The 2008 AICPA TECH+ Conference is designed for accounting technologists who appreciate how leveraging technology in today’s business world enables client/employer solutions and opportunities for growth. Now in its 28^th year, TECH+ offers an unparalleled educational forum where CPAs in public practice, business and industry, or vendor-related organizations come together with their peers, share information about best practices and discover opportunities to enhance success.

The 2008 TECH+ agenda focuses on the AICPA Top Technology Initiatives, with well over half of our sessions devoted to topics that made this year’s list. Continuing with our long-standing tradition, this year’s conference features expert speakers well versed in conveying how to effectively implement the technology that shapes our future. With technology advancing at an exponential rate, TECH+ 2008 provides the content, vendor interactions and networking opportunities essential to remaining competitive.

By popular demand, TECH+ returns to the Bellagio Hotel in Las Vegas, June 9-11. Pre-conference optional workshops and IT roundtables are set for Sunday, June 8, just prior to the conference. Session tracks are developed for CPA firm practitioners, partners and managers who supervise IT staff, and many of the sessions are ideal for a company’s IT staff, as well as consultants. In addition, we have placed special emphasis on formulating sessions that appeal to CIOs, CTOs and technology, security and financial professionals in business and industry. Technology consultants, whether inside CPA firms or affiliated with reseller or professional service organizations, will find thought-provoking sessions catered to their business requirements.

As in years past, TECH+ 2008 features several outstanding keynote addresses. Highlighting our agenda is noted author and speaker David Strom, who will take a humorous and poignant look at a technology icon’s career with his presentation, “Giving Thanks to Bill Gates.” As Mr. Microsoft himself prepares to retire, you will not want to miss this look back at the man who changed the world of technology.

Randy Johnston, executive vice president of K2 Enterprises, will kick off TECH+ 2008 on Monday morning with his “Tech Update 2008.” Many conference regulars consider Randy’s presentation alone to be worth the price of admission. We even adjusted our agenda to give Randy more time this year; he promises to set the stage for an outstanding conference.

It would not be TECH+ without the unique perspective of Rick Richardson, CPA.CITP, of Richardson Media & Technologies, who closes the conference on Wednesday, June 11, with his famous “Tomorrow’s Technologies” presentation. For 27 years, Rick has captivated conference attendees with his insightful prognostications on our technology future.

In keeping with the conference focus of “how,” not “why,” our Tuesday morning keynoter, Walter Hamscher, Ph.D., president and CEO of Standard Advantage, presents an illustrative case highlighting the reporting benefits of using XBRL software to collect, aggregate and present data in a standard form with consistent definitions. XBRL is no longer a vision; it is a reality that is an intrinsic component of our financial reporting model. In a lighter session, Inspector Gadget, a.k.a. David Cieslak, CPA.CITP, GSEC, and principal of Arxis Technology Inc., returns with his review of the latest technology toys and gadgets poised to hit the market.  

The TECH+ experience is not limited to sessions and content. The conference provides several outstanding networking sessions with opportunities to engage your peers. For example, the TECH+ interactive roundtable discussions on Sunday evening, June 8, address key topics taken directly from the AICPA 2008 Top Technology Initiatives, including Risk Management, Business Intelligence, Business Process Improvement, Workflow and Process Exception Alerts, and Document Management. Members from the IT Executive Committee, CITP Credential Committee and AICPA IT staff will facilitate these roundtables.

The exhibit hall provides another popular networking venue. TECH+ 2008 offers an array of brand-name exhibitors offering a variety of leading edge technology solutions. Attendees will want to take advantage of our vendor showcases in which providers discuss the most useful technologies and how these innovations add to business success. With information on product advancements and innovations, these showcases are all about providing attendees with the ability to improve their businesses for the future. This is your chance to meet the vendors and network with peers about new, progressive technologies.

The AICPA IT-Member Section and CITP credential trade booth, located in the exhibit hall, provides information on the way you can maximize the value you receive as an IT Section member, and the key benefits of becoming a CITP credential holder.

With so many exciting events, a group of elite and dynamic speakers, and several days of informative sessions, TECH+ 2008 promises to be a great event. Whether you are looking to enhance your company, learn something new or just have a great time, this event is something you do not want to miss!

Contact Peyton Burch at peytonburch@deltek.com.

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