129th Annual Meeting Agenda

12:00 p.m.

Exhibit Hall and Registration Opens

Start things off at registration and get ready for an exciting event ahead. Pick up your name tag, explore the venue, and connect with fellow attendees and sponsors as we set the stage for the days to come.

Colonnade Ballroom/Constitution Hall

 2:00–2:50 p.m.

1-OtherHappy Teams Build Better Firms

In an AI-first world, the firms that win won’t be the ones that push their people harder. It will be the ones that support them better. Too many accounting firms are still measuring success by hours worked instead of value created. The result? Burned-out teams, disengaged staff, and client experiences that feel transactional rather than trusted. AI allows firms to change that. It’s not about replacing people, either. It’s rethinking how work gets done, how performance is measured, and what behaviors are truly rewarded. In this session, we’ll explore how AI can be used as a workforce development tool, helping firms create happier, more fulfilled teams while delivering better client experiences. You’ll learn why not all billable hours are created equal, how focusing on client experience reshapes performance metrics, and how firms can use AI to elevate the work that actually builds trust and loyalty. You’ll gain a new perspective on workforce development — one that aligns people, technology and client outcomes — and practical ideas for using AI to support the work your best people already do best.

Attendees will learn:

• How AI can support workforce development
• How a CX-first mindset reshapes performance management
• Practical ways to use AI today to better identify opportunities and improve consistency

 2:50–3:40 p.m.

1-OtherThe CPA Pipeline: What’s happening with CPA talent and workforce development?

Following a presentation on student behavior, college enrollments, the CPA Exam, candidate behavior and trends, and the influence of regulations and firm hiring behavior, we’ll discuss how best to support a robust CPA profession.

 3:55–4:45 p.m.

1-OtherIdea Exchanges

A breakout-based session where participants explore each of the 6 Ps to generate focused insights and actionable ideas.

• Precision Hiring
• Proactive Retention
• Practical Technology Implementation
• Pricing Expertise
• Practice Area Expansion or Focus
• People Acceleration

 7:00 – 8:00 a.m.

Breakfast, Exhibit Hall & Registration

Start your morning with a breakfast buffet and time to explore our sponsor exhibit tables. Connect with our sponsors, discover new resources, and kick off the day together.

Colonnade Ballroom/Constitution Hall

 8:45 – 9:00 a.m.

Welcome and Morning Announcements

9:00 – 9:30 a.m.

0.5-OtherProfessional Issues Update & Research

PICPA CEO Jen Cryder, CPA, will lead an update on issues affecting the profession.

 9:40 – 11:00 a.m.

1.5-OtherKeynote Address

Hear from Blake Oliver, CPA – host of the profession’s #1 podcast The Accounting Podcast – about the following topics:

• Technology landscape, including emerging issues
• Real-world examples from across the profession and practical application
• What will the firm of the future that uses AI look like?
• Client experience as the next differentiator
• Get a chance to share your thoughts and questions with Blake in an exclusive Q&A session!

11:10 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

1-OtherAnnual Business Meeting

Join us for PICPA's 129th Annual Business Meeting! Hear from our current and incoming presidents as they share their vision for the future of PICPA. Celebrate the installation of new officers and elected committee members and reflect on the highlights and achievements of the past year throughout the institute.

 12:00 – 1:00 p.m.

Lunch

Sponsored by: 

 1:00–1:50 p.m.

1-OtherPA State Election Update

This session will offer an overview of the key races and electoral landscape shaping Pennsylvania’s 2026 midterm elections.

 1:50–2:40 p.m.

1-A&AFuture Proofing the Profession: Protecting the Audit

This session explores strategies to safeguard the integrity and relevance of the audit in a rapidly evolving business and regulatory environment.

 2:55–3:45 p.m.

Closing Session To Be Announced

Thank you to our sponsors:

Thank you to our Premier Platinum and Gold Sponsors

Thank You to Our Annual Meeting Sponsors