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Welcome to our online catalog. LCPA offers thousands of live and online courses to satisfy your professional development needs. Our easy-to-use filter enables you to find just the right courses to enhance your knowledge and help you succeed even more. 

Whether you have an hour during lunch or an entire day, LCPA provides quality, flexible options to fit your schedule. Look for the "See more dates" dropdown to view availability. Several events/classes produced by LCPA can be taken either LIVE (In-Person) or VIRTUAL—please ensure you register for the correct one. 

LCPA is proud to partner with ACPEN, CPA Crossings, Surgent, AHI, AICPA, and K2 Enterprises to deliver high-quality webcast and self-study content in a convenient and cost-effective manner. Stand-alone courses and all-access packages are available. Filter using the Vendor name. Learn more.

Showing 1-13 of 13 Results (Page 1 of 1)

2026 Women's Conference

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New Orleans

8.00 Credits

Join Us at the 2026 LCPA Women’s Conference – Ritz-Carlton, New Orleans as part of Ledgers & Legends Week.This year’s conference blends high-impact CPE sessions with personal and professional development focused on leadership, wellness, work-life integration, and long-term success. From building confidence and navigating workplace dynamics to managing stress and planning for the future, each session is designed to help women thrive in both career and life.Enjoy a full day of engaging speakers, powerful insights, interactive experiences, and valuable networking, all culminating in moments of connection and renewal you won’t find anywhere else. Join us for a conference where women don’t just learn and network, they pause, connect, and brew their best lives together. Bring your personality, your confidence, and wear your favorite tea-party attire as we gather for an inspiring and memorable event. AGENDA: 7:30 – 7:55 am Registration and Continental Breakfast  7:55 – 8:00 am Welcome & Opening Remarks  8:30 – 9:30 am Own Your Worth: How to Increase Your Value Professionally and Personally Mary Jane Walsh • Mary Jane Walsh THRIVE – Business and Life Coaching • New Orleans, LA This session delivers the psychology, the language, and the relationship strategy to see value clearly, communicate it confidently, and turn it into the recognition, opportunity, and compensation it commands. Doing excellent work is not the same as being valued for it, and closing that gap is a learnable skill, not a personality trait.  9:30 – 10:30 am Lost in Translation: Communicating with Confidence Across GenerationsMelissa Thompson, PhD • Success Labs • Baton Rouge, LAToday's workplace spans four generations, and what reads as confident communication in one may land as dismissive or unclear in another. This session explores how generational differences shape the way we speak, listen, and lead, and offers practical tools for communicating with clarity and confidence across those divides. 10:30 – 10:50 am  Break  10:50 am – 12:05 pm Spreadsheet by Day, Real Life Always Becky Hammond, CPA, CISA, CITP, CGAP • Carr, Riggs & Ingram, LLC • New Orleans, LA Gretchen Fischer, CPA, MBA • Ericksen Krentel LLP • New Orleans, LA Nene Glenn Gianfala, CPA/ABV, ASA-BV/IA • Chaffe & Associates • New Orleans, LA Jennifer Fuselier, CPA • EisnerAmper • Metairie, LA Kearia White, CPA • Kearia White, CPA, LLC • Broussard, LA Catherine Roe, CPA • Cowart Roe CPA LLC • Metairie, LA Women today are balancing demanding careers, leadership roles, family responsibilities, and personal goals — often all at once. Hear from industry leaders as they share honest insights on flexibility, burnout prevention, career growth, and creating workplaces where professionals can thrive both inside and outside the office.  12:05 – 1:05 pm   Lunch  1:05 – 1:55 Health and Wellness In Stressful Times Laila Morcos Zissis, PCC, NBC-HWC, CMC • Owner/Laila Morcos Zissis, LLC • New Orleans, LA Did you know that chronic stress doesn't just live in your mind—it physically rewires your body? If you are a female leader running on empty, it’s time to stop treating wellness as a luxury and start treating it as your greatest business asset. In this powerful, data-driven talk, transformational coach Laila Morcos Zissis shares how to stop managing symptoms and start healing at the root. Discover how to transform stress into sustainable performance, optimize your cellular energy, and become the most vibrant, resilient version of yourself – even during global chaos!   1:55 – 2:25 Break, Bend & Defend: A Collaborative Fitness & Defense Session Becky Hammond, CPA, CISA, CITP, CGAP • Carr, Riggs & Ingram, LLC • New Orleans, LA Experience an energizing and interactive 30 minute session designed to build confidence, connection, and practical skills. Participants will engage in a dynamic teamwork demonstration, including guided board breaking that highlights trust, focus, and collective support. The session also incorporates light stretching to promote mobility and reduce tension, followed by an introduction to simple, effective self defense techniques for everyday awareness and personal safety. Perfect for all experience levels, this session blends movement, empowerment, and collaboration in a fun and supportive environment.  2:25 – 2:45 Break  2:45 – 3:35  Pass the Torch (Without Getting Burned) Nene Glenn Gianfala, CPA/ABV, ASA-BV/IA • Chaffe & Associates • New Orleans, LA Vanessa Brown Claiborne, CPA, ABV, ASA, AEP • Chaffe & Associates, Inc. • New Orleans, LA Privately held businesses are often the cornerstone of an owner’s wealth, making a well-structured succession plan essential for a successful retirement. This session will explore practical strategies for transitioning ownership in today’s M&A environment, including timing considerations, market dynamics, and aligning exit goals with current deal conditions. Attendees will gain insight into how to position a business for a smooth transition while maximizing value and minimizing disruption.  3:35 – 4:50 From Survive to Thrive: Slowing Down to Speed Up Hannah Sensenbrenner Morrow, M.S. •?Intuition Works •?New Orleans, LA In today's fast-changing world, creativity and innovation are not just buzzwords—they are essential leadership skills. Yet, many leaders unknowingly operate in survival mode, prioritizing efficiency, stability, and the age-old "Because we've always done it this way" excuse at the expense of experimentation, new ideas, and moving forward.  This highly interactive session will challenge leaders to break free from old patterns and embrace a Thrive mindset—one that starts with a counterintuitive truth: sometimes the fastest path forward begins with slowing down. By creating space to pause, reflect, and reset, leaders can build the psychological safety their teams need to take risks, surface new ideas, and innovate with confidence.  Through applied improvisation, engaging discussions, and real-world leadership frameworks—including Kotter's Survive & Thrive Channels—participants will explore how intentional pauses and a culture of reflection can unlock creativity and adaptability across their organizations. This isn't your normal workshop—it's a judgment-free creative playground where leaders will practice taking risks, challenging assumptions, and leading outside the lines.  The 2026 Women’s Conference proudly kicks off the 2nd Annual Ledgers and Legends Week, a week dedicated to connection, learning, and celebration across Louisiana’s accounting and finance community at the Ritz-Carlton in New Orleans. Join us for a full week of learning, connection, and celebration across the profession. Business and Industry Conference (Thursday, August 13 and Friday, August 14) Ledgers and Legends Ball (Saturday, August 15) Ethics for Public Practice (Sunday, August 16) Louisiana/Governmental Accounting & Auditing Conference (Monday, August 17 and Tuesday, August 18) Forensic, Litigation, and Valuation Services Conference (Monday, August 17 and Tuesday, August 18) Relax & Recharge During Ledgers & Legends WeekTake time to unwind during your conference stay at the Ritz Spa with exclusive wellness perks. Louisiana Residents: Enjoy 20% off spa services Monday–Thursday with valid Louisiana ID.  LCPA Attendees: Enjoy a 15% discount through the weekend by mentioning LCPA and the contracted discount when booking & checking out.

