7-8:30 a.m. — Registration and Continental Breakfast
8-10 a.m. — Welcome and Opening Remarks
Don Meyer, CAE — NJCPA
Future-Proof Yourself: Innovate and Thrive in Times of Uncertainty (2 credits, SK)
Crystal Washington, CSP, CPAE — CWM Enterprises
The new normal of consistent change is leaving leaders concerned about being left behind. Instead of implementing half-baked, panic-driven ideas, it’s time to identify the Easter eggs the future has left for us. Technology futurist Crystal Washington will show you how to innovate, thrive and enjoy the ride. Understand the gifts the future really has to offer, allowing you to shape and manipulate for your ultimate outcomes. Identify the most under-utilized Easter eggs of innovation...which you already have in your basket. Create a framework to future-proof your career and organization...and avoid getting scrambled.
10-10:15 a.m. — Coffee Break
10:15-11:30 a.m. — An Insider’s Guide to the New Reality in DC and New Jersey (1.5 credits, SK)
David Wasserman — The Cook Political Report with Amy Walter and contributor to NBC News
Sponsored by:
11:30 a.m.-1:15 p.m. — Lunch/Expo Floor
Sponsored by:
11:45 a.m.-12:45 p.m. — Emerging Leaders Lunch
Join fellow early career professionals to make new connections and expand your professional network.
1:30-3:10 p.m. — Breakout Sessions (2 credits)
1. Accounting Update (AA)
Peter Zender, CPA — Galasso Learning Solutions
The session will review the Accounting Standard Updates effective in 2024 for public entities, private entities and nonprofits as well as the items coming down the pike. Understand what you need to know to be ready for implementation.
2. Individual Tax Update (TX)
Deborah A. Phillips, CPA, MST — Surgent Professional Education
It’s more important than ever to understand the latest individual tax law developments and the corresponding or responsive planning tactics available to your clients. Hear the latest developments and get the best tax-saving strategies for individuals. Topics will include legislation, case law and IRS regulations, rulings and pronouncements.
3. What Walt Disney Taught Me (MT)
Ronald J. Baker, CPA — VeraSage Institute and radio talk show host
What would happen if Disney ran CPA firms? This session explores the many lessons Ron has learned from Walt Disney, as well as graduating from Disney University. These lessons are timeless reminders of the importance of customer service and experience as well as continuous innovation — what Walt called plussing.
4. Developing Your Personal Brand for Networking Success (PD)
Nicole DeRosa, CPA, MAcc — SKC & Co CPAs, LLC
A personal brand is your story. Having a well-defined personal brand can not only help you cultivate powerful connections, but also set you apart. Learn what you need to build your personal brand and understand how your reputation and relationships can impact that brand. Additionally, we’ll walk through how to identify your personal brand and steps you can take to build it.
Hosted by the Emerging Leaders Interest Group
5. Hands-on AI Workshop (SK)
Melissa Dardani, CPA, CFE, MAcc — MD Advisory Services
6. Board of Trustees Meeting
3:10-3:50 p.m. — Networking with Sponsors & Exhibitors/Refreshment Break
3:50-5:30 p.m. — Breakout Sessions (2 credits)
1. Recent Auditing & SSARS Guidance (AA)
Peter Zender, CPA — Galasso Learning Solutions
The AICPA’s Auditing Standards Board (ASB) has several large projects that will be impacting entities in the near future. We’ll take a deep dive into the changes related to quality management as well as group audits. This session will keep auditors up to date on the work of the ASB.
2. Business Tax Update (TX)
Deborah A. Phillips, CPA, MST — Surgent Professional Education
Keep abreast of tax changes affecting business clients and employers. Explore the latest updates related to pass-through entities and focus on tax-planning strategies and techniques related to S corporations, partnerships, LLCs and LLPs. Topics will include new tax legislation, case law and the most recent IRS regulations.
3. 6 Key Components to Running Your Business (MT)
Richard McLaughlin, MA
This session will help you clarify your long-term vision and the plan for getting there. Understand how getting the right people into the right seats will set them up for success. Learn the key metrics that are important to running a business, and get disciplined about working ON the business while running the business.
4. Top Five Business Myths and a Town Hall with Ron Baker (MT)
Ronald J. Baker, CPA — VeraSage Institute and radio talk show host
Ideas have consequences, and bad ideas are a competitive disadvantage. Many myths exist about business and it would be more optimal to discard these bad ideas. Learn why so much of the conventional business wisdom is more conventional than actual wisdom and find out how to overcome the top five myths and focus on what truly matters in your organization. We’ll have an open forum to discuss this and other ideas that matter most to you. Whether it’s about business model innovation, strategy and positioning, pricing strategies, the future of accounting, navigating client relationships, or what it means to be a professional, no topic is off limits.
5. From A to CPA
Peter Olinto — UWorld
This session will cover all the best practices for CPA Exam success including
course and credit selection; comprehensive review of the exam sections and their respective content as well as the relationship between the Core and Disciplines; review of the disciplines; a comprehensive step-by-step approach to best practices for exam study and exam day tips; time management; scheduling; and exam day best practices. If you’re serious about passing the exam and want to prepare to do it on your first attempt, this is the session for you.
6. Skills to Future-Proof the Accounting Profession (SK)
Melissa Dardani, CPA, CFE, MAcc — MD Advisory Services
Dr. Miklos Vasarhelyi —– Rutgers Business School
7. NJCPA Leader Training
This session will provide practical, easy-to-follow how-tos to help NJCPA leaders successfully carry out their responsibilities. Learn how to be a responsible board member or how to operate a chapter or committee. NJCPA staff and 2025/26 President John Sczcomak, CPA, will provide the guidance leaders at all levels need. Topics will include motivating volunteers, communicating more effectively, sharing best practices and handling challenges. This session is required for all 2025/26 NJCPA leaders.
Sponsored by:
5:30-7 p.m. — Reception
Head back to the Expo Floor to network with attendees, sponsors and exhibitors while enjoying heavy appetizers and drinks.
9-11 p.m. — After-Dinner Drinks
7-9 a.m. — Breakfast with Sponsors & Exhibitors
8-9 a.m. — ChatGPT, AI and Beyond (1 credit, SK)
Gene Marks, CPA — The Marks Group PC
You’ve read about ChatGPT, Microsoft Copilot, Google Gemini, Nvidia, Einstein and other AI tools that will be changing the way we work, both in the short and longer term. As a business leader, you want to leverage this technology to increase both productivity and profits. So, what should you know now? Where should you be investing? During this fast-moving, informative and entertaining presentation, Gene will share his thoughts on the biggest technology and AI trends that will affect the accounting profession in the near and long term and help you make the right investment decisions.
9-10 a.m. — Three Jaw-Dropping, Real-World Fraud Cases and What We Can Learn from Them (1 credit, AA)
Greg Kyte, CPA, and Caleb Newquist — "Oh My Fraud" Podcast
No organization is exempt from the possibility of becoming a victim of fraud — everyone is exposed to the threat. There are no silver bullets. In this engaging and entertaining presentation, Caleb and Greg will unpack three massive fraud cases with crazy stories, enumerating what the victims did wrong and what the fraudsters did right.
10-10:45 a.m. — Networking with Sponsors & Exhibitors/Refreshment Break
10:45 a.m.-12 p.m. — Breakout Sessions (1.5 credits)
1. New Quality Management Standards (AA)
Renee Rampulla, CPA, CGMA — Rampulla Advisory Services, LLC
2. Session TBA (TX)
Edward K. Zollars, CPA — Thomas Zollars & Lynch, Ltd.
3. Big Picture and Mega Trends (MT)
Robert Mims, CPA — The Knowledge Institute
It’s easy to get caught up in work, but it’s important to examine the ‘big picture’ by studying the outside factors that impact our business beyond our internal processes and day-to-day responsibilities. We are sometimes so busy with our tasks that we miss new developments until the developments have a profound impact on us and the organization. Review many of these current trends, while thinking and discussing how these trends can impact our organizations and us.
