05 a.m. | TBD This session is still being finalized; more details to follow. | Presenter: To be announced |
| 11:05 a.m. – 11:35 a.m. | How to Become a CFO to Small Businesses Gain a structured approach for delivering CFO advisory services to small business clients — from identifying client needs and structuring offerings to moving from transactional work to strategic guidance. | Adam Lean, CEO & Co-Founder, The CFO Project |
| 11:35 a.m. – 11:40 a.m. | Break | — |
| 11:40 a.m. – 12:25 p.m. | TBD This session is still being finalized; more details to follow. | Presenter: To be announced, Ramp |
| 12:25 a.m. – 12:30 a.m. | CPA Summit Closing / Wrap-Up | Rebekah Olson, CEO, MACPA |