2027 CPA/SEA Mid-Winter Retreat

Overview

This event is by invitation only for CPA/SEA Members.

Historic Charm. Fresh Perspectives. Meaningful Connections.

Steeped in history and overflowing with Southern charm, Charleston, South Carolina, sets the stage for our 2027 Mid-Winter Retreat, January 11–14. With its cobblestone streets, colorful architecture, acclaimed cuisine, and legendary hospitality, the Holy City offers the perfect blend of inspiration, relaxation, and connection.

We'll gather at the historic Mills House Charleston, Curio Collection by Hilton, to reconnect with colleagues, exchange fresh ideas, and explore the issues and opportunities shaping the CPA profession. Through insightful discussions and shared strategies, we'll gain valuable perspectives to help strengthen our associations and navigate what's next.

The agenda is set, and registration is officially open! A special thanks to our Mid-Winter Retreat Planning Committee for putting together an outstanding program. And because a little fun is always on the agenda, our Fun Committee has arranged an optional 40-minute Haunted Carriage Tour on Tuesday evening with tales of ghosts, pirates, and patriots from Charleston's past. We'll top off the night with an optional after-ride trip to Tommy Condon's Irish Pub, just a three-minute walk from the Carriage House—a spirited way to experience Charleston's storied past!

Stay Where the Charm Is!
Make the most of your Charleston experience with a stay at the Mills House, where historic elegance meets modern comfort. Our discounted room block is limited, so don't wait to secure your reservation. Hotel booking deadline: December 18!

A special thank-you to our generous sponsors for helping make this event possible! Be sure to take time during the Retreat to connect with them, learn more about their offerings, and show your appreciation for their continued support of our associations.

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MONDAY, JANUARY 11

12:00 – 2:00 pm 
CPA/SEA Board Meeting
 
2:00 – 5:00 pm
Registration
 
3:00 – 5:00 pm
TAC (include break-outs with TAC groups) - CEO-Only Session

6:00 – 8:00 pm
Opening Reception

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TUESDAY, JANUARY 12

7:30 – 8:30 am
Registration & Breakfast & Visit Sponsors
 
8:20 – 8:30 am
Welcome & Opening Remarks
Allen Lloyd

8:30– 10:30 am
AICPA Session with Mark Koziel & Senior Leadership
Sue Coffey, Mark Peterson
State Society Relations - James Cox & Team

10:30 am – 10:50 am
Break - Visit Sponsors

10:50 am – 11:00 am
Platinum Sponsor Spotlight
 
11:00 am – 12:00 pm
NASBA / State Society Relations

12:00 – 1:30 pm
Sponsor Ignite Luncheon 

1:45 – 2:45 pm
CEO Huddle: Reflect, Discuss, Connect Day 1
CEO-Only Session

2:45 – 3:45 pm
Afternoon Wine-Up with Sponsors
Light bites with wine and beer

5:15 pm
Optional Activity: Haunted Carriage Tour with Old South Carriage Co. - $60 per person
Explore spooky secrets and ghostly encounters firsthand on a 40-minute haunted carriage ride where an expert guide will narrate your tour and take you past iconic landmarks, hidden alleyways, graveyards and more. Just a 10-minute walk from Mills House; arrival time is 5:15 pm. Carriages will leave in two shifts: 5:30 pm and 5:45 pm. Keep the fun going at an aoptional after-ride gathering at Tommy Condon's Irish Pub 3 minutes from the Carriage House. 

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WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 13

7:30 – 8:30 am
Registration & Breakfast & Visit Sponsors
 
8:30 – 8:40 am
Platinum Sponsor Spotlight

8:45 – 10:40 am
Keynote
Name

10:40 – 11:10 am
Break - Visit Sponsors

11:10 am – 11:20 am
Platinum Sponsor Spotlight
 
11:20 am – 12:00 pm
CEO Huddle: Reflect, Discuss, Connect Day 2
CEO-Only Session

12:00 – 12:15 pm
Break - Visit Sponsors & Transition to Luncheon

12:15 – 1:15 pm
Luncheon

1:15 – 1:30 pm
Break - Visit Sponsors & Transition to Programming

8:30 – 10:00 am
Collaboration Festival
CEO-Only Session

10:00 – 10:15 am
Break

10:00 – 11:45 am
Collaboration Festival
CEO-Only Session

11:45 am – 12:00 pm
Fond Farewell & Adjourn
Allen Lloyd

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HOTEL INFORMATION

Mills House Charleston, Curio Collection by Hilton
115 Meeting Street, Charleston, SC, 29401

• 1 King Bed - $273.00
• 1 King Bed Deluxe with city View - $273.00
• 2 Queen Beds Deluxe Room with city View - $273.00

* Prices include $34.00 USD mandatory charge per night, but excludes taxes and government charges.

RESERVE NOW!

Cut-off Date for reserving rooms in the Room Block is 5:00 p.m. EST on Friday, December 18.

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REGISTRATION FEES

CPA/SEA Members: $350
Guests: $175
Note: These prices are the same as last year. We try to keep prices low through financial support from our sponsors. Financial assistance may be available for states with especially tight budgets.

QUESTIONS? Call Diana Johnston at 504.904.1152.

Notice

Note: Travel Scholarship assistance may be available for state with especially tight budgets. Contact CPA/SEA Treasurer, Oliver Yandle, for more information.