2026 Business & Industry Conference - IN PERSON - 1ST DAY ONLY

-

New Orleans

8.00 Credits

See more dates

Join us for the 2026 Business & Industry Conference, August 13–14 at The Ritz-Carlton, New Orleans, as part of Ledgers & Legends Week. This year’s program is designed for professionals navigating a business environment defined by rapid change, where technology, markets, and workforce expectations continue to evolve at an unprecedented pace. Additional Highlights to Note Join us a day early for Ethics for Business and Industry session on Wednesday, August 12. Stay for the 2nd Annual Ledgers & Legends Ball on Saturday at The Ritz-Carlton, a black-tie optional celebration honoring CPA achievements with live music, dinner, open bar, awards, and an unforgettable evening of connection. AGENDA Thursday, August 13      7:30 – 8:00 am Registration & Continental Breakfast  8:30 – 9:45 am Meeting the Challenge: Investment Strategy in an Era of Disruption Lawrence Hatheway, PHD •  Franklin Templeton •  Redding, CT Global markets are being disrupted—by geopolitical fragmentation, economic dislocation, and technology. In his presentation, Larry Hatheway explores what this means for capital markets and investment strategy. Larry will discuss the impacts of disruption on macroeconomics & markets—on growth, productivity, inflation, profitability, and risk premia—as well as how investors must re-think portfolio management in a world in flux.  9:45 – 10:05 am     Break  10:05 – 11:05 am  Safeguarding the Future: Applying Security to AI Les Nettleton • Retired - Bourgeois Bennett, LLC • Metairie, LA This session will explore the critical importance of security in artificial intelligence systems. We will cover potential risks, including data breaches, adversarial attacks, and ethical concerns.? We will also look at bias, manipulation, and explainability, all while highlighting best practices.  11:05 am – 12:00 pm How to Attract and Retain Talent Adrian Owne Jones, CFRE • Success Labs • Baton Rouge, LA  12:00 – 1:00 pm Lunch   1:00 – 1:50 pm  What Got You Here Won't Get You There: Communication Skills for the Next Stage of Your Accounting Career Jenn Braud Lambert, CPA • Attracct • Baton Rouge, LA The technical skills that earn you a CPA license are not the same skills that get you to the next level — and the data backs it up: communication consistently ranks as the profession's #1 competency, yet it remains the most common reason qualified candidates fall short of advancement. In this session, Jenn draws on her own journey from individual contributor to leadership to explore practical communication tools that bridge the gap between technically excellent and genuinely effective, giving attendees a concrete, immediately applicable system for understanding the people around them, adapting their communication style, and becoming more effective leaders, colleagues, and advisors.  1:50 – 2:40 pm Tax Update: What Business Leaders and Their Advisors Need to Know Now Greg Booth, CPA • EisnerAmper • Metairie, LA  This session delivers a practical overview of the latest federal and state & local tax developments affecting businesses today. We'll also take a deep dive into tariff refund opportunities — including how to identify eligibility and steps to pursue recovery.   2:40 – 3:00 pm Break  3:00 – 3:50 pm Coaching and Mentoring in Todays Environment Lauren Navarre, JD • Arena • Slidell, LA Effective leadership hinges on understanding people, building systems, and communicating with clarity. This presentation explores how leveraging behavioral assessments to unlock individual strengths, implementing scalable operating systems to drive consistent execution, and thoughtfully articulating a vision can transform a team's performance and culture. Attendees will walk away with actionable strategies to coach and mentor with greater intent and sustainable results.  3:50 – 4:50 pm Recent Changes in Louisiana Estate Planning and Successions Law Jeremy Call, JD •    • Covington, LA  The presentation will provide a review of recent legislative and judicial developments involving Louisiana estate planning and succession, with a?focus on changes to the requirements for the validity of estate planning documents, namely wills and power of attorneys, as well as general changes within the succession laws of Louisiana. The presentation will also focus on practical guidance for identifying planning opportunities and coordination with CPAs, financial advisors, and estate planning lawyers, and will provide helpful ideas to avoid common succession pitfalls.    Friday, August 14  8:00 – 9:20 am Professional Issues Update Ron Gitz, CPA, CGMA • Executive Director/CEO - Society of Louisiana CPAs • Metairie, LA David Zoller • Society of Louisiana CPAs • Metairie, LA  9:20 – 9:40 am Break   9:40 – 10:55 am   Headwinds 2026: What Inhibits Carrier Ability to Control Healthcare Costs Michael Bertaut, MBA, CHC, PAHM • Blue Cross Blue Shield of Louisiana • Baton Rouge, LA In 2026 there are a very specific set of inhibitors throwing sand in the gears of slowing down rising healthcare costs.? Some of these have been evolving slowly over time, While others are brand new and their impact is just starting to be understood. In order to provide meaningful employer benefits in this environment, Managers must  Understand these cost drivers and what they can reasonable achieve in moderating them.  10:55 am – 12:10 pm AI-Powered Spreadsheets: The CPA's New Competitive Edge Trace Armstrong • Cherry Bekaert Advisory LLC • Birmingham, AL The spreadsheet isn't going away — it's getting smarter. This session explores how AI is transforming the way CPAs interact with Excel and other tools, from natural language formulas and automated data analysis to AI-assisted modeling and anomaly detection. We'll demonstrate real-world applications tailored to business and industry professionals, address common concerns around accuracy and reliability, and help you evaluate which AI tools deserve a place in your workflow. Whether you're just getting started or looking to go deeper, you'll leave with a clear roadmap for integrating AI into your day-to-day spreadsheet work.  12:10 – 1:10 pm Lunch  1:10 – 2:30 pm Today’s Cyber Landscape: Risks, Realities, and the CPA’s RoleAllison Ward, CPA, CISA, CISSP, CISM • CRI Advisors, LLC • Baton Rouge, LA Cybersecurity risks continue to evolve, requiring organizations to stay alert as both new threats and long standing vulnerabilities persist. In this session, we’ll examine the current state of the cyber landscape and what it means for today’s organizations. Through practical examples and common risk scenarios, we’ll highlight why these issues matter and where professionals play a role in reducing exposure. Attendees will gain insight into practical steps that can strengthen awareness, improve resilience, and help reduce overall organizational risk.  2:30 – 2:50 pm Break  2:50 – 4:20 pm Gazing into the Crystal Ball: looking Ahead to 2027-28 Loren Scott, PhD • Loren C. Scott & Associates, Inc. • Baton Rouge, LA What will be driving employment across different sections of the State in 2027-28?  What role will data centers play, especially in the region above I10?  What will the war's impact be on the oil, LNG, and chemical sectors of the economy?  Has AI begun to have an impact on employment trends?  The 2026 Business & Industry Conference is part of our 2nd Annual Ledgers and Legends Week, a week dedicated to connection, learning, and celebration across Louisiana’s accounting and finance community at the Ritz-Carlton in New Orleans. Join us for one or multiple events during this full week of learning, connection, and celebration across the profession. Women's Conference (Wednesday, August 12) Ethics for Business & Industry (Wednesday, August 12) Ledgers and Legends Ball (Saturday, August 15) Ethics for Public Practice (Sunday, August 16) Louisiana/Governmental Accounting & Auditing Conference (Monday, August 17 and Tuesday, August 18) Forensic, Litigation, and Valuation Services Conference (Monday, August 17 and Tuesday, August 18) Relax & Recharge During Ledgers & Legends WeekTake time to unwind during your conference stay at the Ritz Spa with exclusive wellness perks. Louisiana Residents: Enjoy 20% off spa services Monday–Thursday with valid Louisiana ID.  LCPA Attendees: Enjoy a 15% discount through the weekend by mentioning LCPA and the contracted discount when booking & checking out.

