Overnight Accommodations
Special room rates are available at the Courtyard by Marriott Detroit Livonia. Guests may call 734-462-2000 and reference the MICPA Room Block to make their reservations at the group rate, or by using this direct link. Please note, the cut-off date to make a reservation using the room block is Thursday, October 23, 2025, by 11:59 PM.

Program Agenda

9:00 AM – 9:05 AM
Welcome and Announcements

9:05 AM – 9:55 AM
Keynote Presentation: The Future of the Profession: An Educator’s View
Stay ahead of the curve with key updates on the CPA Evolution, exam results, mobility, and initiatives from the Uniform Accountancy Act. We’ll bust common myths and misconceptions about additional pathways to CPA licensure, and ensure you’re advising students with the most current and accurate information.
Mike Decker – Vice President, Examination & Pipeline, American Institute of CPAs (AICPA), Ewing, NJ

10:05 AM – 10:55 AM
Coolest Profession (Update) Around – Educator Edition
MICPA President & CEO Bob Doyle is hitting the road to bring accounting educators the latest updates on Michigan’s talent pipeline, including details on a proposed bill creating an additional pathway to CPA licensure. Join us for timely legislative insights, profession news, and resources tailored to support the future of accounting education.
Bob Doyle – CEO & President, Michigan Association of CPAs, Troy

11:05 AM – 11:55 AM
Putting the ‘AI’ in Accounting: Preparing Students for the Real World
Explore how firms and companies are using AI and other technologies in practice today and what it means for the next generation of accountants. Find out what educators should emphasize in the classroom to prepare students for workforce readiness while addressing the ethical challenges of emerging technology.
Sarah Phillips, CPA, CISA – Technology Business Line Testing Manager, Ally Financial Inc., Detroit
Adam Schubatis, CPA – Audit Senior Manager, KPMG, Detroit
Bob Wexler, CPA – PLW CPA, PLLC, Macomb
Moderator: Deborah L. Habel, MBA, MSIE, CPA – Associate Professor of Teaching (Retired), Wayne State University, Detroit

11:55 AM – 12:50 PM
Group Luncheon

12:50 PM – 1:40 PM
Lessons from the Next Generation: A Panel of Interns & New Hires
Hear directly from interns and new professionals about their experiences navigating the CPA Exam and entering the workforce. Gain insights into what they were- and weren’t- prepared for, how employers are supporting the exam process, and what they wish they had known before starting their journey.
Jackson R. Avery, CPA – Tax Senior, BDO, Detroit
Elias Elzein – Student, University of Michigan, Dearborn
Olivia Metcalfe – Staff Accountant, Shindel Rock, Novi
Moderator: Lisa Kirsch, CPA – Senior Manager – Assurance and Financial Reporting, Rehmann, Saginaw

1:50 PM – 2:40 PM
Michigan Specific Ethics - The Impact of State Statute & Administrative Rules on Your CPA License
Discover what Michigan CPAs need to know to stay compliant and protect their license. We’ll cover qualified CPE, firm licensure requirements, prohibited conduct, and more – paired with real-world case studies. Take a focused tour through Michigan’s accountancy law and administrative rules, gain practical strategies to avoid violations, and get answers to your questions directly from the experts.
Bob Doyle – CEO & President, Michigan Association of CPAs, Troy

2:40 PM
Program Adjourns

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