CPE Catalog & Events

Get ready for another round of high-impact learning at the Winter Cluster, at a new location this year! 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 1: THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 19 7:30am - Registration & Breakfast 8:00am-9:40amAI and How It Affects Cybersecurity, and the Future of AccountingScott Pruitt, CISM, CDPSE, CISA • Warren Averett • Birmingham, ALAI is changing how finance professionals in public accounting and private industry work, make decisions, and manage risk. Discover the opportunities, challenges, and controls shaping the future of the accounting profession.9:40am-10:00am Break10:00-11:40A&A Update  Kurt Oestriecher, CPA • Oestriecher & Company • Alexandria, LA11:40am – 12:40pm Lunch (included)12:40pm – 2:20pmPractical Tips to Business Succession PlanningLauren Navarre, JD • Arena Collective • Slidell, LAAudrey DeAgano, JD • Arena Collective • Covington, LAFirst, this presentation delivers practical, actionable guidance on the five critical factors that determine a business's salability: building documented systems that can operate without the owner, strategically transferring key relationships, identifying and retaining the right people, thoughtfully structuring the seller's ongoing role post-transition, and preserving the core values and purpose that define the business's identity and culture.Second, the presentation will touch on the key steps of a successful acquisition — from business valuation and identifying the right buyer, to due diligence, deal structuring, and ultimately the documents to expect at closing — equipping advisors with a practical roadmap to navigate the process with confidence and clarity.2:20pm – 2:40pm  Break2:40pm – 3:30pm Funny Numbers – Exploration of True Crimes of Louisiana Tax Preparers & their Clients Brooke Barnett-Bernal, JD • Partner – Long Law Firm, LLP • Baton Rouge, LA Shannon Talamo, JD • Associate – Long Law Firm, LLP • Baton Rouge, LA Sometimes a client’s suggestion or mistake can put the CPA between a rock and the IRS.? Sometimes it’s the CPA who puts the client there.? Brooke and Shannon will present some of the more memorable, recent cases in which CPAs have found themselves crossways with the law and tell you how they got there. 3:30pm – 4:20pmProfessional Issues UpdateRon Gitz, CPA, CGMA • Executive Director/CEO - Society of Louisiana CPAs • Metairie, LADAY 2: FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 207:30am - Continental Breakfast8:00am – 9:40amBreaking through Growth Wall Julie Couret • Executive Coach • New Orleans, LAWhen growing companies hit an invisible growth ceiling, the root issue is rarely a lack of talent or ambition, t is an operational and leadership system breakdown. As business complexity expands, motion is frequently confused with progress, doer-leaders become structural bottlenecks, and decision-making stalls in day-to-day firefighting. Attendees will walk away with actionable strategies and frameworks to execute within their organizations:Strategic Focus & DirectionEstablish Strategic Trade-Offs: Forge explicit agreement across the executive team regarding which initiatives and distractions to say "no" to, eliminating operational confusion and safeguarding core execution focus. Design OptimizationMap Root-Cause Constraints: Pinpoint the exact operational bottlenecks where organizational complexity has outgrown existing systems, eliminating hidden friction, operational chaos, and stalled execution. Eliminate Leader Dependency: Identify process gaps where daily decision-making and accountability collapse back to leadership, successfully transitioning doer-leaders from operational bottlenecks into strategic executives.9:40am – 10:00am Break 10:00 - 11:40 amTax UpdateGreg Booth, CPA • EisnerAmper • Metairie, LA 

