LEARNING, AT THE NEXT LEVEL
Elevate your expertise and connect with fellow CPAs at an event built to address today’s toughest challenges with innovative solutions and collaborative problem-solving that allows you to take your understanding to the next level.
Attend in person and earn up to 10 hours of CPE, including 8 hours live plus an additional 2 hours on-demand learning.
Looking for extra flexibility? You can attend the program online. Details on the virtual option can be found here .
OVERNIGHT ACCOMMODATIONS
Special room rates are available
at the Hyatt Place Detroi/Novi .
Please call 248-513-4111 and mention the group name MICPA Elevate 2026 to
receive our discounted pricing. The cutoff date to make a reservation at our
discounted price is May 17, 2026.
PRICING DETAILS
Register early to
take advantage of the best price! Please note, discounted pricing is already
reflected in the online price. No promo code is needed.
Through May 21: $220
MICPA Members/ $370 Non-Members
May 22 - June 4: $240 MICPA Members/ $390
Non-Members
June 5 - June 18: $260 MICPA Members/ $410
Non-Members
Thank You to Our Partners
Alliance:
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Champion:
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Premier Sponsors:
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Supporting Sponsor:
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Exhibitors:
Action Benefits | Drake Software | Paychex |
All CPAs
After registering for this event, you can customize your sessions via 'My Registrations'
Profession Outlook: Challenges &
Opportunities
The CPA profession is heating up, from private equity
and artificial intelligence to expanding client advisory services and the global
community. Join AICPA President and CEO Mark Koziel for a frank discussion about
the challenges facing today’s profession and the opportunities worth seeking.
Mark Koziel, CPA, CGMA – President & Chief Executive
Officer, American Institute of CPAs (AICPA), Durham, NC
09:40 AM - 10:30 AM
Fraud Investigations from A to Z
Each
fraud investigation is like a box of chocolates; you never know what you’re
going to get. Despite these differences, a series of logical steps must be
followed, and specific techniques must be used to reach an accurate conclusion.
From handling the initial tip, planning and executing your investigation,
maintaining chain of custody over evidence, analyzing data, interviewing
witnesses and subjects, documenting your work, to writing your report to
communicate your results to management, law enforcement and prosecutors. Whether
you conduct fraud investigations full time or on an as needed basis, this course
will provide you with multiple takeaways you can immediately implement in your
fraud investigation practice. You will be guided through the entire process and
provided relevant case studies of actual fraud investigations to reinforce the
training and in some cases provide entertainment.
Daniel Porter,
CFE – Consultant/Trainer, Cape Coral, FL
One Big Beautiful Bill Act Tax
Update
The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (Pub. L. 119 21) spans more
than 1,200 pages of sweeping federal fiscal policy, introducing new tax code
provisions, and extending key elements of the TCJA that were set to expire.
Analyze the individual and small business provisions most relevant to Form 1040
preparation and payroll administration. Learn to navigate the complex new rules
surrounding “No Tax on Tips” and “No Tax on Overtime,” understand the
operational and compliance nuances of TRUMP Accounts, and apply the updated
Social Security Number requirements for various credits. Planning strategies,
compliance considerations, and real world application for the 2025 filing season
and beyond are emphasized. Leave with clear, actionable insight into the
deductions, expanded credits, and administrative changes introduced by the Act,
equipping them to advise clients confidently and accurately in a rapidly
shifting tax landscape.
Mary Jane Hourani, MM, EA – Tax
Practitioner & Bookkeeper, Werner-Rocca Seminars LTD, Philadelphia,
PA
The Evolving CPA - Finance Partnership in an
AI-Enabled Future
AI is transforming how accounting and finance
functions are performed and deliver value, accelerating the shift from
compliance-focused work to insight-driven decision making. Examine how CPA firms
are expanding advisory services and how finance leaders are leveraging real-time
analytics and emerging technologies to redefine roles, expectations, and
collaboration models. Gain practical strategies to strengthen partnerships,
align on evolving responsibilities, and deliver greater strategic impact in a
rapidly changing environment.
Matt Calvano – Co-Founder
& CEO, Adaptive, New York
Stacie Kwaiser – CEO,
Rehmann, Saginaw
Rob Trexler, Sr. – Director of Professional
Services, CPA.com
Moderator: Kalil Merhib – EVP Growth &
Professional Services, CPA.com
12:00 PM - 12:50 PM
01:40 PM - 02:30 PM
Ethical AI Practices for CPAs: Ensuring
Responsible Use
Explore the ethical implications of using generative
AI. Address potential risks and dilemmas, providing guidelines to ensure
responsible and compliant integration of AI into your business processes. Learn
how to balance innovation with ethical obligations to maintain trust and
integrity and mitigate the risks associated with using generative
AI.
John Higgins, CPA.CITP – Strategic Technology Advisor,
Higgins Advisory, LLC, Rochester Hills
Inside the FY2025 DoD Audit
The
Department of Defense’s (DoD) FY2025 financial statement audit resulted in a
disclaimer of opinion driven by 26 material weaknesses and pervasive internal
control deficiencies. Examine key findings from the Independent Auditor’s
Reports, including financial management systems modernization challenges,
unsupported accounting adjustments, and inventory reporting deficiencies.
Analyze how material weaknesses emerge and aggregate into significant audit
risk- then apply insights from the DoD’s experience to strengthen governance,
accountability, and financial reporting in complex
organizations.
Stephanie L. Bowie, CPA, MBA – CEO, B.
Empowered Leadership Academy, LLC, Indianapolis, IN
Secret Trusts - You May be a Beneficiary and
Don’t Even Know It!
Effective February 21, 2024, Michigan now
allows for “secret” or “undisclosed” trusts. Discuss how trusts are made
“secret”, and how beneficiaries are protected during the time the Trust is
otherwise silent to them. Review how an undisclosed trust becomes - no longer a
secret. Finally, look at how CPA’s may be excellent candidates to act as a
guardians of secret trusts.
Davis C. Martin, JD – Partner,
Willis Law, Grand Rapids
Michael Willis, JD, CPA –
Co-Founder and Director, Willis Law, Kalamazoo
02:40 PM - 03:30 PM
Smarter Tax Services with Artificial
Intelligence (AI) Tools
There has never been a greater opportunity
to leverage technology tools to automate your tax services. Explore specific
examples of how you can use AI-based tools to complement your tax planning,
research and compliance services. Learn to leverage AI to automate the
collection and organization of client data, the engagement management process,
tax research and enhance client advisory services.
John Higgins,
CPA.CITP – Strategic Technology Advisor, Higgins Advisory, LLC,
Rochester Hills
On the Road: The Coolest Profession (Update)
Around
MICPA President & CEO Bob Doyle is hitting
Michigan’s roads in celebration of the association’s 125th anniversary to share
timely profession news, legislative updates, and insights on member benefits and
opportunities. Join fellow members in your hometown to hear how MICPA is
supporting CPAs across the state in 2026 and to connect, engage, and be part of
the conversation.
Bob Doyle – President & CEO, Michigan
Associations of CPAs, Troy
Beyond the Tipping Point: Insights from the 2026
AI Tax Research Solution Outlook
Examine findings from Blue J and
CPA.com’s 2026 AI Tax Research Outlook Report, focusing on adoption trends,
performance advantages over legacy tools, and emerging use cases. Evaluate how
AI-powered tax research is reshaping practitioner workflows, influencing firm
operations, and redefining the role of tax professionals. Identify practical
implications for integrating AI into tax research processes to improve
efficiency, accuracy, and strategic decision-making.
Ankit
Dhawan – Partnerships Manager, Blue J, Toronto, ON,
Canada