tH ANNUAL Growth& - Transition Advisors · business intelligence and mobile apps. Merging with or acquiring another fi rm is one of the biggest initiatives a fi rm can undertake,

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oCTobeR 20–22, 2013 HILtON ORLANDO | ORLANDO, FL

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2 Register Today-Call (212) 803-6072Growth&PRofiTabiliTy SUMMIt GroProSummit.com

it seems like everyone is always giving you more–more headaches, more problems, more roadblocks, more expenses. how many people are off ering you more profi t?Well, we’re not either. But what we are off ering is the knowledge and tools you need to get it yourself. Armed with what you’ll learn at our 4th annual Growth & Profi tability summit, you’ll be perfectly positioned to add more profi t to your accounting practice.

this year’s summit, to be held October 20-22 at the spectacular Hilton Orlando in Orlando, Fla., promises to off er everything you need to know to boost your fi rm across the board, with fi ve tracks covering:

• New developments and new services in tax

• Must-have technology

• Best practices in Practice Management

• the latest developments in Firm M&A.

• the staffi ng strategies of the Best Firms to Work For

We kick off with back-to-back keynotes from former Clift onLarsonAllen CEO krista McMasters, who will share her insights from running two of the countries largest fi rms, and renowned industry guru Jay nisberg, who will tell you why now is a great time to be a CPA — and how to make the most of it.

We’ll also have a keynote from leading consultants angie Grissom and scott Bradbary on how to take your fi rm to the next level, and a general session from the AICPA’s Jina etienne on the state of the profession.

In between, you’ll learn how to bett er handle an IRS fi eld exam, how to run your fi rm from a tablet, what M&A roadblocks to avoid, how the Best firms to Work for got that way, and everything you ever wanted to know about the cloud but were afraid to ask. You’ll also discover unexpected value in your tax processes, how to hire the right people and fi re the wrong ones, and how to conduct a fraud examination.

And with a roster of speakers and presenters that includes high-profi le experts and practitioners like Joel Sinkin, August Aquila, Jennifer Katrulya, Lou Fuoco, John Napolitano, Ed Mendlowitz and many more, you can be sure you’re learning from the best.

You can earn up to 19 CPE credits at this year’s Growth & Profi tability Conference – but more important, you’ll learn everything you need to know to add more profi t to your practice!

daniel Hood SUMMIT CHAIR EDITOR-IN-CHIEFACCOUNTING TODAY

WelCoMeadd More Prof it to your Practice

3Stay Connected: #GroPro13 GroProSummit.com

Top Five Reasons You MusT aTTend1 More than 25 proven ways to strengthen your

practice and grow your business.

2 Learn the latest profitable new niches and growth strategies.

3 Insights and best practices from expert instructors and session leaders.

4 Up to 19 hours of CPE.

5 Five tracks covering just about every aspect of your firm.


agenda at-a-Glance Sunday, oCTobeR 20, 201312:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.Pre-ConferenCe WorkshoP negotiating Skills to Help you Close More deals faster

1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. Pre-ConferenCe WorkshoP The CPa firm Survival Test

3:30 p.m. – 3:45 p.m. Welcome and opening Remarks

3:45 p.m. – 4:45 p.m. keynote: leadership lessons: a Top 10 firm leader Speaks out

4:45 p.m. – 5:45 p.m. There is life after the Recession: Taking your firm forward

Monday, oCTobeR 21, 20138:00 a.m. – 8:10 a.m.Welcome Remarks

8:10 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.keynote: Rock band or Garage band? is your business Performance filling Stadiums or Making the neighbors Call the Police?