Make Spirits Bright. Make Tax Season Lighter! The holidays are all about spreading cheer — and the best gift you can give yourself this year might just be a little less tax-season stress! Join us IN PERSON for our largest event of the year, where a great lineup of knowledgeable speakers will unwrap the latest insights, essential updates, and practical takeaways you need to head into tax season feeling prepared and confident. From must-know developments to timely topics, you’ll get the information you need, all in an engaging learning environment at the beautifully decorated Ritz-Carlton and make professional development a little more merry! Give yourself the gift of knowledge now — and thank yourself when tax season arrives. Register today! THURSDAY, DECEMBER 17 8:00-8:25 Registration/Continental Breakfast8:25 Opening Remarks8:30-9:30Individual Tax UpdateGina Rachel, CPA • EisnerAmper • Metairie, LA9:30-10:30 The Calm Before the Calm, Louisiana State and Local Tax Update for 2026Robert S. Angelico, CPA, JD • Liskow & Lewis, APLC • New Orleans, LA2026 has been a relatively quiet year for Louisiana state and local tax developments with a non-tax legislative session and few significant caselaw developments.   This presentation will cover what did emerge in 2026 in terms of tax legislation, regulatory LDR items, and caselaw developments.  It will also discuss what might be on the horizon for 2027.   10:30-10:50 Break 10:50-11:40National SALT UpdateAndre’ Burvant, CPA, JD • Jones Walker • New Orleans, LA 11:40-12:30S Corp UpdateMark Gallegos, CPA, MST • Porte Brown • Chicago, IL  12:30-1:30 Lunch (Included) 1:30-2:30Federal Tax Advocacy: Washington UpdateMelanie Lauridsen • AICPA & CIMA • Washington, DCGain insights into the tax policy and administrative developments most relevant to practitioners today. The AICPA will provide updates on advocacy initiatives, legislative and regulatory activity, and emerging issues with potential implications for taxpayers and the profession. 2:30-3:30AI: Ethics, Responsible Use, Policies Henry Hays • DisruptREADY • Baton Rouge, LA3:30-3:50 Break 3:50-4:50 Truth is Stranger than Fiction: Criminal Tax in 2026Michael Villa, Jr., JD, LLM • Meadows, Collier, Reed, Cousins, Crouch, Ungerman, LLP • Dallas, TXThis seminar will review high profile criminal tax prosecutions and investigations from 2026. We will conduct an examination and deep dive into the facts and circumstances that take a case into the criminal realm and the traps that tax return preparers and taxpayers should avoid. 

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Make Spirits Bright. Make Tax Season Lighter! The holidays are all about spreading cheer — and the best gift you can give yourself this year might just be a little less tax-season stress! Join us VIRTUALLY for our largest event of the year, where a great lineup of knowledgeable speakers will unwrap the latest insights, essential updates, and practical takeaways you need to head into tax season feeling prepared and confident. From must-know developments to timely topics, you’ll get the information you need, all in an engaging learning environment and make professional development a little more merry! Give yourself the gift of knowledge now — and thank yourself when tax season arrives. Register today! THURSDAY, DECEMBER 178:00-8:25 Registration/Continental Breakfast8:25 Opening Remarks8:30-9:30Individual Tax UpdateGina Rachel, CPA • EisnerAmper • Metairie, LA9:30-10:30 The Calm Before the Calm, Louisiana State and Local Tax Update for 2026Robert S. Angelico, CPA, JD • Liskow & Lewis, APLC • New Orleans, LA2026 has been a relatively quiet year for Louisiana state and local tax developments with a non-tax legislative session and few significant caselaw developments.   This presentation will cover what did emerge in 2026 in terms of tax legislation, regulatory LDR items, and caselaw developments.  It will also discuss what might be on the horizon for 2027.   10:30-10:50 Break 10:50-11:40National SALT UpdateAndre’ Burvant, CPA, JD • Jones Walker • New Orleans, LA 11:40-12:30S Corp UpdateMark Gallegos, CPA, MST • Porte Brown • Chicago, IL  12:30-1:30 Lunch (Included) 1:30-2:30Federal Tax Advocacy: Washington UpdateMelanie Lauridsen • AICPA & CIMA • Washington, DCGain insights into the tax policy and administrative developments most relevant to practitioners today. The AICPA will provide updates on advocacy initiatives, legislative and regulatory activity, and emerging issues with potential implications for taxpayers and the profession. 2:30-3:30AI: Ethics, Responsible Use, Policies Henry Hays • DisruptREADY • Baton Rouge, LA3:30-3:50 Break 3:50-4:50 Truth is Stranger than Fiction: Criminal Tax in 2026Michael Villa, Jr., JD, LLM • Meadows, Collier, Reed, Cousins, Crouch, Ungerman, LLP • Dallas, TXThis seminar will review high profile criminal tax prosecutions and investigations from 2026. We will conduct an examination and deep dive into the facts and circumstances that take a case into the criminal realm and the traps that tax return preparers and taxpayers should avoid.  

