- Assess the impact of TCJA extensions or expirations and other federal tax changes on businesses and clients.
- Identify security concerns when integrating AI-powered tools into your practice.
- Evaluate key updates in federal and state employment laws, including the FTC non-compete ban and Michigan’s Earned Sick Time Act.
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 ACCOMMODATIONS
Special room rates are available at Treetops Resort in
Gaylord based on availability. Please call 1-866-348-5249 and mention the code
MICPA 2025 to receive our discounted pricing.
In the event that Treetops Resort is sold out, special room rates are also available at the Comfort Inn & Suites in Gaylord based on availability. Please call 989-217-9700 and mention the Michigan Association of CPAs Annual Conference to receive discounted pricing.
CONFERENCE T-SHIRT
Each 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 DETAILS
Register 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-Members
August 1 - August 13: $232 MICPA Members/ $307
Non-Members
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Photo Booth Sponsors:
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Reception Sponsor & Music Bingo Sponsor 8/13:
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After registering for this event, you can customize your sessions via 'My Registrations'
Keynote Presentation: What’s Your “And”?: A People-Centric Approach to Leadership 1.0 OT Details
What’s Your “And”?: A People-Centric Approach to
Leadership
Rethink 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
Landscape
One 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
Although they are the most common entity for small and mid-sized business, financial (book) accounting for partnerships and LLCs are rarely discussed. Examine the proper financial accounting for partnerships and LLCs, with a focus on the importance of capital accounts and GAAP capital accounting using Bonus or Goodwill method.
Douglas J. Van Der Aa, JD – Van Der Aa Tax Ed, LLC, Byron Center
While there are many reasons married couples file joint returns, there are also drawbacks to doing so. Examine the most common risks associated with filing joint returns, including shared liability, innocent/injured spouse claims, and explore the process for case resolutions as well as considerations for widows and divorcees.
Angelene Wierzbic, EA, CTRS – Lawler & Witkowski, Williamsville, NY
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
Refresher
Stay 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
For the majority of taxpayers, estate taxes do not come into play when estate planning but there are plenty of other considerations that do. Outline the critical components of estate planning for the average taxpayer, including up-to-date lifetime documents, wills, beneficiaries, long-term care planning, inheritances and more.
Mary Ann Wehr, JD, LL.M. – Great Lakes Center for Estate Planning PLC, Traverse City
03:10 PM - 04:00 PM
Build It or Buy It? A Small Firm Panel
Perspective
Is 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 City
Andrew Wallner, CPA – Managing
Partner, Tailored CPAs, P.C., Marquette
Robert E. Wexler,
CPA – CPA and Co-Founder, PLW CPA, PLLC, Sterling Heights
Moderator:
Christopher Picciurro, CPA – Executive Officer &
Co-Founder, Integrated CPA Group, Franklin, TN
Learn about the 5 moments of truth in leading yourself and others. Understand that it is not what happens to you that will make or break you as a person but how you choose to respond to what happens to you. Each moment of truth builds on the previous moment to maintain your peace in chaotic times.
Lizabeth Wiggins, MS, LLP, CPC – Principal, Transitions Training LLC, Farmington
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 Experience
Transform 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
Member
Non-Member