2021_NJCPA_VIRTUAL_CONVENTION_TWO_COLUMN_HERO_IMAGE

Detailed Agenda

Tuesday, June 15

Early Risers	Fitness On Demand To get your day started, a selection of fitness classes will be available on demand. Further details to follow.
9-10 a.m.	Welcome and Opening Remarks Don Meyer, CAE — NJCPA chief marketing officer Sponsored by IssuesWatch Live: Professional Issues Update (1, SK) Moderator: Theresa Hinton — NJCPA chief operations officer Panelists: Ralph Albert Thomas, CPA (DC), CGMA — NJCPA CEO and executive director Alan D. Sobel, CPA, CGMA — SobelCo and 2020/21 NJCPA president Harry P. Wills III, CPA — Bowman & Company LLP and 2021/22 NJCPA president In this kick-off session, our panelists will cover a wide variety of issues impacting CPAs on the New Jersey and national levels. As a CPA or financial professional, it is imperative that you know where the profession is headed so you can make the necessary changes to be ready for the future.
10:15-11:30 a.m.	Concurrent Sessions (1.5 credits)
	1A. Utilizing Technology and Managing Technostress (SK) Marc Staut — Boomer Consulting, Inc. What are the latest tools and technologies available to make working from home a little easier, and how can you manage the stress of technology fatigue? In this session, we’ll take a closer look at the practical and mobile technologies supporting and empowering remote employees to work smarter. At the same time, we’ll look at what happens when the technologies that are supposed to make us more efficient, work smarter not harder and reduce our stress don’t actually do that. Learn about practical technology you can deploy today. Look at what technologies are coming soon that may impact your technology strategy. Discover what technostress is and how your company can reduce and prevent the issues that are keeping your technology from being a competitive advantage. Sponsored by	1B. Lease Accounting After COVID-19: Navigating the New Normal (AA) Rachel Reed and Kiley Arnold — LeaseQuery Cost optimization, flexibility and liquidity are now the key goals driving companies’ plans to rightsize and renegotiate their real estate and leasing footprint in 2021. In this session, we will explain the new relief provisions offered by the FASB for efficient lease accounting during the pandemic and provide several examples of how to apply. We will also walk through the complex calculations required for partial terminations and discuss the considerations for impairment analysis and abandonment of right of use assets as we explore lease accounting’s new normal. Sponsored by	1C. Recognizing SALT in the Wake of Telecommuting (TX) HOSTED BY THE NJCPA STATE TAX INTEREST GROUP Moderators: Jason Rosenberg, CPA — WithumSmith+Brown and Michele Vetlov — Dassault Falcon Jet Corp. Panelists: Barry H. Horowitz CPA — WithumSmith+Brown Chaim V. Kofinas CPA, PFS — Goldstein Lieberman & Co. LLC Philip London, CPA — Wiss & Company, LLP With COVID-19 accelerating the trend of remote employees, it is imperative that businesses consider the potential impact to state and local taxes (SALT). There can be many state tax implications with telecommuting that impact both employers and employees, including business nexus for all tax types, such as income tax and sales tax; P.L. 86-272; apportionment; payroll tax; and personal tax residency. It is expected that remote work will continue to be the “new normal.” As such, it is vital that businesses consider the tax guidance that states have put forth throughout the pandemic.
11:30 a.m.-1:45 p.m. - WORK/LUNCH BREAK