More Dates

2026 Business & Industry Conference - WEBCAST - 1ST DAY ONLY

-

Online/Webcast

8.00 Credits

See more dates

Join us for the 2026 Business & Industry Conference, August 13–14 as part of Ledgers & Legends Week. This year’s program is designed for professionals navigating a business environment defined by rapid change, where technology, markets, and workforce expectations continue to evolve at an unprecedented pace.Over two days, attendees will gain fresh perspective, practical insights, and forward-looking strategies to help turn uncertainty into opportunity and stay ahead in a shifting landscape. This is a space to step away from the day-to-day, engage with meaningful ideas, and return with renewed clarity and direction. AGENDA Thursday, August 13      7:30 – 8:00 am Registration & Continental Breakfast  8:30 – 9:45 am Meeting the Challenge: Investment Strategy in an Era of Disruption Lawrence Hatheway, PHD •  Franklin Templeton •  Redding, CT Global markets are being disrupted—by geopolitical fragmentation, economic dislocation, and technology. In his presentation, Larry Hatheway explores what this means for capital markets and investment strategy. Larry will discuss the impacts of disruption on macroeconomics & markets—on growth, productivity, inflation, profitability, and risk premia—as well as how investors must re-think portfolio management in a world in flux.  9:45 – 10:05 am     Break  10:05 – 11:05 am  Safeguarding the Future: Applying Security to AI Les Nettleton • Retired - Bourgeois Bennett, LLC • Metairie, LA This session will explore the critical importance of security in artificial intelligence systems. We will cover potential risks, including data breaches, adversarial attacks, and ethical concerns.? We will also look at bias, manipulation, and explainability, all while highlighting best practices.  11:05 am – 12:00 pm How to Attract and Retain Talent Adrian Owne Jones, CFRE • Success Labs • Baton Rouge, LA  12:00 – 1:00 pm Lunch   1:00 – 1:50 pm  What Got You Here Won't Get You There: Communication Skills for the Next Stage of Your Accounting Career Jenn Braud Lambert, CPA • Attracct • Baton Rouge, LA The technical skills that earn you a CPA license are not the same skills that get you to the next level — and the data backs it up: communication consistently ranks as the profession's #1 competency, yet it remains the most common reason qualified candidates fall short of advancement. In this session, Jenn draws on her own journey from individual contributor to leadership to explore practical communication tools that bridge the gap between technically excellent and genuinely effective, giving attendees a concrete, immediately applicable system for understanding the people around them, adapting their communication style, and becoming more effective leaders, colleagues, and advisors.  1:50 – 2:40 pm Tax Update: What Business Leaders and Their Advisors Need to Know Now Greg Booth, CPA • EisnerAmper • Metairie, LA  This session delivers a practical overview of the latest federal and state & local tax developments affecting businesses today. We'll also take a deep dive into tariff refund opportunities — including how to identify eligibility and steps to pursue recovery.   2:40 – 3:00 pm Break  3:00 – 3:50 pm Coaching and Mentoring in Todays Environment Lauren Navarre, JD • Arena • Slidell, LA Effective leadership hinges on understanding people, building systems, and communicating with clarity. This presentation explores how leveraging behavioral assessments to unlock individual strengths, implementing scalable operating systems to drive consistent execution, and thoughtfully articulating a vision can transform a team's performance and culture. Attendees will walk away with actionable strategies to coach and mentor with greater intent and sustainable results.  3:50 – 4:50 pm Recent Changes in Louisiana Estate Planning and Successions Law Jeremy Call, JD •    • Covington, LA  The presentation will provide a review of recent legislative and judicial developments involving Louisiana estate planning and succession, with a?focus on changes to the requirements for the validity of estate planning documents, namely wills and power of attorneys, as well as general changes within the succession laws of Louisiana. The presentation will also focus on practical guidance for identifying planning opportunities and coordination with CPAs, financial advisors, and estate planning lawyers, and will provide helpful ideas to avoid common succession pitfalls.    Friday, August 14  8:00 – 9:20 am Professional Issues Update Ron Gitz, CPA, CGMA • Executive Director/CEO - Society of Louisiana CPAs • Metairie, LA David Zoller • Society of Louisiana CPAs • Metairie, LA  9:20 – 9:40 am Break   9:40 – 10:55 am   Headwinds 2026: What Inhibits Carrier Ability to Control Healthcare Costs Michael Bertaut, MBA, CHC, PAHM • Blue Cross Blue Shield of Louisiana • Baton Rouge, LA In 2026 there are a very specific set of inhibitors throwing sand in the gears of slowing down rising healthcare costs.? Some of these have been evolving slowly over time, While others are brand new and their impact is just starting to be understood. In order to provide meaningful employer benefits in this environment, Managers must  Understand these cost drivers and what they can reasonable achieve in moderating them.  10:55 am – 12:10 pm AI-Powered Spreadsheets: The CPA's New Competitive Edge Trace Armstrong • Cherry Bekaert Advisory LLC • Birmingham, AL The spreadsheet isn't going away — it's getting smarter. This session explores how AI is transforming the way CPAs interact with Excel and other tools, from natural language formulas and automated data analysis to AI-assisted modeling and anomaly detection. We'll demonstrate real-world applications tailored to business and industry professionals, address common concerns around accuracy and reliability, and help you evaluate which AI tools deserve a place in your workflow. Whether you're just getting started or looking to go deeper, you'll leave with a clear roadmap for integrating AI into your day-to-day spreadsheet work.  12:10 – 1:10 pm Lunch  1:10 – 2:30 pm Today’s Cyber Landscape: Risks, Realities, and the CPA’s RoleAllison Ward, CPA, CISA, CISSP, CISM • CRI Advisors, LLC • Baton Rouge, LA Cybersecurity risks continue to evolve, requiring organizations to stay alert as both new threats and long standing vulnerabilities persist. In this session, we’ll examine the current state of the cyber landscape and what it means for today’s organizations. Through practical examples and common risk scenarios, we’ll highlight why these issues matter and where professionals play a role in reducing exposure. Attendees will gain insight into practical steps that can strengthen awareness, improve resilience, and help reduce overall organizational risk.  2:30 – 2:50 pm Break  2:50 – 4:20 pm Gazing into the Crystal Ball: looking Ahead to 2027-28 Loren Scott, PhD • Loren C. Scott & Associates, Inc. • Baton Rouge, LA What will be driving employment across different sections of the State in 2027-28?  What role will data centers play, especially in the region above I10?  What will the war's impact be on the oil, LNG, and chemical sectors of the economy?  Has AI begun to have an impact on employment trends?  The 2026 Business & Industry Conference is part of our 2nd Annual Ledgers and Legends Week, a week dedicated to connection, learning, and celebration across Louisiana’s accounting and finance community at the Ritz-Carlton in New Orleans. Join us for one or multiple events during this full week of learning, connection, and celebration across the profession. Women's Conference (Wednesday, August 12) Ethics for Business & Industry (Wednesday, August 12) Ledgers and Legends Ball (Saturday, August 15) Ethics for Public Practice (Sunday, August 16) Louisiana/Governmental Accounting & Auditing Conference (Monday, August 17 and Tuesday, August 18) Forensic, Litigation, and Valuation Services Conference (Monday, August 17 and Tuesday, August 18)

