Each year, MSCPA members and their families look forward to gathering at the annual convention to reacquaint with old friends and make new connections. This year was no exception. The Annual Members Convention was held May 16-18 at the Lodge of Four Seasons at the Lake of the Ozarks. The convention featured eight hours of CPE on profession trends, leadership, technology and ethics, plus sessions designed for young professionals.
See what you missed!
View the agenda below, and click here to see photos from the 2013 convention!
Annual Members Convention Agenda
THURSDAY, MAY 16
12:30 p.m. Registration
1 p.m. Welcome & Opening Remarks
Jim O’Hallaron, CAE - President & CEO, MSCPA, St. Louis
Peter Sharamitaro Jr., CPA, CGMA - MSCPA chair; president of Sharamitaro & Associates, P.C., St. Louis
1:15 – 2:15 p.m. An Overview of Afghanistan’s Political & Military History
Tom Schweich - Missouri State Auditor, Jefferson City
In March 2007, President Bush appointed Tom Schweich to be Coordinator for Counternarcotics and Justice Reform in Afghanistan, and accorded him a rare honor — the rank of Ambassador. Listen to Tom’s fascinating firsthand account on working with other U.S. government agencies, allies around the world, and Afghan officials to develop the first ever U.S. Counternarcotics Strategy for Afghanistan.
1 CPE Hour
2:30 – 4 p.m. A View of the Accounting Profession from 30,000 Feet
Russell Best - Managing director, Transition Advisors, Kansas City
The landscape of the accounting profession is changing on an almost daily basis, and CPAs need to keep abreast of the trends, regulations, standards and strategies affecting their firms and companies. You can’t run your business in 2013 like you did in 1975. Be ready to adapt to the rapid advances in technologies, globalization and organizational structure in order to remain competitive.
1 CPE Hour
4:30 – 6:30 p.m. Kick-off Cruise
(Boarding begins at 4:30 p.m., and the boat departs promptly at 5 p.m.)
All members and guests are invited to board the Tropical Island II motor yacht where you’ll experience the lake in luxury! Take in the evening sun and spring breeze on the upper deck or relax in the climate-controlled interior salon all while enjoying hors d’oeuvres and drinks.
Evening - Chairman’s Hospitality Suite
Wrap up a rewarding day by relaxing with new and old friends.
FRIDAY, MAY 17
7:30 – 8 a.m. Registration & Continental Breakfast
8 – 9 a.m. Catapult—Success by Design
Denise Mills - Co-founder and chief mindset officer, LeaderFuelNow LLC, Overland Park, Kan.
Do you get the most out of the connections you make at the MSCPA Annual Convention? Do you apply the advice and information you gain about the CPA profession? Do you enjoy networking, or is it something you feel obligated to do? This enlightening session will inspire you to make the most of this year’s convention by helping you develop a healthy mindset and well thought-out plan for building effective relationships.
1 CPE Hour
9:15 a.m. – 12 p.m. Committee Meetings
MSCPA committees represent many facets of the CPA profession. Your participation on a committee connects you with other professionals in your niche area of business, provides new insights on issues you are facing, and ultimately enhances your career. Whether you already belong to a committee or just want to check out the process, join a group and brainstorm new initiatives that will help shape the future of the MSCPA and your profession.
Committees meeting include:
- Accounting & Auditing
- Accounting Careers
- Firm Leadership
- Forensics & Valuation Services
- Healthcare
- Information Management & Technology Assurance
- Legislation & Government Advocacy
- Not-for-Profit
- Professional Ethics
- Taxation
- Young Professionals
12:15 – 1:30 p.m. Annual Meeting of the Members & Leadership Recognition Luncheon
Along with traditional society business, MSCPA Chair Peter Sharamitaro and President Jim O’Hallaron will present the latest trends within the profession and the society, and Peter passes the gavel to Incoming Chair Don Danner. Family and guests are welcome to participate!
1:45 – 3:30 p.m. Concurrent Sessions (please choose one)
A1. The Leadership Secrets of Football’s Master Coaches
Jack Park, CPA, CSP - Principal, Financial Insights, Columbus, Ohio
There are multiple common threads between championship football teams and peak performance organizations. Many of the high-impact strategies of America’s most successful football coaches can be adapted by CPAs to improve an organization’s performance. Discover how master coaches have led their people to extraordinary levels of success.
2 CPE Hours
A2. Success by Intent: Mindset Matters (focus on young professionals)
Denise Mills - Co-founder and chief mindset officer, LeaderFuelNow LLC, Overland Park, Kan.
You have great energy and unique insights, so why isn’t anyone listening? Join us for this enlightening discussion on communication styles, generational differences, and how you can develop the attributes leaders are looking for to promote you in your organization.
2 CPE Hours
3:45 – 4:45 p.m. Utilizing Gadgets and Gizmos for Success
(sponsored by MSCPA Young Professionals Committee)
Jim Boomer, CPA.CITP, MBA - Chief information officer, Boomer Consulting, Manhattan, Kan.
The consumer markets are driving technology advances in the workplace. A look ahead at the latest “cool” technologies can often indicate what will soon be infiltrating your office. Come see the latest gadgets and gizmos—some with a lot of promise for business use and others that may leave you scratching your head. Regardless, you will leave this session entertained and more knowledgeable about what tech companies are dreaming up!
1 CPE Hour
5:30 p.m. Members Roundup Dinner & Entertainment
Come dressed for the Wild West and a meal worth kicking up your heels for! Then, join the gang in a two-step, line dance or just the two-footed boogie. If there isn’t a cowboy hat in your closet—not to worry—western gear and fun photo opportunities will be waiting for you and your family! See you there, partner!
Evening - Chairman’s Hospitality Suite
Before you saddle up and ride into the sunset, don’t forget to stop by the chairman’s hospitality suite to cap off the night!
SATURDAY, MAY 18
7:30 – 8:30 a.m. Continental Breakfast
8:30 – 10:30 a.m. Leadership Integrity: How to Prevent the Extinction of the Ethical
Business Leader
Jeff Lanza - Retired FBI special agent, Mission, Kan.
This presentation will help you develop, inspire and maintain a culture of integrity in your organization. While chronicling failures of integrity from the cubicle to the corner office, Jeff provides a positive framework for hiring employees with high integrity and creating an environment that helps company personnel maintain their moral compass. Real FBI case examples will be used to help you understand the root causes of unethical behavior and facilitate the achievement of corporate goals with employee’s morality and integrity intact.
Offers two hours of ethics CPE.