TueSday, oCTobeR 22, 20137:10 a.m. – 8:00 a.m.CPe at dawn: Getting the Wrong People off the bus

8:10 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.General session: The State of the Profession

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traCk: tax traCk: teChnoloGy traCk: M&a traCk: Best firMs traCk: PraCtiCe MGMt

engineering Tax benefits for you and your Clients

office & field exams: an expert’s Perspective

Mapping the Value in your Tax Process

Tax office operations

Running a business from an iPad or Mobile device

document Management: Policies & best Practices

Pitching Technology: How to Get buy in from Partners

Cloud 101

Cloud Q& a: ask the experts

M&a Roadblocks to avoid

Making Mergers Work

lessons from the best firms to Work for



Top Trends in Marketing

Starting and Managing a litigation Support Practice

The best of the best engagement letters

improving your firm’s Cash flow; Show Me the Money!

GeneRal sessions

Monday, oCTobeR 21, 2013


is yoUr firM WorkinG With the riGht Clients?

abouT THe ConfeRenCe TRaCkS

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traCk: tax traCk: teChnoloGy traCk: M&a traCk: PraCtiCe MGMt

Tales of the Tax Return: discovering Client Gaps and Pitfalls

Clearing up the Confusion: The latest on the Repair vs Cap Regs

10 Steps to a digital Practice via the Cloud

best Practices for local iT in the Cloud

MPs on M&a

Case Studies in M&a

The anatomy of a fraud investigation

Taking the lead in Thought leadership

Tying Performance Systems to Strategic Vision

tax

Best firMs

PraCtiCe ManaGeMent

MerGers & aCQUisitions

Sponsored by

teChnoloGy Sponsored by

TueSday, oCTobeR 22, 2013

Our roster of experts will help you keep current on critical changes in tax law, proactive strategies for dealing with revenue-hungry taxing authorities, and promising new practice areas.

CPA fi rms that remain reluctant to embrace technology will quickly be left behind. Our sessions cover such burgeoning technology trends as cloud computing, business intelligence and mobile apps.

Merging with or acquiring another fi rm is one of the biggest initiatives a fi rm can undertake, and the sessions in this track will share proven strategies for the entire process, from start to fi nish.

Executives from leading fi rms on our 2013 Best Firms to Work For will share the strategies and best practices that got them on the list in the fi rst place — and that can get your fi rm there next year.

What does it take to run a successful and profi table CPA fi rm? this series of sessions will show you how to build, staff , market, manage and grow a vibrant practice.

Sponsored by


12:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.

negotiating Skills to Help you Close More deals faster

* (Included in your conference registration fee.)

You negotiate all day every day with clients, prospects, vendors, co-workers, business associates - even family! Are you maximizing your negotiations? How can you get what you want and need out of discussions? the secret lies in sett ing goals, understanding the motivations of both parties, reading body language, asking the right questions, and careful preparation. In this engaging workshop, Christine Hollinden will share valuable negotiating tips 20 years in the making. Practice and perfect your skills in an interactive negotiation drill.Christine Hollinden, CPSM, Principal, Hollinden, Professional Services Marketing

SPonSoRed by

Pre-conference WorkshopsSunday, oCTobeR 20

the award for Best accounting firms to Work for was established by the editors of Accounting Today in 2008 to identify and recognize the top accounting fi rms from around the country in terms of employment and career development.

Last year nearly 200 fi rms from around the nation applied for consideration, and even more fi rms are expected to participate in the 2013 nomination process.

these top fi rms for 2013 will be announced and honored at the awards luncheon on October 21 during the Growth & Profi tability summit.

Monday, oCTobeR 2112:45 p.m.

Join us in honoring the 2013 award Winners for the Best accounting firms to Work for.

1:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.

The CPa firm Survival Test

* (Included in your conference registration fee.)

Ever wonder what to change and in what order to change things to create a more eff ective, more positive and productive fi rm? this workshop will test your leadership skills by diagnosing and recommending the necessary changes to ensure fi rm survival. Participants will analyze a troubled practice and determine how to put this fi rm on the right course to profi tability. this exercise will get you thinking how to bett er manage your own fi rm and what needs to be fi xed. Jay N. Nisberg, Ph.D., President, Jay Nisberg & Associates, Inc.


is yoUr firM hirinG the riGht staff?

