SHARE:  Author: Gia Tims, Communications & Digital Media Specialist NASBA’s 117th Annual Meeting took place from October 27 – 30 in Orlando, FL, and featured year-end updates and developments as well as presentations from inspiring keynote speakers. On the first afternoon of the meeting, attendees heard from Chuck Gallagher at the NASBA Center for the Public Trust (CPT) Ethics Workshop on Every Choice has a Consequence. Gallagher outlined his own experiences with poor decision making that landed him in federal prison and how his life completely changed as a result. Alongside developmental updates on the accounting profession during the opening plenary session, Keynote Speaker Kevin Brown spoke on The Hero Effect® – Being Your Best When It Matters the Most. In this presentation, Browncovered how raising his son who has autism taught him about growing and making positive changes in oneself no matter what. Later that day, attendees participated in the CPT annual fundraising event, Ethics Feud: The Battle for Ethical Leaders. Two teams comprised of CPT Board representatives and familiar NASBA leaders answered a series of trivia questions having to do with ethics, the CPT and Disney movies while participants made donations and competed for a chance to win a variety of unique travel destination prizes. Proceeds raised from the event will go to support CPT programming. Day two of the conference included the election of new NASBA officers and the presentation of awards to Telford A. Lodden, CPA, Jimmy E. Burkes, CPA, and Doreen Johnson to honor their contributions to NASBA and the accounting profession. President and CEO Daniel J. Dustin, CPA, also delivered the State of NASBA as his first address to membership since stepping into his new role. 2023-2024 NASBA Chair Stephanie M. Saunders, CPA, passed the gavel to Maria E. Caldwell, CPA, 2024-2025 NASBA Chair, during the inaugural presentations on day two. Caldwell began her term by delivering an inspiring inaugural address and moderating the remainder of the meeting. On the final day of the meeting, Chuck Gallagher returned to the stage to speak on AI Revolution: Unlocking the Future of Tomorrow. Attendees then heard final updates on the profession and closing remarks from NASBA leadership as the meeting adjourned. This year’s closing celebration was held at Sea World’s Discovery Cove where attendees and guests enjoyed a luau with performances, dinner and the dolphin enclosure. Everyone wore their best tropical attire and indulged in a night of dancing and networking. Click below for photos: https://lightroom.adobe.com/shares/6e2743cd9c5e4e669b3bcd678913c1cf https://lightroom.adobe.com/shares/c86d92ffd55e490f938f40c324e6f710 |
