The BDO Alliance USA EVOLVE 2025 itinerary: 9 sessions you need to see

BDO Alliance USA’s EVOLVE Conference is where firms that want to lead—not follow—go to sharpen their edge. If you are attending as an BDO Alliance Member or invited guest, this event has been carefully planned to help you assess where you are now, and show you how you can evolve to where you want to be.

But with an impressive lineup of keynote speakers and presentations, it can be difficult to plan for the best use of your time.

Here are the nine sessions you need in your itinerary:

1. Go-to-market strategies for your CAS practice

Time: Monday, 5 May 9am

In this interactive workshop, you’ll learn how to position your Client Accounting Services (CAS) firm, from marketing to pricing and packaging. Learn proven strategies for driving visibility and qualified leads, arming yourself with the tools to grow in a competitive landscape.

2. Human implications of generative AI

Presenter: Dr. Radhika Dirks 

Time: Monday, 5 May 2pm

Keynote speaker, Radhika Dirks, unpacks the three waves of generative AI that are reshaping the industry. Explore the capabilities, ethical risks, and future potential of this exciting technology, and how leaders can adapt to—and harness—its power responsibly.

3. Addictive leadership

Presenter: Michael Brody-Waite, Addictive Leadership

Time: Monday 5 May, 2pm

Michael Brody-Waite, whose advice has inspired over 25,000 leaders, shares his signature framework for building high-integrity, high-performance teams. Gain practical insights on how to foster a culture of growth, succession, and sustainability at your firm. 

4. The “secret sauce” of America’s most successful partners and firms

Presenter: Allan Koltin, Koltin Consulting Group

Time: Tuesday, 6 May 8am

Industry veteran, Allan Koltin, distills 40 years of consulting into key insights on the shared characteristics of top-performing firms and partners. 

5. Transaction advisory: Current landscape and latest trends

Presenters:

• Sean Beard, Creative Planning

• Erik Olson, BerryDunn

• Chris Tomas, Creative Planning

Time: Tuesday, 6 May 9.20am

This panel dives into today’s M&A and private equity climate. Expect transaction stories, deal trends, and key learnings on what firms need to know to stay competitive in the advisory and accounting industry.

6. Innovating new ideas with AI to quickly meet client advisory needs

Presenter: Heather Sunderlin

Time: Tuesday, 6 May 10.40am

Client expectations are evolving. It’s no longer just about financial accuracy—it’s about proactive, strategic advice. In this session, Heather Sunderlin from Thomson Reuters explores how AI can help firms meet those rising demands, sharing innovative tools and practical methods to elevate your advisory game.

7. Embracing neurodiversity: How to build inclusive accounting firms from the inside out

Presenter: 

• Meghan Blair, Snow & Blair

• Ian Vacin, Karbon

Time: Tuesday, 6 May 1pm

In this fireside chat, Karbon Co-founder, Ian Vacin, and Founder of Snow & Blair, Meghan Blair, shed light on the ADHD experience, offering practical takeaways to building inclusive systems that drive long-term success for your firm.

8. 5 key marketing strategies for under $5K

Presenter: Amanda Garner, The Growth Partnership

Time: Tuesday, 6 May 1pm 

Amanda Garner breaks down how to drive brand awareness and attract new clients with proven, low-budget strategies that marry traditional techniques with a modern approach to digital marketing. 

9. The Right Technology to Empower Firm Culture

Presenters: 

• Mary Delaney, Karbon

• Tim Petrey, HD Growth Partners

• Megan Roberts, HD Growth Partners

Time: Tuesday, 6 May 3.40pm

Karbon CEO Mary Delaney joins fellow thought leaders, Tim Petrey and Megan Roberts, for a panel on how technologies for workflow management, client communication, performance tracking and more can shape and strengthen firm culture.

Learn amongst leaders 

The 2025 EVOLVE Conference is more than a gathering—it’s a roadmap for forward-thinking leaders looking to embrace the latest insights, technologies, and strategies for their firms.

👉 Check the agenda for more sessions. Plan your itinerary. Stop by booth #110 and say hi to the Karbon team.