There is life aft er The Recession: Taking your firm forward Jay kicks off our conference with “straight talk” on the accounting profession in 2013 and beyond. this is a great time to be a CPA, especially an entrepreneurial CPA in a local or regional CPA fi rm, and Dr. Nisberg will challenge you to look at new ways to build a practice, become even more profi table and understand the value formula the CPA profession provides. He will also off er you a look at the characteristic traits of the CPA partner of the future.

Rock band or Garage band? is your business Performance filling Stadiums or Making the neighbors Call the Police?Every successful leader in an accounting fi rm must ask the crucial question, “Am I creating sustainability in my fi rm?” Many leaders help grow the fi rm by simply working more hours—performing in a garage band. In order to be a true rock star and grow your fi rm the right way, you must learn to perform diff erently. this interactive and inspiring session will give you the tools and principles you need to fi nd your unique sound and then hone it all the way to success.

8:10 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.

General SessionTueSday, oCTobeR 22

Monday, oCTobeR 21

SCoTT bRadbaRy EVP; CHIEF TRAINING OFFICERTHE RAINMAKER COMPANIES

anGie GRiSSoMPRESIDENT THE RAINMAKER COMPANIES

Jay niSbeRG, PH.d.PRESIDENT JAY NISBERG & ASSOCIATES, INC.

4:45 p.m. - 5:45 p.m. 8:10 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.

Jina eTienne, CPa, CGMaDIRECTOR, TAXATIONMEMBER SERVICE & TAX ETHICS, AICPA

The State of the Professionthe accounting profession is constantly changing-pricing models, service lines, client demands, sales strategies, human resource needs-you name it and it keeps changing! CPAs must understand what is happening in their profession so they can keep up or, bett er yet, stay one step ahead to win! In this “State of the Profession” presentation, Jina will review what has changed since last year, explore issues that are trending now and discuss the top challenges fi rms are facing today.

keynote SpeakersSunday, oCTobeR 20

kRiSTa McMaSTeRSCEO MCMASTERS CONSULTING

3:45 p.m. - 4:45 p.m.

leadership lessons: a Top 10 firm leader Speaks out Leading in a professional services fi rm is not about having the very smartest people, or the very top performers—it’s about leveraging the power of a team. It’s about gett ing ordinary people to work together to achieve extraordinary results. Kris gives her perspectives, and shares lessons learned, on leadership, as well as what it was like as the only female CEO in a top 50 Accounting Firm and how to increase the odds of talented females rising to top leadership roles.


Sunday, oCTobeR 20, 201311:00 a.m. Registration opens

12:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.Pre-ConferenCe WorkshoP negotiating Skills to Help you Close More deals fasterYou negotiate all day every day with clients, prospects, vendors, co-workers, business associates - even family! Are you maximizing your negotiations? How can you get what you want and need out of discussions? the secret lies in setting goals, understanding the motivations of both parties, reading body language, asking the right questions, and careful preparation. In this engaging workshop, Christine Hollinden will share valuable negotiating tips 20 years in the making. Practice and perfect your skills in an interactive negotiation drill.Christine Hollinden, CPSM, Principal Hollinden, Professional Services Marketing

1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. Pre-ConferenCe WorkshoP The CPa firm Survival TestEver wonder what to change and in what order to change things to create a more effective, more positive and productive firm? this workshop will test your leadership skills by diagnosing and recommending the necessary changes to ensure firm survival. Participants will analyze a troubled practice and determine how to put this firm on the right course to profitability. this exercise will get you thinking how to better manage your own firm and what needs to be fixed. Jay Nisberg, Ph.D., President, Jay Nisberg & Associates, Inc.