1:45-3:15 p.m.	Sponsored by 360-Degree Innovation and the Importance of Change Leadership (1.5, PD) Marc Staut – Boomer Consulting, Inc. Everyone has the ability to innovate. By changing our mindsets and approach, we can create a culture of innovation and jumpstart new ideas. Start thinking exponentially, empowering ideas and discovering opportunities across all levels and in every area of the company. But don’t stop there. By using a continuous improvement approach to leading change, your company can make sure that ideas go from whiteboard to pilot to new services and capacities.
3:30-4:45 p.m.	Concurrent Sessions (1.5 credits)
	2A. The Struggle is Real: A Toolbox for Emerging Leaders (PD) HOSTED BY THE NJCPA EMERGING LEADERS INTEREST GROUP Moderator: Nicole M. DeRosa, CPA — Wiss & Company, LLP Panelists: Ryan Berdnik, CPA, CFP — Mazars USA LLP Kerry M. Duda, CPA — WilkinGuttenplan Jay H. Guttmann, CPA — SRG Advisors, LLC Philip Sookram, CPA, MAcc — Saint Peter’s University Anthony J. Wrobel, CPA, CFP — Smolin, Lupin & Co., P.A. As emerging leaders, we often struggle with everyday tasks like time management and delegating work; we also sometimes struggle with motivation, mentorship and attaining a work-life balance. Through this panel-driven session, attendees will walk away with useful additions to their toolkit that will enable them to solve some of these real-life struggles. Attendees are encouraged to ask questions and interact with the panel of emerging leaders throughout the session. Sponsored by	TECHTALK 2B. Return on Insights: Make Powerful Impacts with HR Data (SK) Amin Venjara and Heather Sperduto — ADP The role of human resources (HR) has expanded and continues to change the way businesses make strategic decisions. In the same way “Moneyball” and sabermetrics changed how many MLB front offices manage their baseball teams, knowing which KPIs to look for when it comes to employee data and how to act on those KPIs is key to maximizing true ROI — “return on insights.” During this session, we’ll explore the challenges businesses face in assembling and utilizing human capital management (HCM) data to drive improved business outcomes along with tangible use cases for how HR data can create value. You will gain an understanding of how much more achievable and simple leveraging data insights is becoming for accountants at any level of proficiency and experience with data analytics. Sponsored by	2C. Resources for Business Recovery and Growth (SK) Melanie Willoughby — New Jersey Business Action Center Learn about the many services and government programs available to your company and your clients. The New Jersey Business Action Center, part of the New Jersey Department of State, offers countless resources for businesses' growth and recovery. We will highlight financing options, export opportunities and grants, the procurement process, and the benefits of registering as a small business, a woman-owned business, minority-owned business or veteran-owned business. In addition, we will focus on the ways the center’s advocates can help businesses navigate government and their ability to coordinate with government agencies to help with permitting, licensing and other compliance-related issues. Sponsored by
5-6 p.m.	Sponsored by Kahoot Trivia Happy Hour HOSTED BY THE NJCPA EMERGING LEADERS COUNCIL Put your trivia skills to the test as you compete against your fellow NJCPA members during this fun and engaging event.
7-8:30 p.m.	Sponsored by Chapter Social Event The NJCPA's chapters will be hosting a virtual networking event with different fun activities offered in various Zoom breakout rooms. In one room, you'll learn how to make two Convention-themed drinks from a professional mixologist. Learn more.

