The Forum for Women In Accounting





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FORUM FOR WOMEN IN ACCOUNTING: AGENDA

What You'll Learn:

  • Career Development: Maintaining relevance in an ever-changing environment and be on the "A" team of your firm.
  • Firm Development: Why there is a shortage of women leaders and how to overcome it.
  • Team Management Skills: The hallmarks of a great manager, and how to teach those under you to manage.
  • Women's Leadership: The critical steps that will empower you to lead in the workplace.
  • Work/Life Balance: Creating the trifecta of a great career, a balanced personal life and having an impact on the world.
  • Client Communication: The art of reading the non-verbals of others - and controlling your own.
  • Practice Development: How to land new business and success stories of some of "famous" women rainmakers.
  • Mentoring: Beyond creating the program ... getting participation and value from it.
  • Negotiation: Assessing personality types and using it in your negotiation tactics.
  • Women's Program Development: The process of creating a women's program and share best-practices with other firms.
  • Productivity: How to maintain your confidence and effectiveness in stressful times.
The Forum for Women in Accounting focuses on these aspects and more - all from a women's perspective and all specific to the accounting profession! Most importantly, attendees will network and learn from their peers from around the country. Keep reading to learn more about who we are and what we have planned.

August 10, 2009
12:00 PM Pre-Conference Registration
 
01:00 PM Preconference Session
"Knock 'Em Dead:
How to Craft and Deliver Winning Presentations"
by Rebecca Ryan, 2EO of Next Generation Consulting

Whether you're pitching an important new prospect, or delivering the state of the firm address, you want your presentations to sizzle; you don't want your audiences to snooze. Rebecca Ryan - a fabulous presenter herself - will share how her secrets so you can craft winning presentations that differentiate you from others, get your audience's attention, and get results. Participants are encouraged to bring their laptops and wireless cards for hands-on learning and online access to tools.

 
02:15 PM Preconference Session
"CPA Firm Managers In Crisis"
by Rita Keller, Keller Advisors LLC

We promote excellent accountants, but we rarely teach them the skills that they need to lead and manage a team. Whether you are a manager or partner yourself, or your charged with training and developing managers in your firm, this session will provide the tools to become the manager that your employees need. This session will include:
  • The importance of being a good boss
  • What they expect (especially the Millennial generation)
  • The hard realities of managing people
  • Getting started
 
03:30 PM Break
 
03:45 PM Preconference Session
"Building Confidence in Times of Stress & Crisis"
by Sandra Wiley, Boomer Consulting

We all have those days when everything goes right - we're feeling great, being very productive, and have the impression that we can take on anything. If only we had that confidence every day, but it's very easy to let the outside forces around us - bad news, big project deadlines, criticism, economic woes - sneak into our psyche and impact everything that we do. This session will explore how to focus your own attitude and performance, and, more importantly, how to rally your team to a higher level of productivity despite the many stresses that we face in today's work world.
 
06:00 PM Special Alumni & Guest Bonus Event
"Professional Makeovers and Perfect Martinis" at Saks Fifth Avenue

This special bonus event for our returning alumni and their guests will be across the street at Saks Fifth Avenue in the Fashion Show Mall. There we will enjoy a martini reception and networking along with a presentation on professional dress and makeup for a business environment. Some of the attendees will even get their own makeovers! As if that isn't enough, Saks will also provide a special discounted shopping time for everyone in attendance. If you've come to one of our past conferences, you certainly don't want to miss this!
 
 

August 11, 2009
07:00 AM Breakfast & Registration Open
 
08:00 AM Welcome and Introductions
 
08:15 AM "Staying Relevant & Competitive Inside Your Business"
by Genevieve Bos, Founder of PINK Magazine

The massive changes we are now experiencing are global and no one can hide. Its no longer business as usual except perhaps if you are an undertaker. Now more than ever its critical to be aware and proactive on how to deliver even more value to your organization and your clients. As every smart firm continues to look for new ways to drive top line revenue, cut costs and deliver reliably to the bottom line, this new imperative actually creates new career opportunities if you think entrepreneurially inside your firm. It also means there are new ways for you to personally benefit by making sure you are staying competitive and relevant. In this session we will talk about how to spot the trends, think differently, present new ideas and learn specific ways to position yourself more securely in your business and your clients companies making you not just indispensible but promotable!
 