3:30 p.m. – 3:45 p.m. Welcome and opening Remarks Daniel Hood, Editor-in-Chief Accounting Today

3:45 p.m. – 4:45 p.m. keynote: leadership lessons: a Top 10 firm leader Speaks outLeading in a professional services firm is not about having the very smartest people, or the very top performers—it’s about leveraging the power of a team. It’s about getting ordinary people to work together to achieve extraordinary results. Kris gives her perspectives, and shares lessons learned, on leadership, as well as what it was like as the only female CEO in a top 50 Accounting Firm and how to increase the odds of talented females rising to top leadership roles.Krista McMasters, CEO, McMasters Consulting

4:45 p.m. – 5:45 p.m. keynote: There is life after the Recession: Taking your firm forward Dr. Jay kicks off our conference with “straight talk” on the accounting profession in 2013 and beyond. this is a great time to be a CPA, especially an entrepreneurial CPA in a local or regional CPA firm, and Dr. Nisberg will challenge you to look at new ways to build a practice, become even more profitable and understand the value formula the CPA profession provides. He will also offer you a look at the characteristic traits of the CPA partner of the future. Jay Nisberg, Ph.D., President, Jay Nisberg & Associates, Inc.

5:45 p.m. – 7:15 p.m.opening Reception in the exhibit Hall

Monday, oCTobeR 21, 20137:00 a.m. Registration opens

7:00 a.m. – 8:00 a.m.Continental breakfast in the exhibit Hall

8:00 a.m. – 8:10 a.m.Welcome Remarks Daniel Hood, Editor-in-Chief Accounting Today

abouT THe ConfeRenCe TRaCkS

tax Our roster of experts will help you keep current on critical changes in tax law, proactive strategies for dealing with revenue-hungry taxing authorities, and promising new practice areas.

teChnoloGy CPA firms that remain reluctant to embrace technology will quickly be left behind. Our sessions cover such burgeoning technology trends as cloud computing, business intelligence and mobile apps.

full Summit agenda

8:10 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.keynote: Rock band or Garage band? is your business Performance filling Stadiums or Making the neighbors Call the Police? Every successful leader in an accounting firm must ask the crucial question, “Am I creating sustain-ability in my firm?” Many leaders help grow the firm by simply working more hours—performing in a garage band. In order to be a true rock star and grow your firm the right way, you must learn to perform differently. this interactive and inspiring session will give you the tools and principles you need to find your unique sound and then hone it all the way to success. Scott Bradbary, EVP; Chief training Officer the Rainmaker CompaniesAngie Grissom, President, the Rainmaker Companies

9:10 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.traCk: tax

engineering Tax benefits for you and your Clientsthis presentation is designed to give clarity and awareness to the engineering process involved in certification of public and private buildings, as well as to heighten awareness of these tax benefits on a national scale. You’ll learn how the 179D federal energy tax deductions will allow you to claim sig-nificant benefits or provide a value-added service to your client through the use of this tax law.Peter Scalise, National tax Practice Leader Engineered tax Services

traCk: teChnoloGy Sponsored by

Running a business from an iPad or Mobile devicethis session will show you a range of technology solutions that are accessible from a tablet that will help you and your clients save time and work more efficiently in the cloud. You’ll also get a checklist of things to consider when working with staff and clients in a remote environment, including manag-ing many common BYOD issues.Jennifer Katrulya, CPA, CItP, CGMA, CEO Business Management Resource Group, LLC

traCk: Best firMs Sponsored by lessons from the best firms to Work forSpeaker to be announced

10:00 a.m. – 10:45 a.m.networking and Refreshment break in the exhibit Hall

10:45 a.m. – 11:35 a.m.traCk: tax

office & field exams: an expert’s Perspectivethis in-depth session will discuss differing tech-niques involved in effectively representing clients in an IRS office or field examination. Learn how to use IRS Audit technique guides and other invalu-able IRS resources to your advantage and get an insider’s view of IRS examination techniques and effective responses.Gary Howard, Principal, G.L. Howard, CPA

