CPE Catalog & Events

Society of Louisiana Certified Public Accountants2026 Energy ConferenceNovember 12-13One Acadiana- LafayetteDAY ONE: Thursday, November 128:00 am Registration & Breakfast Opens8:25 am Welcome/Opening Remarks8:30 – 9:25 amState of the IndustryMike Moncla • President – Louisiana Oil & Gas Association • Baton Rouge, LA9:25 – 10:25 amCarbon Capture: Where We Are and What's NextMark Dore, JD • The Dore Law Firm, LLC • Lafayette, LACarbon capture and storage (CCS) has evolved from an emerging concept into a critical component of the nation's energy and industrial strategy. As technology advances, regulatory frameworks mature, and investment continues to grow, energy professionals are increasingly called upon to understand the legal, commercial, and operational realities shaping this rapidly developing sector.This session provides a practical update on the current state of carbon capture, examining recent technological developments, federal and state policy changes, project activity, and the market forces driving continued investment. Particular attention will be given to Louisiana's unique position as a national leader in carbon management, including its geologic advantages, industrial infrastructure, and evolving regulatory environment.10:25 – 10:45 am Break10:45 am – 12:00 pmYour Digital Ambition Is Reality: The Only Limit Is Your ImaginationTrace Armstrong • Cherry Bekaert Advisory LLC • Birmingham, ALWhat do you want technology to do for your business? That is your digital ambition, and it is the starting point for every successful AI initiative. In this session, we will introduce a simple framework built on three pillars: Growth, Efficiency, and Resilience, with Innovation as the umbrella over all three.You will then see the framework in action through a real engagement with an energy company. We will walk through their ambition, how they connected operational and financial data on a modern data platform, and then demo the result live. You will leave with a practical way to define your own digital ambition and a clear first step, with no technical background required.Learning objectives (LSCPA usually asks for these)• Define digital ambition and describe the three pillars that organize it.• Identify how operational and financial data can be connected to support better decisions in an energy organization.• Recognize what a scoped, time-boxed first AI project looks like.• Apply the framework to draft a digital ambition for your own organization.12:00 – 1:00 pm Lunch (included)1:00 – 2:00 pm Economic UpdateSarah Delord • Vice President, Sr Portfolio Manager - Hancock Whitney Asset Management • New Orleans, LAGreg Kass Jr • Senior Trust Portfolio Manager  - Hancock Whitney Asset Management • New Orleans, LA Explore the forces supporting U.S. economic and market resilience amid persistent inflation, shifting Federal Reserve policy, and changing global trade. Examine how consumer spending, corporate investment, and AI adoption intersect with geopolitical risks and energy supply constraints to shape the outlook for growth. The presentation also highlights Louisiana’s opportunities in LNG exports, data centers, and the power infrastructure needed to support their expansion.2:00 – 3:00 pmGulf Coast Energy UpdateGreg Upton, PhD • Louisiana State University • Baton Rouge, LA3:00 – 3:20 pm Break3:20 – 4:50 pmEnergy UpdateChelsea Zeringue, PhD • Research Engineer - University of Louisiana Lafayette • Lafayette, LABlake Foret • Energy Assessment and Outreach Engineer - University of Louisiana Lafayette • Lafayette, LA

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Society of Louisiana Certified Public Accountants2026 Energy ConferenceNovember 12-13One Acadiana- LafayetteDAY ONE: Thursday, November 128:00 am Registration & Breakfast Opens8:25 am Welcome/Opening Remarks8:30 – 9:25 amState of the IndustryMike Moncla • President – Louisiana Oil & Gas Association • Baton Rouge, LA9:25 – 10:25 amCarbon Capture: Where We Are and What's NextMark Dore, JD • The Dore Law Firm, LLC • Lafayette, LACarbon capture and storage (CCS) has evolved from an emerging concept into a critical component of the nation's energy and industrial strategy. As technology advances, regulatory frameworks mature, and investment continues to grow, energy professionals are increasingly called upon to understand the legal, commercial, and operational realities shaping this rapidly developing sector.This session provides a practical update on the current state of carbon capture, examining recent technological developments, federal and state policy changes, project activity, and the market forces driving continued investment. Particular attention will be given to Louisiana's unique position as a national leader