4. Taking Accountability by Fully Showing Up (PD)
Richard McLaughlin MA — EOS Worldwide
Explore the three choices available to every adversity, understand how setting clear boundaries allows you to extend infinite empathy, and learn the question you should ask each day to remind you of your commitment to the future.
5. Transforming Tomorrow: Developing Future Leaders with Business Acumen and Transformational Leadership Skills (PD)
Rachel Anevski, MAOB, PHR, SHRM-CP — Matters of Management
To succeed in today’s dynamic business environment, it’s important to invest in cultivating future leaders who not only possess technical expertise but also have strong business acumen and transformational leadership skills. Drawing upon insights from the book, Accounting for Times, Evolve or Dissolve, and Rachel’s capstone research on retention strategies, attendees will hear practical ways to train and develop the next generation of leaders who can navigate the challenges ahead, fostering resilience, adaptability and innovation within their firms.
6. Maximizing Client Value through Process Automation (SK)
Ryan Warnet, CPA, MSA — Four Zero Nine Solutions
Explore how process automation can help firms reduce the time spent on “busy work,” streamline operations and focus on delivering higher-value advisory services to clients. Understand how to shift from transactional work to strategic work, and learn practical steps for implementing automation.
Sponsored by:
12-1:15 p.m. — Lunch/Expo Floor
1:15-2:30 p.m. — Breakout Sessions (1.5 credits)
1. Implementing Quality Management Standards for Small Firms (AA)
June Toth, CPA, CFF, CITP, CGMA — WilkenGuttenplan
This session is tailored for small firms and will provide practical guidance on effectively implementing AICPA’s new Quality Management Standards. Learn how to identify and assess risks, establish responsive policies and integrate the standards into daily operations to enhance efficiency and compliance. Whether you’re starting from scratch or refining your existing approach, this session will equip you with actionable strategies to navigate these transformative changes.
Hosted by the Accounting & Auditing Standards Interest Group
2. Session TBA (TX)
Edward K. Zollars, CPA — Thomas Zollars & Lynch, Ltd.
3. Storytelling and Presentation Skills for the Virtual and Live World (PD)
Robert Mims, CPA — The Knowledge Institute
Explore the fundamentals of storytelling, including how to structure a narrative, the importance of emotional connection and techniques to make financial insights more relatable. Through telling stories, participants will learn how to use the narrative to drive decision-making, foster collaboration and shape organizational culture. And whether you’re presenting virtually or in person, the way you communicate can significantly impact your audience’s understanding and response. Learn the process of building an effective presentation roadmap, focusing on defining key themes, structuring content logically and delivering with confidence. You'll learn techniques to make complex financial data more digestible and strategies to engage different types of audiences, whether you’re speaking to a virtual room or a live audience.
4. Fostering Innovation and Adaptability (PD)
Thomas Metelski, PCC, CPA — Jump Coaching
Find out how to encourage a values-driven approach to innovation by aligning corporate values with a culture of curiosity and open-mindedness. Understand how to foster an environment where innovative ideas thrive and employees feel empowered to contribute creatively. Learn how to build adaptability through emotional intelligence and how to equip teams with emotional intelligence skills, such as self-awareness and empathy, allowing organizations to navigate change more effectively, encouraging agility and resilience in the face of disruption.
5. Understanding and Talking to Clients About Crypto (SK)
Dr. Sean Stein Smith, DBA, CPA — Lehman College
Hear a market update and trend analysis of both the crypto asset landscape and AI developments. In addition, learn about actionable business items and steps to discuss these trends — as well as implementation steps — with clients. Examples and external resources will be provided, as well as time being allotted for Q&A.
6. Retaining Your New and Future Hires Through CPA Exam Success (MT)
Peter Olinto, CFA, J.D., CPA (inactive) — UWorld
With the current pipeline pressure, new employees are transitioning among firms and leaving public accounting in staggering numbers. Learn how early CPA Exam success can help stabilize your workforce and the pipeline for managers.
2:30-2:45 p.m. — Break
2:45-3:45 p.m. — State of the NJCPA (1 credit, SK)
The NJCPA Annual Business Meeting will help you stay abreast of the status and health of the organization, learn about new business developments and introduce you to the 2025/26 Board of Trustees, chapter board members and leaders of committees and interest groups.