Sponsored by


traCk: teChnoloGy Sponsored by document Management: Policies & best PracticesWhether you’re paperless or still paper-based, implementing best practices in managing your documents will help make your fi rm more produc-tive and effi cient, and create opportunities for improving your workfl ows, client service and much more. this session will cover the latest strategies, best practices and regulations on document retention and management.Mike Giardina, CEO, Offi ce tools ProfessionalMatt Peterson, President & CEO, eFileCabinet

traCk: Best firMs Sponsored by lessons from the best firms to Work forSpeaker to be announced

11:45 p.m. – 12:45 p.m.traCk: teChnoloGy Sponsored by

Pitching Technology: How to Get buy in from PartnersGett ing It buy-in from fi rm partners and decision-makers is tough, and can slow down or even derail much-needed initiatives. this session will explore ways to get buy-in from all levels, so that everyone thinks it is their idea and something they need.Henry Rinder, Member of the Firm, Smolin LupinJoe Manzelli, Coordinator Outsourced Workfl ow, XCM SOLUtIONS

traCk: Best firMs Sponsored by

lessons from the best firms to Work forSpeaker to be announced

traCk: PraCtiCe ManaGeMent Top Trends in MarketingIn today’s hyper-competitive environment, everyone needs to play a role in marketing and selling the fi rm. this session’s panel of experts will explore the new trends in marketing—including in-bound, niche, and successfully marketing the cloud and recent M&A activity—along with the latest digital strategies that should be driving these eff orts to grow and distinguish your fi rm. Moderator: Danielle Lee, Senior Editor, Accounting TodayPanelists: Steve Brunson, Managing Director, Catalyst CPA MarketingSarah Johnson, Chief Growth Strategist & Founder, Inovautus Consulting Art Kuesel, President, Kuesel Consulting

12:45 p.m. – 1:45 p.m.awards luncheon Sponsored by

1:45 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.dessert Served in the exhibit Hall

2:45 p.m. – 3:35 p.m.traCk: teChnoloGy Sponsored by

Cloud 101 As much as practitioners and businesses alike are becoming used to hearing about the cloud, there are still numerous questions on what exactly it is and means—or can mean—to professionals. We have assembled experts from all instances of cloud business and accounting to provide not only per-spective, but insights into how it can be leveraged in your practice and for your clients.Moderator: Seth Fineberg, technology EditorAccounting TodayPanelists: Robert Chandler, CEO and President, Cloud9 Real timeJim Secord, CEO, KashooJamie Sutherland, President, US OperationsXEROCraig West, VP, Americas ChannelsNetSuite Inc.

traCk: M&a Sponsored by M&a Roadblocks to avoid What are the roadblocks that come up most fre-quently in M&A deals, and how can you overcome them? this session will help att endees navigate the diffi cult issues that tend to rise to the surface, including factors that might impact the fi nancial terms and deal structure and how to get past any emotional landmines you may encounter along the way.Joel Sinkin, President, transition Advisors, LLC

is yoUr firM WorkinG With the riGht teChnoloGy?

MerGers & aCQUisitions Merging with or acquiring another fi rm is one of the biggest initiatives a fi rm can undertake, and the sessions in this track will share proven strategies for the entire process, from start to fi nish.

Best firMs Executives from leading fi rms on our 2013 Best Firms to Work For will share the strategies and best practices that got them on the list in the fi rst place — and that can get your fi rm there next year.