in carbon management, including its geologic advantages, industrial infrastructure, and evolving regulatory environment.10:25 – 10:45 am Break10:45 am – 12:00 pmYour Digital Ambition Is Reality: The Only Limit Is Your ImaginationTrace Armstrong • Cherry Bekaert Advisory LLC • Birmingham, ALWhat do you want technology to do for your business? That is your digital ambition, and it is the starting point for every successful AI initiative. In this session, we will introduce a simple framework built on three pillars: Growth, Efficiency, and Resilience, with Innovation as the umbrella over all three.You will then see the framework in action through a real engagement with an energy company. We will walk through their ambition, how they connected operational and financial data on a modern data platform, and then demo the result live. You will leave with a practical way to define your own digital ambition and a clear first step, with no technical background required.Learning objectives (LSCPA usually asks for these)• Define digital ambition and describe the three pillars that organize it.• Identify how operational and financial data can be connected to support better decisions in an energy organization.• Recognize what a scoped, time-boxed first AI project looks like.• Apply the framework to draft a digital ambition for your own organization.12:00 – 1:00 pm Lunch (included)1:00 – 2:00 pmEconomic UpdateSarah Delord • Vice President, Sr Portfolio Manager - Hancock Whitney Asset Management • New Orleans, LAGreg Kass Jr • Senior Trust Portfolio Manager  - Hancock Whitney Asset Management • New Orleans, LA Explore the forces supporting U.S. economic and market resilience amid persistent inflation, shifting Federal Reserve policy, and changing global trade. Examine how consumer spending, corporate investment, and AI adoption intersect with geopolitical risks and energy supply constraints to shape the outlook for growth. The presentation also highlights Louisiana’s opportunities in LNG exports, data centers, and the power infrastructure needed to support their expansion. 2:00 – 3:00 pmGulf Coast Energy UpdateGreg Upton, PhD • Louisiana State University • Baton Rouge, LA3:00 – 3:20 pm Break3:20 – 4:50 pmEvolving Energy-Based Technologies to Further Entrench Louisiana as the Energy State: A Peak into Our Bright FutureChelsea Zeringue, PhD • Research Engineer - University of Louisiana Lafayette • Lafayette, LABlake Foret • Energy Assessment and Outreach Engineer - University of Louisiana Lafayette • Lafayette, LADAY TWO: Friday, November 137:30 am Registration & Breakfast Opens7:55 am Opening Remarks8:00 – 9:00 amIt’s Been 65 Years of COPAS Auditing and Joint Interest Accounting: Where Have We Been, Where Are We, Where Are We Going?Mike Cougevan • Vice President – Martindale Consultants, Inc. • Denver, CO9:00 – 10:00 amLegislation and Litigation for Oil, Gas & EnergyChris Peyton, JD • Kean Miller • Lafayette, LAMattie Zepernick, JD  • Kean Miller • Lafayette, LA10:00 – 10:20 am Break10:20 –11:30 amCybersecurity Resilience in Accounting: Safeguarding Financial Data Les Nettleton • Retired- Bourgeois Bennett • New Orleans, LAThe accounting profession remains a primary target for sophisticated cyber threats due to the highly sensitive financial data it manages. This session delivers a critical update on the intersection of emerging technology, evolving regulatory compliance, and cybersecurity risks. We will analyze the modern threat landscape, focusing on business email compromise (BEC), ransomware attack vectors (attempts made to access your systems and/or data), and the unique data privacy liabilities facing accountants today.11:30 am – 12:30 pm Lunch12:30 – 1:20 pmDepartment of Conservation and Energy UpdateDustin Davidson • Louisiana Department of Conservation and Energy • Baton Rouge, LA1:20 – 2:10 pm  Timber Industry UpdateBuck Vandersteen • Executive Director - Louisiana Forestry Association • Alexandria, LA 2:10 – 2:30 pm Break2:30 – 3:25 pm Tax UpdateJohn Schmidt, CGMA, CPA, MBA, PFS • Pelican Tax & Consulting CPA, LLC • Shreveport, LA 3:25– 4:20 pm  Two Hinges of Leadership: Awareness and TrustLauren Navarre, JD • Arena Collective • Slidell, LAA leader who refuses to examine his/her own triggers, blind spots, and areas of growth will never be equipped to truly serve those he leads. This presentation unpacks the two foundational hinges that every effective leader must develop: the awareness to work on oneself, and the trust that binds a team together — trust in yourself, trust in the process, and trust in the people around you. Because at the end of the day, people don't follow titles or authority — they follow leaders who have earned their trust and proven they exist to serve, not to be served.  

