2026 Beyond Conference

Overview

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.
The 7 Habits - Revisited
Joseph Zanco, CPA, CIA • Catalyst Bank • Opelousas, LA
Joe 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.
Get Better on Purpose: Building a Growth Mindset for Your Career
Jeremy Thibodeaux, CPA, CFE • Ericksen Krentel • New Orleans, LA
Career growth does not happen simply because you work hard, gain experience, or wait for the next opportunity. It requires intentionally choosing to learn, stretch, and adapt—especially when feedback is uncomfortable, a new challenge exposes what you do not know, or things do not go as planned. In this interactive session, we will explore what a growth mindset actually looks like in the workplace and how it influences the way you respond to feedback, setbacks, new opportunities, and your own development. You will learn to recognize limiting thought patterns, reframe challenges as opportunities to learn, and take greater ownership of where your career goes next. Attendees will leave with practical strategies for becoming more intentional about their development, seeking experiences that stretch their capabilities, and turning everyday challenges into opportunities to get better.

10:10–10:30 a.m.
Break

10:30–11:20 a.m.
Building Your Personal Brand: Including Social Media
Bridget Kaigler, CPA, CGMA, CMA, MBA • Bringing Leadership Back, LLC • Baton Rouge, LA
Your credentials and professional journey may help open the door, but they don’t tell the whole story of who you are. During this session, we’ll explore what it really means to build a personal brand that feels authentic, approachable, and is uniquely your true self. We’ll talk about how you show up, how you connect with others, and why being yourself can be one of your greatest professional strengths. 

You’ll walk away with practical ways to tell your story, build meaningful relationships, and strengthen your professional presence—without feeling like you’re trying too hard or trying at all. 

Because no matter what letters come after your name or what title is on your business card, LinkedIn, or the socials, there’s always an “AND” to your story.


11:20 a.m.–12:10 p.m.
Leading Across Generations - Bridging Perspectives, Expectations, and Communication Styles
Mag Bickford, JD • Gordon Arata • New Orleans, LA
Susanne Cooper, JD • Gordon Arata • New Orleans, LA
Clarke Perkins, JD • Gordon Arata • New Orleans, LA
Today’s workforce is more generationally diverse than ever before.  This leads to different perspectives and operational issues which can affect organizational success.  This presentation will discuss how to identify the issues and work together to resolve conflicts and leverage generational diversity for optimal performance and culture.

12:10–1:10 p.m.
Lunch

1:10–2:00 p.m.
Lead, Don’t Follow… Strategy for CPAs in an Era of Constant Change
Jan Lewis CPA, CGMA • AICPA Chair • Ridgeland, MS

2:00–2:50 p.m.
Relationship Building
Julie Couret

2:50–3:10 p.m.
Break

3:10–4:25 p.m.
Leadership Panel - Lessons Learned Serving in Leadership
Moderator: Julie Couret • Business Coach • New Orleans, LA
Craig Stevens • Genesis Properties, LLC • Prairieville, LA
Michael Hecht • Greater New Orleans, Inc • New Orleans, LA
Catherine Roe, CPA • Cowart Roe CPA LLC • Metairie, LA
Jonathan Booth, CPA, CFA • Booth-Laird Capital Management • New Orleans, LA

4:25–4:50 p.m.
Words of Wisdom

Notice

HOTEL INFORMATION
Beyond Conference attendees get exclusive rates on rooms for this event starting at $236/night:

The Ritz Carlton New Orleans
921 Canal St.
New Orleans, LA 70112
504.524.1331

Book by November 25!

RESERVE ONLINE

SPONSOR THIS EVENT

Sponsorship is a great way to connect with CPA professionals and increase your visibility within the community. To learn more or recommend a sponsor, contract Diedra Allen at dallen@louisiana.cpa or click here for more information.