09:30 AM Morning Break and Exhibit Viewing
 
10:00 AM "What's Happening Outside of Your Firm,
and What it Means to You and Your Career"
 Presented by
Gary Boomer, Boomer Consulting,
Gale Crosley, Crosley+Company,
Allan Koltin, PDI Global, and
Gary Shamis, SS&G Financial Services, Inc.

No one operates in a vacuum. It's important for everyone to know what is happening beyond their four walls, and to learn from other companies and professionals. Our consultants will update you on what has been going on across the country over the past year and share how it can have an impact on you and your firm.
 
12:00 PM Lunch
 
01:00 PM "Outstanding Women Rainmakers
Interactive Panel Discussion"
Presented by
Cristy Pierce of Braver Schumler Pierce & Jenkins,
Donna Sciarappa of RSM McGladrey and
Tracy Farryl Katz of Gursey Schneider

How do you break through that invisible boundary and become the rainmaker that builds the relationships, closes big accounts and gains the respect of the partners in the firm? It's not an easy task, but these women CPAs have done it! We will have an interactive panel discussion to move from theory to reality and learn what has truly worked - and what hasn't - for these women in the real world.
 
02:30 PM Breakout Session I
"Meet the Pros: Rainmaking Roundtables"
Led by Gale Crosley, Crosley+Company
Delve deeper into the business development topic with roundtable discussions facilitated by Gale and the members of the Outstanding Women Rainmakers Panel. This is your chance to share your stories and learn from your peers.

"Conceptualizing and Creating a Women's Program for Your Firm: A Practical Approach" Presented by Renee Davis-Malott, CCH, a Wolters Kluwer Business
Firms all over the country are implementing programs for women. No matter what stage you're at, you're probably familiar with at least one of these questions:
  • What are the benefits and motivations for this type of initiative?
  • How do you sell it to the management team?
  • What do the programs entail?
  • How do you create buzz and excitement around them?
  • How do you know if it's working?
  • And, most importantly, how do you fit it into your already packed schedule?
This session will have answers to these questions and more, and can help all who are in the beginning stages of development, as well as those that want to take their program to the next level.

Additional Choices from The Forum on Recruiting & Retention:
"Mentoring 2.0: Buy In, Participation, Results"

"What Congress & Lawmakers are Doing... and How it Impacts HR"
 
03:30 PM Afternoon Break and Exhibit Viewing
 
04:00 PM Breakout Session II
"A New Day for Women in Public Accounting"
Presented by Rita Keller, Keller Advisors LLC
This session focuses on unraveling the mysteries about developing women leaders in our firms. Rita, who became the COO and a successful leader of public accounting firm herself, explores:
  • The statistics
  • The issues
  • Common Obstacles in Developing Women Leaders
  • Overcoming the Obstacles
  • It's a Bottom-line Issue
  • Action Ideas

"Landing Great Opportunities"
Presented by Gale Crosley, Crosley+Company
In today's environment, challenges and opportunities abound! Early indicators suggest that up-market prospects are seeking alternative CPA firms with more economical pricing. This means prospects will be considering your firm. Are you ready to develop new opportunities? What if you knew what master rainmakers know about landing additional clients? In this session we'll explore the techniques to use to land new pieces of business, so that you're the one who ends up with those clients every other firm wants.

Additional Choices from The Forum on Recruiting & Retention:
"Successful Management Structures and the Traits of Outstanding Leaders"

"Beyond Social Networking to FIrm Productivity Tools"
 
05:30 PM Networking Cocktail Reception
 
07:00 PM Optional Networking Dinner Groups
 
 

August 12, 2009
07:00 AM Breakfast is Open
 
08:00 AM "The Importance of Non-Verbal Communication"
by Jan Hargrave, Jan Hargrave and Associates.

It's a scientific fact that a person's body gestures give away her true intentions. Actually, over ninety percent of all face-to-face communication is nonverbal: thus, the silent messages of the body often reveal more than the spoken word in conveying true feelings and attitudes. An expert in body language, author Jan Hargrave routinely uses her skills in courtrooms as well as boardrooms and has been featured on many nationally-syndicated television shows. In this session, she helps you discover how to:
  • Make a positive impression on others.
  • Understand the basics of nonverbal communication.
  • Communicate ideas more powerfully.
  • Detect "micro-expressions" that reveal when someone is being dishonest.
  • Recognize cultural nonverbal diversity and global customs.
  • Persuade others to adopt your viewpoints.
  • Read others - what they say and , more importantly, what they try desperately not to say.
  • Comprehend behaviors that ensure inclusiveness in any environment.
Clear, practical and fun, this seminar offers a wealth of detailed information concerning the "hidden messages" of the people around you as well as yourself. Jan Hargrave's fascinating presentation gives you the advantages you need to make in-depth character assessments during negotiations as well as an increased ability to form more successful, rewarding relationships with family and friends.
 
