2:00 PM-4:00 PM 
(PT)

MAP | EMERGING LEADERS | HUMAN RESOURCES
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI): Strategies for Impact and Sustainability

Many corporate CEOs and firm leaders have pledged their commitment to DEI, yet some organizations struggle to make real progress. We have experienced a heightened focus recently on creating inclusive and equitable organizations that create a sense of belonging for people representing many cultures, backgrounds and life experiences. Successful DEI initiatives are sustainable with outcomes that include increased employee engagement and retention, higher levels of productivity and innovation, and overall higher employee satisfaction. This session will focus on the shifts we are seeing on a macro level, as well as actions taken and progress made by BDO USA, LLP and Alliance firms.

1:00 PM-2:00 PM
(PT)

MAP
How to Break Your Data Out of "Data Jail" and Set Your Firm Free for Growth
Patrick Morrell, Anduin (BRN Firm)

Every firm we talk to wants to do two things: offer more profitable services to clients (CAS, advisory, etc.), and introduce more easily administered ways of getting paid (value pricing, etc.). The biggest hurdles standing in the way are a lack of accurate and ongoing data and the ability to use that data to make informed decisions. This session will explore why firms often struggle to compile their data; how to overcome this challenge; what they can do with clean, ongoing data; and the value to the top- and bottom-line if they can do it effectively.

1:00 PM-2:00 PM
(PT)

MAP
How to Value a CPA Firm
Bob Lewis and Doug Lewis, The Visionary Group (BRN Member)

We get this question daily: “What are firms selling for?” While there can be major variables that separate each firm, this session will review the math that creates the baseline for the financials inside a firm. We will walk through the qualitative components that can materially alter firm value too, like niches, billable hours, bench age and expertise, client size and industries, etc. Attendees will leave with a method for evaluating their market position and value.

8:00 AM-9:20 AM
(PT)

MAP
Innovation in the Profession
BDO USA, LLP Panel

Innovation, automation and doing more with less, without increasing risk. These are all items many firms are discussing. Join this session to hear how BDO USA has implemented innovation through digital transformation strategies to transform our firm. A panel of BDO professionals from Tax, Assurance, Advisory and IT will discuss the strategies and successes in innovating their business lines.

8:00 AM-9:20 AM
(PT)

MAP | HUMAN RESOURCES
Effectively Transitioning Responsibility from One Generation to Another
ConvergenceCoaching, LLC® (BRN Member)

Organizations across the country are preparing for (or are already facilitating) the retirement of thousands of talented Baby Boomer CPAs and consultants. Many elements of succession need attention, but one of the most important areas to address is effective transition of responsibility. Transition affects far more than the retiree – because their transition creates a ripple effect that causes all others in the organization to shed responsibility, too. Your ability to grow depends on your ability to successfully transition. Leave this session armed with the information you need to plan and execute transitions effectively.

9:30 AM-10:30 AM
(PT)

MAP
Current Topics in Accounting Firm Partnership Agreements
Russell Shapiro, Levenfeld Pearlstein, LLC

This session will discuss accounting firms’ partnership agreements, including the latest trends on governance and retirement, how to convert from an equity method to a deferred compensation method, claw-backs if clients leave, and other timely topics. Come prepared with your questions.

9:30 AM-10:30 AM
(PT)

MAP
What’s on Your List?
Gary Shamis, Winding River Consulting (BRN Member)

This session will address some of the most important Practice Management strategies for your firm’s future, including human capital, growth, service lines, diversity, and more.

10:40 AM-11:30 AM
(PT)

MAP
Driving Strategic Revenue Growth: The New Normal
Gale Crosley, Crosley+Company (BRN Firm)

Major upheavals in economic conditions present diverse opportunities to grow revenue. Many firms hunker down, do good work and wait for clients to appreciate them. Others are more forward-looking, shifting their strategy to create significant new sources of revenue. Our current upheaval comes when firms are transferring leadership to up-and-comers, rainmakers with big books-of-business are retiring, and markets are more complex than ever. Be prepared to explore your most challenging questions about sustaining high growth.

1:00 PM – 2:40 PM
(PT)

MAP
Pulse of the Managing Partner
Panel discussion facilitated by Michael Horwitz, Executive Director of BDO Alliance USA

Whether you are a managing partner, partner or aspiring partner, you’ll benefit from hearing the perspectives of a panel of Managing Partners representing small, medium and large Alliance firms. While we will discuss the results of an April 2022 survey related to MAP topics, and hear from our panelists, this year’s Pulse session will continue to be interactive. We will look for audience participation related to a variety of topics, including growth, people, succession planning, M&A and partner compensation.

3:00 PM – 4:40 PM
(PT)

MAP
Lean Firm Optimization
Roman Kepczyk, Right Networks (BRN Member)

This session will present transformational processes and technologies targeted specifically to a firm’s tax, A&A and administrative departments. We will introduce firms to the application of basic Lean Six Sigma processes and methodologies, giving you tools to be even better advisors to your clients. Take a break from working “in” your firm to learn how working “on” your firm benefits you, your personnel and your clients.

3:00 PM – 4:40 PM
(PT)

MAP
Current Trends and Legal Issues in M&A of Accounting Firms
Panel discussion facilitated by Russell Shapiro, Levenfeld Pearlstein, LLC
Recommended for Managing Partners and Partners

This session will be a panel discussion led by attorney Russell Shapiro featuring a panel of Alliance firms involved in M&A activity. We will examine how firms are growing through acquisitions and how other firms are positioning themselves to be acquired. We will also examine what is happening in the marketplace on pricing and terms of transactions, and special issues like mergers of equals.

8:00 AM-9:30 AM
(PT)

MAP
How Culture Makes Your Organizational Health Thrive
Dave Evans, The Mastery Network (BRN Firm)

This session will share five things you can do to build your culture and link it to the health & well-being of your workforce. We will cover why we need to think about this in the current global talent war, what to do to work it out, how to apply the 3Ds of culture to your firm, connecting culture to well-being and health, and enabling culture to thrive.

8:00 AM-9:30 AM
(PT)

MAP | EMERGING LEADERS
Sustaining Your Culture in a Remote/Hybrid Work Environment
Jake Friedman and Al Currow, High Performing Culture (BRN Member)

This session will educate firms about how to drive culture through a very systematic, intentional approach to win more business and attract and retain top talent. We’ll discuss the 8 steps to creating and sustaining a world-class culture, a firm's most sustainable competitive advantage.