More Dates

2026 Business & Industry Conference - IN PERSON - BOTH DAYS

-

New Orleans

16.00 Credits

See more dates

Join us for the 2026 Business & Industry Conference, August 13–14 at The Ritz-Carlton, New Orleans, as part of Ledgers & Legends Week. This year’s program is designed for professionals navigating a business environment defined by rapid change, where technology, markets, and workforce expectations continue to evolve at an unprecedented pace.Over two days, attendees will gain fresh perspective, practical insights, and forward-looking strategies to help turn uncertainty into opportunity and stay ahead in a shifting landscape. This is a space to step away from the day-to-day, engage with meaningful ideas, and return with renewed clarity and direction. Additional Highlights to Note Join us a day early for Ethics for Business and Industry session on Wednesday, August 12. Included with your registration: a complimentary ticket to the Annual Meeting Lunch on Friday, featuring updates on leadership and a look ahead at the future of the profession, plus time to connect with peers.  Stay an extra night for the 2nd Annual Ledgers & Legends Ball on Saturday at The Ritz-Carlton, a black-tie optional celebration honoring CPA achievements with live music, dinner, open bar, awards, and an unforgettable evening of connection. AGENDA Thursday, August 13      7:30 – 8:00 am Registration & Continental Breakfast  8:30 – 9:45 am Meeting the Challenge: Investment Strategy in an Era of Disruption Lawrence Hatheway, PHD •  Franklin Templeton •  Redding, CT Global markets are being disrupted—by geopolitical fragmentation, economic dislocation, and technology. In his presentation, Larry Hatheway explores what this means for capital markets and investment strategy. Larry will discuss the impacts of disruption on macroeconomics & markets—on growth, productivity, inflation, profitability, and risk premia—as well as how investors must re-think portfolio management in a world in flux.  9:45 – 10:05 am     Break  10:05 – 11:05 am  Safeguarding the Future: Applying Security to AI Les Nettleton • Retired - Bourgeois Bennett, LLC • Metairie, LA This session will explore the critical importance of security in artificial intelligence systems. We will cover potential risks, including data breaches, adversarial attacks, and ethical concerns.? We will also look at bias, manipulation, and explainability, all while highlighting best practices.  11:05 am – 12:00 pm How to Attract and Retain Talent Adrian Owne Jones, CFRE • Success Labs • Baton Rouge, LA  12:00 – 1:00 pm Lunch   1:00 – 1:50 pm  What Got You Here Won't Get You There: Communication Skills for the Next Stage of Your Accounting Career Jenn Braud Lambert, CPA • Attracct • Baton Rouge, LA The technical skills that earn you a CPA license are not the same skills that get you to the next level — and the data backs it up: communication consistently ranks as the profession's #1 competency, yet it remains the most common reason qualified candidates fall short of advancement. In this session, Jenn draws on her own journey from individual contributor to leadership to explore practical communication tools that bridge the gap between technically excellent and genuinely effective, giving attendees a concrete, immediately applicable system for understanding the people around them, adapting their communication style, and becoming more effective leaders, colleagues, and advisors.  1:50 – 2:40 pm Tax Update: What Business Leaders and Their Advisors Need to Know Now Greg Booth, CPA • EisnerAmper • Metairie, LA  This session delivers a practical overview of the latest federal and state & local tax developments affecting businesses today. We'll also take a deep dive into tariff refund opportunities — including how to identify eligibility and steps to pursue recovery.   2:40 – 3:00 pm Break  3:00 – 3:50 pm Coaching and Mentoring in Todays Environment Lauren Navarre, JD • Arena • Slidell, LA Effective leadership hinges on understanding people, building systems, and communicating with clarity. This presentation explores how leveraging behavioral assessments to unlock individual strengths, implementing scalable operating systems to drive consistent execution, and thoughtfully articulating a vision can transform a team's performance and culture. Attendees will walk away with actionable strategies to coach and mentor with greater intent and sustainable results.  3:50 – 4:50 pm Recent Changes in Louisiana Estate Planning and Successions Law Jeremy Call, JD •    • Covington, LA  The presentation will provide a review of recent legislative and judicial developments involving Louisiana estate planning and succession, with a?focus on changes to the requirements for the validity of estate planning documents, namely wills and power of attorneys, as well as general changes within the succession laws of Louisiana. The presentation will also focus on practical guidance for identifying planning opportunities and coordination with CPAs, financial advisors, and estate planning lawyers, and will provide helpful ideas to avoid common succession pitfalls.    Friday, August 14  8:00 – 9:20 am Professional Issues Update Ron Gitz, CPA, CGMA • Executive Director/CEO - Society of Louisiana CPAs • Metairie, LA David Zoller • Society of Louisiana CPAs • Metairie, LA  9:20 – 9:40 am Break   9:40 – 10:55 am   Headwinds 2026: What Inhibits Carrier Ability to Control Healthcare Costs Michael Bertaut, MBA, CHC, PAHM • Blue Cross Blue Shield of Louisiana • Baton Rouge, LA In 2026 there are a very specific set of inhibitors throwing sand in the gears of slowing down rising healthcare costs.? Some of these have been evolving slowly over time, While others are brand new and their impact is just starting to be understood. In order to provide meaningful employer benefits in this environment, Managers must  Understand these cost drivers and what they can reasonable achieve in moderating them.  10:55 am – 12:10 pm AI-Powered Spreadsheets: The CPA's New Competitive Edge Trace Armstrong • Cherry Bekaert Advisory LLC • Birmingham, AL The spreadsheet isn't going away — it's getting smarter. This session explores how AI is transforming the way CPAs interact with Excel and other tools, from natural language formulas and automated data analysis to AI-assisted modeling and anomaly detection. We'll demonstrate real-world applications tailored to business and industry professionals, address common concerns around accuracy and reliability, and help you evaluate which AI tools deserve a place in your workflow. Whether you're just getting started or looking to go deeper, you'll leave with a clear roadmap for integrating AI into your day-to-day spreadsheet work.  12:10 – 1:10 pm Lunch  1:10 – 2:30 pm Today’s Cyber Landscape: Risks, Realities, and the CPA’s RoleAllison Ward, CPA, CISA, CISSP, CISM • CRI Advisors, LLC • Baton Rouge, LA Cybersecurity risks continue to evolve, requiring organizations to stay alert as both new threats and long standing vulnerabilities persist. In this session, we’ll examine the current state of the cyber landscape and what it means for today’s organizations. Through practical examples and common risk scenarios, we’ll highlight why these issues matter and where professionals play a role in reducing exposure. Attendees will gain insight into practical steps that can strengthen awareness, improve resilience, and help reduce overall organizational risk.  2:30 – 2:50 pm Break  2:50 – 4:20 pm Gazing into the Crystal Ball: looking Ahead to 2027-28 Loren Scott, PhD • Loren C. Scott & Associates, Inc. • Baton Rouge, LA What will be driving employment across different sections of the State in 2027-28?  What role will data centers play, especially in the region above I10?  What will the war's impact be on the oil, LNG, and chemical sectors of the economy?  Has AI begun to have an impact on employment trends?  The 2026 Business & Industry Conference is part of our 2nd Annual Ledgers and Legends Week, a week dedicated to connection, learning, and celebration across Louisiana’s accounting and finance community at the Ritz-Carlton in New Orleans. Join us for one or multiple events during this full week of learning, connection, and celebration across the profession. Women's Conference (Wednesday, August 12) Ethics for Business & Industry (Wednesday, August 12) Ledgers and Legends Ball (Saturday, August 15) Ethics for Public Practice (Sunday, August 16) Louisiana/Governmental Accounting & Auditing Conference (Monday, August 17 and Tuesday, August 18) Forensic, Litigation, and Valuation Services Conference (Monday, August 17 and Tuesday, August 18) Relax & Recharge During Ledgers & Legends WeekTake time to unwind during your conference stay at the Ritz Spa with exclusive wellness perks. Louisiana Residents: Enjoy 20% off spa services Monday–Thursday with valid Louisiana ID.  LCPA Attendees: Enjoy a 15% discount through the weekend by mentioning LCPA and the contracted discount when booking & checking out.

