MEGA Conference Featuring Womens Leadership Summit on Day one
28.0 Credits
Member Price $850.00
Price will increase by $150 on 5/14
Non-Member Price $1,150.00
Price will increase by $150 on 5/14
Overview
Join us in Orlando for empowering education, collaboration and inspiration!
This year we’re giving you an opportunity to attend both the ever-popular Women’s Leadership Summit (WLS) and MEGA 2026 from June 14-17 at the Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress Resort, with exciting new sessions and in-person networking.
From thought-provoking keynotes and cutting-edge concurrent sessions to interactive demos and social events, WLS and MEGA promise to deliver!
Enjoy four days of continued learning and conferencing alongside your peers at Orlando’s crème de la crème resort.
What’s Included?
- Sunday, June 14 | Learning Labs | Hosted Kickoff Reception
- Monday, June 15 | Women to Watch Awards Breakfast | Women’s Leadership Summit | Newly Certified Ceremony | MEGA Evening Gala
- Tuesday, June 16 | Breakfast, Breaks & Lunch | All MEGA Sessions | Happy Hour
- Wednesday, June 17 | Breakfast & Breaks | All MEGA Sessions
If you would like to attend only the Women’s Leadership Summit, click here.
If you would like to attend MEGA 2026 only, click here.
Register and reserve early!
Save $150 when you register for MEGA by May 14 and reserve your room at our MEGA rate of $235 plus a $10 resort fee and applicable taxes.
Why make your way to MEGA? ?
- Tackle the latest trends and emerging topics, including cybersecurity, AI, OBBB, ESG, risk management, talent pipeline and more.
- More than 40 partners and exhibitors will help you navigate the complexities of accounting today.
- Connect with FICPA leadership (staff, Board and Council members) and share your unique member insights and build valuable relationships.
- Ethics: Protecting the Integrity of Florida CPAs is offered in conjunction with MEGA to allow you to fulfill your four required biennial ethics CPE credits. Separate registration is required.
CPE Credit
IRS CE Credit
IRS Continued Education Credit can be awarded for attending the State Tax track of this conference. CE credit is reported to the IRS on the registrant’s behalf. You must indicate that you wish to earn IRS CE from the session menu during the registration process and provide the FICPA with your PTIN within 10 days of the conclusion of the conference for the FICPA to report your CE credits. Registrants can provide their PTIN by emailing cpe@ficpa.org.
CLE Credit
CLE credit is awarded by The Florida Bar and eligible for attending the State Tax learning track of this conference. You must indicate that you wish to earn CLE from the session menu during the registration process and provide the FICPA with your FL BAR number to receive your CLE course codes for self-reporting.
$tack the $avings!
In addition to FICPA member and early registration discounts, you can save up to 15% when registering groups of five or more from the same organization. Contact FICPA Member Services at MSC@ficpa.org or 850-224-2727, ext. 1 for details. FICPA Members save even more. Not a member? Join today at ficpa.org/JoinToday.
Social Media
Follow the FICPA on Linked in, Facebook, Instagram and X and share news about this conference using the hashtag #FICPAMEGA.Cancellation Policy
We love to see you commit to the annual MEGA conference early, but know sometimes life forces schedules to change. If that happens, you have options. Please let our member services team know which option you select below:
- Receive a full refund to your original payment method, transfer your balance to a future event, or place money on account by canceling before May 14, 2026. Call or email MSC at msc@ficpa.org or call 850-224-2727.
- Receive a partial refund to your original payment method, transfer your balance to a future event, or place money on account, minus the event cancellation fee of $150 by canceling on or after May 14, 2026. Call or email MSC at msc@ficpa.org or call 850-224-2727.
Please review the FICPA CPE Policies for additional information: CPE Policies
Highlights
- Keynote Session with Shelly Weir, FICPA President & CEO
- Specialized tracks and workshops
- Women to Watch Award Breakfast & Presentation
Prerequisites
None
Designed For
CPAs, accountants, and other finance professionals
Objectives
- Hear what's new in the Accounting Field
- Discuss hot topics in AI and Technology
- Learn how to protect yourself with Cybersecurity and Fraud Sessions
- Attend the Women's Leadership Summit
Notice
Conference and Accommodations:
Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress
One Grand Cypress Blvd.
