2026 NJCPA Convention & Expo Keynote Speakers

Prepare for What’s Next in the Accounting Profession

These featured sessions will explore how accounting and finance professionals can adapt in an environment shaped by continuous change, technology and economic uncertainty. Take a practical look at curiosity, leadership, teamwork, AI and the current economy to better understand what is required to thrive in the profession. 

Diana Kander

Unleash Your Curiosity

Presented by Diana Kander, New York Times bestselling author

When professionals reach the “expert plateau,” learning slows and fresh ideas become harder to find. In this keynote, New York Times bestselling author, innovation consultant and serial entrepreneur Diana Kander will show you how to turn curiosity into a professional skill. She’ll tell you how to challenge assumptions, uncover better ways of working and deliver stronger outcomes. 

Morris Morrison

Disrupting Growth and Owning Opportunity

Presented by Morris Morrison, innovation consultant 

Change may be uncomfortable, but growth depends on it. Innovation consultant and author Morris Morrison will challenge you to abandon the need for certainty, embrace disruption and develop the discipline required to lead through change. Drawing on his work with global leaders at Fortune 50 companies and insights from his books Disrupt Yourself and Rise Anyway, Morris will empower you to own opportunity, stay connected with teams during transition and drive sustainable growth through leadership.

James Bourke

Next is Now: AI and the Future of Accounting — Transforming Every Corner of the Profession

Presented by James Bourke, CPA.CITP.CFF.CGMA, WithumSmith+Brown

The accounting profession has reached a tipping point, as artificial intelligence moves from a future concept to an everyday reality. Jim Bourke will explore the competitive advantages of early adoption and the risks of waiting to adapt. Drawing on his leadership at WithumSmith+Brown and HLB International, Jim will offer actionable strategies to stay relevant and innovative.

Joel Zeff

The TA DA of Teamwork: Succeeding During Change and Disruption

Presented by Joel Zeff, workplace culture expert, bestselling author and improvisational humorist

In today’s fast-changing workplace, we are all improvising, especially when it comes to facing disruption. In this highly interactive and entertaining session, Joel Zeff uses the principles of improvisation to show how teams can build trust, support one another and create opportunities during times of change. Through humor, engaging exercises and passages from his book Make the Right Choice, Joel will challenge you to ask the critical question, “How do I help the people around me be successful?” The result is laughter-filled experience that celebrates productivity, passion and innovation.

Scott Clemons

The State of the Economy and Markets in 2026

Presented by G. Scott Clemons, CFA, Brown Brothers Harriman & Co.

In this timely economic update, Scott Clemons, partner and chief investment strategist, will examine what’s driving growth and where emerging risks may lie as we move through 2026. Drawing on deep expertise in financial markets, investing and macroeconomic trends, Scott will cover topics such as household financial health, inflation and interest rate dynamics, policy uncertainty under the Trump. With frequent insights featured in The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, CNBC and Bloomberg TV, Scott is an expert in navigating risks and uncertainty.