More Dates

2026 Business & Industry Conference - WEBCAST - BOTH DAYS

-

Online/Webcast

16.00 Credits

See more dates

Join us for the 2026 Business & Industry Conference, August 13–14 as part of Ledgers & Legends Week. This year’s program is designed for professionals navigating a business environment defined by rapid change, where technology, markets, and workforce expectations continue to evolve at an unprecedented pace.Over two days, attendees will gain fresh perspective, practical insights, and forward-looking strategies to help turn uncertainty into opportunity and stay ahead in a shifting landscape. This is a space to step away from the day-to-day, engage with meaningful ideas, and return with renewed clarity and direction. AGENDA Thursday, August 13      7:30 – 8:00 am Registration & Continental Breakfast  8:30 – 9:45 am Meeting the Challenge: Investment Strategy in an Era of Disruption Lawrence Hatheway, PHD •  Franklin Templeton •  Redding, CT Global markets are being disrupted—by geopolitical fragmentation, economic dislocation, and technology. In his presentation, Larry Hatheway explores what this means for capital markets and investment strategy. Larry will discuss the impacts of disruption on macroeconomics & markets—on growth, productivity, inflation, profitability, and risk premia—as well as how investors must re-think portfolio management in a world in flux.  9:45 – 10:05 am     Break  10:05 – 11:05 am  Safeguarding the Future: Applying Security to AI Les Nettleton • Retired - Bourgeois Bennett, LLC • Metairie, LA This session will explore the critical importance of security in artificial intelligence systems. We will cover potential risks, including data breaches, adversarial attacks, and ethical concerns.? We will also look at bias, manipulation, and explainability, all while highlighting best practices.  11:05 am – 12:00 pm How to Attract and Retain Talent Adrian Owne Jones, CFRE • Success Labs • Baton Rouge, LA  12:00 – 1:00 pm Lunch   1:00 – 1:50 pm  What Got You Here Won't Get You There: Communication Skills for the Next Stage of Your Accounting Career Jenn Braud Lambert, CPA • Attracct • Baton Rouge, LA The technical skills that earn you a CPA license are not the same skills that get you to the next level — and the data backs it up: communication consistently ranks as the profession's #1 competency, yet it remains the most common reason qualified candidates fall short of advancement. In this session, Jenn draws on her own journey from individual contributor to leadership to explore practical communication tools that bridge the gap between technically excellent and genuinely effective, giving attendees a concrete, immediately applicable system for understanding the people around them, adapting their communication style, and becoming more effective leaders, colleagues, and advisors.  1:50 – 2:40 pm Tax Update: What Business Leaders and Their Advisors Need to Know Now Greg Booth, CPA • EisnerAmper • Metairie, LA  This session delivers a practical overview of the latest federal and state & local tax developments affecting businesses today. We'll also take a deep dive into tariff refund opportunities — including how to identify eligibility and steps to pursue recovery.   2:40 – 3:00 pm Break  3:00 – 3:50 pm Coaching and Mentoring in Todays Environment Lauren Navarre, JD • Arena • Slidell, LA Effective leadership hinges on understanding people, building systems, and communicating with clarity. This presentation explores how leveraging behavioral assessments to unlock individual strengths, implementing scalable operating systems to drive consistent execution, and thoughtfully articulating a vision can transform a team's performance and culture. Attendees will walk away with actionable strategies to coach and mentor with greater intent and sustainable results.  3:50 – 4:50 pm Recent Changes in Louisiana Estate Planning and Successions Law Jeremy Call, JD •    • Covington, LA  The presentation will provide a review of recent legislative and judicial developments involving Louisiana estate planning and succession, with a?focus on changes to the requirements for the validity of estate planning documents, namely wills and power of attorneys, as well as general changes within the succession laws of Louisiana. The presentation will also focus on practical guidance for identifying planning opportunities and coordination with CPAs, financial advisors, and estate planning lawyers, and will provide helpful ideas to avoid common succession pitfalls.    Friday, August 14  8:00 – 9:20 am Professional Issues Update Ron Gitz, CPA, CGMA • Executive Director/CEO - Society of Louisiana CPAs • Metairie, LA David Zoller • Society of Louisiana CPAs • Metairie, LA  9:20 – 9:40 am Break   9:40 – 10:55 am   Headwinds 2026: What Inhibits Carrier Ability to Control Healthcare Costs Michael Bertaut, MBA, CHC, PAHM • Blue Cross Blue Shield of Louisiana • Baton Rouge, LA In 2026 there are a very specific set of inhibitors throwing sand in the gears of slowing down rising healthcare costs.? Some of these have been evolving slowly over time, While others are brand new and their impact is just starting to be understood. In order to provide meaningful employer benefits in this environment, Managers must  Understand these cost drivers and what they can reasonable achieve in moderating them.  10:55 am – 12:10 pm AI-Powered Spreadsheets: The CPA's New Competitive Edge Trace Armstrong • Cherry Bekaert Advisory LLC • Birmingham, AL The spreadsheet isn't going away — it's getting smarter. This session explores how AI is transforming the way CPAs interact with Excel and other tools, from natural language formulas and automated data analysis to AI-assisted modeling and anomaly detection. We'll demonstrate real-world applications tailored to business and industry professionals, address common concerns around accuracy and reliability, and help you evaluate which AI tools deserve a place in your workflow. Whether you're just getting started or looking to go deeper, you'll leave with a clear roadmap for integrating AI into your day-to-day spreadsheet work.  12:10 – 1:10 pm Lunch  1:10 – 2:30 pm Today’s Cyber Landscape: Risks, Realities, and the CPA’s RoleAllison Ward, CPA, CISA, CISSP, CISM • CRI Advisors, LLC • Baton Rouge, LA Cybersecurity risks continue to evolve, requiring organizations to stay alert as both new threats and long standing vulnerabilities persist. In this session, we’ll examine the current state of the cyber landscape and what it means for today’s organizations. Through practical examples and common risk scenarios, we’ll highlight why these issues matter and where professionals play a role in reducing exposure. Attendees will gain insight into practical steps that can strengthen awareness, improve resilience, and help reduce overall organizational risk.  2:30 – 2:50 pm Break  2:50 – 4:20 pm Gazing into the Crystal Ball: looking Ahead to 2027-28 Loren Scott, PhD • Loren C. Scott & Associates, Inc. • Baton Rouge, LA What will be driving employment across different sections of the State in 2027-28?  What role will data centers play, especially in the region above I10?  What will the war's impact be on the oil, LNG, and chemical sectors of the economy?  Has AI begun to have an impact on employment trends?  The 2026 Business & Industry Conference is part of our 2nd Annual Ledgers and Legends Week, a week dedicated to connection, learning, and celebration across Louisiana’s accounting and finance community at the Ritz-Carlton in New Orleans. Join us for one or multiple events during this full week of learning, connection, and celebration across the profession. Women's Conference (Wednesday, August 12) Ethics for Business & Industry (Wednesday, August 12) Ledgers and Legends Ball (Saturday, August 15) Ethics for Public Practice (Sunday, August 16) Louisiana/Governmental Accounting & Auditing Conference (Monday, August 17 and Tuesday, August 18) Forensic, Litigation, and Valuation Services Conference (Monday, August 17 and Tuesday, August 18)