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Society of Louisiana Certified Public Accountants2026 Energy ConferenceNovember 12-13One Acadiana- LafayetteDAY TWO: Friday, November 137:30 am Registration & Breakfast Opens7:55 am Opening Remarks8:00 – 9:00 amIt’s Been 65 Years of COPAS Auditing and Joint Interest Accounting: Where Have We Been, Where Are We, Where Are We Going?Mike Cougevan • Vice President – Martindale Consultants, Inc. • Denver, CO9:00 – 10:00 amLegislation and Litigation for Oil, Gas & EnergyChris Peyton, JD • Kean Miller • Lafayette, LAMatti Zepernick, JD  • Kean Miller • Lafayette, LA10:00 – 10:20 am Break10:20 –11:30 amCybersecurity Resilience in Accounting: Safeguarding Financial Data Les Nettleton • Retired- Bourgeois Bennett • New Orleans, LAThe accounting profession remains a primary target for sophisticated cyber threats due to the highly sensitive financial data it manages. This session delivers a critical update on the intersection of emerging technology, evolving regulatory compliance, and cybersecurity risks. We will analyze the modern threat landscape, focusing on business email compromise (BEC), ransomware attack vectors (attempts made to access your systems and/or data), and the unique data privacy liabilities facing accountants today.11:30 am – 12:30 pm Lunch12:30 – 1:20 pmDepartment of Conservation and Energy UpdateDustin Davidson • Louisiana Department of Conservation and Energy • Baton Rouge, LA1:20 – 2:10 pm  Timber Industry UpdateBuck Vandersteen • Executive Director - Louisiana Forestry Association • Alexandria, LA2:10 – 2:30 pm Break2:30 – 3:25 pm Tax UpdateJohn Schmidt, CGMA, CPA, MBA, PFS • Pelican Tax & Consulting CPA, LLC • Shreveport, LA 3:25– 4:20 pm  Two Hinges of Leadership: Awareness and TrustLauren Navarre, JD • Arena Collective • Slidell, LAA leader who refuses to examine his/her own triggers, blind spots, and areas of growth will never be equipped to truly serve those he leads. This presentation unpacks the two foundational hinges that every effective leader must develop: the awareness to work on oneself, and the trust that binds a team together — trust in yourself, trust in the process, and trust in the people around you. Because at the end of the day, people don't follow titles or authority — they follow leaders who have earned their trust and proven they exist to serve, not to be served.

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Get ready for another round of high-impact learning at the Winter Cluster, at a new location this year! This can't-miss event combines cutting-edge CPE with a premier destination, offering the perfect setting to sharpen your skills and recharge for the year ahead. Explore timely, relevant topics presented by some of the profession’s most respected and dynamic speakers. DAY 1: THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 19 7:30am - Registration & Breakfast 8:00am-9:40amAI and How It Affects Cybersecurity, and the Future of AccountingScott Pruitt, CISM, CDPSE, CISA • Warren Averett • Birmingham, ALAI is changing how finance professionals in public accounting and private industry work, make decisions, and manage risk. Discover the opportunities, challenges, and controls shaping the future of the accounting profession.9:40am-10:00am Break10:00-11:40A&A Update  Kurt Oestriecher, CPA • Oestriecher & Company • Alexandria, LA11:40am – 12:40pm Lunch (included)12:40pm – 2:20pmPractical Tips to Business Succession PlanningLauren Navarre, JD • Arena Collective • Slidell, LAAudrey DeAgano, JD • Arena Collective • Covington, LAFirst, this presentation delivers practical, actionable guidance on the five critical factors that determine a business's salability: building documented systems that can operate without the owner, strategically transferring key relationships, identifying and retaining the right people, thoughtfully structuring the seller's ongoing role post-transition, and preserving the core values and purpose that define the business's identity and culture.Second, the presentation will touch on the key steps of a successful acquisition — from business valuation and identifying the right buyer, to due diligence, deal structuring, and ultimately the documents to expect at closing — equipping advisors with a practical roadmap to navigate the process with confidence and clarity.2:20pm – 2:40pm  Break2:40pm – 3:30pm TOPIC TBA3:30pm – 4:20pmProfessional Issues UpdateRon Gitz, CPA, CGMA • Executive Director/CEO - Society of Louisiana CPAs • Metairie, LADAY 2: FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 207:30am - Continental Breakfast8:00am – 9:40amBreaking through Growth Wall Julie Couret • Executive Coach • New Orleans, LAWhen growing companies hit an invisible growth ceiling, the root issue is rarely a lack of talent or ambition, t is an operational and leadership system breakdown. As business complexity expands, motion is frequently confused with progress, doer-leaders become structural bottlenecks, and decision-making stalls in day-to-day firefighting. Attendees will walk away with actionable strategies and frameworks to execute within their organizations:Strategic Focus & DirectionEstablish Strategic Trade-Offs: Forge explicit agreement across the executive team regarding which initiatives and distractions to say "no" to, eliminating operational confusion and safeguarding core execution focus. Design OptimizationMap Root-Cause Constraints: Pinpoint the exact operational bottlenecks where organizational complexity has outgrown existing systems, eliminating hidden friction, operational chaos, and stalled execution. Eliminate Leader Dependency: Identify process gaps where daily decision-making and accountability collapse back to leadership, successfully transitioning doer-leaders from operational bottlenecks into strategic executives.9:40am – 10:00am Break 10:00 - 11:40 amTax UpdateGreg Booth, CPA • EisnerAmper • Metairie, LA 

