The Illinois CPA Society (ICPAS) is raising its annual event to an entirely new level – beginning with a new name.
What used to be known as the Midwest Accounting & Finance Showcase is now ICPAS SUMMIT18. The two-day program, featuring presentations from key thought leaders, innovative learning sessions and top-tier exhibitors, will be held on August 28 - 29 at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, IL.
“The future is happening now, with advanced technologies and other disruptors quickly changing the way work gets done. ICPAS SUMMIT18 is all about preparing professionals to stay ahead of the curve and be the disruptors,” said Todd Shapiro, President and CEO of the Illinois CPA Society. “In thinking about the future of our profession, we’ve re-designed our signature event to encompass everything people loved about our previous showcases while adding new sessions to help attendees master tomorrow’s technologies today.”
New this year is the Xero Theater, where visitors can take part in hands-on adventures in new technology during five interactive sessions on artificial intelligence (AI) and cybersecurity.
Professional education sessions will cover key topic areas such as tax reform, accounting & auditing, not-for-profit, corporate strategy and government. Plus, new topics have been added focusing on blockchain, data analytics, virtual reality and more.
Influential Keynote Speakers
The ever-popular keynote addresses will feature leading experts covering the latest developments in the accounting profession – with a look toward the future. The opening keynote session, “The Future of the CPA Profession is Now,” will feature Shapiro and Illinois CPA Society Board Chairperson, Rose Cammarata, CPA, CGMA.
Other keynote speakers include:
- Howard Tullman, former CEO of Chicago tech start-up incubator, 1871, and current Executive Director of the Ed Kaplan Family Institute for Innovation and Tech Entrepreneurship at the Illinois Institute of Technology, will discuss the topic of “Future Proofing your Business: Critical Trends and Technologies.”
- “The 2018 U.S. Economic Outlook” session will feature Lindsey Piegza, Ph.D., Chief Economist and Managing Director at Stifel Investment Services with Ilyce R. Glink, CEO of Best Money Moves and Think Glink Media.
- Well-known accounting technology futurist, Dana R. “Rick” Richardson, CPA, CITP, CGMA will present his “2018 Technology Forecast.”