PraCtiCe ManaGeMent What does it take to run a successful and profi table CPA fi rm? this series of sessions will show you how to build, staff , market, manage and grow a vibrant practice.

traCk: PraCtiCe ManaGeMent Starting and Managing a litigation Support PracticeLitigation support is one of the strongest new niches going for accounting fi rms of all sizes. this session will show you how to start and manage a business valuation and litigation support practice or niche, including guidance on staffi ng; market-ing; identifying the client; report writing, proofi ng and quality control; expert status and testifying; exposure to liability; training; pricing, billing, collec-tions, scope creep and payment terms; peripheral services such as forensic support; and much more.Edward Mendlowitz, PartnerWithumSmith+Brown PC

3:25 p.m. – 4:15 p.m.traCk: tax

Mapping the Value in your Tax ProcessWhere’s the value in your enterprise? In this interactive session, you’ll get to see one fi rm’s tax process mapped out on paper. Participants will break the practice down -- and then put it back together. this value stream mapping process will allow looking at your processes with a new per-spective - focusing on what you’re doing that adds value to clients and what steps don’t. Chris Liebtag, Director, Consulting ServicesLean CPA, LLC

traCk: teChnoloGy Sponsored by Cloud Q& a: ask the experts

All too oft en during panel sessions, questions aren’t answered during the allott ed time, so we have provided a no-holds-barred forum to ask our distin-guished group of cloud experts about the pressing issues of the day. All your questions—whatever was not addressed, needs further clarifi cation or may come to mind regarding concerns over how the cloud can and will play a role in your practice—will be covered in this expanded session.Moderator: Seth Fineberg, technology Editor, Accounting TodayPanelists: Robert Chandler, CEO and President, Cloud9 Real timeJim Secord, CEO, KashooJamie Sutherland, President, US OperationsXEROCraig West, VP, Americas ChannelsNetSuite Inc.

Sponsored by Sponsored by


full Summit agenda ConTinued traCk: PraCtiCe ManaGeMent

The best of the best engagement lettersthis one-of-a-kind course for forensic litigation and other specialized CPA experts is specifically designed to enhance your ability to draft a com-plete and proper engagement letter. the session will teach you what to include in engagement letters to protect you and your firm from potential major problems and disasters that can occur later in the engagement. Learn from the personal experiences of the instructor—both good and bad —that will be shared in this course.Glenn Block, CPA, CVA, ABV, Senior Managing Partner, Block & Aldinger CPA’s

4:15 p.m. – 4:45 p.m.networking and Refreshment break

4:45 p.m. – 5:35 p.m.traCk: tax

Tax office operationsGrowing a successful tax business requires a systematic approach -- including written policies and procedures to keep the practice in line. this session will show you how to create those poli-cies and procedures, offering best practices for client service and problem resolution, pricing and checking tax returns, payments, deposits, and daily reporting, employment agreements, IRS due diligence, and much more.Chuck McCabe, CEO, Peoples Income tax & the Income tax School

traCk: M&a Sponsored by Making Mergers Work Preparing your firm for a merger is a monumental task, whether you’re the acquirer, the acquired firm or an equal merger partner. this presentation will focus on managing the process before and after the merger to maximize the success of the merger.Steven Berger, Esq., Shareholder, Vedder Price PC

traCk: PraCtiCe ManaGeMent improving your firm’s Cash flow; Show Me the Money! Cash flow is the lifeline of every business, yet many small firm practitioners don’t know if they are charging competitive fees. this session will dis-cuss how to determine fees, billing dos and don’ts, common billing myths, collection procedures, and more. Sandra Johnson, CPA, EA, CFE , President Sandra G Johnson, CPA, P.C.

5:35 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.Reception in the exhibit Hall

TueSday, oCTobeR 22, 20137:00 a.m.Registration opens

7:00 a.m. – 8:00 a.m.Continental breakfast in the exhibit Hall

7:10 a.m. – 8:00 a.m.CPe at dawn: Getting the Wrong People off the busFirms struggle with growth because they don’t have the right people on the right seats on the bus. Being able to remove the wrong people is one of the greatest challenges in the process, and firms need to understand why it is important and how to do it. Devlyn Warren, Consultant, Upstream Academy/Anderson ZurMuehlen