Make Spirits Bright. Make Tax Season Lighter! The holidays are all about spreading cheer — and the best gift you can give yourself this year might just be a little less tax-season stress! Join us IN PERSON for our largest event of the year, where a great lineup of knowledgeable speakers will unwrap the latest insights, essential updates, and practical takeaways you need to head into tax season feeling prepared and confident. From must-know developments to timely topics, you’ll get the information you need, all in an engaging learning environment at the beautifully decorated Ritz-Carlton and make professional development a little more merry! Give yourself the gift of knowledge now — and thank yourself when tax season arrives. Register today! THURSDAY, DECEMBER 178:00-8:25 Registration/Continental Breakfast8:25 Opening Remarks8:30-9:30Individual Tax UpdateGina Rachel, CPA • EisnerAmper • Metairie, LA9:30-10:30 The Calm Before the Calm, Louisiana State and Local Tax Update for 2026Robert S. Angelico, CPA, JD • Liskow & Lewis, APLC • New Orleans, LA2026 has been a relatively quiet year for Louisiana state and local tax developments with a non-tax legislative session and few significant caselaw developments.   This presentation will cover what did emerge in 2026 in terms of tax legislation, regulatory LDR items, and caselaw developments.  It will also discuss what might be on the horizon for 2027.   10:30-10:50 Break 10:50-11:40National SALT UpdateAndre’ Burvant, CPA, JD • Jones Walker • New Orleans, LA 11:40-12:30LED Change in Incentives, LDRSpeaker TBA  12:30-1:30 Lunch (Included) 1:30-2:30Interactions with IRS, Communication Melanie Lauridsen • AICPA & CIMA • Washington, DC 2:30-3:30AI: Ethics, Responsible Use, Policies Henry Hays • DisruptREADY • Baton Rouge, LA3:30-3:50 Break 3:50-4:50 Truth is Stranger than Fiction: Criminal Tax in 2026Michael Villa, Jr., JD, LLM • Meadows, Collier, Reed, Cousins, Crouch, Ungerman, LLP • Dallas, TXThis seminar will review high profile criminal tax prosecutions and investigations from 2026. We will conduct an examination and deep dive into the facts and circumstances that take a case into the criminal realm and the traps that tax return preparers and taxpayers should avoid.   

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Make Spirits Bright. Make Tax Season Lighter! The holidays are all about spreading cheer — and the best gift you can give yourself this year might just be a little less tax-season stress! Join us VIRTUALLY for our largest event of the year, where a great lineup of knowledgeable speakers will unwrap the latest insights, essential updates, and practical takeaways you need to head into tax season feeling prepared and confident. From must-know developments to timely topics, you’ll get the information you need, all in an engaging learning environment and make professional development a little more merry! Give yourself the gift of knowledge now — and thank yourself when tax season arrives. Register today! THURSDAY, DECEMBER 178:00-8:25 Registration/Continental Breakfast8:25 Opening Remarks8:30-9:30Individual Tax UpdateGina Rachel, CPA • EisnerAmper • Metairie, LA9:30-10:30 The Calm Before the Calm, Louisiana State and Local Tax Update for 2026Robert S. Angelico, CPA, JD • Liskow & Lewis, APLC • New Orleans, LA2026 has been a relatively quiet year for Louisiana state and local tax developments with a non-tax legislative session and few significant caselaw developments.   This presentation will cover what did emerge in 2026 in terms of tax legislation, regulatory LDR items, and caselaw developments.  It will also discuss what might be on the horizon for 2027.   10:30-10:50 Break 10:50-11:40National SALT UpdateAndre’ Burvant, CPA, JD • Jones Walker • New Orleans, LA 11:40-12:30LED Change in Incentives, LDRSpeaker TBA  12:30-1:30 Lunch (Included) 1:30-2:30Interactions with IRS, Communication Melanie Lauridsen • AICPA & CIMA • Washington, DC 2:30-3:30AI: Ethics, Responsible Use, Policies Henry Hays • DisruptREADY • Baton Rouge, LA3:30-3:50 Break 3:50-4:50 Truth is Stranger than Fiction: Criminal Tax in 2026Michael Villa, Jr., JD, LLM • Meadows, Collier, Reed, Cousins, Crouch, Ungerman, LLP • Dallas, TXThis seminar will review high profile criminal tax prosecutions and investigations from 2026. We will conduct an examination and deep dive into the facts and circumstances that take a case into the criminal realm and the traps that tax return preparers and taxpayers should avoid.  