Orlando, FL 32836
407-239-1234
Hotel Rate:
Single: $239++
Reduced Resort Fee: $10
Reservations Deadline: May 14, 2026*
*** Upon completion of your registration for the conference, you will receive an email confirmation with the hotel link to book your accommodations***
Sunday, June 14th
Optional Session
- Ethics Registration
This session is available to registrants only.
Optional Session
- Ethics: Protecting the Integrity of Florida CPAs (0004980)
Paul Brown, Vice President, Professional and Technical Standards, Florida Institute of CPAsPaul Brown
Paul Brown joined the FICPA in November 1992 and is the Vice President of Professional and Technical Standards for the Florida Institute of CPAs (FICPA). One of Paul’s main duties is to serve as the technical reviewer in Florida for the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) Peer Review Program. The program administers approximately 300 reviews annually in Florida and oversees approximately 85 peer reviewers. Paul also assists members in the areas of professional ethics and professional standards. As part of his role with the FICPA Paul has instructed and authored continuing education programs for the AICPA and FICPA, for which he has received several outstanding discussion leader and author awards. Paul is serving on the AICPA’s Peer Review Standards Task Force, Technical Reviewers Advisory Task Force to the Peer Review Board, and former chair of the Audit Committee for the City of Tallahassee.
Prior to joining the FICPA, Paul was an audit manager with the regional firm of Williams, Cox, Weidner & Cox (now Carr, Riggs & Ingram) in Tallahassee, Florida. Paul holds a Bachelor of Science degree in accounting and finance from Florida State University and has been licensed as a CPA since 1988.
This Florida Board of Accountancy-approved ethics course, developed by the Florida Institute of CPAs (FICPA), provides CPAs with a comprehensive understanding of their ethical and professional responsibilities. Designed for CPAs in various professional roles and industries, this course explores ethical principles, regulatory requirements and emerging issues affecting the profession.
Participants will gain insight into the Florida Statutes (Chapters 455 & 473) and Florida Administrative Code (FAC) (61H1), AICPA’s Code of Professional Conduct and general ethical behavior. The course includes discussions on professional integrity, independence, objectivity, conflicts of interest fraud detection and prevention, compliance requirements, and equipping CPAs with the knowledge needed to navigate ethical dilemmas while maintaining public trust.
This course meets the biennial ethics CPE requirement for Florida licensed CPA’s.
This course is an add-on event to the 2026 MEGA Conference.
Credits: 4 - Ethics
This session is available to registrants only.
- Registrant Price
- $200.00
Session Pricing:
Optional Session
- Learning Labs
Credits: 4 - Technical Business
This session is available to registrants only.
Optional Session
- MEGA Kickoff
Start your MEGA experience strong with the first events of the week. Immediately after the complimentary 4 CPE hours of Learning Labs, join us for an evening of sips, bites, and great company.
This is your moment to Explore the Possibilities of MEGA. This is your first chance to connect with event sponsors and exhibitors, spark new ideas, and set the tone for the week ahead.
Whether you're coming straight from Learning Labs or arriving fresh for the evening, the MEGA Kickoff is where the momentum truly begins. Join us as we launch into an unforgetable week!
This session is available to registrants only.
- Guest Price
- $50.00
Session Pricing:
Monday, June 15th
General Session
- Registration & Breakfast
This session is available to registrants only.
General Session
- Opening Remarks & Women to Watch Awards
Andrew Carrick, Digital Content Producer & StrategistAndrew Carrick
After creating the viral “Public Accounting Anthem” music video under his persona, The Rapping CPA, while working for a national firm in New York, Drew Carrick began his endeavors as an accounting evangelist and thought leader through content creation. Over the last decade, his career has taken him from traditional audit work over to budgets and finance, and then across the aisle to content marketing and edutainment. All throughout this journey, he has been an active digital content creator for both his personal and professional brands, and contributed to the content development of a variety of projects for fintech and accounting software companies.
Most recently, he produced the accounting comedy web series “PBC” for FloQast Studios on YouTube, built the free online learning platform “FloQademy” (where his album “Audit Jamz” is available for CPE credit, in addition to Spotify/Apple), and has been featured on several podcasts. As an accounting media contributor, he’s been an advocate for the rebrand of the accountant persona, and he continues to speak, write, and perform for the accounting profession as well as the broader business world. He continues to be a general public personality, offering entertainment, insights, and inspiration for finance professionals.
This session is available to registrants only.
General Session
- "Voice>Echo: Leadership, Credibility, and the CFO's Expanding Role" & Women to Watch Awards
Timothy Naddy, VP of Finance, Hound TALINTTimothy Naddy
Wait…he’s a CPA?!? Oh, you better believe it…and then some ;-) An entrepreneur, college professor, financial professional and author (EDYM, available early 2026!), this guy’s looking to start another Renaissance! Simply, whether in the boardroom, classroom, or locker room, his passion is to help others make better decisions by translating tedious technical topics into tangible intelligence useful for personal and professional success. And if you thought THAT was a mouthful, check out his personal formula for success: (Big 4 + Private equity + Franchising + Internet startups + Fraud Examiner + CFO Consulting + 18.5“ Biceps) / (Humility + Faith + Family) = Accounting Badassery in motion. I mean, it’s just math, right?!? Living his personal mantra of Integrate, Educate, Elevate…and Entertain, Dr. Tim Naddy abhors complacency and doesn’t believe in settling for less because a good day consists of helping folks understand their value (and yes, you’re worth it). An alchemist of precision, professionalism, and panache, his secret sauce is using storytelling to mix all the things he loves…entertaining, speaking, writing, sumif functions, and jazz hands…into the wonderful world of Accounting and Phinance. Shadow Ops is his domain, but he ain’t shy of the spotlight either, so if you’re down to collab, he’s ready to rock n roll! Connect with him on LinkedIn and tune in to him on his Business Biceps & BS podcast (LI: Business Biceps & BS | IG: @bizbisnbs ) #cpaevolved #respectthegrind
This session is available to registrants only.
General Session
- Women's Leadership Summit Session 2
This session is available to registrants only.
General Session
- Open Exhibition/Coffee & Snacks
This session is available to registrants only.
General Session
- Women's Leadership Summit Session 3
This session is available to registrants only.
General Session
- Lunch
This session is available to registrants only.
General Session
- Women's Leadership Summit Session 4
This session is available to registrants only.
General Session
- Women's Leadership Summit Session 5
This session is available to registrants only.
General Session
- Open Exhibition/Coffee & Snacks
This session is available to registrants only.
General Session
- Women's Leadership Summit Session 6
This session is available to registrants only.
General Session
- Day 1 Closing Keynote Speaker
This session is available to registrants only.
General Session
- MEGA Celebration & Newly Certified Ceremony
Paradise Awaits!
You are invited to don your tropical attire before entering into our paradise-themed MEGA Celebration immediately following Monday’s closing General Session.
The festivities begin with recognition of Florida’s newly certified CPAs and the ceremonial passing of the FICPA Chair’s gavel. Then the real fun begins . . . a no-holds-barred immersive experience with sights, sips, flavors and sounds of paradise.
Our vibrantly transformed space will envelope you with lush palm-inspired décor as you enjoy exotic island-themed beverages, delicious hors d’oeuvres and high-energy music that will inspire even accounting wallflowers to hit the dance floor!
Select “Yes I will attend the MEGA Celebration,” when you register for MEGA to celebrate Orlando…where the sun never sets . . . and MEGA… a bash that never ends!
Guest tickets can be added for $140.
This session is available to registrants only.
Breakout Session
- I WILL be attending the FICPA Reception (included in your MEGA Registration)
This session is available to registrants and their guests
- Guest Price
- $140.00
Session Pricing:
- I WILL NOT be attending the FICPA Reception (included in your MEGA Registration)
This session is available to registrants only.
Tuesday, June 16th
General Session
- Breakfast & Networking
This session is available to registrants only.
General Session
- Keynote: State of the Profession
This session is available to registrants only.
Breakout Session
- State Tax: Software and Technology Panel
This session is available to registrants only.
- Stay Ahead of the Curve in Auditing & Accounting
Erik De Vries, Director, Audit Quality Group, CohnReznick LLPErik De Vries
Erik De Vries is a Director in CohnReznick’s Audit Quality Group and contributes to the development and implementation of the Firm’s audit methodology and quality initiatives.
Erik has extensive experience helping engagement teams interpret and apply professional standards and regulations to real world situations, including group audits, alternative investment portfolios, revenue recognition, leasing, agreed-upon procedures, and Single Audits. He also supports Firm training, including methodology implementation and proficiency, through curriculum development and teaching sessions.
Prior to joining CohnReznick in 2023, Erik spent more than a dozen years at a global network firm overseeing the execution of audits of public and private companies and not-for-profit organizations with total assets in excess of $4 billion and revenues of $6 billion under AICPA, ISA, Government Auditing and PCAOB standards. He also served a two-and-a-half-year rotation to that firm’s National Professional Standards Group in Audit Training and Knowledge Resources.
For his work on the Illinois CPA Society’s Audit & Assurance Services Committee, Erik has been honored with the Distinguished Service Award. Erik earned his Bachelor of Science in Accountancy from Calvin University and his Master of Business Administration from Indiana University. He is a licensed Certified Public Accountant in Illinois and Indiana.
The standards are always changing, are you ready? This timely, practical session delivers a concise update on the most important developments in auditing and accounting so you can prepare for upcoming audits and financial reporting. We’ll break down the latest guidance from the FASB, AICPA and PCAOB, translating complex updates into clear overview to help you identify issues promptly. Designed for professionals in public practice and industry, this session focuses on what’s new and considerations on how to prepare.
Credits: 1 - Accounting and Auditing
This session is available to registrants only.
General Session
- Open Exhibition/Coffee & Snacks
This session is available to registrants only.
Breakout Session
- CPA Alliance Financial Planning Workshop
This session is available to registrants only.
- FASB Update
This session is available to registrants only.
- State Tax: Nation, State and Local Tax Update
Kevin Herzberg, Chief Financial Officer, RealAdviceKevin Herzberg
Kevin Herzberg is a seasoned expert with over 30 years of experience advising for Federal income tax, state and local tax (SALT), and merger and acquisitions. He has had numerous high-profile roles over his career. Most recently, as the former National Indirect Tax Leader at Grant Thornton LLP, Kevin played a pivotal role in helping businesses navigate complex tax landscapes while optimizing their operational efficiency and financial outcomes. His Grant Thornton leadership roles extended to serving as the Tampa Office Managing Partner, the Central Region SALT Regional Leader and Florida SALT Practice Leader, where he specialized in providing strategic tax solutions tailored to meet business and tax imperatives.
In addition to his tenure at Grant Thornton, Kevin held key leadership roles at Deloitte Tax LLP, Arthur Andersen, and True Partners Consulting. His extensive background includes advising clients on mergers and acquisitions, tax planning, and compliance, making him a trusted advisor to organizations seeking growth and innovation.
Kevin holds an M.B.A. in Finance & Accounting from the University of South Florida and a B.S. in Accountancy from Northern Illinois University. He has further refined his expertise through advanced training from Kellogg Executive Education, earning certifications in Leading Across Generations, Advanced Strategy & Scenario Planning, and Enterprise Decision-Making.
Jordan Goodman
Jordan Goodman is co-leader of the firm's Tax Practice Group. He focuses his practice on resolving complex state and local tax controversies for Fortune 1000 corporations and wealthy families, nationwide. Jordan represents operationally complex companies in manufacturing, retail, financial services, e-commerce, broadcasting, and telecommunications. As an attorney and CPA with decades of experience, he has successfully resolved tax controversies in nearly every state and has counseled clients on the full range of tax issues and organizational structures affecting their businesses. Jordan also represents numerous clients in multistate unclaimed property litigation and advises on a wide range of compliance issues.
Clients seek Jordan's help on a full range of tax issues including corporate income, sales and use, franchise, local licenses, gross receipts, business and occupation, single business, capital stock, and unclaimed property matters. He regularly advises on nexus, apportionment, business income, unitary business groups and residency, credits, losses, exemptions, and the tax base. He represents clients in all facets of unclaimed property issues-from audit notifications and audit defense to protecting sensitive information and resolving legal challenges. Further, Jordan regularly partners with businesses to establish compliance through the voluntary disclosure process and strategic planning.
Prior to joining the firm, Jordan was a partner in the Local Tax (SALT) Group at HMB Legal Counsel, a well-established, tax-focused law firm based in Chicago, Illinois.
A sought-after lecturer and author on multi state tax issues, controversies, and planning, Jordan is very active in the SALT community as a frequent staple to many major SALT institutions' conferences and publications. Jordan is listed in the 2022, 2023, 2024 and 2025 editions of Chambers USA: America's Leading Lawyers for Business as a leading lawyer in Tax Controversy. He as recognized in The Best Lawyers in America® in 2023, 2024 and 2025. Jordan was recognized as an Illinois "Super Lawyer" for Tax Law by Super Lawyers magazine. He was named a "Leading Lawyer" in 2024 and 2025 for Business Tax Law by Leading Lawyers magazine.
During these sessions Kevin Herzberg and Jordan Goodman will provide an update on recent developments in the world of State and Local Tax.
- Identify key court decisions that define modern SALT principles.
- Assess how technological and economic change influence future SALT tax trends.
- Apply historical context to anticipate emerging issues in state and local taxation.
- Knowledge level: Intermediate
Credits: 1 - Technical Business
This session is available to registrants only.
General Session
- Lunch
This session is available to registrants only.
General Session
- General Session: Automated Tech In Accounting
This session is available to registrants only.
Breakout Session
- Breakout Session Announcement Coming Soon!
This session is available to registrants only.
- QMS Reverse Interactive Panel
This session is available to registrants only.
- State Tax: SALT M&A
This session is available to registrants only.
General Session
- Open Exhibition/Coffee & Snacks
This session is available to registrants only.
Breakout Session
- Breakout Session Announcement Coming Soon!
This session is available to registrants only.
- Retirement and Actuarial Services
This session is available to registrants only.
- State Tax: AI Session
This session is available to registrants only.
General Session
- Legislative Update
This session is available to registrants only.
Optional Session
- MEGA Happy Hour
This session is available to registrants and their guests
- Guest Price
- $50.00
Session Pricing:
Wednesday, June 17th
General Session
- Breakfast & Networking
This session is available to registrants only.
General Session
- Click Less Advise More
Deborah Defer, Director of CAS Consulting, WoodardDeborah Defer
Deborah Defer is a visionary leader in Client Advisory Services (CAS) and serves as Director of CAS at Woodard. With more than two decades of experience in accounting, financial management, and strategic advisory, she is dedicated to helping small and mid-sized businesses gain financial clarity, strengthen operational efficiency, and build sustainable growth models. In recognition of her impact on the profession, Deborah was named one of Accounting Today's Top 100 -People to Watch in 2026.
At Woodard, Deborah designs and leads innovative CAS strategies that empower firms to modernize their practices, streamline workflows, and deliver high-value advisory services. She is passionate about leveraging technology and automation to transform data into real-time insights that drive better business decisions. Her expertise spans CAS pricing, spend management, and stepping into controllership roles for growing organizations.An award-winning educator and mentor, Deborah is known for her dynamic workshops, webinars, and coaching engagements. She champions change management, technology adoption, and balanced firm cultures that prioritize innovation and client success. Her mission is to inspire firms to elevate CAS beyond compliance and create measurable, lasting value for the clients they serve.
CAS success isn’t about working harder — it’s about working smarter. In this engaging and interactive session, we’ll explore what it truly takes to “click less” and create the capacity to “advise more.” Using live audience polling and real-time Q&A, we’ll uncover how technology, people, processes, and pricing either create operational drag — or unlock advisory capacity. Participants will benchmark their own practices against collective audience data, identify hidden inefficiencies, and gain clarity on where small shifts can produce meaningful improvements in margin, scalability, and client impact. This session moves beyond theory to practical application. Attendees will leave with insights grounded in live data from the room and a clearer understanding of how to align their CAS structure to reduce manual effort and elevate advisory value.
- Evaluate how technology, people, processes, and pricing influence capacity and profitability within a CAS practice.
- Identify common operational inefficiencies revealed through live audience data and understand their impact on advisory potential.
- Determine actionable next steps to reduce manual work and increase advisory value without adding headcount.
- Knowledge level: Overview
Credits: 1 - Behavioral
This session is available to registrants only.
General Session
- General Session 8
This session is available to registrants only.
General Session
- Coffee Break
This session is available to registrants only.
General Session
- General Session 9
This session is available to registrants only.
General Session
- General Session 10
This session is available to registrants only.
Optional Session
- IRS CE Credit: Please select to receive CE credit for attending the State Tax Track of the conference.
This session is available to registrants only.
- Registrant Price
- $50.00
Session Pricing:
Optional Session
- CLE Credit: Please select to receive CLE credit for attending qualified CLE courses.
This session is available to registrants only.
- Registrant Price
- $50.00
Session Pricing:
Optional Session
- I have dietary restrictions or special needs
This session is available to registrants only.
Non-Member Price $1,150.00
Member Price $850.00