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2025 Summer Education Conference

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The Lodge at Gulf State Park

21196 E. Beach Blvd.
Gulf Shores, AL 36542

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20.00 Credits

Member Price $750.00

Price will increase by $50 after 7/7

Non-Member Price $850.00

Price will increase by $50 after 7/7

Overview

**The room block will sell out! Register today & join us in Gulf Shores this summer!**

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, Louisiana, Kentucky, 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!

AGENDA:

Sunday, July 20

4:00 pm   Registration/The Lodge Check In

5:00 - 6:00 pm  Optional CPE Bonus Session (More Info Coming Soon)

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 21
 
8:00 - 11:40 am
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.

Tuesday, July 22

8:00 - 9:40 am
QM Standards
Randy Milligan, CPA • Landmark CPAs • Little Rock, AR
Sherry Chesser, CPA • Landmark CPAs • Little Rock, AR

9:40 - 10:00 am Break & Visit Exhibitors

10:00 - 11:40 am
Economic Update
Joe Crosby • CEO – MultiState Associates, Inc. • Alexandria, VA

Wednesday, July 23

8:00 - 9:40 am
Fire side chat with Barry Melancon and Participating State Society CEOs
Barry Melancon, CPA, CGMA • Retired CEO of AICPA
Highly audience interactive session on issues impacting the profession today and tomorrow with a taste of history and why some things are the way they are today. 

9:40 -10:00 am Break & Visit Exhibitors

10:00 – 11:40 am
AI and Cybersecurity
Paul M. Perry, FHFMS, CDPSE, CISM, CITP, CPA •  Warren Averett •  Birmingham, AL
This session on AI and Cybersecurity will explore the disparities in understanding these critical areas and the challenges they present. We'll discuss why these issues arise and emphasize the importance of robust governance controls to safeguard both your CPA firm and your clients' businesses. Strengthening your knowledge in these domains is essential for maintaining trust and security in today's informational ecosystem.

Thursday, July 24 

8:00 - 11:40 am
Accounting & Auditing Update
Kurt Oestriecher, CPA • Oestriecher & Company • Alexandria, LA
This course will cover recently issued standards that relate to United States GAAP and performance of auditing through preparation engagements. You will learn how to account for crypto currency and hear about the top peer review issues. Join us to get the most up to date information from the AA world.

Friday, July 25

8:00 - 9:40 am
Current Fraud Trends from the FBI Perspective/The Randall Beane Investigation
Parker Still • FBI • Mobile, AL
SSA Parker Still will present on current fraud trends from the perspective of a white-collar FBI supervisor in the field. The trends discussion will focus on business e-mail compromise, international fraudsters, virtual currency as well as emerging trends such as synthetic identity fraud. The presentation will conclude with the Randall Beane case which takes the audience from the time a complaint is received by the FBI through trial. The Beane case highlights many of the trends that will be discussed by providing a real-world example.
 
9:40 -10:00 am Break & Visit Exhibitors

10:00 – 11:40 am
Deep Work
Kenny Broom, CPA, CBP • MG Stover • Dallas, TX
How do you get the most out of your day and week? In this session, we will discuss the skills and strategies to become more productive and provide greater value to your place of work and those you serve.
Learning Objectives:
The goal of this session is to:
•            Discuss what Deep Work is and why it is important
•            Provide best practices for incorporating Deep Work into your daily routine; and
•            Share best practices for eliminating distractions.

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

LODGING
Gulf State Park has multiple lodging options perfect for any need. The lodge also has many room variations to fit what you need.

Lodging Reservation links will be sent out in your conference registration confirmation email. Register Early to Save!

The Lodge at Gulf State Park
21196 E Beach Blvd Gulf Shores, AL 36542
Gulf Shores, AL 36542
Phone: 251.540.4000
*The Rooms at the Lodge will sell out! Register Early!*

Special Room Rates: $245-$369 - King, 2 Queens, and King with Bunk Bed Rooms Available.


COTTAGE LODGING

Eagle Cottages at Gulf State Park (Max occupancy 6)
Cost: $595.00 per night, plus tax

offers 3 bedrooms / 3 bathrooms 1,600 sq ft accommodations.  With three queen bedrooms and three full bathrooms, each cottage sleeps up to 6 people.  The cottages have central heat and air, dedicated Wi-Fi, and DirecTV.  A stay at the Cottages also includes breakfast for 6 at Woodside Restaurant located within the park, daily housekeeping, 6 bikes at each cottage for your use while visiting, firewood for your fire pit, and various other amenities.


Lakeside Cabins (Max occupancy 6: 4 adults, 2 children)
Cost: $410.00 per night, plus a one-time cleaning fee of $180.00, plus tax

Comprised of 2 bedroom/2 bathroom, 860 sq ft accommodations. With one king bedroom, one queen bedroom, and a niche with twin bunks*, each cabin will sleep up to 6 people.  The cabins have central heat and air, dedicated Wi-Fi, Direct TV, as well as washers & dryers.   Rate:  $410.00 per night, along with a one-time cleaning fee of $180.00, plus tax. *ADA cabins do not have the bunkroom with twin bunk beds 

With either of these options, our guests will receive parking passes that allow them to park at the Beach Pavilion to enjoy the Gulf without paying the $15.00 per day parking fee, as well as access to the Campground to enjoy all of their amenities, such as the large outdoor swimming pool.  


