By Eric R. Elmore, PICPA Vice President, Business Development & Member Experience

Over the next 18 months, Philadelphia will take center stage to the world. In 2026, the City of Brotherly Love will be a host city for the FIFA World Cup soccer tournament. As the world’s most-watched sporting event, over 4 billion eyes will be on Lincoln Financial Field and there will be 250,000 anticipated visitors. Also in 2026, our nation will celebrate its 250th anniversary in Philadelphia, the birthplace of modern democracy. And, as the home of the reigning Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles, Philadelphia is poised for a modern-day renaissance. That’s why the PICPA is proud to bring its 128th Annual Meeting & Conference to Center City Philadelphia on May 5-6, 2025. The hype is real, and you are invited to be among the first to take part.

Join us for two days of free continuing education (up to 10 credits), lively parties of networking and reconnecting, awards and recognitions, food tours, pickleball, and up-to-the-minute updates on changes to the CPA pipeline, licensure, and nationally recognized advocacy efforts. Everything will be centered at the Loews Philadelphia, only a few short blocks from SEPTA’s Suburban and Jefferson stations. The trip into town couldn’t be easier for Regional Rail riders, plus there is onsite valet parking available for those who wish to drive in.

Did You Say Free CPE?

It's a renewal year for CPA licenses in Pennsylvania, so take advantage of your membership’s offering of free in-person CPE. In addition to receiving CPE for the Annual Business meeting, attendees can log credit for courses on tax strategies for manufacturers, fraud and financial statement audits, firm business model transformation, an update from the governor’s office, artificial intelligence, and offshoring client work. Altogether, 10 credits will be available to attendees.

Pickleball, Anyone?

The Merion Cricket Club will be the destination for our second annual pickleball outing on May 5. Last year in Lancaster we had a great turnout for one of the fastest-growing sports in America. Beginner? No problem. We’ll have an hour of instruction followed by open play at this Mainline gem, which will be followed by lunch before you head to Center City for the Annual Meeting festivities.

Foodie Paradise?

Philadelphia is fast becoming a major food destination in the United States. One of the city’s most-visited sites for tasting the region’s best offerings is the world-famous Reading Terminal Market. Just two blocks from the Loews, Reading Terminal Market dates to 1859 and is one of the country’s oldest markets. There are more than 200 vendors highlighting every Philadelphia food staple, from cheesesteaks and roast pork sandwiches, to pretzels and water ice. But if you want to branch out, name a culture and its food is likely represented at the Reading Terminal Market. A food tour is scheduled for May 6 for attendees to get the full experience of this historic market. It’s a can’t-miss visit when in Philadelphia.

What Do Cinco de Mayo and Philly Sports Have in Common?

The answer is PICPA parties! Two receptions are planned for the Annual Meeting. May 5 will feature a Cinco De Mayo party, complete with a mariachi band and margaritas. On May 6, our reception, sponsored by PICPA Premier Platinum Sponsor Gallagher Affinity, will pay homage to Philadelphia’s great sports teams, especially the Eagles’ recent Super Bowl wins. Be the first to taste the “Philly Special” cocktail and be ready for some surprises we have planned. Get ready to network and catch up with old acquaintances at these receptions.

Not for CPAs Alone!

I’ve shared a lot about what’s in store for CPAs at the Annual Meeting, but that’s not all. PICPA offers membership to firms and non-CPAs, and their interests are important to us as well. At the PICPA, we’ve built alliances of small firms, corporate finance, marketing, and technology professionals who meet regularly to discuss topics that are important to their respective roles. A special happy hour will take place at the Annual Meeting for these professionals, sponsored by Plus 1 Technology. If you are a member of one of these alliance groups, be sure to come by and bring a colleague!

We hope to see you in Center City this spring. It's all going to happen here this May in Philadelphia, so come and experience the hype. Go to PICPA.org to register for 128th Annual Meeting. It’s free for PICPA members, and there is still time to register. You’ll be glad you did.

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