8:10 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.General session: The State of the Professionthe accounting profession is constantly changing–pricing models, service lines, client demands, sales strategies, human resource needs–you name it and it keeps changing! CPAs must understand what is happening in their profession so they can keep up or, better yet, stay one step ahead to win! In this “State of the Profession” presentation, Jina will review what has changed since last year, explore issues that are trending now and discuss the top challenges firms are facing today.Jina Etienne, CPA, CGMA, Director, taxation – Member Service & tax Ethics, AICPA

9:10 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.traCk: teChnoloGy Sponsored by

10 Steps to a digital Practice via the Cloud Are you finding it challenging to sort out all of the choices available for automating your practice? the options are seemingly infinite; the challenge is making the right It investments and avoiding the wrong ones. this session will present a clear roadmap for how you can leverage the benefits of the cloud computing paradigm, laying out ten key steps you should take to transform your practice to a digital model based on cloud computing.John Higgins, CPA, CItP, Strategic technology Advisor, CPA Crossings, LLC

traCk: M&a Sponsored by MPs on M&aIn this insightful session, two managing partners with deep experience in accounting firm M&A offer their insights and experience direct from the trenches.Glenn Friedman, Co-Managing Partner Prager Metis International LLC Ronald L. Loberfeld, CPA, Principal, Managing Partner, Abrams Little-Gill Loberfeld PC

traCk: PraCtiCe ManaGeMent The anatomy of a fraud investigation this dynamic presentation follows a real-life fraud case from its discovery through its investigation and final resolution of criminal referral, working with the organization’s legal counsel, management and board. Lawrence Hoffman, CPA/CFF, CVA, CFE Senior Partner, Raffa, P.C.

10:00 a.m. – 10:45 a.m.networking and Refreshment break in the exhibit Hall

uSe PRoMo Code Br200 To RedeeM youR $200 diSCounT.aCt noW!


is yoUr firM PUrsUinG the riGht M&a strateGies?

10:45 a.m. – 11:35 a.m.traCk: tax

Tales of the Tax Return: discovering Client Gaps and PitfallsFrom personal returns through sophisticated entity returns, in this session you will learn the right questions to ask when reading a tax return for a client or prospect to discover their unmet needs and serve them at a level higher than most CPAs they’ve encountered. You’ll know when you are asking the right questions when your client looks at you and asks: “Why didn’t my prior accountant raise these issues?”John P. Napolitano CFP®, CPA, PFS, MStChairman & CEO, US Wealth Management

traCk: teChnoloGy Sponsored by

best Practices for local iT in the Cloudthis session will help guide new users into the cloud seamlessly. Find out what hardware, fi re-walls, wireless networks, printers, scanners and more will optimize your virtual offi ce experience, as well as learning more about integrating mobile devices and what security steps are required to eff ectively maintain your businesses’ client data.t.J. Shoessow, Chief technology Offi cerCloud9 Real time

traCk: PraCtiCe ManaGeMent Taking the lead in Thought leadershipContent is king, and the accounting fi rms that know it are emerging as true thought leaders. In this ses-sion, marketing experts will share the best content marketing strategies to diff erentiate your fi rm as a leader in the profession, from white papers and webinars to blogs and social media. they will off er specifi c examples and data on the success-ful methods thought leader fi rms have used to generate new business and build client loyalty and prestige.Moderator: Danielle Lee, Senior Editor, Accounting TodayPanelists: Bonnie Buol Ruszczyk, Presidentbbr marketingKen Lizott e, Chief Imaginative Offi cer Emerson Consulting Group Inc.Rob Nance, Director, Content & CommunityiShade the Accounting Profession Online

11:40 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.traCk: tax

Clearing up the Confusion: The latest on the Repair vs Cap Regsthis session will off er a current update on the Repair vs Capitalization regulations, including: history, new rules and changes, and several case studies. Gian Pazzia, Shareholder, KBKG Inc.

