2026 Summer Education Conference

Overview

**Hotel reservation link will be sent in your Conference Registration Confirmation email.

Open to all CPAs, featuring a diverse range of hot topics to keep you informed and ahead in the field.
All CPAs are invited to join the Alabama, Arkansas,Florida, Louisiana, and Texas CPA Societies for the Summer Education Conference in Gulf Shores, AL. Pack up the family and enjoy 4 hours of CPE each morning, with the rest of the day free to relax on the beach, kayak, or explore local attractions. It’s the perfect blend of vacation and professional growth, offering a unique chance to network with CPAs from across the SEC!

Sunday, July 19

4:00 pm Conference Registration

6:00 - 7:30 pm   SEC Networking Reception Tailgate

Show your school spirit by wearing your team colors and join us for a lively tailgate reception to kick off the conference! Network with fellow state societies, enjoy delicious food, and connect before the sessions begin.

The reception is complimentary for registrants, with adult guests at $25 and children at $10. Please remember to rsvp and pre-pay for any reception guests before arriving in Gulf Shores to secure your spot.

Monday, July 20
8:00 - 9:40 am  
Professional Opportunities Update (Rise to the Future Together)
Mark Koziel
Join Mark Koziel, President & CEO of the AICPA and CEO of the Association of Certified Professional Accountants, as he looks to the future and provides an update on the challenges and opportunities facing the profession. Discover how the profession is rising to meet the moment and how the Association is working to empower innovation, leadership, and inspiration for the next generation of CPAs and CGMAs.

9:40-10:00 Break

10:00 - 11:40 am
Do You Smell Something Burning?
Dr. Angela White Bazile, Esq. • Judges & Lawyers Assistance Program, Inc. • Mandeville, LA
Burnout is a form of chronic stress that stems from prolonged workloads, tight deadlines, and intense pressure to maintain accuracy and compliance. It can result in mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, emotional exhaustion, and a reduced sense of personal effectiveness. The cyclical nature of peak seasons and the demand for precision can make it difficult for accountants to find work-life balance, contributing to long-term mental and emotional strain.


Tuesday, July 21
8:00 - 11:40am
Tax Update 
Lisa McKinney, CPA • University of Alabama, Culverhouse School of Accountancy • Tuscaloosa, AL
This workshop will cover recent legislative, administrative, and judicial developments that affect tax compliance and consulting. CPAs from all levels can benefit from the workshop.


Wednesday, July 22
8:00 - 9:40 am
AI and Auditing AI 
Paul M. Perry, FHFMA, CDPSE, CISM, CITP, CPA • Warren Averett • Birmingham, AL

9:40-10:00 am Break

10:00 - 11:40 am
Mergers and Acquisitions, Business Valuations
Robert P. Gray, CPA, ABV, CFF, CGMA, CFE • Gray Schrupp & Associates • Dallas, TX

Thursday, July 23
8:00 - 11:40 am
Accounting and Auditing Update 
Kurt Oestriecher, CPA • Oestriecher & Company • Alexandria, LA
This session will cover new standards issued by the FASB, Auditing Standards Board, and AICPA Accounting and Review Services Committee. Hot topics in peer review will also be covered, along with emerging issues in the accounting and auditing field.


Friday, July 24
8:00-9:40
Economic Update 
Stephen Morgan • Senior Vice President, Investment Director – Hancock Whitney Asset Management • New Orleans, LA

9:40-10:00 am Break

10:00 - 11:40
The CPA as Connector: Adding Value Without Being the Forensic Expert
Ralph A. Litolff, Jr., CPA/ABV/CFF, CVA, MBA • RAL Forensics, LLC • Metairie, LA
Forensic accounting is often treated as a single specialty, but it encompasses multiple distinct disciplines, each designed to address different client needs and situations. This session is designed for CPAs across all practice areas and focuses on helping attendees understand how forensic accounting differs from traditional CPA services and how to identify which type of forensic expertise best fits a client’s circumstances.
 
The session emphasizes the CPA’s role as a trusted advisor and connector. Attendees will learn how to recognize when matters move beyond traditional CPA services, what information is helpful to gather early, and how to manage client expectations before a forensic specialist is engaged. The goal is for CPAs to leave feeling more confident adding value by connecting clients with the right forensic expertise at the right time.
 
Learning Objectives
Upon completion of this session, participants will be able to:
•                    Identify major forensic accounting disciplines and their common use cases
•                    Recognize client scenarios where forensic expertise may be appropriate
•                    Understand how CPAs add value by serving as connectors 

Important Note: Starting June 30th, a $200 cancellation fee will apply due to commitments with the hotel, catering, and event planning. We appreciate your understanding.

Notice

**Hotel reservation link will be sent in your Conference Registration Confirmation email.

This block will sell out. Hotel Room Block Rates will expire after June 15, 2026. Register & book early to save!

ABOUT THE LODGE

The Lodge features:

• 28 miles of hiking/biking trails
• Private beach
• Daily activities
• Free bike-share (up to 3 hours)
• Kayak and paddleboard rentals
• Guided Segway eco-tours
• No resort fees!

Plus Gulf State Park offers dozens of weekly activities, like guided beach walks and star-gazing, opportunities to “meet” local wildlife (owls, turtles, snakes, etc), fitness classes, pickleball, and more! 

NIGHTLY RATES 
SEC attendees get exclusive discounted rates at The Lodge starting at $255/night.

RESERVATIONS: These rates are good for arrivals as early as July 18, departing July 24, and are subject to state and local taxes. Hearing and mobility accessible rooms are also available.

SPONSOR THIS EVENT
From pre-event promotion to the in-person conference, our sponsor packages can put your brand in front of 25,000+ CPAs across the southeast. Check out the packages and pricing and email dallen@louisiana.cpa for more information.