Your membership payment was due July 1. Don’t miss out — renew now!
Renew
Conversations. Camaraderie. Career-Building.
Small firms, mighty impact. Get ready to brainstorm with your professional peers, friends and colleagues about how to overcome today’s biggest challenges. Our objective: to facilitate a meaningful exchange of ideas that address real world problems, surprises and paths to success, while attendees forge new connections vital to their profession.
OVERNIGHT ACCOMMODATIONSSpecial room rates are available at Treetops Resort in Gaylord. Please call 1-866-348-5249 and mention the code MICPA 2025 to receive our discounted pricing. The cutoff date to make a reservation at our discounted price is July 18, 2025.
CONFERENCE T-SHIRTEach registrant will receive one Small Firm Practitioner Conference T-shirt as part of their registration. When selecting sessions for the day please let us know which size t-shirt you would like.
PRICING DETAILSRegister early to take advantage of the best price! Please note, discounted pricing is already reflected in the online price. No promo code is needed.Through July 16: $212 MICPA Members/ $287 Non-Members July 17 - July 30: $222 MICPA Members/ $297 Non-MembersAugust 1 - August 13: $232 MICPA Members/ $307 Non-Members
Alliance Partner:
Champion Partners:
Program Sponsors:
Supporting Sponsors:
Photo Booth Sponsors:
After registering for this event, you can customize your sessions via 'My Registrations'
What’s Your “And”?: A People-Centric Approach to LeadershipRethink what professionalism means in today’s workplace by embracing the full humanity of your team. This session challenges traditional leadership models by highlighting the value of personal authenticity and connection. Explore how tapping into employees' outside-of-work passions can improve communication, strengthen culture, and foster an inclusive environment where everyone can thrive. Learn how prioritizing well-being and recognizing the diverse talents within your organization leads to stronger engagement and long-term success.John Garrett – Thought Provoker, Fort Collins, CO
09:10 AM - 10:00 AM
Crafting the Client Journey: Elevate, Engage, Excel Discover how intentional touchpoints can turn everyday client interactions into lasting relationships. Explore how to map the client journey, personalize communication, and integrate automation to deliver consistent value. Learn strategies to strengthen engagement, highlight value-added services, and create a client experience that supports retention and growth.Samantha Hallburn – Certified QuickBooks ProAdvisor, PBS Accounting and Tax Solutions & SAM Inc.
Federal Tax: Staying Sharp in a Shifting LandscapeOne of the most impactful changes to the federal tax code in 2025 includes the proposed continuation of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA). Explore the latest developments in federal tax, including expiring TCJA provisions, what proposed new tax may look like and how it will impact business and individual taxpayers, and other emerging tax issues.Douglas J. Van Der Aa, JD – Van Der Aa Tax Ed, LLC, Byron Center
10:15 AM - 11:05 AM
11:15 AM - 12:05 PM
Bring your best ideas, experiences and questions to swap with peers and other professionals during this moderated event.
01:05 PM - 01:55 PM
Employment Law: Non-Competes, Sick Time and Wages – Oh My!Michigan made headlines with sweeping changes to employment laws in 2024, many of which recently took effect in 2025. Review the top federal and state employment law updates, including the FTC non-compete ban, Michigan’s Earned Sick Time Act, the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act, new wage and hour rules and more. John Gardiner, JD – Bodman, PLC Grand Rapids
Preparation, Compilation & Review RefresherStay current with the latest AICPA standards for preparation, compilation, and review engagements in this practical refresher. Review key requirements under the SSARS, including documentation, engagement letters, reporting, and independence considerations. Gain clarity on recent updates and common problem areas to enhance compliance and deliver high-quality engagements with confidence.Shane Randell, CPA, MST – Managing Director, ATS Advisors, A CPA Firm, Plymouth
02:05 PM - 02:55 PM
AI for Accountants: A Practical Guide to ChatGPT and Data Security Walk through ChatGPT's complete ecosystem for enhanced practice efficiency. Explore the web interface, learn API integration basics for automating routine tasks, and understand enterprise-grade security features essential for data protection. Review practical workflow applications including document processing automation, and development of specialized AI assistants for tasks such as tax research.Hamid Vakilzadeh, PhD, CFE – Assistant Professor, Department of Accounting, University of Wisconsin-Whitewater, Whitewater, W
03:10 PM - 04:00 PM
Build It or Buy It? A Small Firm Panel PerspectiveIs it better to build a firm from the ground up or invest in a firm that already has steady clientele and good rapport? Explore each approach with a panel of experts to discuss the benefits and pitfalls of each, including opportunity cost, commitment, competition and other considerations. Zikora Okafor, CPA – Principal, Tri-City Business Services, Bay CityAndrew Wallner, CPA – Managing Partner, Tailored CPAs, P.C., MarquetteRobert E. Wexler, CPA – CPA and Co-Founder, PLW CPA, PLLC, Sterling HeightsModerator: Christopher Picciurro, CPA – Executive Officer & Co-Founder, Integrated CPA Group, Franklin, TN
04:10 PM - 05:00 PM
1099 Compliance By the Letter(s)As part of the IRS’ graduated approach to implementing the 1099-K reporting threshold set forth by the American Rescue Plan Act, calendar year 2025 will require third-party payment processors to provide a form for anyone that received more than $2,500 in payments. Review compliance issues regarding the 1099 alphabet and develop best practices for handling and correcting its various forms, including 1099-K. Marianne Couch, Esq – Owner, COKALA Tax Information Reporting Solutions, LLC, Ann Arbor
Elevating Your Firm’s Brand: Creating a Unique Client ExperienceTransform your accounting firm’s branding and client experience to stand out in a traditionally conservative industry. Gain practical strategies and tools to reimagine your brand, deliver exceptional client service, and position your firm as a forward-thinking leader.Keila Hill-Trawick, CPA, MBA – Founder & CEO, Little Fish Accounting, Washington, D.C.
05:15 PM - 07:00 PM
05:30 PM - 07:00 PM