traCk: M&a Sponsored by Case Studies in M&aMost fi rms will only go through one or two mergers or acquisitions in their lifetimes – which means they don’t get a chance to get good at it. this session off ers real-life expertise from two fi rm leaders who’ve survived and thrived through a number of deals, as well as an overview of what’s happening right now in the M&A fi eld. Moderator: Max t. Krotman, JD, Managing PartnerGlobalforce International Inc. Panelists: Justin Schafer, JD, Director, UndewritingEastern United States, Bank of America Practice SolutionsNorman H. Schulman, CPA, PartnerSchulman Lobel Wolfson Zand Abruzzo Katzen & Blackman, LLPEugene Shalik, CPA, Managing PartnerShalik, Morris & Company, LLP

traCk: PraCtiCe ManaGeMentTying Performance Systems to Strategic Visionthis session will show the importance of gett ing partner goals and compensation aligned with the strategic initiatives of the fi rm. When a fi rm has an eff ective performance evaluation system and compensation system tied to performance, it outperforms its competitors.August Aquila, CEO, AQUILA Global Advisors, LLC

12:30 p.m. Conference adjourns

WHo sHould aTTend:Leaders from fi rms of all sizes, from sole practitioners and small fi rms right up to the top 100, including:

• Managing partners and partners

• Practice area leaders and senior managers

• Firm administrators, HR directors, marketing offi cers and other fi rm managers

• the rising generation of fi rm leaders

One State Street Plaza, 27th fl oor New

York, NY 10004

EXHIBItORS(As of July 12, 2013)

Bank of America Practice SolutionsCamico/Liberty International UnderwritersLockboxOffi ce tools Pro transition Advisors

SPONSORS

Sponsors & exhibitors

Registration and Hotel

Please visit the website for our cancellation policy and payment information.

Conference Pass $395 $495 $595

eXPiReS //13 //13 /2/13

REGIStRAtION HOtEL

Two easy Ways to Register:WeB: www.GroProSummit.comCall: Glen Vandusen at (212) 803-6072Use promo code Br200 to redeem your $200 discount.

SPONSOR & EXHIBItOR OPPORtUNItIESSponsorship and Exhibit Opportunities are available for Accounting Today’s Growth & Profi tability Summit. For more information please contact Jack Lynch at (212) 803-8803, or via email: [email protected]

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hilton orlanDo6001 Destination Parkway

orlando, fl 32819Tel: 1-407-313-4300Website: www.thehiltonorlando.comatt ire: Business Casual

Room Pricing: Single/Double - $185.00+ triple - $210.00+ Quad Rate - $235.00+

In addition to the room rate, a resort fee of $10.00 per room per night and applicable taxes will be added. You can make your reservations by calling the Resort directly at 1-407-313-4300 and ask for the Accounting today’s Growth & Profi tability Summit room. Cut off date for group rate is tuesday, September 24, 2013.

Please refer to hotel website for cancellation policy

and restrictions

NASBA Identifi cation Number #103487 SourceMedia Inc. is reg-istered with the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) as a sponsor of continuing professional education on the National Registry of CPE Sponsors. State boards of accoun-tancy have final author-ity on the acceptance of individual courses for CPE credit.

Complaints regarding registered sponsors may be addressed to the National Registry of CPE Sponsors, 150 Fourth Avenue North, Suite 700, Nashville, TN, 37219-2417. Web site: www.nasba.orgCourse Level: overview Anticipated CPE Credits: 19 CreditsInstructional Delivery Method: Group-live demonstration Prerequisites: NoneConference Level: All

Advance Preparation: NoneCourse objectives:A� er a� ending the conference, you will be able to:• The latest tax and regulatory

changes• New trends in the accounting

profession • New and emerging technolo-

gies for accountants

Documents

tH ANNUAL Growth& - Transition Advisors · business intelligence and mobile apps. Merging with or acquiring another fi rm is one of the biggest initiatives a fi rm can undertake,