PICPA Annual Meeting 2025: 5 reasons you should be excited

To stay future-ready, accounting firms need more than just updates. They need insight, inspiration, and the right connections to navigate what’s next. The Pennsylvania Institute of CPAs (PICPA) Annual Meeting 2025 delivers all of the above, platforming thought leaders to share their expertise on technology, tax, talent—and ultimately, the trajectory of your firm.

Here are five reasons you should be excited to attend:

1. Live case studies

If you see it, you can be it. You’ll hear from firm leaders that have embraced new solutions to drive better outcomes for their business:

Tax incentives for PA manufacturers

Presenter: Gina Maurino, Capstan

Time: Monday, 5 May 2pm

Location: Commonwealth BCD, Loews Philadelphia Hotel

The manufacturing sector is the backbone of the Pennsylvania economy. In this session, Gina Maurino shares over a dozen industry case studies on the potential use and benefits of tax incentives for your M&D clients, including cost segregation, bonus depreciation, and the EPAct 179D dedication.

Business transformation through offshoring

Presenter: Deep Parmar, Caramel Advisors

Time: Tuesday, 6 May 2.50pm

Location: Commonwealth BCD, Loews Philadelphia Hotel

When recruiting the best talent for your team, sometimes you need to get creative. Founding Partner of Caramel Advisors, Deep Parmar, breaks down the basics of offshoring, with a real-life example of how it could transform your firm. 

2. Industry news

The policies shaping the accounting profession tomorrow are being formed today. Stay ahead with the latest insights:

Professional issues update

Presenter: Jennifer Cryder CPA, Pennsylvania Institute of CPAs

Time: Tuesday, 6 May 8.45am

Location: Commonwealth BCD, Loews Philadelphia Hotel

The national landscape is changing. In this session, PICPA CEO, Jennifer Cryder CPA cuts through the noise, drawing on the Pennsylvania State Board of Accountancy, Pennsylvania legislature, NASBA and PICPA’s own action plan to deliver the most important insights for the profession.

Update from the PA Governor’s Office

Presenters: 

• Ben Kirshner, Office of the Governor, Office of Transformation & Opportunity

• Drew VanderBrul CPA MT, Grant Thornton Advisors LLC

Time: Tuesday, 6 May 2pm

Location: Commonwealth BCD, Loews Philadelphia Hotel

For the Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED), operational efficiency is a key focus this year. This session will cover recent initiatives, tax reform updates, economic development programs, and more, so you can continue to make informed, compliant decisions for your firm and your clients.

3. Knowledge sharing 

The best firm leaders are learners—they leverage data to craft business strategies that deliver, and they stay agile by seeking out the most up-to-date information. At the PICPA Annual Meeting, you can maximize your learnings by attending any of these sessions:

Fraud and financial statement audits

Presenter: Alison Henry CPA, Pennsylvania Institute of CPAs

Time: Monday, 5 May 2.50pm

Location: Commonwealth BCD, Loews Philadelphia Hotel

Accounting is not without risk. Sensitive client data and changing government regulations leave you vulnerable to serious liabilities. In this session, Alison Henry CPA explains audit standards related to fraud, including practical examples and insights so you can remain risk-avoidant.

Maximizing growth through tax incentives: R&D credits and the 179D deduction

Presenters: 

• Ashley Chikes, EPSA USA

• Connor Mitchell, EPSA USA

Time: Monday, 5 May 2.50pm

Location: Commonwealth BCD, Loews Philadelphia Hotel

The key to small business growth could be tax incentives. Join Ashley Chikes and Connor Mitchell as they share available federal and state incentives and actionable strategies for harnessing innovation, sustainability, and business processes to your, and your clients’, advantage.

Keynote: Firm business model transformation

Presenters: 

• Camilo Maldonado, Windsor Path

• David Stonesifer CPA, Pennsylvania Institute of CPAs

• Jim Wittmer, Grant Thornton Advisors LLC

Time: Tuesday, 6 May 10.30am

Location: Commonwealth BCD, Loews Philadelphia Hotel

What’s the best business model for your firm? In this panel, leading executives discuss various ownership structures to maximize growth for your firm, including talent attraction, technology investment, client service, and the future of firm business models. Smaller firms can also learn how to stay competitive in a rapidly evolving industry.

4. Networking opportunities

It’s not all spreadsheets and strategy. The Annual Meeting offers the chance to form new partnerships and expand your professional circle in meaningful (and fun) ways:

Pickleball outing

Time: Monday, 5 May 10am

Location: The Merion Cricket Club

Enjoy light appetizers and beverages before an hour of pickleball lessons, and embrace the opportunity to connect with your peers in a relaxed, social environment. As you would know, a little competition is good for business.

Affinity group networking reception

Time: Monday, 5 May 4.45pm

Location: Millennium Hall, Loews Philadelphia Hotel

Forge new relationships with this dedicated networking event, featuring partners, ambassadors, young professionals, and more. Make sure you say hi to the Karbon team 👋

5. Exhibits

Times:

• Monday, 5 May 12pm

• Tuesday, 6 May 7am

Location: Commonwealth Foyer, Loews Philadelphia Hotel

Your next big efficiency win—or client service upgrade—might be waiting at an exhibit table. Explore the latest tech, tools, and service providers that are purpose-built for firms like yours. Whether you’re hunting for new accounting practice management software or just curious about what’s out there, this is your chance to see what’s possible.

Keep an eye out for the Karbon booth!

Save the date

The future of accounting in Pennsylvania is being shaped by those who show up. Save the date for May 5-6, and make the most of the chance to build the skills, knowledge, and connections you need to lead your firm.