Pet Fee: Eagle Cottages and Lakeside Cabins will allow guests to bring their four-legged family member with them.  There is a one-time pet fee of $175.00, plus tax, that will be added to the invoice.  

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 below and email dallen@louisiana.cpa for more information.

July 20, 2025

Breakout Session

- Guest Fee: Adult - $25.00

This session is available to guests only.

Session Pricing:

Guest Price
$25.00

- Guest Fee: Child (under 12) - $10.00

This session is available to guests only.

Session Pricing:

Guest Price
$10.00

- Sunday Reception - Free For Registrants! Select this option to attend

This session is available to registrants and their guests

Leader(s):

Leader Bios

Lisa McKinney, University of Alabama Culverhouse School of Accountancy

Focus and Current Research

Tax Accounting

Financial Accounting
Honors Achievements & Affiliations

Certified Public Accountant (CPA) - Alabama

Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE)

Outstanding Educator Award, Alabama Society of CPA’s. (2015).

Alabama Society of CPAs, Board of Directors.

American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, Member.

American Society of Women Accountants, Member.

Academic Consult, Pearce Bevill Leesburg, Birmingham, AL. (December 2013 - Present).

Academic Consult, Institute of Management Accountants, Birmingham, AL. (September 21, 2012 - Present).

Academic Consult, Alabama Society of Women Accountants-Tuscaloosa, Tuscaloosa, AL. (August 22, 2012 - Present).

Academic Consult, Alabama Society of Women Accountants-Birmingham, Birmingham, AL. (June 2012 - Present).

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Barry Melancon, CEO, AICPA

Barry C. Melancon is the retired CEO of the Association of International Certified Professional Accountants, the most influential body of professional accountants in the world with 667,000 + members and students. Formed in 2017, it combines the strengths of The Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) and the American Institute of CPAs (AICPA), which Melancon also leads as President & CEO.


In 2016, Melancon led a process for members of the American Institute of CPAs (AICPA) and the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) to combine.  The effort was supported by more than 85% of the members voting.  The combined entity has 33 offices in 23 countries and more than 1200 staff, all under Melancon's direction.


Melancon joined the AICPA in 1995 when he was 37 years old, and is now the longest serving CEO in the organization's 131-year history. Under his tenure, the AICPA has grown to become the largest membership body of CPAs in the world and has spearheaded a number of initiatives to benefit not only the profession, but also investors, business owners, lenders and the general public. These include audit quality centres; private company reporting standards; eXtensible Business Reporting Language (XBRL); the computerized CPA exam; and two consumer financial literacy education programs.

Under Melancon's leadership in 2011, the AICPA formed a joint venture with CIMA to elevate management accounting globally. They created the Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA) designation for those professionals who meet the highest benchmark of rigor and quality. Today, approximately 150,000 professionals hold the CGMA designation worldwide. In its combined state, its mission is to drive a dynamic accounting profession around the world that powers trust, opportunity and prosperity. Melancon was named the Association's first CEO.

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Kurt Oestriecher, Partner in Charge, Oestriecher & Company, APAC, CPAs

Kurt Oestriecher is partner in charge of accounting and auditing services with Oestriecher & Company, CPAs, in Alexandria, and is also involved in litigation support and small business consulting engagements.

Kurt is a 3-time recipient of LCPA’s Outstanding Discussion Leader Award and has been named an Outstanding Discussion Leader for the AICPA 10 times. Kurt has served on the Accounting and Review Services Committee, AICPA Council, and has authored several courses for the AICPA and LCPA.

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Paul Perry, Warren Averett

Paul Perry has been with the Firm since 2004 and is a Member and the practice leader of the Security, Risk and Controls Group. Paul and his team focus on cybersecurity, information technology related projects, risk assessments, internal controls, internal audit and control-related projects, including System and Organization Control engagements.

Paul is also the leader of the Firm’s Data Analysis Group, a team of individuals within the Firm who provide data analysis solutions to both internal and external clients. For more than 11 years, he specialized in auditing and assurance services. Paul has extensive experience serving clients in the nonprofit, governmental, financial, insurance and healthcare facilities/hospital industries during this time. Paul has earned the Certified Information Technology Professional (CITP) certification. This credential is awarded to CPAs who possess both information technology and business expertise.

Paul is a thought leader, published columnist and regular speaker on topics such as cybersecurity, data analysis, internal controls and information technology. During the year, Paul performs 20+ external presentations on a wide variety of technology and control related topics to groups including corporate clients, ASCPA, HFMA, IIA and ISACA.

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Non-Member Price $850.00

Member Price $750.00