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Make Spirits Bright. Make Tax Season Lighter! The holidays are all about spreading cheer — and the best gift you can give yourself this year might just be a little less tax-season stress! Join us IN PERSON for our largest event of the year, where a great lineup of knowledgeable speakers will unwrap the latest insights, essential updates, and practical takeaways you need to head into tax season feeling prepared and confident. From must-know developments to timely topics, you’ll get the information you need, all in an engaging learning environment at the beautifully decorated Ritz-Carlton and make professional development a little more merry! Give yourself the gift of knowledge now — and thank yourself when tax season arrives! Register today! THURSDAY, DECEMBER 178:00-8:25 Registration/Continental Breakfast8:25 Opening Remarks8:30-9:30Individual Tax UpdateGina Rachel, CPA • EisnerAmper • Metairie, LA9:30-10:30 The Calm Before the Calm, Louisiana State and Local Tax Update for 2026Robert S. Angelico, CPA, JD • Liskow & Lewis, APLC • New Orleans, LA2026 has been a relatively quiet year for Louisiana state and local tax developments with a non-tax legislative session and few significant caselaw developments.   This presentation will cover what did emerge in 2026 in terms of tax legislation, regulatory LDR items, and caselaw developments.  It will also discuss what might be on the horizon for 2027.   10:30-10:50 Break 10:50-11:40National SALT UpdateAndre’ Burvant, CPA, JD • Jones Walker • New Orleans, LA 11:40-12:30LED Change in Incentives, LDRSpeaker TBA  12:30-1:30 Lunch (Included) 1:30-2:30Interactions with IRS, Communication Melanie Lauridsen • AICPA & CIMA • Washington, DC 2:30-3:30AI: Ethics, Responsible Use, Policies Henry Hays • DisruptREADY • Baton Rouge, LA3:30-3:50 Break 3:50-4:50 Truth is Stranger than Fiction: Criminal Tax in 2026Michael Villa, Jr., JD, LLM • Meadows, Collier, Reed, Cousins, Crouch, Ungerman, LLP • Dallas, TXThis seminar will review high profile criminal tax prosecutions and investigations from 2026. We will conduct an examination and deep dive into the facts and circumstances that take a case into the criminal realm and the traps that tax return preparers and taxpayers should avoid.  FRIDAY, DECEMBER 187:30-7:55 Registration/Continental Breakfast7:55 Opening Remarks8:00-9:00 Business Tax Update -Partnership Brandon Lagarde, CPA, JD, LLM • EisnerAmper • Baton Rouge, LA9:00-10:00 SCorp UpdateTony Nitti10:00-10:20 Break 10:20-11:30New IRS Attacks on Those Making, Valuing, and Accepting Various Types of Charitable DonationsHale E. Sheppard, Esq.• Eversheds Sutherland • Atlanta, GAThe IRS has been challenging various types of charitable donations for years, raising standard arguments, evolving during the process, and expanding its focus over time.  What started as the IRS scrutinizing donations that it considered abusive has morphed into frequent challenges to charitable gifts that are, by most accounts, routine.  This presentation (i) explores recent IRS attacks on charitable donations of artwork, partial ownership interests in entities, special-purpose LLCs, religious artefacts, bargain sales, cash, and more, (ii) explains how the IRS has removed procedural protections for appraisers and launched attacks against them, too, and (iii) identifies threats of serious enforcement by the IRS against charitable organizations using their tax-exempt status to facilitate transactions the IRS dislikes.11:30-12:30 Lunch (Included) 12:30-1:20All Bets Are On: H.R. 1 Gambling Changes, Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL), and the New Tax RealityBrandon Lagarde, CPA, JD, LLM • EisnerAmper • Baton Rouge, LASports betting; fantasy leagues; prediction markets; and name, image, and likeness (NIL) deals have transformed how individuals earn, wager, and move money. At the same time, H.R. 1, P.L. 119-21, commonly referred to as OBBBA, has changed important gambling tax and information-reporting rules that practitioners need to understand heading into the 2026 filing season.This session will examine the H.R. 1 changes affecting gambling, including new limitations on wagering-loss deductions and changes to Form W-2G reporting thresholds, including their application to sports wagering. Brandon Lagarde, CPA, will also address the rapidly expanding NIL economy, where athletes and their families are confronting self-employment tax, estimated payments, noncash compensation, deductible expenses, multi-state filing obligations, and complex reporting requirements, often for the first time.1:20-2:20 AI for Tax PracticeSpeaker TBA2:20-2:35 Break 2:35-2:50 Prize Giveaways2:50-3:40Tariff Policies, Refunds, Processing Claims, Economic UpdatePete Mento, PhD • Baker Tilly • Washington, DC3:40-4:30Estate Planning in the Non-Taxable Estate Raymond Ladouceur, JD, MBA, CPA • Ladouceur Law Firm, LLC - Raymond P. Ladouceur, CPA, LLC • Abita Springs, LAThis session will cover PODs, TODs, IRA and 401(k)s, community property, simple wills, trusts and more. 