Wednesday, June 16

Early Risers	Fitness On Demand To get your day started, a selection of fitness classes will be available on demand. Further details to follow.
9-10 a.m.	Sponsored by Pivoting During Uncertainty (1, SK) Barry C. Melancon, CPA, CGMA — American Institute of CPAs & Association of International Certified Professional Accountants On the front lines of COVID-19’s economic effects, accounting firms and finance teams are relied upon for their expertise, judgment and leadership. The profession is pivoting to deliver value during uncertainty, including providing services around business relief, digital transformation, remote auditing and sustainability reporting and assurance. This session will provide insights into trends and issues impacting the profession as well as the support the AICPA provides members and students through resources, guidance, learning and advocacy.
10:15-11:30 a.m.	Concurrent Sessions (1.5 credits)
	MANAGING PARTNERS 3A. Reimagining the Firm Landscape (SK) Barry C. Melancon, CPA, CGMA — American Institute of CPAs & Association of International Certified Professional Accountants The COVID-19 pandemic is accelerating change for many firms. Firms that are reimagining the services they provide, the skills they need to develop and the way they operate are best positioned for success. This session will provide insights into the issues impacting firms and how they are evolving to adapt and thrive. Sponsored by	3B. Light at the End of the Tunnel: The Economy and Markets Post COVID (EC) G. Scott Clemons, CFA — Brown Brothers Harriman & Co. With vaccinations on the rise and new COVID cases on the decline, it seems that the end to the pandemic is within sight, with a long-awaited return to normal to follow. But what will we find when we get there? How much of the economic damage is temporary, how much is permanent and how will our economic lives change even once we take off our masks for good? Join us for a consideration and discussion of the economy and markets post COVID. Sponsored by	TECHTALK 3C. The CPA Hack: Why They Target People Like YOU and Not Computers (SK) Anthony W. Mongeluzo — PCS, LLC Did you know that hackers can penetrate your organization with popular and trusted channels such as LinkedIn? This session will reveal how they do it and share an example of how a CPA firm was hacked in under an hour because of kindness and human nature. The vulnerability of simply carrying a smartphone will also be discussed. Gain a clear understanding of the growing threat from hackers, how they silently manifest their activity and how you can create a solid digital and physical moat against any intrusion. You will also receive an easy-to-follow checklist to help to prevent or mitigate against a hacker or intrusion directed at your IT systems. Sponsored by
11:30 a.m.-1:45 p.m. - WORK/LUNCH BREAK
12-1:30 p.m.	MANAGING PARTNERS BY INVITATION ONLY Sponsored by Virtual Lunch: Top 10 Trends and Concerns of Managing Partners (1.5, SK) L. Gary Boomer, CPA — Boomer Consulting, Inc. In this session, we’ll discuss the top trends in CPA firms in the areas of growth, talent, leadership, process and technology. We’ll also discuss the top 10 concerns of Boomer's Managing Partner Circle. Learn how other managing partners are tackling these areas of concern and taking action. This will be an interactive session for managing partners and senior firm leaders, and by the end, you will have an action item to take home and implement. *This session is specifically for managing partners. If you are a managing partner, you will receive an invitation to this session after you register for the Convention.*
1:45-3:15 p.m.	Sponsored by Technology + Process = Opportunity (1.5, CS) Amanda Wilkie, PMP — Boomer Consulting, Inc. The rate of change in the accounting profession continues to increase; merely keeping up is falling behind. Effective processes may improve efficiency while optimized technology is a good foundation. But aligning these two offers the opportunity to accelerate and build capacity for your firm and your clients.
3:30-4:45 p.m.	Concurrent Sessions (1.5 credits)
	4A. Emerging Technologies: Leveraging Today’s Innovations (CS) Amanda Wilkie, PMP — Boomer Consulting, Inc. XaaS, 5G, IoT, ML, AI — what do these acronyms mean? And why should you care? These latest emerging technologies are closer than you think. Now is the time to not only prepare for them but to embrace them within your firm. Sponsored by	MANAGING PARTNERS 4B. Is Your Firm Sustainable? How to Become a Standout, High-Performing Firm (CS) David Wolfskehl and Anthony Zecca, CPA — Whitman Business Advisors This session will provide Whitman Business Advisors’ experiences and insights on what managing partners need to address in order to successfully lead their firms through the challenges and opportunities that confront most firms today. We will highlight both the challenges and the opportunities as well as the key areas to build sustainability and a firm that can thrive into the future. Sponsored by	4C. Expert Tips for Being a Tax Guru (TX) Edward K. Zollars, CPA — Thomas, Zollars & Lynch, Ltd. Clients and companies demand answers as they come across information, so CPAs often need to get and vet information well before third-party analyses appear in articles or formal education courses. In this session, we'll look at options for CPAs to keep current on tax matters that change, at times, daily — including paid services, direct government sources, social media (yes, it really does have a place here), networking and the like. We’ll look at: The most current sources of information The use of online discussion groups Making the best use of research services IRS email and other resources Government resources available online Sponsored by
7-8:30 p.m.	Sponsored by Virtual Survey Says Based on the popular “Family Feud” game show, Virtual Survey Says is a virtual, competitive, team-building event. With all the high-spirited fun and excitement of a live game show, this engaging competition will pit teams of NJCPA members against each other. Compete for bragging rights and prizes. Join for the fun, comradery or just watch from the sidelines! Want to compete? You can sign up as an individual and we’ll assign you to a team, or you can assemble your own team. Click here for details. Just want to watch the fun? That’s included in your Convention registration.

