Step into the golden age of Hollywood for a morning unlike any other. Join us for Breakfast with the Stars—an exclusive event where timeless glamour meets meaningful connection. Mingle with Old Hollywood icons, enjoy lively conversation, and soak in the star-studded atmosphere as you start your day with a touch of vintage elegance and unforgettable networking.

In a profession built on standards and structure, how do you train yourself to see what others miss? In this high-energy keynote, bestselling author and trend curator Rohit Bhargava brings a fresh lens to innovation — one that’s designed not just for creatives or futurists, but for analytical minds who must lead with insight and adapt in real time.

Drawing from 15+ years of trend research and work with global leaders from NASA to Disney, Rohit introduces a practical, four-step method for thinking differently, spotting non-obvious patterns, and generating better ideas — even in the most regulated environments. Attendees will walk away with a repeatable approach to trend curation, a renewed sense of curiosity, and tools to stay ahead of disruption in accounting, business, and beyond.

Field of Study: Personal Development

CPE: 1.0 (Non-Technical)

Take a break - but make it count. Grab a coffee, explore sponsor activations, and connect with peers. It's your chance to recharge and spark conversations that could shape what's next for your firm, clients, and career.

This special session is exclusively for students. Join us for an intimate Ask Me Anything conversation with our keynote speaker, designed to give students a unique opportunity to engage with him directly. Ask about his educational journey, career path, pivotal decisions, challenges faced, and the insights that shaped his life and work.

 Whether you are curious about his experiences in college, how he navigated early career choices, what inspires his leadership, or his observations about the world today, this is your space to ask anything. Gain authentic advice, practical guidance, and personal stories that can inform your own academic and professional journey.

Please note: This session is open to student attendees only.

In today’s evolving accounting landscape, client expectations have shifted dramatically, driven by advancements in technology and the demand for seamless, personalized services. "The New Standard: Meeting Taxpayer Expectations in 2025" delves into the groundbreaking insights from a survey of 1,000 taxpayers, revealing what clients truly want from their accounting and tax professionals. Discover how technology, communication, and trust-building are transforming the industry and learn actionable strategies to adapt and thrive in this new era. This session will equip you with a clear understanding of the trends shaping client satisfaction and practical steps to enhance your firm’s competitiveness in 2025 and beyond. Whether you’re a seasoned expert or new to the field, this discussion will empower you to elevate the client experience and future-proof your practice.

Field of Study: Business Management & Organization

CPE: 1.0 (Non-Technical)

Accounting is often seen as backward-looking and tactical, but modern teams are shifting into more strategic roles—starting with how they manage spend and technology.

This session will explore how firms can streamline their tech stacks, automate expense workflows, and gain real-time spend visibility to reduce risk and boost efficiency. Through practical examples and proven frameworks, you’ll learn practical ways to cut tool bloat, save time, and use smarter systems to drive greater impact.

Field of Study: Business Management & Organization

CPE: 1.0 (Non-Technical)

As accounting firms evolve, technology is no longer just a tool - it’s an extension of expertise. AI is reshaping how firms price their services by bringing in data-driven analysis, efficiency, and consistency. In this live session, Tal Ben Bassat will explore how AI can support firms in pricing their work, helping them analyze trends, adapt to market shifts, and ensure alignment between value and fees.

Attendees will discover how AI can automate pricing insights, reduce manual guesswork, and provide structured recommendations for services like monthly accounting, tax returns, cleanup work, and advisory engagements. This session will move beyond AI as a concept and demonstrate its practical application in firm operations.

Field of Study: Information Technology

CPE: 1.0 (Technical)

Enjoy lunch and a special panel featuring this year's recipients for Firm of the Year, Public Impact and Outstanding Educator awards.

Firm leaders are facing big decisions about how to grow - and we're bringing together voices from all sides of the table for an honest discussion. Expect a lively discussion around:

• How firms are keeping growth aligned with core values
• Transparency concerns - especially around alternative practice structures and the CPA license
• The inner workings of private equity deals

This is your chance to hear the pros, cons, and lived experiences behind the strategies shaping the future of the profession.

Field of Study: Business Management & Organization

CPE: 1.0 (Non-Technical)

Audience: Student Members

Big changes are coming to CPA licensure—and we’re here to help you stay ahead of them. Whether you’re just starting out or deep into your accounting studies, this session will break down everything you need to know to become a licensed CPA in California.

We’ll cover the latest updates to education and experience requirements, walk through the major steps of the licensure process, and introduce you to the key players who will be part of your journey. You’ll also get insider tips on exam prep and what it really takes to succeed.

Walk away with clarity, confidence, and a game plan to reach your CPA goal in California. Let’s map your path to licensure—together.