3:45-4 p.m. — Break
4-5 p.m. — Learn to Love the Turbulence: Create a Flight Plan to Clear Any Goal for Take-Off (1 credit, PD)
Amelia Rose Earhart, around-the-world pilot and author
It would be great if all our goals could be reached without any disruption, but the reality is, reaching new heights requires us to get comfortable with the possibility of turbulence. Preparedness and understanding are the strongest antidotes to turbulence. Drawing upon her upcoming book, Learn to Love the Turbulence: Flight Lessons on Becoming the Pilot in Command of Your Own Journey, Amelia shares what it takes to create a solid flight plan to reach any goal, identify and assess risk, and formulate backup plans to prepare for disruption, adversity and challenges. Learn how forecasting and proper planning can prepare us to make even the most difficult journeys. Find out how to use 360-degree thinking to gain confidence in course correcting through and around major challenges. And understand the importance of “aviate, navigate, communicate,” which allows us to distribute responsibility and prioritize appropriate action in times of stress and confusion.
Entertainment sponsor:
6:30-11:30 p.m. — Closing Dinner and Entertainment
Thursday evening is the highlight of the Convention & Expo. The night begins with an elegant sit-down dinner, celebrating NJCPA's outgoing and incoming leaders. Afterward, the ballroom transforms into a whimsical carnival with games like Skee Ball, axe throwing and basketball. Enjoy prizes, friendly competition, caricature drawings and airbrushed tattoos. It’s an unforgettable evening of fun, connection and celebration.
Sponsored by:
7:30-8:15 a.m. — Breakfast
8:15-9:15 a.m. — The State of the Economy and Markets in 2024 (1 credit, EC)
Scott Clemons, CFA — Brown Brothers Harriman & Co.
9:15-10:30 a.m. — New Jersey Economic and Business Roundtable (1.5 credits, EC)
Moderator: Jeff Kaszerman — NJCPA Vice President of Government Relations
Panelists: Scott Clemons, CFA — Brown Brothers Harriman & Co.
Additional panelists TBA
Our panelists will discuss key economic issues facing businesses and individuals in New Jersey. Find out what the public and private sectors need to do now in order to make New Jersey an attractive place to live and do business.
10:30-10:45 a.m. — Break
10:45 a.m.-12 p.m. — Breakout Sessions (1.5 credits)
1. Accountants’ Role in Mergers & Acquisitions (AA)
2. Session TBA (TX)
3. Recharge and Thrive: Conquering Burnout (PD)
Michael Tiger, MBA, CPA — Michael Tiger Coaching
Burnout affects 89% of U.S. workers and 99% of accountants, with many unaware of the impact until it’s too late. The consequences range from chronic stress and reduced productivity to strained relationships and diminished life satisfaction. Discover practical strategies to help yourself and your team to increase energy and reduce stress; improve focus, time management and productivity; set healthy boundaries for work-life balance; enhance overall well-being and life satisfaction; and recognize and prevent burnout before it escalates.
4. Transforming Accounting Practices with Technology: Expert Insights for Future-Ready Firms (SK)
Nick Boscia, CPA, EA — Boscia & Boscia PC
Learn how traditional accounting firms can thrive in the digital age by adopting cutting-edge technology. This session covers strategies for integrating automation tools, advanced platforms and other tech innovations to improve scalability and operational efficiency. Gain actionable insights on overcoming change resistance, selecting suitable technologies and maintaining a tech-forward mindset to stay competitive in a rapidly evolving industry.
5. Emerging Threats and Defenses in Cybersecurity (SK)
Jim Ambrosini, CISA, CRISC, CISSP, CMMC- RP, QTE — CompassMSP
This session will cover critical topics including the evolving nature of cybersecurity threats, emerging defenses against these threats and the role of senior management in enhancing cybersecurity. Learn about recent high-profile breaches, the factors contributing to increased risks and effective strategies for identifying vulnerabilities and responding to incidents effectively. Delve into the implications of artificial intelligence on cybersecurity, emerging threats such as ransomware and deepfakes, and the importance of robust cybersecurity governance.