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Make Spirits Bright. Make Tax Season Lighter! The holidays are all about spreading cheer — and the best gift you can give yourself this year might just be a little less tax-season stress! Join us IN PERSON for our largest event of the year, where a great lineup of knowledgeable speakers will unwrap the latest insights, essential updates, and practical takeaways you need to head into tax season feeling prepared and confident. From must-know developments to timely topics, you’ll get the information you need, all in an engaging learning environment at the beautifully decorated Ritz-Carlton and make professional development a little more merry! Give yourself the gift of knowledge now — and thank yourself when tax season arrives! Register today! THURSDAY, DECEMBER 178:00-8:25 Registration/Continental Breakfast8:25 Opening Remarks8:30-9:30Individual Tax UpdateGina Rachel, CPA • EisnerAmper • Metairie, LA9:30-10:30 The Calm Before the Calm, Louisiana State and Local Tax Update for 2026Robert S. Angelico, CPA, JD • Liskow & Lewis, APLC • New Orleans, LA2026 has been a relatively quiet year for Louisiana state and local tax developments with a non-tax legislative session and few significant caselaw developments.   This presentation will cover what did emerge in 2026 in terms of tax legislation, regulatory LDR items, and caselaw developments.  It will also discuss what might be on the horizon for 2027.   10:30-10:50 Break 10:50-11:40National SALT UpdateAndre’ Burvant, CPA, JD • Jones Walker • New Orleans, LA 11:40-12:30S Corp UpdateMark Gallegos, CPA, MST • Porte Brown • Chicago, IL  12:30-1:30 Lunch (Included) 1:30-2:30Federal Tax Advocacy: Washington UpdateMelanie Lauridsen • AICPA & CIMA • Washington, DCGain insights into the tax policy and administrative developments most relevant to practitioners today. The AICPA will provide updates on advocacy initiatives, legislative and regulatory activity, and emerging issues with potential implications for taxpayers and the profession. 2:30-3:30AI: Ethics, Responsible Use, Policies Henry Hays • DisruptREADY • Baton Rouge, LA3:30-3:50 Break 3:50-4:50 Truth is Stranger than Fiction: Criminal Tax in 2026Michael Villa, Jr., JD, LLM • Meadows, Collier, Reed, Cousins, Crouch, Ungerman, LLP • Dallas, TXThis seminar will review high profile criminal tax prosecutions and investigations from 2026. We will conduct an examination and deep dive into the facts and circumstances that take a case into the criminal realm and the traps that tax return preparers and taxpayers should avoid.  FRIDAY, DECEMBER 187:30-7:55 Registration/Continental Breakfast7:55 Opening Remarks8:00-9:00 Business Tax Update -Partnership Brandon Lagarde, CPA, JD, LLM • EisnerAmper • Baton Rouge, LA9:00-10:00 LED Change in Incentives, LDRSpeaker TBA10:00-10:20 Break 10:20-11:30New IRS Attacks on Those Making, Valuing, and Accepting Various Types of Charitable DonationsHale E. Sheppard, Esq.• Eversheds Sutherland • Atlanta, GAThe IRS has been challenging various types of charitable donations for years, raising standard arguments, evolving during the process, and expanding its focus over time.  What started as the IRS scrutinizing donations that it considered abusive has morphed into frequent challenges to charitable gifts that are, by most accounts, routine.  This presentation (i) explores recent IRS attacks on charitable donations of artwork, partial ownership interests in entities, special-purpose LLCs, religious artefacts, bargain sales, cash, and more, (ii) explains how the IRS has removed procedural protections for appraisers and launched attacks against them, too, and (iii) identifies threats of serious enforcement by the IRS against charitable organizations using their tax-exempt status to facilitate transactions the IRS dislikes.11:30-12:30 Lunch (Included) 12:30-1:20All Bets Are On: H.R. 1 Gambling Changes, Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL), and the New Tax RealityBrandon Lagarde, CPA, JD, LLM • EisnerAmper • Baton Rouge, LASports betting; fantasy leagues; prediction markets; and name, image, and likeness (NIL) deals