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2026 Business & Industry Conference - IN PERSON - 2ND DAY ONLY

-

New Orleans

8.00 Credits

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Join us for the 2026 Business & Industry Conference, August 13–14 at The Ritz-Carlton, New Orleans, as part of Ledgers & Legends Week. This year’s program is designed for professionals navigating a business environment defined by rapid change, where technology, markets, and workforce expectations continue to evolve at an unprecedented pace. Additional Highlights to Note  Included with your registration: a complimentary ticket to the Annual Meeting Lunch on Friday, featuring updates on leadership and a look ahead at the future of the profession, plus time to connect with peers.  Stay an extra night for the 2nd Annual Ledgers & Legends Ball on Saturday at The Ritz-Carlton, a black-tie optional celebration honoring CPA achievements with live music, dinner, open bar, awards, and an unforgettable evening of connection. AGENDA Thursday, August 13      7:30 – 8:00 am Registration & Continental Breakfast  8:30 – 9:45 am Meeting the Challenge: Investment Strategy in an Era of Disruption Lawrence Hatheway, PHD •  Franklin Templeton •  Redding, CT Global markets are being disrupted—by geopolitical fragmentation, economic dislocation, and technology. In his presentation, Larry Hatheway explores what this means for capital markets and investment strategy. Larry will discuss the impacts of disruption on macroeconomics & markets—on growth, productivity, inflation, profitability, and risk premia—as well as how investors must re-think portfolio management in a world in flux.  9:45 – 10:05 am     Break  10:05 – 11:05 am  Safeguarding the Future: Applying Security to AI Les Nettleton • Retired - Bourgeois Bennett, LLC • Metairie, LA This session will explore the critical importance of security in artificial intelligence systems. We will cover potential risks, including data breaches, adversarial attacks, and ethical concerns.? We will also look at bias, manipulation, and explainability, all while highlighting best practices.  11:05 am – 12:00 pm How to Attract and Retain Talent Adrian Owne Jones, CFRE • Success Labs • Baton Rouge, LA  12:00 – 1:00 pm Lunch   1:00 – 1:50 pm  What Got You Here Won't Get You There: Communication Skills for the Next Stage of Your Accounting Career Jenn Braud Lambert, CPA • Attracct • Baton Rouge, LA The technical skills that earn you a CPA license are not the same skills that get you to the next level — and the data backs it up: communication consistently ranks as the profession's #1 competency, yet it remains the most common reason qualified candidates fall short of advancement. In this session, Jenn draws on her own journey from individual contributor to leadership to explore practical communication tools that bridge the gap between technically excellent and genuinely effective, giving attendees a concrete, immediately applicable system for understanding the people around them, adapting their communication style, and becoming more effective leaders, colleagues, and advisors.  1:50 – 2:40 pm Tax Update: What Business Leaders and Their Advisors Need to Know Now Greg Booth, CPA • EisnerAmper • Metairie, LA  This session delivers a practical overview of the latest federal and state & local tax developments affecting businesses today. We'll also take a deep dive into tariff refund opportunities — including how to identify eligibility and steps to pursue recovery.   2:40 – 3:00 pm Break  3:00 – 3:50 pm Coaching and Mentoring in Todays Environment Lauren Navarre, JD • Arena • Slidell, LA Effective leadership hinges on understanding people, building systems, and communicating with clarity. This presentation explores how leveraging behavioral assessments to unlock individual strengths, implementing scalable operating systems to drive consistent execution, and thoughtfully articulating a vision can transform a team's performance and culture. Attendees will walk away with actionable strategies to coach and mentor with greater intent and sustainable results.  3:50 – 4:50 pm Recent Changes in Louisiana Estate Planning and Successions Law Jeremy Call, JD •    • Covington, LA  The presentation will provide a review of recent legislative and judicial developments involving Louisiana estate planning and succession, with a?focus on changes to the requirements for the validity of estate planning documents, namely wills and power of attorneys, as well as general changes within the succession laws of Louisiana. The presentation will also focus on practical guidance for identifying planning opportunities and coordination with CPAs, financial advisors, and estate planning lawyers, and will provide helpful ideas to avoid common succession pitfalls.    Friday, August 14  8:00 – 9:20 am Professional Issues Update Ron Gitz, CPA, CGMA • Executive Director/CEO - Society of Louisiana CPAs • Metairie, LA David Zoller • Society of Louisiana CPAs • Metairie, LA  9:20 – 9:40 am Break   9:40 – 10:55 am   Headwinds 2026: What Inhibits Carrier Ability to Control Healthcare Costs Michael Bertaut, MBA, CHC, PAHM • Blue Cross Blue Shield of Louisiana • Baton Rouge, LA In 2026 there are a very specific set of inhibitors throwing sand in the gears of slowing down rising healthcare costs.? Some of these have been evolving slowly over time, While others are brand new and their impact is just starting to be understood. In order to provide meaningful employer benefits in this environment, Managers must  Understand these cost drivers and what they can reasonable achieve in moderating them.  10:55 am – 12:10 pm AI-Powered Spreadsheets: The CPA's New Competitive Edge Trace Armstrong • Cherry Bekaert Advisory LLC • Birmingham, AL The spreadsheet isn't going away — it's getting smarter. This session explores how AI is transforming the way CPAs interact with Excel and other tools, from natural language formulas and automated data analysis to AI-assisted modeling and anomaly detection. We'll demonstrate real-world applications tailored to business and industry professionals, address common concerns around accuracy and reliability, and help you evaluate which AI tools deserve a place in your workflow. Whether you're just getting started or looking to go deeper, you'll leave with a clear roadmap for integrating AI into your day-to-day spreadsheet work.  12:10 – 1:10 pm Lunch  1:10 – 2:30 pm Today’s Cyber Landscape: Risks, Realities, and the CPA’s RoleAllison Ward, CPA, CISA, CISSP, CISM • CRI Advisors, LLC • Baton Rouge, LA Cybersecurity risks continue to evolve, requiring organizations to stay alert as both new threats and long standing vulnerabilities persist. In this session, we’ll examine the current state of the cyber landscape and what it means for today’s organizations. Through practical examples and common risk scenarios, we’ll highlight why these issues matter and where professionals play a role in reducing exposure. Attendees will gain insight into practical steps that can strengthen awareness, improve resilience, and help reduce overall organizational risk.  2:30 – 2:50 pm Break  2:50 – 4:20 pm Gazing into the Crystal Ball: looking Ahead to 2027-28 Loren Scott, PhD • Loren C. Scott & Associates, Inc. • Baton Rouge, LA What will be driving employment across different sections of the State in 2027-28?  What role will data centers play, especially in the region above I10?  What will the war's impact be on the oil, LNG, and chemical sectors of the economy?  Has AI begun to have an impact on employment trends?  The 2026 Business & Industry Conference is part of our 2nd Annual Ledgers and Legends Week, a week dedicated to connection, learning, and celebration across Louisiana’s accounting and finance community at the Ritz-Carlton in New Orleans. Join us for one or multiple events during this full week of learning, connection, and celebration across the profession. Women's Conference (Wednesday, August 12) Ethics for Business & Industry (Wednesday, August 12) Ledgers and Legends Ball (Saturday, August 15) Ethics for Public Practice (Sunday, August 16) Louisiana/Governmental Accounting & Auditing Conference (Monday, August 17 and Tuesday, August 18) Forensic, Litigation, and Valuation Services Conference (Monday, August 17 and Tuesday, August 18) Relax & Recharge During Ledgers & Legends WeekTake time to unwind during your conference stay at the Ritz Spa with exclusive wellness perks. Louisiana Residents: Enjoy 20% off spa services Monday–Thursday with valid Louisiana ID.  LCPA Attendees: Enjoy a 15% discount through the weekend by mentioning LCPA and the contracted discount when booking & checking out.

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2026 Business & Industry Conference - WEBCAST - 2ND DAY ONLY

