FABexpo™ 2008 Recap
The choices were endless at the 2008 Florida Accounting & Business Expo™, held May 28-30 at the beautiful Gaylord Palms™ Resort and Convention Center. Offering a wide range of CPE courses in numerous education tracks, networking opportunities and an expanded trade show, FABexpo gave FICPA members and other attendees unlimited opportunities to enhance their professional goals.
Keynote speaker Lou Holtz used humor and real-life stories to motivate more than 800 CPAs to excel in their personal and professional lives. A legendary former football coach and analyst for ESPN, Holtz is also a best-selling author, celebrated team leader and one of the country’s best motivational speakers.
Immediately following the keynote address, attendees broke out into individual tracks for an extensive and educational day. Featured were a host of national speakers and CPE topics tailored to members’ ever-changing needs. Attendees were impressed with the facility and pleased with the proximity of the classrooms to registration, activities, meals and the exhibit hall.
The Friday afternoon Accounting & Auditing track provided a high level overview of the following:
- The United States’ move toward accepting International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) as a basis for financial reporting;
- XBRL, the language for electronic communication of business and financial data used around the world; and
- Discussion from the SEC’s Office of Interactive Disclosure.
If you were not able to attend sessions at FABexpo, be sure to mark the 23rd Annual Accounting Show in Fort Lauderdale on your calendar for Sept. 24-26, 2008. For more information, visit www.ficpa.org, click on “CPE,” and then choose “Accounting Shows & Expos.”
FICPA Goes Paperless
In April 2008, FICPA made the move to electronic manuals for all conferences and shows, encouraging registrants to use the manual as a searchable electronic reference and print only if necessary. Member response has been overwhelmingly positive. Attendees were happy to have the materials in advance of the FABexpo, and the electronic version allows them to keep the manuals for reference indefinitely — without taking up valuable shelf space. An additional benefit is attendees gain access to materials for all CPE tracks/sessions rather than just the tracks/sessions for which they register.
Exhibit Hall and Reception
The Vendor Showcase featured more than 100 companies demonstrating products and services specifically designed to promote the success of financial professionals. Many vendors offered attendees the opportunity to win door prizes including bicycles, free CPE for a lifetime, iPods, and much, much more.
As the busy day ended, Thursday evening’s reception provided a relaxing atmosphere. Attendees placed their final bids on silent auction items benefiting the FICPA Educational Foundation. Other members enjoyed drinks and hors d’oeuvres as winners of FICPA and exhibitor prizes and the Blue Hat Raffle were announced.
Member Awards and Recognition
The FICPA recognized its Outstanding Committees and Outstanding Chairs on Thursday, May 29, at its annual meeting. Outstanding Committee sward were presented to the following:
- Accounting Shows Committee
- Federal Taxation Committee
- Health Care Industry Conference Committee
- Management of an Accounting Practice Section
- Peer Review Acceptance Committee
- University of Florida Accounting Conference Committee
- Young CPAs Committe
Outstanding Chair awards were presented to:
- Jeffrey E. Barbacci (State Legislative Policy Committee)
- Abigail F. Dupree (Florida State University Accounting Conference Committee)
- Gary A. Fracassi (Management of an Accounting Practice Section)
- J.E. Grossman (Peer Review Acceptance Committee)
Congratulations to these hardworking committees and chairs!
Passing of the Gavel
At Thursday’s Leadership Dinner, Immediate Past President Beryl H. “Berri” Davis, presented the esteemed “Past President” ribbon to David Dennis, whose term ended June 30, 2008. Dennis passed the gavel to incoming president, Ben A. “Steve” Stevens III.
Sponsors
The FICPA accounting shows would not be possible without the generous support of our program sponsors. The sponsors for the 2008 Florida Accounting & Business Expo™ include:
- ADP Small Business Services
- Bisk Education Inc.
- Quantum Engineering Associates Inc.
- SmartVault Corporation
- Thomson Tax & Accounting.
Accounting Shows Committee
It is through the continued dedication of the Accounting Shows Committee that we can provide the best topics and speakers. Many thanks to this dedicated group of individuals who contribute their time and energy to bring members this great event:
Sharon S. Lassar (Chair)
Gary A. Fracassi (Vice Chair)
Lynn H. Clements
Richard M. Dotson
Dena L. Faibish
Lucinda L. Gallagher
Paulette M. Holder
Deborah F. Kellagher
Daryl A. Johnson
James M. Luffman
Salvatore Mancini Jr.
Christine M. Moreno
Rhonda S. Mowry
Cecil "Pat" Patterson Jr.
Martin M. Prague
Frank P. Ward
Donna C. Zeitler
Join Us Next Year!
Mark your calendar and make plans to join us at next year’s Florida Accounting and Business Expo™. FABexpo will return to the Gaylord Palms™ Resort and Convention Center May 27-29, 2009.
|
About Us