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Make Spirits Bright. Make Tax Season Lighter! The holidays are all about spreading cheer — and the best gift you can give yourself this year might just be a little less tax-season stress! Join us VIRTUALLY for our largest conference of the year, where a great lineup of knowledgeable speakers will unwrap the latest insights, essential updates, and practical takeaways you need to head into tax season feeling prepared and confident. From must-know developments to timely topics, you’ll get the information you need, all in an engaging learning environment that makes professional development a little more merry. Give yourself the gift of knowledge now — and thank yourself when tax season arrives. Register today! THURSDAY, DECEMBER 178:00-8:25 Registration/Continental Breakfast8:25 Opening Remarks8:30-9:30Individual Tax UpdateGina Rachel, CPA • EisnerAmper • Metairie, LA9:30-10:30 The Calm Before the Calm, Louisiana State and Local Tax Update for 2026Robert S. Angelico, CPA, JD • Liskow & Lewis, APLC • New Orleans, LA2026 has been a relatively quiet year for Louisiana state and local tax developments with a non-tax legislative session and few significant caselaw developments.   This presentation will cover what did emerge in 2026 in terms of tax legislation, regulatory LDR items, and caselaw developments.  It will also discuss what might be on the horizon for 2027.   10:30-10:50 Break 10:50-11:40National SALT UpdateAndre’ Burvant, CPA, JD • Jones Walker • New Orleans, LA 11:40-12:30LED Change in Incentives, LDRSpeaker TBA  12:30-1:30 Lunch (Included) 1:30-2:30Interactions with IRS, Communication Melanie Lauridsen • AICPA & CIMA • Washington, DC 2:30-3:30AI: Ethics, Responsible Use, Policies Henry Hays • DisruptREADY • Baton Rouge, LA3:30-3:50 Break 3:50-4:50 Truth is Stranger than Fiction: Criminal Tax in 2026Michael Villa, Jr., JD, LLM • Meadows, Collier, Reed, Cousins, Crouch, Ungerman, LLP • Dallas, TXThis seminar will review high profile criminal tax prosecutions and investigations from 2026. We will conduct an examination and deep dive into the facts and circumstances that take a case into the criminal realm and the traps that tax return preparers and taxpayers should avoid.  FRIDAY, DECEMBER 187:30-7:55 Registration/Continental Breakfast7:55 Opening Remarks8:00-9:00 Business Tax Update -Partnership Brandon Lagarde, CPA, JD, LLM • EisnerAmper • Baton Rouge, LA9:00-10:00 SCorp UpdateAnthony J. Nitti, CPA, MST • Ernst & Young LLP • Aspen, CO 10:00-10:20 Break 10:20-11:30New IRS Attacks on Those Making, Valuing, and Accepting Various Types of Charitable DonationsHale E. Sheppard, Esq.• Eversheds Sutherland • Atlanta, GAThe IRS has been challenging various types of charitable donations for years, raising standard arguments, evolving during the process, and expanding its focus over time.  What started as the IRS scrutinizing donations that it considered abusive has morphed into frequent challenges to charitable gifts that are, by most accounts, routine.  This presentation (i) explores recent IRS attacks on charitable donations of artwork, partial ownership interests in entities, special-purpose LLCs, religious artefacts, bargain sales, cash, and more, (ii) explains how the IRS has removed procedural protections for appraisers and launched attacks against them, too, and (iii) identifies threats of serious enforcement by the IRS against charitable organizations using their tax-exempt status to facilitate transactions the IRS dislikes.11:30-12:30 Lunch (Included) 12:30-1:20All Bets Are On: H.R. 1 Gambling Changes, Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL), and the New Tax RealityBrandon Lagarde, CPA, JD, LLM • EisnerAmper • Baton Rouge, LASports betting; fantasy leagues; prediction markets; and name, image, and likeness (NIL) deals have transformed how individuals earn, wager, and move money. At the same time, H.R. 1, P.L. 119-21, commonly referred to as OBBBA, has changed important gambling tax and information-reporting rules that practitioners need to understand heading into the 