have transformed how individuals earn, wager, and move money. At the same time, H.R. 1, P.L. 119-21, commonly referred to as OBBBA, has changed important gambling tax and information-reporting rules that practitioners need to understand heading into the 2026 filing season.This session will examine the H.R. 1 changes affecting gambling, including new limitations on wagering-loss deductions and changes to Form W-2G reporting thresholds, including their application to sports wagering. Brandon Lagarde, CPA, will also address the rapidly expanding NIL economy, where athletes and their families are confronting self-employment tax, estimated payments, noncash compensation, deductible expenses, multi-state filing obligations, and complex reporting requirements, often for the first time.1:20-2:20 AI for Tax PracticeBhavin Shah • Marble.Ai • San Francisco, CA2:20-2:35 Break 2:35-2:50 Prize Giveaways2:50-3:40Tariff Policies, Refunds, Processing Claims, Economic UpdatePete Mento, PhD • Baker Tilly • Washington, DC3:40-4:30Estate Planning in the Non-Taxable Estate Raymond Ladouceur, JD, MBA, CPA • Ladouceur Law Firm, LLC - Raymond P. Ladouceur, CPA, LLC • Abita Springs, LAThis session will cover PODs, TODs, IRA and 401(k)s, community property, simple wills, trusts and more. 

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Make Spirits Bright. Make Tax Season Lighter! The holidays are all about spreading cheer — and the best gift you can give yourself this year might just be a little less tax-season stress! Join us VIRTUALLY for our largest conference of the year, where a great lineup of knowledgeable speakers will unwrap the latest insights, essential updates, and practical takeaways you need to head into tax season feeling prepared and confident. From must-know developments to timely topics, you’ll get the information you need, all in an engaging learning environment that makes professional development a little more merry. Give yourself the gift of knowledge now — and thank yourself when tax season arrives. Register today! THURSDAY, DECEMBER 178:00-8:25 Registration/Continental Breakfast8:25 Opening Remarks8:30-9:30Individual Tax UpdateGina Rachel, CPA • EisnerAmper • Metairie, LA9:30-10:30 The Calm Before the Calm, Louisiana State and Local Tax Update for 2026Robert S. Angelico, CPA, JD • Liskow & Lewis, APLC • New Orleans, LA2026 has been a relatively quiet year for Louisiana state and local tax developments with a non-tax legislative session and few significant caselaw developments.   This presentation will cover what did emerge in 2026 in terms of tax legislation, regulatory LDR items, and caselaw developments.  It will also discuss what might be on the horizon for 2027.   10:30-10:50 Break 10:50-11:40National SALT UpdateAndre’ Burvant, CPA, JD • Jones Walker • New Orleans, LA 11:40-12:30S Corp UpdateMark Gallegos, CPA, MST • Porte Brown • Chicago, IL  12:30-1:30 Lunch (Included) 1:30-2:30Federal Tax Advocacy: Washington UpdateMelanie Lauridsen • AICPA & CIMA • Washington, DCGain insights into the tax policy and administrative developments most relevant to practitioners today. The AICPA will provide updates on advocacy initiatives, legislative and regulatory activity, and emerging issues with potential implications for taxpayers and the profession. 2:30-3:30AI: Ethics, Responsible Use, Policies Henry Hays • DisruptREADY • Baton Rouge, LA3:30-3:50 Break 3:50-4:50 Truth is Stranger than Fiction: Criminal Tax in 2026Michael Villa, Jr., JD, LLM • Meadows, Collier, Reed, Cousins, Crouch, Ungerman, LLP • Dallas, TXThis seminar will review high profile criminal tax prosecutions and investigations from 2026. We will conduct an examination and deep dive into the facts and circumstances that take a case into the criminal realm and the traps that tax return preparers and taxpayers should avoid.  FRIDAY, DECEMBER 187:30-7:55 Registration/Continental Breakfast7:55 Opening Remarks8:00-9:00 Business Tax Update -Partnership Brandon Lagarde, CPA, JD, LLM • EisnerAmper • Baton Rouge, LA9:00-10:00 LED Change in Incentives, LDRSpeaker TBA 10:00-10:20 Break 10:20-11:30New IRS Attacks on Those Making, Valuing, and Accepting Various Types of Charitable DonationsHale E. Sheppard, Esq.• Eversheds Sutherland • Atlanta, GAThe IRS has been challenging various types of charitable donations for years, raising standard arguments, evolving during the process, and expanding its focus over time.  What started as the IRS scrutinizing donations that it considered abusive has morphed into frequent challenges to charitable gifts that are, by most accounts, routine.  This presentation (i) explores recent IRS attacks on charitable donations of artwork, partial ownership interests in entities, special-purpose LLCs, religious artefacts, bargain sales, cash, and more, (ii) explains how the IRS has removed procedural protections for appraisers and launched attacks against them, too, and (iii) identifies threats of serious enforcement by the IRS against charitable organizations using their tax-exempt status to facilitate transactions the IRS dislikes.11:30-12:30 Lunch (Included) 12:30-1:20All Bets Are On: H.R. 1 Gambling Changes, Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL), and the New Tax RealityBrandon Lagarde, CPA, JD, LLM • EisnerAmper • Baton Rouge, LASports betting; fantasy leagues; prediction markets; and name, image, and likeness (NIL) deals have transformed how individuals earn, wager, and move money. At the same time, H.R. 1, P.L. 119-21, commonly referred to as OBBBA, has changed important gambling tax and information-reporting rules that practitioners need to understand heading into the 2026 filing season.This session will examine the H.R. 1 changes affecting gambling, including new limitations on wagering-loss deductions and changes to Form W-2G reporting thresholds, including their application to sports wagering. Brandon Lagarde, CPA, will also address the rapidly expanding NIL economy, where athletes and their families are confronting self-employment tax, estimated payments, noncash compensation, deductible expenses, multi-state filing obligations, and complex reporting requirements, often for the first time.1:20-2:20 AI for Tax PracticeBhavin Shah • Marble.Ai • San Francisco, CA2:20-2:35 Break 2:35-2:50 Prize Giveaways2:50-3:40Tariff Policies, Refunds, Processing Claims, Economic UpdatePete Mento, PhD • Baker Tilly • Washington, DC3:40-4:30Estate Planning in the Non-Taxable Estate Raymond Ladouceur, JD, MBA, CPA • Ladouceur Law Firm, LLC - Raymond P. Ladouceur, CPA, LLC • Abita Springs, LAThis session will cover PODs, TODs, IRA and 401(k)s, community property, simple wills, trusts and more. 

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Make Spirits Bright. Make Tax Season Lighter! The holidays are all about spreading cheer — and the best gift you can give yourself this year might just be a little less tax-season stress! Join us VIRTUALLY for our largest event of the year, where a great lineup of knowledgeable speakers will unwrap the latest insights, essential updates, and practical takeaways you need to head into tax season feeling prepared and confident. From must-know developments to timely topics, you’ll get the information you need, all in an engaging learning environment and make professional development a little more merry! Give yourself the gift of knowledge now — and thank yourself when tax season arrives. Register today! FRIDAY, DECEMBER 187:30-7:55 Registration/Continental Breakfast7:55 Opening Remarks8:00-9:00 Business Tax Update -Partnership Brandon Lagarde, CPA, JD, LLM • EisnerAmper • Baton Rouge, LA9:00-10:00 LED Change in Incentives, LDRSpeaker TBA 10:00-10:20 Break 10:20-11:30New IRS Attacks on Those Making, Valuing, and Accepting Various Types of Charitable DonationsHale E. Sheppard, Esq.• Eversheds Sutherland • Atlanta, GAThe IRS has been challenging various types of charitable donations for years, raising standard arguments, evolving during the process, and expanding its focus over time.  What started as the IRS scrutinizing donations that it considered abusive has morphed into frequent challenges to charitable gifts that are, by most accounts, routine.  This presentation (i) explores recent IRS attacks on charitable donations of artwork, partial ownership interests in entities, special-purpose LLCs, religious artefacts, bargain sales, cash, and more, (ii) explains how the IRS has removed procedural protections for appraisers and launched attacks against them, too, and (iii) identifies threats of serious enforcement by the IRS against charitable organizations using their tax-exempt status to facilitate transactions the IRS dislikes.11:30-12:30 Lunch (Included) 12:30-1:20All Bets Are On: H.R. 1 Gambling Changes, Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL), and the New Tax RealityBrandon Lagarde, CPA, JD, LLM • EisnerAmper • Baton Rouge, LASports betting; fantasy leagues; prediction markets; and name, image, and likeness (NIL) deals have transformed how individuals earn, wager, and move money. At the same time, H.R. 1, P.L. 119-21, commonly referred to as OBBBA, has changed important gambling tax and information-reporting rules that practitioners need to understand heading into the 2026 filing season.This session will examine the H.R. 1 changes affecting gambling, including new limitations on wagering-loss deductions and changes to Form W-2G reporting thresholds, including their application to sports wagering. Brandon Lagarde, CPA, will also address the rapidly expanding NIL economy, where athletes and their families are confronting self-employment tax, estimated payments, noncash compensation, deductible expenses, multi-state filing obligations, and complex reporting requirements, often for the first time.1:20-2:20 AI for Tax PracticeBhavin Shah • Marble.Ai • San Francisco, CA 2:20-2:35 Break 2:35-2:50 Prize Giveaways2:50-3:40Tariff Policies, Refunds, Processing Claims, Economic UpdatePete Mento, PhD • Baker Tilly • Washington, DC3:40-4:30Estate Planning in the Non-Taxable Estate Raymond Ladouceur, JD, MBA, CPA • Ladouceur Law Firm, LLC - Raymond P. Ladouceur, CPA, LLC • Abita Springs, LAThis session will cover PODs, TODs, IRA and 401(k)s, community property, simple wills, trusts and more. 

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Make Spirits Bright. Make Tax Season Lighter! The holidays are all about spreading cheer — and the best gift you can give yourself this year might just be a little less tax-season stress! Join us IN PERSON for our largest event of the year, where a great lineup of knowledgeable speakers will unwrap the latest insights, essential updates, and practical takeaways you need to head into tax season feeling prepared and confident. From must-know developments to timely topics, you’ll get the information you need, all in an engaging learning environment at the beautifully decorated Ritz-Carlton and make professional development a little more merry! Give yourself the gift of knowledge now — and thank yourself when tax season arrives! Register today! FRIDAY, DECEMBER 187:30-7:55 Registration/Continental Breakfast7:55 Opening Remarks8:00-9:00 Business Tax Update -Partnership Brandon Lagarde, CPA, JD, LLM • EisnerAmper • Baton Rouge, LA9:00-10:00 LED Change in Incentives, LDRSpeaker TBA 10:00-10:20 Break 10:20-11:30New IRS Attacks on Those Making, Valuing, and Accepting Various Types of Charitable DonationsHale E. Sheppard, Esq.• Eversheds Sutherland • Atlanta, GAThe IRS has been challenging various types of charitable donations for years, raising standard arguments, evolving during the process, and expanding its focus over time.  What started as the IRS scrutinizing donations that it considered abusive has morphed into frequent challenges to charitable gifts that are, by most accounts, routine.  This presentation (i) explores recent IRS attacks on charitable donations of artwork, partial ownership interests in entities, special-purpose LLCs, religious artefacts, bargain sales, cash, and more, (ii) explains how the IRS has removed procedural protections for appraisers and launched attacks against them, too, and (iii) identifies threats of serious enforcement by the IRS against charitable organizations using their tax-exempt status to facilitate transactions the IRS dislikes.11:30-12:30 Lunch (Included) 12:30-1:20All Bets Are On: H.R. 1 Gambling Changes, Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL), and the New Tax RealityBrandon Lagarde, CPA, JD, LLM • EisnerAmper • Baton Rouge, LASports betting; fantasy leagues; prediction markets; and name, image, and likeness (NIL) deals have transformed how individuals earn, wager, and move money. At the same time, H.R. 1, P.L. 119-21, commonly referred to as OBBBA, has changed important gambling tax and information-reporting rules that practitioners need to understand heading into the 2026 filing season.This session will examine the H.R. 1 changes affecting gambling, including new limitations on wagering-loss deductions and changes to Form W-2G reporting thresholds, including their application to sports wagering. Brandon Lagarde, CPA, will also address the rapidly expanding NIL economy, where athletes and their families are confronting self-employment tax, estimated payments, noncash compensation, deductible expenses, multi-state filing obligations, and complex reporting requirements, often for the first time.1:20-2:20 AI for Tax PracticeBhavin Shah • Marble.Ai • San Francisco, CA2:20-2:35 Break 2:35-2:50 Prize Giveaways2:50-3:40Tariff Policies, Refunds, Processing Claims, Economic UpdatePete Mento, PhD • Baker Tilly • Washington, DC3:40-4:30Estate Planning in the Non-Taxable Estate Raymond Ladouceur, JD, MBA, CPA • Ladouceur Law Firm, LLC - Raymond P. Ladouceur, CPA, LLC • Abita Springs, LAThis session will cover PODs, TODs, IRA and 401(k)s, community property, simple wills, trusts and more. 

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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............................................................................................MONDAY, JANUARY 11 12:00 – 2:00 pm  CPA/SEA Board Meeting 2:00 – 5:00 pm Registration 3:00 – 5:00 pmTAC (include break-outs with TAC groups) - CEO-Only Session 6:00 – 8:00 pmOpening Reception ...........................................................................................TUESDAY, JANUARY 12 7:30 – 8:30 amRegistration & Breakfast & Visit Sponsors 8:20 – 8:30 amWelcome & Opening RemarksAllen Lloyd8:30– 10:30 amAICPA Session with Mark Koziel & Senior LeadershipSue Coffey, Mark PetersonState Society Relations - James Cox & Team10:30 am – 10:50 amBreak - Visit Sponsors 10:50 am – 11:00 amPlatinum Sponsor Spotlight 11:00 am – 12:00 pmNASBA / State Society Relations 12:00 – 1:30 pmSponsor Ignite Luncheon  1:45 – 2:45 pmCEO Huddle: Reflect, Discuss, Connect Day 1CEO-Only Session 2:45 – 3:45 pmAfternoon Wine-Up with SponsorsLight bites with wine and beer 5:15 pmOptional Activity: Haunted Carriage Tour with Old South Carriage Co. - $60 per personExplore 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. ...........................................................................................WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 137:30 – 8:30 amRegistration & Breakfast & Visit Sponsors 8:30 – 8:40 amPlatinum Sponsor Spotlight 8:45 – 10:40 amKeynoteName 10:40 – 11:10 amBreak - Visit Sponsors 11:10 am – 11:20 amPlatinum Sponsor Spotlight 11:20 am – 12:00 pmCEO Huddle: Reflect, Discuss, Connect Day 2CEO-Only Session 12:00 – 12:15 pmBreak - Visit Sponsors & Transition to Luncheon 12:15 – 1:15 pmLuncheon 1:15 – 1:30 pmBreak - Visit Sponsors & Transition to Programming 1:30 – 3:30 pmLegislative DiscussionCEO-Only Session6:00 pmCocktail Reception & Murder Mystery DinnerCocktail Attire...........................................................................................THURSDAY, JANUARY 147:30 – 8:30 amBreakfast & Visit Sponsors 8:30 – 10:00 amCollaboration FestivalCEO-Only Session10:00 – 10:15 amBreak 10:00 – 11:45 amCollaboration FestivalCEO-Only Session 11:45 am – 12:00 pmFond Farewell & AdjournAllen Lloyd...........................................................................................HOTEL INFORMATION Mills House Charleston, Curio Collection by Hilton115 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. ...........................................................................................REGISTRATION FEES CPA/SEA Members: $350Guests: $175Note: 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.