2025 Large Firm Group │ New Leading Partner Meeting
September 15- 16, 2025 │ The Meritage Resort and Spa Napa, CA
Monday, September 15, 2025
6:00 – 7:30 pm │ Networking Reception and Dinner (included in registration); Guest Price: $150 *Private group events incur additional costs, including labor and preparation. CPAmerica is transparent with event expenses and is willing to share more details upon request as we understand the meal cost for your guest is substantial.
Tuesday, September 16, 2025
8:00 – 8:30 a.m. │ Breakfast
8:30 – 8:45 a.m. │ Welcome & Opening Remarks Grace Horvath, President & CEO, CPAmerica, Inc.
8:45 – 10:00 a.m. │ How to “Future Ready” Your Firm
The world and the workplace are evolving rapidly. How can you prepare properly to ensure your firm's long-term success and stability? Join us as we discuss strategies and tactics you can employ to "future proof" your firm.
Jay Messner, Founder and CEO, Alta Impact
1.5 CPE │ Business Management & Organization │ Overview
Pre Req: None │ Adv Prep: None
10:00 – 10:30 a.m. │ Break
10:30 – 11:45 a.m. │ Managing Performance with a Hybrid/Remote Work Culture-
Studies show most people prefer a fully remote or hybrid work schedule. Is that right for our firm? How can we hold people accountable for performance, or even just attendance? What if they leave? Join this session to answer these questions and to learn strategies and tactics for building a high-performing culture, regardless of the work structure.
Jay Messner, Founder and CEO, Alta Impact
1.5 CPE │ Business Management & Organization │ Overview
Pre Req: None │ Adv Prep: None
11:45 a.m. – 12:45 p.m. │ Lunch and Networking
12:45 – 2:00 p.m. │ Building the Foundation – The Things You MUST Get Right-
As the new leader of your firm, there are some foundational elements you must get right for your firm to thrive. In this session, we will discuss these elements and how to assess and address any gaps you may have. Come prepared to share any concerns or challenges you are having in your firm, and most likely, they will be tied to one or more foundational elements.
Jay Messner, Founder and CEO, Alta Impact
1.5 CPE │ Business Management & Organization │ Overview Pre Req: None │ Adv Prep: None 12:45 – 2:00 p.m. │ Member Showcase –
1.5 CPE │ Business Management & Organization │ Overview Pre Req: None │ Adv Prep: None
2:00 – 2:20 p.m. │ Break 2:00 – 2:20 p.m. │ Break
2:20 – 3:35 p.m. │ Member Sharing – Anything Goes
This will be a compilation of all the topics taken from the member survey to discuss.
In this market of rampant consolidation and the emergence of private equity within the profession, some CPA firms may wonder if they can remain independent, compete, and thrive. One of the keys to long-term sustainability lies in differentiation – carving out a distinct value proposition to strengthen client relationships, drive growth, and attract and retain talent. Attend this session to explore the critical role differentiation plays in remaining independent and how firms can develop and execute strategies that reinforce their unique position in the market. After attending this session, you will be able to:
• Recite the ways that a commitment to independence can be a competitive advantage
• List the attributes of successful independent firms including culture and governance
• Identify key differentiating strategies that will provide your firm a competitive advantage over those who may be shifting their ownership structure and/or consolidating into a larger firm
Leave this session with tools to chart your own course, differentiate your firm, and understand the investments needed to pass your firm’s legacy on to future generations.
Jennifer Wilson, Partner and Co-Founder, Convergence Coaching
1.5 CPE │ Business Management & Organization │ Overview Pre Req: None │ Adv Prep: None 2:20 – 3:35 p.m. │Differentiation: A Critical Component of Independence and Sustainability
1.5 CPE │ Personnel/Human Resources │ Overview Pre Req: None │ Adv Prep: None