Karl Ahlrichs, SPHR
Business Learning Institute , Towson, MD

Gain fresh insight into guiding your staff through the "people side" of modern workplace issues. Receive a reality-based set of tactics to help you and your staff thrive in the future. The discussion will focus on a series of topics, including anticipating change, client needs, development, engagement, greatness and the next generation.

Arthur Auerbach, CPA, CGMA
owner / Arthur Auerbach CPA , Atlanta, GA

Discussion will concern the PPP loans (particularly the effect on pass-through entities), changes in retirement accounts and updated numbers for 2021. Should the new federal administration introduce tax legislation, we will review the proposals. Also, there will be a discussion of Georgia and the neighboring jurisdictions' nexus and conformity requirements. There are several NOL and depreciation choices, and the choice of accounting method if the business's gross receipts are less than $26 million.

Ryan Bowman
Chick-fil-A, Inc. , Atlanta, GA

Explore the story of Chick-fil-A and the critical milestones that shaped the culture and led to the success of one of America's most loved brands and favorite restaurants.

Scott R. Whalen, CPA
Tax Staff / Smith & Howard, PC , Atlanta, GA

Nicole D. Davis, CPA
Tax Staff / Smith & Howard, PC , Atlanta, GA

Analyze and discuss the 2020 CARES Act and 2021 Consolidated Appropriations Act, including first and second round PPP forgiveness and Employer Retention Credit opportunities. 

Donald H. Bravaldo III, CPA
President / Bravaldo Capital Advisors, Inc, , Atlanta, GA

As 2021 brings hopes of a better year for people worldwide, business owners, buyers and deal makers here in the U.S. are eager for insights into the M&A environment. Examine a range of topics, including lower middle market M&A, 2020 recap and a 2021 update, pandemic impacts on the M&A process, preparing a business for sale, and how an M&A advisor adds value to your exit and an e-commerce case study.

Karl Ahlrichs, SPHR
Business Learning Institute , Towson, MD

Examine multiple viewpoints on ethics and leadership and apply them to the challenge of building an inclusive culture. New ethical challenges and how they pertain to diversity and social responsibility will be covered, and advanced methods for training others in these issues. Begin with fresh data on the metrics that matter, leading to significant ethical challenges on the horizon. All of this will be mapped on top of a brief review of fundamental economic data and client service framework.

Donny Shimamoto, CITP, CGMA
IntrapriseTechKnowlogies LLC , Honolulu, HI

Headlines abound saying that Robotic Process Automation (RPA) and artificial intelligence (AI) will eliminate the need for accountants. In reality, RPA and AI provide an excellent opportunity for accountants to automate more routine procedures and focus on delivering more value-added insights to help improve an organization's performance or risk mitigation. Conversely, the use of AI can also have some adverse results if not managed properly. Accountants must be aware of these risks and work to ensure that the proper controls are in place to manage an organization's operational and financial risks associated with automation and AI. Learn more about these technologies and their implications to the skills and knowledge needed to be an effective management accountant.

Donald H. Bravaldo III, CPA
President / Bravaldo Capital Advisors, Inc, , Atlanta, GA

Join our distinguished group of CFO's as they discuss dealing with various issues, including working remotely, loss of revenue, business growth, essential, non-essential business closures, supply chain shocks, PPP loans, employee and HR COVID-19 challenges. They will also review expectations for their organizations and departments' future, general outlook on the economy, ongoing COVID-19 challenges, lasting changes to old business practices, future physical space needs, and a CFO's role in preparing to re-enter the office.

Jeffrey Dorfman
University of Georgia , Athens, GA

Georgia State Economist, Jeffrey Dorfman, will discuss the economic outlook for both the region and the nation

Jennifer Louis
Emergent Solutions Group , Charlotte, NC

Whether you work in public practice or industry, it is crucial to stay abreast of the recent and upcoming changes to generally accepted accounting principles promulgated by the FASB. Receive important highlights of and practical insights behind accounting, financial reporting and disclosure changes applicable to both public and nonpublic entities. 

John F. Winter
Cushman & Wakefield of GA, Inc. , Atlanta, GA

Antonio Cardone
Cushman & Wakefield of GA, Inc. , Atlanta, GA

Christa Dilalo
Cushman & Wakefield of GA, Inc. , Atlanta, GA

David Smith
Cushman & Wakefield of GA, Inc. , Atlanta, GA

One thing is clear – the purpose of the office workplace is changing. The pandemic-induced work from home (WFH) experiment has altered work, flexibility, and office perspectives. Cushman & Wakefield partnered with top researchers from George Washington University to explore potential outcomes for the office's future. Address critical questions such as: what purpose does the office serve now and in the future; how will that purpose impact how occupiers think about their portfolio footprints; location strategy and office layouts; what are the implications of the changing nature of the workplace on office owners, corporate users, and civic leaders; and how much WFH penetration should we expect.

Jennifer Louis
Emergent Solutions Group , Charlotte, NC

Examine the big picture related to conceptual, operational and strategic objectives of treasury management. Learn the treasury management function's organizational structure, including applications for small, medium and large companies. Also, address concepts of working capital management, as well as fraud detection and prevention.

Alfred J. Saikali
Chair, Privacy and Data Security / Shook, Hardy & Bacon LLP , Kansas City, MO

Learn about some of the most significant cybersecurity risks to businesses, such as ransomware and business email compromises. Companies that experience these cybersecurity issues may face
legal obligations to notify consumers, employees and regulatory authorities. They may also face class action lawsuits, publicity nightmares or regulatory enforcement actions. Explore some of the proactive risk minimization steps companies can take before an incident to minimize the post-incident legal risks.  Hear about the first things organizations must do to respond to data incidents and the law governing data incidents. 

Robert King
SVP / Ameris Bank , Atlanta, GA

Discuss the role of a banker, the five Cs of credit, how to apply for a loan and what to include in a loan package, current environment and basic terms, important do's and don'ts and common questions.

Karolina Calhoun
Mercer Capital Management , Memphis, TN

Valuations of a closely held business in the context of litigation can be multifaceted and may require additional forensic investigative scrutiny. As such, it is essential to consider the potential forensic implications of valuation adjustments as they may lead to other analyses. Learn how to evaluate financial statement adjustments and corresponding implications and interpret forensic services' needs because of valuation adjustments, such as tracing services, income determination, and other analyses.

David Peters
AICPA , Durham, NC

Study how investment theory has changed over time, how our notions of diversification have changed, factoring and some of the main factor models, and where investing is going in the future.