-

Online/Webcast

8.00 Credits

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Join us for the 2026 Business & Industry Conference, August 13–14 as part of Ledgers & Legends Week. This year’s program is designed for professionals navigating a business environment defined by rapid change, where technology, markets, and workforce expectations continue to evolve at an unprecedented pace.Over two days, attendees will gain fresh perspective, practical insights, and forward-looking strategies to help turn uncertainty into opportunity and stay ahead in a shifting landscape. This is a space to step away from the day-to-day, engage with meaningful ideas, and return with renewed clarity and direction. AGENDA Thursday, August 13      7:30 – 8:00 am Registration & Continental Breakfast  8:30 – 9:45 am Meeting the Challenge: Investment Strategy in an Era of Disruption Lawrence Hatheway, PHD •  Franklin Templeton •  Redding, CT Global markets are being disrupted—by geopolitical fragmentation, economic dislocation, and technology. In his presentation, Larry Hatheway explores what this means for capital markets and investment strategy. Larry will discuss the impacts of disruption on macroeconomics & markets—on growth, productivity, inflation, profitability, and risk premia—as well as how investors must re-think portfolio management in a world in flux.  9:45 – 10:05 am     Break  10:05 – 11:05 am  Safeguarding the Future: Applying Security to AI Les Nettleton • Retired - Bourgeois Bennett, LLC • Metairie, LA This session will explore the critical importance of security in artificial intelligence systems. We will cover potential risks, including data breaches, adversarial attacks, and ethical concerns.? We will also look at bias, manipulation, and explainability, all while highlighting best practices.  11:05 am – 12:00 pm How to Attract and Retain Talent Adrian Owne Jones, CFRE • Success Labs • Baton Rouge, LA  12:00 – 1:00 pm Lunch   1:00 – 1:50 pm  What Got You Here Won't Get You There: Communication Skills for the Next Stage of Your Accounting Career Jenn Braud Lambert, CPA • Attracct • Baton Rouge, LA The technical skills that earn you a CPA license are not the same skills that get you to the next level — and the data backs it up: communication consistently ranks as the profession's #1 competency, yet it remains the most common reason qualified candidates fall short of advancement. In this session, Jenn draws on her own journey from individual contributor to leadership to explore practical communication tools that bridge the gap between technically excellent and genuinely effective, giving attendees a concrete, immediately applicable system for understanding the people around them, adapting their communication style, and becoming more effective leaders, colleagues, and advisors.  1:50 – 2:40 pm Tax Update: What Business Leaders and Their Advisors Need to Know Now Greg Booth, CPA • EisnerAmper • Metairie, LA  This session delivers a practical overview of the latest federal and state & local tax developments affecting businesses today. We'll also take a deep dive into tariff refund opportunities — including how to identify eligibility and steps to pursue recovery.   2:40 – 3:00 pm Break  3:00 – 3:50 pm Coaching and Mentoring in Todays Environment Lauren Navarre, JD • Arena • Slidell, LA Effective leadership hinges on understanding people, building systems, and communicating with clarity. This presentation explores how leveraging behavioral assessments to unlock individual strengths, implementing scalable operating systems to drive consistent execution, and thoughtfully articulating a vision can transform a team's performance and culture. Attendees will walk away with actionable strategies to coach and mentor with greater intent and sustainable results.  3:50 – 4:50 pm Recent Changes in Louisiana Estate Planning and Successions Law Jeremy Call, JD •    • Covington, LA  The presentation will provide a review of recent legislative and judicial developments involving Louisiana estate planning and succession, with a?focus on changes to the requirements for the validity of estate planning documents, namely wills and power of attorneys, as well as general changes within the succession laws of Louisiana. The presentation will also focus on practical guidance for identifying planning opportunities and coordination with CPAs, financial advisors, and estate planning lawyers, and will provide helpful ideas to avoid common succession pitfalls.    Friday, August 14  8:00 – 9:20 am Professional Issues Update Ron Gitz, CPA, CGMA • Executive Director/CEO - Society of Louisiana CPAs • Metairie, LA David Zoller • Society of Louisiana CPAs • Metairie, LA  9:20 – 9:40 am Break   9:40 – 10:55 am   Headwinds 2026: What Inhibits Carrier Ability to Control Healthcare Costs Michael Bertaut, MBA, CHC, PAHM • Blue Cross Blue Shield of Louisiana • Baton Rouge, LA In 2026 there are a very specific set of inhibitors throwing sand in the gears of slowing down rising healthcare costs.? Some of these have been evolving slowly over time, While others are brand new and their impact is just starting to be understood. In order to provide meaningful employer benefits in this environment, Managers must  Understand these cost drivers and what they can