09:30 AM Morning Break and Exhibit Viewing
 
10:00 AM "WOMEN Taking the Lead"
by Meg Paradise, M.A., Founder and CEO of Paradise Consulting, LLC

Learning how to lead others is an internal process that begins with self-awareness and self-management. In this session, you will become aware of behaviors that hold you back, and learn new behaviors that propel your career forward. We will focus on the dynamics of women's leadership and a critical skill set that may change your life. You will receive Meg's Coaching Tips and learn critical steps that will empower you to lead in the workplace:
  • Learn the critical differences between "leading" and "managing" people
  • Build your leadership resiliency via a simple methodology that keeps you confident
  • Understand and leverage the personal dynamics in the workplace
  • Become a more effective communicator, using power and influence
  • Develop your personal roadmap to leadership, an action plan for change
  • Build your leadership resiliency, become a more effective communicator, using power and influence.
A designer and presenter of Leadership Programs for Women, Meg leads the J.H. Cohn Women's Initiative - Recipient of Garden State Woman Foundation's "Best Women s Initiative in 2008". J.H. Cohn is the largest regional accounting and consulting company in New York area.
 
11:00 AM Breakout Session III
"Negotiating Successfully Through Understanding and Recognizing Personality Differences"
by Jan Hargrave, Jan Hargrave and Associates
Negotiations are a part of daily life. Jan shares her insight on negotiation strategy, and helps you to:
  • Understand the basis for successful negotiating.
  • Successfully recognize the four basic personalities and their style in negotiating: Sanguine, Choleric, Melancholy, and Phlegmatic.
  • Identify strategies to understand and work better with others.
  • Recognize the strengths and weaknesses of each personality type as well as acknowledge their individual type of participation/role as a team player. (T.E.A.M)
  • Learn key words to help motivate each personality type.

"Women's Initiative Roundtable Discussions"
Led by Gale Crosley, Crosley+Company
Do you have a thriving Womens Program in your firm? Are you just in the conceptualization stage? Come and join your peers for a lively discussion and find out what works, what doesn't and how to gain the momentum to move your program to the next level!

Additional Choices from The Forum on Recruiting & Retention:
"Contemporary Retention Strategies of Public Accounting FIrms"

"Change Management...A Firm's Strategic Advantage"
 
12:00 PM Lunch
 
01:00 PM "Flexibility: The "Secret" to Successfully Attracting and Retaining Female Accountants"
Presented by Karol Rose, FlexPaths

Flexibility is quickly becoming the new normal. It's what every demographic, but especially women, want and need to manage their career and life. Success has been documented for both employers and employees. Just look at improved employee satisfaction/engagement and retention scores, as well as improved productivity, reduced health care and overhead costs, and customer retention. By just one measure, reduced turnover, companies are saving over 150% of the annual salary of every professional they retain. How do companies and individuals make flex work effectively? What are the keys to defining flex as a business tool that delivers ROI for both the individual and corporation? Join us to learn:
  • The myth about work-life balance
  • Flexibility across generations: More similarities than differences
  • Ways to re-frame and disseminate the messaging for organizational and individual effectiveness
  • The realities of flex: keys to success and pitfalls to watch for
  • Learnings from the front line: What Ernst & Young and others are doing to advance their cultures
 
02:00 PM "Tales of an Unfinished Professional: Making a Life, a Living and a Difference"
by Rebecca Ryan, 2EO of Next Generation Consulting

You know Rebecca Ryan as a consultant who helps CPA leaders attract and engage the next generation to their firms. What many people don't know are some of the personal stories that have shaped Rebecca's life: she was an accidental professional basketball player, she had a personal bankruptcy, and she appeared (accidentally) on the Oprah Winfrey show. In this engaging, personal presentation, Rebecca weaves a thread through all her experiences, and challenges us to write better endings to our own stories.
 
03:30 PM Conference Adjourns
 
03:30 PM Post-Conference Networking Activity
Red Rock Canyon Tour and Wine Tasting

Enjoy the serene, scenic side of Las Vegas on a tour of the gorgeous Red Rock Canyon while enjoying some of the west's greatest wine selections at each stop. Continue your conference experience with this unique opportunity for sightseeing, photographs and networking. [Additional Fee Required]
 
 
Copyright © The Advisory Board, 2008.