Thursday, June 17

Early Risers	Fitness On Demand To get your day started, a selection of fitness classes will be available on demand. Further details to follow.
9-10 a.m.	Sponsored by Disruptive Thinking: How to Spark Transformation in Your Business (1, CS) Luke Williams — NYU Innovation Lab Successful companies operating in mature industries that embrace incremental change find themselves on a path that gets narrower and narrower. Eventually, they reach the end of the path, and by then, their customers have forsaken them for a new offering that nobody saw coming. When they try to differentiate themselves by focusing on incremental innovation instead of game-changing, disruptive innovation, they will differentiate themselves right out of business. Companies need to be consistently making bold moves, even at the very peak of their success. It is an essential skill for anyone in business, from a small start-up to a global corporation. Those with the desire to transform organizational processes and behaviors need ask, “Why hadn’t we ever thought about our business and industry this way before?”
10:15-11:30 a.m.	Concurrent Sessions (1.5 credits)
	5A. Using Scenario Planning to Improve Decision-Making (MT) Thomas Coghlan, CMA — CPE University Most business investment and capital budgeting decision processes are focused on developing financial models of future cash flows. Unfortunately, the rigor of these processes does not include analysis and consideration of unplanned scenarios that occur all too frequently. This session will review several techniques that can supplement and improve existing decision-making. Develop an understanding of the use of scenario planning and contingency planning in the strategic planning and budgeting processes. Distinguish among sensitivity analysis, scenario analysis and Monte Carlo simulation as risk analysis techniques. Evaluate scenarios and recommend risk mitigation strategies. Learn how the value of an investment is increased if real options — adding on, speeding up, scaling back or discontinuing early — are considered.	5B. COVID’s Impact on Clients’ Retirement Income (TX) Eleanor Galt-Lin, CFP — Morgan Stanley We’ll discuss how the pandemic is likely to affect how income will be produced in your clients’ portfolios. We’ll also look forward to the impact on one of your clients’ most important sources of retirement income: Social Security.	5C. Cannabis and Blockchain: Crypto Implications for the Cannabis Sector (SK) HOSTED BY THE NJCPA EMERGING TECHNOLOGIES AND CANNABIS INTEREST GROUPS Melissa A. Dardani, CPA — MD Advisory Dr. Sean Stein Smith, CPA — Lehman College To date, 17 states and territories — including New Jersey — have legalized adult-use cannabis. Yet, due to the classification of cannabis as a Schedule 1 controlled substance, a disparity exists between federal and state law which precludes cannabis companies from typical operations, including ease of banking, payment processing and financing options. Simultaneously, the use of blockchain and cryptocurrencies is becoming widespread. This session discusses the synergies between these two emerging industries and how crypto may bridge the gap created by a lack of a fully functioning payment infrastructure for the cannabis industry.
11:30 a.m.-2 p.m. - WORK/LUNCH BREAK
2-3:15 p.m.	Concurrent Sessions (1.5 credits)
	6A. Emerging Issues, Trends and Topics Impacting Accountants (SK) Thomas Coghlan, CMA — CPE University The pace of economic and industry change is increasing at an almost exponential rate. Keeping abreast of new developments and their impact on the accounting and finance profession can be a daunting task for accountants at every career stage. This session will review business issues, trends and topics as seen by thought leaders and financial executives in a variety of industries and provide specific actions that can be implemented in the workplace. We will discuss the rise of corporate bankruptcies, Benford’s Law, and agile and continuous forecasting and budgeting.	TECHTALK 6B. Technology Needs an Accountant’s Heart (SK) Tate Henshaw — Xero AI is at the heart of tomorrow’s accounting workflows. And yet, AI itself lacks the very heart that’s needed to harness its power. That’s because accountants are best suited to leverage AI capabilities to create value for their clients. From altering internal processes, to improving workflows with little change to the clients, to upgrading the system entirely, we’ll look at practical ways you can begin to implement AI to best fit the needs of your practice. Join us and learn to adapt to and thrive on the ever-changing technology curve. Sponsored by	6C. GAAP Update for Not-for-Profit Organizations (AA) HOSTED BY THE NJCPA NONPROFIT INTEREST GROUP Jeffrey D. Mechanick, CPA — Financial Accounting Standards Board In this session, led by the FASB’s lead staff person for not-for-profits (NFPs), we’ll discuss developments in U.S. GAAP that are important for the NFP sector. We'll focus on the FASB's new standard (ASU 2020-07) on reporting of gifts-in-kind (contributed nonfinancial assets), effective for FY 2022, and on implementation matters concerning grants and contracts (ASU 2018-08), especially regarding CARES Act and other COVID-19-related government assistance, and leases (Topic 842). We'll also cover other recent ASUs and FASB projects-in-process, as well as efforts underway by the FASB to set its future agenda, including an invitation to comment expected to be issued in June 2021. We'll leave time at the end for your questions, so please bring them!
3:30-4:45 p.m.	Annual Business Meeting and Ovation Awards (1, SK) Attend the NJCPA’s Annual Business Meeting to: Stay abreast of the status and health of the professional association. Learn about new business developments. Meet the 2021/22 members who serve on the Board of Trustees, chapter boards and committee and interest group leadership. See who won this year’s Ovation Awards.
7-8:30 p.m.	Sponsored by Celebration and Entertainment Join us for a virtual get together as we toast our incoming leaders and Ovation Award winners and cap off the evening with an interactive mind-reading show. Colin Cloud, noted cyber mentalist and finalist on America’s Got Talent, will deduce everything about you, influence you to make specific choices and have you in fits of laughter along the way! Colin has captivated the attention and minds of audiences around the world with his modern and immersive style of mind-reading, and his presentation has been specifically developed for the virtual environment. (Don’t want to get selected by Colin? No worries, just turn off your camera and enjoy watching your fellow members’ minds get read!)