Explore how human resources can be effectively integrated into your Client Advisory Services (CAS) practice to deliver greater value to your clients. This dynamic panel session brings together HR and CAS leaders to share real-world strategies, lessons learned, and best practices in using HR as a lever for advisory growth. You’ll hear from Leslie Bolton, Director at Paychex, alongside Miriam Kaplan, Partner and CAS Practice Leader from Duffy Kruspodin, Brian Olson, Director of Advisory Services with Boos & Associates, and K.C. Eames, Director of Client Accounting Services with Dark Horse CPAs, as they discuss common pitfalls, success stories, and actionable insights to elevate your firm’s advisory offerings.

Field of Study: Business Management & Organization

CPE: 1.0 (Non-Technical)

Offshoring is not working for small and midsize firms. While large CPA firms rave about their offshore teams, smaller firms often complain about subpar results and experience. Why is that? This is because larger firms hire employees and smaller firms hire outsourcing agencies. This session educates smaller firms on why they too should hire employees with direct ownership instead and how they can do it within the budget of a small firm.

Field of Study: Management Services

CPE: 1.0 (Technical)

Nancy Yuen shares the lessons she’s learned on becoming a successful Audit and Accounting Executive while navigating the communication and emotional challenges that come with being medically diagnosed as autistic (high functioning) and having OCD. Naturally an extreme introvert, Nancy opens up about her personal journey — from struggling to professionally communicate audit results and connect with peers and managers, to learning how to embrace her authenticity and reframe her neurodivergent traits as strengths, such as her attention to detail and abstract thinking. Now the Global Director of SOX and Audit Compliance at a prominent FinTech company, Nancy credits her growth to directly addressing her mental health challenges, seeking professional support, and learning how to harness her abilities while building her “social muscles".

Field of Study: Personal Development

CPE: 1.0 (Non-Technical)

Keep the energy up with a quick reset. Enjoy interactive touchpoints and recharge before the final stretch.

Money is missing at Montague Fellowship Church. Everyone in leadership is a suspect. Uncover the perpetrator and schemes behind fraud in this immersive learning experience. First, take on the role of an investigator to find the perpetrator using the Ethics Dash. Then work on the accounting team to uncover schemes behind the deceit. A whodunnit financial mystery that will advance basic skills and provide fraud awareness tools.

Presented by Red Flag Mania

Field of Study: Fraud

CPE: 1.5 (Technical)

The Sip & Stroll gives you a prime opportunity to connect with attendees and sponsors in a relaxed, high-energy environment. To keep the energy flowing, attendees will receive drink tickets as they engage with each sponsor — a light incentive that sparks genuine conversations, not just quick stops. Enjoy conversations that focus on shared value, insight, and connection.  

You’ve earned a break, LA style. Join the CalCPA Pipeline Team for Off the Ledger, a student-exclusive experience to celebrate, connect and unwind after day 1 of Summit.

Please note: This session is for students attendees only.

Start your day with coffee, conversation—and cuddles. Enjoy breakfast in the exhibit hall, grab a seat in the main room, and connect with fellow attendees before sessions begin. Thanks to Ramp, you’ll also have a chance to de-stress and delight in some puppy love from our special four-legged guests.

The CPA profession stands at a historic crossroads. In the accounting industry, AI has gone far beyond just automating tasks. It’s redefining how we create value, build trust, and lead our organizations. No hype in this session. We will offer a clear look at real-world AI applications that are already transforming audit, tax strategy, fraud detection, advisory services, and client relationships. Well also explore what’s next: intelligent assistants integrated into your practice, predictive tools that boost business foresight, and AI systems that augment professional judgment. The future of accounting is about amplifying CPA productivity, not replacing it. We will show how CPAs can future-proof their careers, unlock new service opportunities, and become indispensable advisors in a world that desperately needs order and ethical guidance. Whether you're a boardroom veteran or next-gen professional, this keynote will equip you with the mindset, tools, and confidence to lead the AI revolution of the profession.

Field of Study: Information Technology

CPE: 1.0 (Technical)

What’s next for the accounting profession? Hear directly from AICPA leadership—Chair Lexy Kessler and CEO Mark Koziel—as they share insights on industry-wide developments, challenges on the horizon, and the opportunities shaping the future of the profession. Don’t miss this important conversation on the direction and evolution of the profession.

Field of Study: Business Management & Organization

CPE: 1.0 (Non-Technical)

Power through to the finish. Before we wrap up, take time to revisit sponsor activations, connect with peers, and reflect on the insights that shape what's next.

Burnout isn’t just about exhaustion, it’s a crisis of disconnection. In this energetic session, we’ll borrow from the Savannah Bananas’ “Fans First” mindset and blend it with a tactical burnout recovery framework. Discover how to realign your purpose, reignite your passion, and resupply your mission using strategy, story, and a bit of playful “Phinance” (that’s ‘finance’ with a Ph—for alliteration and attitude).

Field of Study: Personal Development

CPE: 1.0 (Non-Technical)