2026 filing season.This session will examine the H.R. 1 changes affecting gambling, including new limitations on wagering-loss deductions and changes to Form W-2G reporting thresholds, including their application to sports wagering. Brandon Lagarde, CPA, will also address the rapidly expanding NIL economy, where athletes and their families are confronting self-employment tax, estimated payments, noncash compensation, deductible expenses, multi-state filing obligations, and complex reporting requirements, often for the first time.1:20-2:20 AI for Tax PracticeSpeaker TBA2:20-2:35 Break 2:35-2:50 Prize Giveaways2:50-3:40Tariff Policies, Refunds, Processing Claims, Economic UpdatePete Mento, PhD • Baker Tilly • Washington, DC3:40-4:30Estate Planning in the Non-Taxable Estate Raymond Ladouceur, JD, MBA, CPA • Ladouceur Law Firm, LLC - Raymond P. Ladouceur, CPA, LLC • Abita Springs, LAThis session will cover PODs, TODs, IRA and 401(k)s, community property, simple wills, trusts and more. 

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Make Spirits Bright. Make Tax Season Lighter! The holidays are all about spreading cheer — and the best gift you can give yourself this year might just be a little less tax-season stress! Join us VIRTUALLY for our largest event of the year, where a great lineup of knowledgeable speakers will unwrap the latest insights, essential updates, and practical takeaways you need to head into tax season feeling prepared and confident. From must-know developments to timely topics, you’ll get the information you need, all in an engaging learning environment and make professional development a little more merry! Give yourself the gift of knowledge now — and thank yourself when tax season arrives. Register today! FRIDAY, DECEMBER 187:30-7:55 Registration/Continental Breakfast7:55 Opening Remarks8:00-9:00 Business Tax Update -Partnership Brandon Lagarde, CPA, JD, LLM • EisnerAmper • Baton Rouge, LA9:00-10:00 SCorp UpdateAnthony J. Nitti, CPA, MST • Ernst & Young LLP • Aspen, CO 10:00-10:20 Break 10:20-11:30New IRS Attacks on Those Making, Valuing, and Accepting Various Types of Charitable DonationsHale E. Sheppard, Esq.• Eversheds Sutherland • Atlanta, GAThe IRS has been challenging various types of charitable donations for years, raising standard arguments, evolving during the process, and expanding its focus over time.  What started as the IRS scrutinizing donations that it considered abusive has morphed into frequent challenges to charitable gifts that are, by most accounts, routine.  This presentation (i) explores recent IRS attacks on charitable donations of artwork, partial ownership interests in entities, special-purpose LLCs, religious artefacts, bargain sales, cash, and more, (ii) explains how the IRS has removed procedural protections for appraisers and launched attacks against them, too, and (iii) identifies threats of serious enforcement by the IRS against charitable organizations using their tax-exempt status to facilitate transactions the IRS dislikes.11:30-12:30 Lunch (Included) 12:30-1:20All Bets Are On: H.R. 1 Gambling Changes, Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL), and the New Tax RealityBrandon Lagarde, CPA, JD, LLM • EisnerAmper • Baton Rouge, LASports betting; fantasy leagues; prediction markets; and name, image, and likeness (NIL) deals have transformed how individuals earn, wager, and move money. At the same time, H.R. 1, P.L. 119-21, commonly referred to as OBBBA, has changed important gambling tax and information-reporting rules that practitioners need to understand heading into the 2026 filing season.This session will examine the H.R. 1 changes affecting gambling, including new limitations on wagering-loss deductions and changes to Form W-2G reporting thresholds, including their application to sports wagering. Brandon Lagarde, CPA, will also address the rapidly expanding NIL economy, where athletes and their families are confronting self-employment tax, estimated payments, noncash compensation, deductible expenses, multi-state filing obligations, and complex reporting requirements, often for the first time.1:20-2:20 AI for Tax PracticeSpeaker TBA2:20-2:35 Break 2:35-2:50 Prize Giveaways2:50-3:40Tariff Policies, Refunds, Processing Claims, Economic UpdatePete Mento, PhD • Baker Tilly • Washington, DC3:40-4:30Estate Planning in the Non-Taxable Estate Raymond Ladouceur, JD, MBA, CPA • Ladouceur Law Firm, LLC - Raymond P. Ladouceur, CPA, LLC • Abita Springs, LAThis session will cover PODs, TODs, IRA and 401(k)s, community property, simple wills, trusts and more. 