Friday, June 18

Early Risers	Fitness On Demand To get your day started, a selection of fitness classes will be available on demand. Further details to follow.
9-10 a.m.	Sponsored by The Changing Profession — Future of Advisory (1, CS) James C. Bourke, Jr. CPA, CITP, CFF, CGMA — WithumSmith+Brown The transformation of the CPA profession has been fueled by two major factors: technology disruption and a profession-wide shift to advisory services and business advisor. Technology is the driving force for firms migrating from attest and tax to advisory and CPAs in private industry and government being challenged to provide a more strategic and advisory role. Accountants must offer a more diverse and valuable set of skills in this new environment. The logic and reasons behind this transformation will be discussed along with technologies involved such as artificial intelligence and robotics, innovations in software, mobile accounting, cybersecurity, and Microsoft Power BI for data and data visualization.
10:15-11:30 a.m.	Concurrent Sessions (1.5 credits)
	7A. COVID and Beyond: Transformational Leadership, Decision Making and Diversity, Equity & Inclusion(MT) HOSTED BY THE NJCPA BUSINESS & INDUSTRY PROFESSIONALS INTEREST GROUP Moderator: Chris Schiffer, CPA — Wealth Enhancement Group Panelists: Mitch Cahn — Unionwear Julius Green, CPA, JD, MBA Additional panelists TBA Business and industry panelists will discuss leadership, decision making, team engagement and aligning resources in a rapidly changing environment. They will also discuss how diversity, equity and inclusion can be a competitive differentiator and strengthen the decision-making process.	7B. Back to the Future – Your Guiding Principles (PD) Thomas Metelski, CPA, ACC, CPC, ELI-MP — Jump Coaching & Consulting, LLC “Guess you guys aren’t ready for that yet…” — Marty McFly, Nov. 12, 1955 COVID-19 brought unprecedented challenges in 2020 which continue today. How did companies and firms react to meet the crisis? What was a common thread of those who thrived in a difficult environment? How was a massive change sustained? What does that mean for 2021 and beyond? We will explore those ideas as we see that guiding principles were right in front of us the whole time. Going back to our first principles will be the catalyst for accelerating future change. This will inform you in understanding where to start in accelerating change to embrace your “next normal.” Sponsored by	TECHTALK 7C. Thriving in a Work-from-Anywhere Environment with Microsoft Teams (SK) Sam Barron and Chuck Phaneuf — CallTower The pandemic has challenged companies and firms to adapt to a changing workplace. Hear how companies have successfully used Microsoft Teams to collaborate with customers, partners and employees, increase communication and productivity and leverage technology while working remotely. This business communication technology can empower businesses to prosper today and tomorrow as workplaces continue to evolve. Sponsored by
12-1:30 p.m.	Sponsored by New Jersey Economic and Business Roundtable (1.5, SK) Moderator: Ralph Albert Thomas, CPA (DC), CGMA — NJCPA Panelists: Tom Bergeron — ROI-NJ John Reitmeyer — NJ Spotlight News Rhonda Schaffler — NJ Spotlight News and Business Beat Our panelists will discuss key economic issues facing businesses and individuals in New Jersey. Find out what the public and private sectors need to do now in order to emerge from the pandemic and make New Jersey an attractive place to live and do business.

REGISTER NOW