2025 Winter Cluster

Overview

Get ready for another round of high-impact learning at the Winter Cluster, returning to the beautiful Beau Rivage Resort & Casino! This can't-miss event combines cutting-edge CPE with a premier destination, offering the perfect setting to sharpen your skills and recharge for the year ahead. Explore timely, relevant topics presented by some of the profession’s most respected and dynamic speakers.

DAY ONE: THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 20

7:30am  Registration/Continental Breakfast

8:00-9:40
Single Audits - from Beginning to End 
J. Michael Inzina, CPA, CGFM, CGMA • Altec, Inc. • Monroe, LA
Single audits are performed the same way financial audits are, only on different subject matter.  This session will illustrate the single audit process and the single audit risk model, how they mirror the financial audit process. and the specific steps auditors should follow in performing single audits.

9:40-10:00 Break

10:00-11:40
A&A Update  
Kurt Oestriecher, CPA • Oestriecher & Company • Alexandria, LA

11:40am – 12:40pm Lunch (included)

12:40pm – 2:20pm
Working the Docks
Sarah Delord, CIMA • Hancock Whitney • New Orleans, LA
Government policy is reshaping the architecture of both the U.S. and global economies. From trade and taxation and from LNG and labor, the economic landscape continues to shift. In this presentation, we’ll examine the key themes driving these changes and explore what may lie ahead.

2:20 – 2:40pm Break

2:30 – 4:20pm 
Tech Gumbo
Les Nettleton • Bourgeois Bennett, LLC (Retired) • Metairie, LA 
This session won't teach you to make a roux, but you will learn a variety of technology tips, techniques and trends.  The session will include a Technology Update, covering what's new and what's out of date. It will also contain an update on Cybersecurity, detailing the new threats and how to recognize them.  Finally we'll end with an AI Update, looking at some of the popular GPT products.

DAY TWO: FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 21

7:30am  Continental Breakfast

8:00am – 8:50am
Silver Linings & Strategic Gifting: Estate Planning in Times of Uncertainty
Nene Glenn Gianfala, CPA/ABV, CEIV, ASA-BV/IA • Chaffe & Associates • New Orleans, LAPeriods of economic uncertainty can create unique and timely opportunities for estate planning. This session will explore how fluctuating and unpredictable market conditions can actually work in your favor when transferring wealth—particularly for closely held businesses. With historically high gift and estate tax exemptions still in place, now may be a strategic moment to make significant gifts with potentially reduced tax impact. We'll discuss how current volatility is influencing business valuations and how to thoughtfully plan during these uncertain times—before the window of opportunity closes.

8:50-9:40
Striving & Thriving in Work and Life
Lauren Navarre, JD • Arena • Slidell, LA
• Learn the Art of Time-Blocking;
• Acquire Tools for Clarity & Productivity.

9:40 – 10:00am Break 

10:00 - 11:40 am
The Big Beautiful Bill: Winners, Losers, and What You Can Do
Greg Booth, CPA • EisnerAmper • Metairie, LA 

Notice

HOTEL INFORMATION
Winter Cluster attendees get exclusive rates on rooms for this event:

Beau Rivage Resort & Casino
875 Beach Blvd
Biloxi, MS 39530
228-386-7111
Rate: $164/night  
Book by October 27!

RESERVE ONLINE

SPONSOR THIS EVENT

Sponsorship is a great way to connect with CPA professionals and increase your visibility within the community. To learn more or recommend a sponsor, contract Diedra Allen at dallen@louisiana.cpa or click here for more information.