reasonable achieve in moderating them.  10:55 am – 12:10 pm AI-Powered Spreadsheets: The CPA's New Competitive Edge Trace Armstrong • Cherry Bekaert Advisory LLC • Birmingham, AL The spreadsheet isn't going away — it's getting smarter. This session explores how AI is transforming the way CPAs interact with Excel and other tools, from natural language formulas and automated data analysis to AI-assisted modeling and anomaly detection. We'll demonstrate real-world applications tailored to business and industry professionals, address common concerns around accuracy and reliability, and help you evaluate which AI tools deserve a place in your workflow. Whether you're just getting started or looking to go deeper, you'll leave with a clear roadmap for integrating AI into your day-to-day spreadsheet work.  12:10 – 1:10 pm Lunch  1:10 – 2:30 pm Today’s Cyber Landscape: Risks, Realities, and the CPA’s RoleAllison Ward, CPA, CISA, CISSP, CISM • CRI Advisors, LLC • Baton Rouge, LA Cybersecurity risks continue to evolve, requiring organizations to stay alert as both new threats and long standing vulnerabilities persist. In this session, we’ll examine the current state of the cyber landscape and what it means for today’s organizations. Through practical examples and common risk scenarios, we’ll highlight why these issues matter and where professionals play a role in reducing exposure. Attendees will gain insight into practical steps that can strengthen awareness, improve resilience, and help reduce overall organizational risk.  2:30 – 2:50 pm Break  2:50 – 4:20 pm Gazing into the Crystal Ball: looking Ahead to 2027-28 Loren Scott, PhD • Loren C. Scott & Associates, Inc. • Baton Rouge, LA What will be driving employment across different sections of the State in 2027-28?  What role will data centers play, especially in the region above I10?  What will the war's impact be on the oil, LNG, and chemical sectors of the economy?  Has AI begun to have an impact on employment trends?  The 2026 Business & Industry Conference is part of our 2nd Annual Ledgers and Legends Week, a week dedicated to connection, learning, and celebration across Louisiana’s accounting and finance community at the Ritz-Carlton in New Orleans. Join us for one or multiple events during this full week of learning, connection, and celebration across the profession. Women's Conference (Wednesday, August 12) Ethics for Business & Industry (Wednesday, August 12) Ledgers and Legends Ball (Saturday, August 15) Ethics for Public Practice (Sunday, August 16) Louisiana/Governmental Accounting & Auditing Conference (Monday, August 17 and Tuesday, August 18) Forensic, Litigation, and Valuation Services Conference (Monday, August 17 and Tuesday, August 18)

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2026 Forensic, Litigation & Valuation Services Conference - IN PERSON - 1ST DAY ONLY

-

New Orleans

8.00 Credits

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We are still busy finalizing the amazing agenda for 2026. It will be filled with outstanding speakers on the topics that impact you most. You know it will be high quality, you can trust that. Registrations are open, reserve your spot today!

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2026 Forensic, Litigation & Valuation Services Conference - WEBCAST - 1ST DAY ONLY

-

Online/Webcast

8.00 Credits

See more dates

We are still busy finalizing the amazing agenda for 2026. It will be filled with outstanding speakers on the topics that impact you most. You know it will be high quality, you can trust that. Registrations are open, reserve your spot today!

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2026 Forensic, Litigation & Valuation Services Conference - WEBCAST BOTH DAYS -

-

Online/Webcast

16.00 Credits

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We are still busy finalizing the amazing agenda for 2026. It will be filled with outstanding speakers on the topics that impact you most. You know it will be high quality, you can trust that. Registrations are open, reserve your spot today!

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2026 Forensic, Litigation & Valuation Services Conference -IN PERSON - BOTH DAYS

-

New Orleans

16.00 Credits

See more dates

We are still busy finalizing the amazing agenda for 2026. It will be filled with outstanding speakers on the topics that impact you most. You know it will be high quality, you can trust that. Registrations are open, reserve your spot today!

More Dates

2026 Forensic, Litigation & Valuation Services Conference - IN PERSON - 2ND DAY ONLY

-

Online/Webcast

8.00 Credits

See more dates

We are still busy finalizing the amazing agenda for 2026. It will be filled with outstanding speakers on the topics that impact you most. You know it will be high quality, you can trust that. Registrations are open, reserve your spot today!

More Dates

2026 Forensic, Litigation & Valuation Services Conference - WEBCAST - 2ND DAY ONLY

-

Online/Webcast

8.00 Credits

See more dates

We are still busy finalizing the amazing agenda for 2026. It will be filled with outstanding speakers on the topics that impact you most. You know it will be high quality, you can trust that. Registrations are open, reserve your spot today!

More Dates