128th Annual Meeting Agenda

12:00 p.m.

Exhibit Hall and Registration Opens

Loews Philadelphia Hotel - Commonwealth Prefunction

 2:00–2:50 p.m.

1-OtherTax Incentives for PA Manufacturers: Industry Case Studies

Manufacturing is the state’s largest economic sector, comprising 13% of Pennsylvania’s economic output. The sector is constantly innovating, and is currently undergoing a technological transformation. The size and specialization of manufacturing facilities make them excellent candidates for real-estate-based incentives such as cost segregation, bonus depreciation, and the EPAct 179D deduction, which rewards companies that create or improve products or processes.

This session will help attendees recognize opportunities for their M&D clients. Over a dozen real-life examples will be reviewed to illustrate the scope of applications and potential benefits.

 2:50–3:40 p.m.

1-EthicsFraud and Financial Statement Audits

• Review recent fraud cases and discuss the ramifications of these frauds on the relevance of audits
• Consider evolving audit standards related to fraud, including those from the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board, the International Auditing & Assurance Standards Board, and the AICPA Audit Standards Board
  

 3:40–4:30 p.m.

1-TaxMaximizing Growth through Tax Incentives: R&D Credits and the 179D Deduction

• Explore how small firms—and the CPAs who advise them—can leverage federal and state incentives to modernize operations and drive growth
• By demystifying the R&D tax credit and 179D energy-efficient building deduction, learn practical strategies for reinvesting in innovation, enhancing sustainability, and transforming business processes
• Gain actionable insights to apply these benefits directly to firms or to provide valuable guidance to clients, enabling firm-wide transformation and success

 7:00 – 8:00 a.m.

Breakfast, Exhibit Hall & Registration

In addition to visiting our sponsors, take part in an exciting raffle benefiting the Pennsylvania CPA Foundation. Your contribution helps fund scholarships, educational programs, and career awareness initiatives that empower the next generation of accounting professionals across Pennsylvania. Winners will be selected at the reception on Tuesday night. You must be present to win. 

Loews Philadelphia Hotel - Millennium Hall/Commonwealth Prefunction

 8:30 – 8:45 a.m.

Welcome and Morning Announcements

 8:45 – 10:00 a.m.

1.5-OtherProfessional Issues Update

PICPA CEO Jen Cryder will share insights gained from the national landscape, Pennsylvania State Board of Accountancy, Pennsylvania legislature, and NASBA, and discuss what PICPA is doing on your behalf specifically regarding the pipeline and forces shaping the profession.

 10:30 – 11:45 a.m.

1.5-OtherKeynote: Firm Business Model Transformation

Our executive panel, featuring leaders from firms including Herbein and Windsor Path, will discuss:

• How various ownership structures influence talent attraction, technology investment, client service, and overall firm strategy, highlighting the reasons behind each firm's chosen path
• Lessons for smaller firms on staying competitive amidst rapid innovation, PICPA's role across different structures, and the future of firm business models

12:00 – 1:40 p.m.

1-OtherAnnual Business Meeting and Lunch

Join us for PICPA's 128th Annual Business Meeting! Hear from our current and incoming presidents as they share their vision for the future of the PICPA. Celebrate the installation of new officers and elected committee members, and reflect on the highlights and achievements of the past year.

 2:00–2:50 p.m.

1-OtherPA Governor's Office Update

The Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) is working to improve processes and procedures across state government operations, with a focus on the Department of Revenue. Chief Transformation Officer Ben Kirshner will offer an update on new initiatives and updates to tax reform measures, economic development programs, permitting and more.

 2:50–3:40 p.m.

1-OtherBusiness Transformation through Offshoring: A Case Study

Caramel Advisors will explain the basics and nuances of offshoring and describe a case study that covers business transformation using offshore accounting services. Caramel is a proud partner of the PICPA and has vast experience in supporting small businesses and CPA firms with highly qualified resources from their India offices.

 3:40–4:30 p.m.

1-OtherThink AI-First and Future-Proof Your Firm

AI-first firms are more efficient, better at problem-solving, offer smarter advice, and stay ahead of client needs by applying AI to real-world challenges.

• Learn how AI can transform workflows, simplify complex data, and uncover insights that would otherwise take hours or be missed
• Understand how AI enhances accounting practices, enabling a shift from compliance to strategic advisory services
• Discover the importance of accountants coaching AI, applying creativity, and using it to make informed decisions
• Firms leveraging AI to analyze and organize unstructured data (e.g., emails, invoices) gain a competitive edge

Thank you to our sponsors: