Experience an inspiring real-world success story highlighting the journey of two businesses working together, shedding light on the obstacles they overcame and their achievements. As a generational talent shortage grips the industry, tax and accounting firms are having to do more with less.  At the same time, expectations for client experience have never been higher. In this session, we’ll cover how automation software improves efficiency, streamlines workflows, and minimizes or even completely removes tedious manual tasks, all while empowering firms to deliver an unrivaled client experience. Learn how these tools empower your team to deliver a superior client experience while positioning your firm for sustainable growth.

What you’ll learn:

In this session, Nathen will share Whitley Penn’s journey of considering private equity funding, providing an in-depth look at the considerations and evaluations that ultimately led the firm to step away from pursuing PE investment. He’ll discuss key factors such as maintaining control over the firm’s strategic direction, preserving partner influence and majority equity, ensuring the appeal of a partner-track career path for rising CPAs, and safeguarding the firm’s culture and core values. This session will provide valuable lessons for firms navigating their own growth and funding decisions.

What you’ll learn:

As artificial intelligence becomes a cornerstone of professional workflows, accounting firms are discovering its potential to enhance efficiency, generate insights, and deliver a competitive edge. This panel will explore AI’s transformative impact on the profession, from streamlining operations and reducing errors to empowering staff with AI-driven tools and insights.

Do you call yourself an Advisor, but instead you find you are stuck in the compliance work? Alternatively, maybe you are uncomfortable learning the advisory skills needed and instead choose to do the accounting work because it is more familiar ? Being an Advisor is a mindset. It is the relationship that the client desires so they can translate what the financial results of the business are telling them. During this session we will cover the 5 Traits to Activate the Advisory Mindset!

What you’ll learn:

Immerse yourself in a delicious lunch, discover cutting-edge tech solutions, and engage in valuable networking opportunities with like-minded attendees on the Floor.

In an era of constant change, many accounting practices can grow unwieldy—overrun by complexity, ad-hoc processes and scattered systems. In this session, we’ll explore how The Simple Firm model restores focus and intentionality by centering on five essential attributes: a clear, intentional business model; a streamlined technology stack; deeper, higher-value client engagements; an unforgettable client experience; and a culture that makes your firm a great place to work. You’ll walk away with practical strategies to simplify operations, boost profitability and create a thriving environment for both your team and clients.

What you’ll learn: 

The accounting industry is grappling with talent shortages, increasing client demands, and mounting pricing pressures. While AI is often seen as a tool for efficiency, relying solely on AI automation falls short of addressing these challenges. When fully embraced, AI can be a transformative force—redefining how firms scale capacity, optimize processes, and elevate the client experience. 

In this session, discover how AI technologies, including AI agents, are enabling firms to take on more engagements without increasing headcount. Learn how AI goes beyond task automation to orchestrate workflows, improve decision-making, and empower teams to more easily meet client demands.

Using real-world examples, we will illustrate how AI is reshaping the future of accounting and provide a practical roadmap to help your firm thrive. Whether you’re exploring AI for the first time or refining your strategy, this session will equip your firm to maintain its competitive edge and leadership.

What you’ll learn:

In a world where top talent seeks purpose and play, gamification offers accounting a fresh edge. This session unveils how firms can use game-based tactics—from skill badges to team competitions—to attract and retain engaged, motivated professionals. Discover how CPAcon leverages gamification to make accounting interactive and community-driven. Walk away with actionable ideas to build a vibrant, loyalty-rich culture that not only attracts talent but keeps them for the long haul. 

What you’ll learn:

With increased consolidation and competition from outside partners, M&A has become a strategy for survival. Many firms are rethinking their approach to growth based on current market conditions caused by the volatile M&A activity. Discover what progressive firms are changing and monitoring to maximize their value regardless if they plan to pursue an M&A transaction or remain entirely independent.

What you’ll learn:

This session will provide practical guidance on determining if an upward merger, outside investment, or remaining independent is the best move for your firm. Learn about the unique potential opportunities and risks associated with your firm’s determined path moving forward.

AI and automation are no longer buzzwords – they are essential tools for modernizing accounting firms. In this forward-looking session, Brent will share how Aprio’s AI-driven transformation has eliminated tens of thousands of manual hours, increased capacity, and set the firm on a path to double or quadruple revenue in key work streams by 2026. Attendees will gain actionable strategies for leveraging AI to streamline workflows, sustain profitability, and lead change in their firms.

What you’ll learn: