CPE Catalog & Events

NEW LOCATION THIS YEAR: LA TECH in RUSTON Join us for a full day of timely updates and practical insights at Louisiana Tech’s Joe Aillet Stadium! This year’s Fall CPE Cluster covers the issues CPAs need to know, from avoiding costly financial traps and protecting against today’s cyber threats to the latest developments in accounting, auditing, tax and internal controls. Earn valuable CPE, connect with fellow professionals and sharpen your skills, all at Joe Aillet Stadium, home of the Bulldogs!8:00am Registration & Continental Breakfast8:30 – 10:10 am Shining a Light on Financial TrapsChris Holtzclaw, JD • Argent Trust Company • Ruston, LAChris Shankle, CPA, CGMA • Argent Financial Group, Inc • Shreveport, LAIn this session, we’ll take a look at financial issues with hidden costs and traps that every family, business owner or employee will eventually face.  We’ll cover a wide array of lesser discussed points and help you and your clients avoid some costly mistakes and pitfalls in unnecessary taxes, penalties and fees.10:10am – 10:30am Break10:30am – 11:45amDebit the Hacker, Credit Security: A CPA's guide to surviving modern cyber threatsJonathan Peyton • CMA Technology Solutions • Alexandria, LA11:45 - 12:30 Lunch (included)12:30 – 1:45pmA&A Update Kraig Cason, CPA, CFE • Eisner Amper • Lafayette, LAMichael Morse, CPA • Eisner Amper • New Orleans, LA 1:45 – 2:00pm Break2:00 – 3:15pmTax Update John C. Schmidt, CPA • Pelican CPAs & Advisors • Shreveport, LAGet the latest guidance on the One Big Beautiful Bill and other changes to get you ready for busy season.3:15 – 3:30pm Break3:30 – 4:45pmInternal Controls and DeficienciesJ. Michael Inzina, CPA, CGFM, CGMA • Altec, Inc. • Monroe, LA 

Join us for the State and Local Tax Conference, your essential resource for understanding the latest changes in Louisiana tax law. This annual event delivers timely updates on new legislation, regulatory developments, and practical considerations affecting businesses and tax professionals alike. This conference also qualifies for hrs of Tax Law Specialization.7:30 - 7:55 am  Registration & Continental Breakfast7:55 - 8:00 am  Welcome & Opening Remarks8:00 – 8:50 amNational SALT Update - Reporting on Developments and Trends Throughout the CountryScott Susko, JD • EY • Boston, MAThis course reviews notable SALT developments and enforcement trends from across the country. Participants will gain insight into emerging issues that may influence taxpayer positions and ongoing discussions with state taxing authorities.8:50 – 9:40 am2026, Not a Tax Session, BUT…Robert S. Angelico, CPA, JD • Liskow • New Orleans, LAThe 2026 regular session of the Louisiana legislature was not a tax session, but nevertheless there were several tax bills passed.   This presentation will cover those developments including ad valorem tax, sales tax, incentives, and tax administration and procedure.    9:40 – 10:00 am  Break10:00 – 11:00 amLocal Sales Tax IssuesAlice Metcalfe • Louisiana Uniform Local Sales Tax Board • Baton Rouge, LAMatt Zagotti • Ryan LLC • Baton Rouge, LAPaul Lumpkin • Entergy • New Orleans, LANicole Hargis • St. Charles Parish •Avery Smith • Avalara 11:00 am – 11:30 pmLDR State of the DepartmentJarrod Coniglio • Secretary, Louisiana Department of Revenue • Baton Rouge, LA11:30 am – 12:30 pm Lunch12:30- 1:20 pmState and Local Tax Litigation UpdateAndre’ Burvant, CPA, JD • Jones Walker • New Orleans, LAAntonio Ferachi, JD • Louisiana Department of Revenue • Baton Rouge, LA1:20- 2:10 pmLDR Hot TopicsJarrod Coniglio, SecretaryBrandea Averett, Deputy SecretaryCatherine Logan, Assistant Secretary of Legal AffairsBryan Peters, Assistant Secretary, Tax Administration Group 1Benjamin Spears, Assistant Secretary, Tax Administration Group 3Louisiana Department of Revenue • Baton Rouge, LA2:10 - 2:30 pm Break2:30 - 3:30 pmSALT Traps for the UnwaryRobert S. Angelico, CPA, JD • Liskow • New Orleans, LAAndre’ Burvant, CPA, JD • Jones Walker • New Orleans, LA Kevin Richard, CPA • Federation of Tax Administrators • New Orleans, LAPhyllis Sims, CPA, JD • Kean Miller • New Orleans, LA3:20 - 4:20 pmAD Valorem Tax IssuesPhyllis Sims, CPA, JD • Kean Miller • New Orleans, LADivya Jeswant, JD, LLM • Kean Miller • New Orleans, LA

Society of Louisiana Certified Public Accountants2026 Energy ConferenceNovember 12-13One Acadiana- LafayetteDAY ONE: Thursday, November 128:00 am Registration & Breakfast Opens8:25 am Welcome/Opening Remarks8:30 – 9:25 amState of the IndustryMike Moncla • President – Louisiana Oil & Gas Association • Baton Rouge, LA9:25 – 10:25 amCarbon Capture: Where We Are and What's NextMark Dore, JD • The Dore Law Firm, LLC • Lafayette, LACarbon capture and storage (CCS) has evolved from an emerging concept into a critical component of the nation's energy and industrial strategy. As technology advances, regulatory frameworks mature, and investment continues to grow, energy professionals are increasingly called upon to understand the legal, commercial, and operational realities shaping this rapidly developing sector.This session provides a practical update on the current state of carbon capture, examining recent technological developments, federal and state policy changes, project activity, and the market forces driving continued investment. Particular attention will be given to Louisiana's unique position as a national leader in carbon management, including its geologic advantages, industrial infrastructure, and evolving regulatory environment.10:25 – 10:45 am Break10:45 am – 12:00 pmCybersecurity Resilience in Accounting: Safeguarding Financial Data Les Nettleton • Retired- Bourgeois Bennett • New Orleans, LAThe accounting profession remains a primary target for sophisticated cyber threats due to the highly sensitive financial data it manages. This session delivers a critical update on the intersection of emerging technology, evolving regulatory compliance, and cybersecurity risks. We will analyze the modern threat landscape, focusing on business email compromise (BEC), ransomware attack vectors (attempts made to access your systems and/or data), and the unique data privacy liabilities facing accountants today.12:00 – 1:00 pm Lunch (included)1:00 – 2:00 pmTwo Hinges of Leadership: Awareness and TrustLauren Navarre, JD • Arena Collective • Slidell, LAA leader who refuses to examine his/her own triggers, blind spots, and areas of growth will never be equipped to truly serve those he leads. This presentation unpacks the two foundational hinges that every effective leader must develop: the awareness to work on oneself, and the trust that binds a team together — trust in yourself, trust in the process, and trust in the people around you. Because at the end of the day, people don't follow titles or authority — they follow leaders who have earned their trust and proven they exist to serve, not to be served.2:00 – 3:00 pmGulf Coast Energy UpdateGreg Upton, PhD • Louisiana State University • Baton Rouge, LA3:00 – 3:20 pm Break3:20 – 4:50 pmEnergy UpdateDr. Mark Zappi, PE • Professor of Chemical Engineering - University of Louisiana Lafayette • Lafayette, LA

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Society of Louisiana Certified Public Accountants2026 Energy ConferenceNovember 12-13One Acadiana- LafayetteDAY ONE: Thursday, November 128:00 am Registration & Breakfast Opens8:25 am Welcome/Opening Remarks8:30 – 9:25 amState of the IndustryMike Moncla • President – Louisiana Oil & Gas Association • Baton Rouge, LA9:25 – 10:25 amCarbon Capture: Where We Are and What's NextMark Dore, JD • The Dore Law Firm, LLC • Lafayette, LACarbon capture and storage (CCS) has evolved from an emerging concept into a critical component of the nation's energy and industrial strategy. As technology advances, regulatory frameworks mature, and investment continues to grow, energy professionals are increasingly called upon to understand the legal, commercial, and operational realities shaping this rapidly developing sector.This session provides a practical update on the current state of carbon capture, examining recent technological developments, federal and state policy changes, project activity, and the market forces driving continued investment. Particular attention will be given to Louisiana's unique position as a national leader in carbon management, including its geologic advantages, industrial infrastructure, and evolving regulatory environment.10:25 – 10:45 am Break10:45 am – 12:00 pmCybersecurity Resilience in Accounting: Safeguarding Financial Data Les Nettleton • Retired- Bourgeois Bennett • New Orleans, LAThe accounting profession remains a primary target for sophisticated cyber threats due to the highly sensitive financial data it manages. This session delivers a critical update on the intersection of emerging technology, evolving regulatory compliance, and cybersecurity risks. We will analyze the modern threat landscape, focusing on business email compromise (BEC), ransomware attack vectors (attempts made to access your systems and/or data), and the unique data privacy liabilities facing accountants today.12:00 – 1:00 pm Lunch (included)1:00 – 2:00 pmTwo Hinges of Leadership: Awareness and TrustLauren Navarre, JD • Arena Collective • Slidell, LAA leader who refuses to examine his/her own triggers, blind spots, and areas of growth will never be equipped to truly serve those he leads. This presentation unpacks the two foundational hinges that every effective leader must develop: the awareness to work on oneself, and the trust that binds a team together — trust in yourself, trust in the process, and trust in the people around you. Because at the end of the day, people don't follow titles or authority — they follow leaders who have earned their trust and proven they exist to serve, not to be served.2:00 – 3:00 pmGulf Coast Energy UpdateGreg Upton, PhD • Louisiana State University • Baton Rouge, LA3:00 – 3:20 pm Break3:20 – 4:50 pmEnergy UpdateDr. Mark Zappi, PE • Professor of Chemical Engineering - University of Louisiana Lafayette • Lafayette, LADAY TWO: Friday, November 137:30 am Registration & Breakfast Opens7:55 am Opening Remarks8:00 – 9:00 amIt’s Been 65 Years of COPAS Auditing and Joint Interest Accounting: Where Have We Been, Where Are We, Where Are We Going?Mike Cougevan • Vice President – Martindale Consultants, Inc. • Denver, CO9:00 – 10:00 amLegislation and Litigation for Oil, Gas & EnergyChris Peyton, JD • Kean Miller • Lafayette, LAMattie Zepernick, JD  • Kean Miller • Lafayette, LA10:00 – 10:20 am Break10:20 –11:30 amAI11:30 am – 12:30 pm Lunch12:30 – 1:20 pmDepartment of Conservation and Energy UpdateDustin Davidson • Louisiana Department of Conservation and Energy • Baton Rouge, LA1:20 – 2:10 pm  Timber Industry UpdateBuck Vandersteen • Executive Director - Louisiana Forestry Association • Alexandria, LA 2:10 – 2:30 pm Break2:30 – 3:25 pm Tax UpdateJohn Schmidt, CGMA, CPA, MBA, PFS • Pelican Tax & Consulting CPA, LLC • Shreveport, LA 3:25– 4:20 pm  Economic UpdateSarah Delord • Vice President, Sr Portfolio Manager - Hancock Whitney Asset Management • New Orleans, LAGreg Kass Jr • Senior Trust Portfolio Manager  - Hancock Whitney Asset Management • New Orleans, LA

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Society of Louisiana Certified Public Accountants2026 Energy ConferenceNovember 12-13One Acadiana- LafayetteDAY TWO: Friday, November 137:30 am Registration & Breakfast Opens7:55 am Opening Remarks8:00 – 9:00 amIt’s Been 65 Years of COPAS Auditing and Joint Interest Accounting: Where Have We Been, Where Are We, Where Are We Going?Mike Cougevan • Vice President – Martindale Consultants, Inc. • Denver, CO9:00 – 10:00 amLegislation and Litigation for Oil, Gas & EnergyChris Peyton, JD • Kean Miller • Lafayette, LAMatti Zepernick, JD  • Kean Miller • Lafayette, LA10:00 – 10:20 am Break10:20 –11:30 amAI11:30 am – 12:30 pm Lunch12:30 – 1:20 pmDepartment of Conservation and Energy UpdateDustin Davidson • Louisiana Department of Conservation and Energy • Baton Rouge, LA1:20 – 2:10 pm  Timber Industry UpdateBuck Vandersteen • Executive Director - Louisiana Forestry Association • Alexandria, LA2:10 – 2:30 pm Break2:30 – 3:25 pm Tax UpdateJohn Schmidt, CGMA, CPA, MBA, PFS • Pelican Tax & Consulting CPA, LLC • Shreveport, LA 3:25– 4:20 pm  Economic UpdateSarah Delord • Vice President, Sr Portfolio Manager - Hancock Whitney Asset Management • New Orleans, LAGreg Kass Jr • Senior Trust Portfolio Manager  - Hancock Whitney Asset Management • New Orleans, LA

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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 TOPIC TBA3:30pm – 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 

Leadership doesn't begin with a title. It begins with a willingness to grow.The Beyond Conference was created by the Strategic Planning Committee for professionals who are ready to think bigger, lead boldly, and prepare for what's next. This conference will bring together emerging professionals, experienced CPAs, finance leaders, and firm teams.As technology transforms the profession and the pace of change continues to accelerate, the organizations that thrive will be those that invest in developing leaders at every level. Through conversations on leadership, AI, communication, strategy, and personal growth, attendees will leave with fresh perspective, stronger connections, and renewed confidence to make an impact wherever they are in their careers.Bring one person and they'll return with new ideas. Bring your team, and you'll build a shared vision for what's next.Rise. Lead. Inspire. We are still busy finalizing the amazing agenda for 2026 but below you can see a preview of what is in the works.8:30–9:20 a.m.7 Habits of Highly Effective PeopleJoe ZancoJoe revisits the principles for personal and professional effectiveness from Stephen Covey’s best-selling book, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People.9:20–10:10 a.m.Having a Growth MindsetJeremy Thibodeaux10:10–10:30 a.m.Break10:30–11:20 a.m.Building Your Personal Brand: Including Social MediaBridget Kaigler11:20 a.m.–12:10 p.m.Leading Across Generations: Bridging Perspectives, Expectations, and Communication StylesMag Bickford12:10–1:10 p.m.Lunch1:10–2:00 p.m.Leading Through AI, Automation & ChangeJan LewisExplore leadership in a rapidly changing profession, including:• Strategy in a changing market: adapting to consolidation, specialization, and competition• What the next five years will demand: talent, technology, and client expectations• Navigating through change2:00–2:50 p.m.Relationship BuildingJulie Couret2:50–3:10 p.m.Break3:10–4:25 p.m.Leadership Panel: Lessons Learned Serving in LeadershipModerator: Julie CouretPanelists: Craig Stevens, Michael Hecht and Catherine Roe4:25–4:50 p.m.Words of Wisdom

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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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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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

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

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

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