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Make Spirits Bright. Make Tax Season Lighter! The holidays are all about spreading cheer — and the best gift you can give yourself this year might just be a little less tax-season stress! Join us IN PERSON for our largest event of the year, where a great lineup of knowledgeable speakers will unwrap the latest insights, essential updates, and practical takeaways you need to head into tax season feeling prepared and confident. From must-know developments to timely topics, you’ll get the information you need, all in an engaging learning environment at the beautifully decorated Ritz-Carlton and make professional development a little more merry! Give yourself the gift of knowledge now — and thank yourself when tax season arrives! Register today! FRIDAY, DECEMBER 187:30-7:55 Registration/Continental Breakfast7:55 Opening Remarks8:00-9:00 Business Tax Update -Partnership Brandon Lagarde, CPA, JD, LLM • EisnerAmper • Baton Rouge, LA9:00-10:00 SCorp UpdateAnthony J. Nitti, CPA, MST • Ernst & Young LLP • Aspen, CO 10:00-10:20 Break 10:20-11:30New IRS Attacks on Those Making, Valuing, and Accepting Various Types of Charitable DonationsHale E. Sheppard, Esq.• Eversheds Sutherland • Atlanta, GAThe IRS has been challenging various types of charitable donations for years, raising standard arguments, evolving during the process, and expanding its focus over time.  What started as the IRS scrutinizing donations that it considered abusive has morphed into frequent challenges to charitable gifts that are, by most accounts, routine.  This presentation (i) explores recent IRS attacks on charitable donations of artwork, partial ownership interests in entities, special-purpose LLCs, religious artefacts, bargain sales, cash, and more, (ii) explains how the IRS has removed procedural protections for appraisers and launched attacks against them, too, and (iii) identifies threats of serious enforcement by the IRS against charitable organizations using their tax-exempt status to facilitate transactions the IRS dislikes.11:30-12:30 Lunch (Included) 12:30-1:20All Bets Are On: H.R. 1 Gambling Changes, Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL), and the New Tax RealityBrandon Lagarde, CPA, JD, LLM • EisnerAmper • Baton Rouge, LASports betting; fantasy leagues; prediction markets; and name, image, and likeness (NIL) deals have transformed how individuals earn, wager, and move money. At the same time, H.R. 1, P.L. 119-21, commonly referred to as OBBBA, has changed important gambling tax and information-reporting rules that practitioners need to understand heading into the 2026 filing season.This session will examine the H.R. 1 changes affecting gambling, including new limitations on wagering-loss deductions and changes to Form W-2G reporting thresholds, including their application to sports wagering. Brandon Lagarde, CPA, will also address the rapidly expanding NIL economy, where athletes and their families are confronting self-employment tax, estimated payments, noncash compensation, deductible expenses, multi-state filing obligations, and complex reporting requirements, often for the first time.1:20-2:20 AI for Tax PracticeSpeaker TBA2:20-2:35 Break 2:35-2:50 Prize Giveaways2:50-3:40Tariff Policies, Refunds, Processing Claims, Economic UpdatePete Mento, PhD • Baker Tilly • Washington, DC3:40-4:30Estate Planning in the Non-Taxable Estate Raymond Ladouceur, JD, MBA, CPA • Ladouceur Law Firm, LLC - Raymond P. Ladouceur, CPA, LLC • Abita Springs, LAThis session will cover PODs, TODs, IRA and 401(k)s, community property, simple wills, trusts and more. 

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