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DTSTAMP:20261010T163421Z
DTSTART:20261216T140000Z
DTEND:20261216T222000Z
LOCATION: The Ritz-Carlton\, New Orleans (New Orleans\, 70112)
SUMMARY: 2026 Beyond Conference
DESCRIPTION: 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.\n  \nWe 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 - RevisitedJoseph Zanco\, CPA\, CIA • Catalyst Bank • Opelousas\, LAJoe 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 CareerJeremy Thibodeaux\, CPA\, CFE • Ericksen Krentel • New Orleans\, LACareer 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.Break10:30–11:20 a.m.Building Your Personal Brand: Including Social MediaBridget Kaigler\, CPA\, CGMA\, CMA\, MBA • Bringing Leadership Back\, LLC • Baton Rouge\, LAYour 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 StylesMag Bickford\, JD • Gordon Arata • New Orleans\, LASusanne Cooper\, JD • Gordon Arata • New Orleans\, LAClarke Perkins\, JD • Gordon Arata • New Orleans\, LAToday’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.Lunch1:10–2:00 p.m.Lead\, Don’t Follow… Strategy for CPAs in an Era of Constant ChangeJan Lewis CPA\, CGMA • AICPA Chair • Ridgeland\, MS2:00–2:50 p.m.Relationship BuildingJulie Couret2:50–3:10 p.m.Break3:10–4:25 p.m.Leadership Panel - Lessons Learned Serving in LeadershipModerator: Julie Couret • Business Coach • New Orleans\, LACraig Stevens • Genesis Properties\, LLC • Prairieville\, LAMichael Hecht • Greater New Orleans\, Inc • New Orleans\, LACatherine Roe\, CPA • Cowart Roe CPA LLC • Metairie\, LAJonathan Booth\, CPA\, CFA • Booth-Laird Capital Management • New Orleans\, LA4:25–4:50 p.m.Words of Wisdom\n  
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