2026 Digital Evolution Summit (DES)
12.0 Credits
Member Price $695.00
Non-Member Price $695.00
Overview
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Where technology meets transformation!
Digital Evolution Summit
November 16–17, 2026
Margaritaville Hollywood Beach Resort | Hollywood, Florida
Industry giants FICPA, Karbon and Aider are launching the Digital Evolution Summit on Nov. 16-17 to disrupt traditional accounting and propel you and your firm into a tech-first future.
The accounting profession is at a turning point. AI, automation, and evolving client expectations are transforming how work gets done — and how to adapt and thrive in a tech-driven environment.
Understand what an AI powered firm really looks like. This is not a look ahead . . . it’s what’s already happening.
This inaugural event is built to disrupt traditional accounting and propel you and your firm into a tech-first future.
How You Will Benefit
- Stay Ahead of AI Disruption - Understand how AI is actively reshaping accounting, advisory and client service models
- Practical, Real-World Applications - Walk away with tools, frameworks and strategies you can implement immediately
- Elevate Your Firm or Organization - Learn how to streamline operations, improve margins and enhance client experiences
- Network with Industry Leaders & Exhibitors - Engage with innovative solution providers and explore tools that can transform your workflow
- Connect with Like-Minded Professionals - Build meaningful relationships with peers who are navigating the same challenges.
- Exclusive Insights from Industry Leaders - Hear directly from pioneers in accounting technology who are building and using tech.
Register today for future-ready strategies; in-person learning, collaboration and innovation; and the knowledge to lead change within your organization.
Earn your Ethics CPE on Nov. 17
- Earning your ethics CPE has never been easier. Created with the DBPR and approved by the Board of Accountancy, “FICPA Ethics: Protecting the Integrity of the Florida CPAs,” is being offered in-person on Nov. 17. Earn up to 4 hours of CPE when you attend as part of DES or as a standalone option (call in to register for standalone ethics)
CPE Credit:
This group-live (non-self-study) program is designed to qualify for CPE credit under the CPE Guidelines established by the Florida Board of Accountancy under the FL DBPR.
FICPA Members save even more. Not a member? Join today at ficpa.org/JoinToday.
Social Media
Cancellation Policy
We love to see you commit to the Digital Evolution Summit 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 Oct 16, 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 Oct 16, 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
- Firm Management
- Business Strategy
- Leadership
- Emerging Trends
Prerequisites
NoneDesigned For
CPAs, accountants, and other finance professionals
Objectives
- Elevate your Firm practice and growth
- Discuss hot topics in tech
- Look to the future of tech
Notice
You Belong Here!
Margaritaville Hollywood Beach Resort
$239++ (when reserved before Oct. 16)
*Discounted resort fee of $15
1111 N. Ocean Dr.
Hollywood, FL 33019
This vibrant Key West-inspired resort offers tropical vibes and luxurious comfort. Nestled between the Atlantic Ocean and Intracoastal Waterway, it is one of the top Hollywood Florida hotels. After learning and networking, unwind at one of the resort’s iconic bars (including the 5 o'Clock Somewhere Bar and Grill), stroll along the Hollywood Beach Boardwalk or hop on (and off) guided Ft. Lauderdale Water Taxis.
*Resort fee includes Wi-Fi, fitness center, beach chairs and umbrella, bike rental, in-room water and coffee and more. DES guests also enjoy discounted overnight parking.
A link to reserve your room will be included with your DES registration confirmation.
Reservations made after the cutoff date will be subject to availability and current room rate. Please note that the conference accommodation rate is subject to sell out prior to the advertised reservation cut off date.
Please note: Attendees are solely responsible for issues that may arise when rooms are booked using a third-party.
Monday, November 16th
General Session
- The Current State of AI: Facts & What Every CPA Needs to Know
Credits: 1 - To Be Determined
This session is available to registrants only.
General Session
- Putting AI to Work in the Accounting Profession
Credits: 1 - To Be Determined
This session is available to registrants only.
General Session
- Protecting Your Firm: Emerging Cyber Threats and Best Practices
Credits: 1 - To Be Determined
This session is available to registrants only.
General Session
- Automating for Efficiency: Software Solutions That Save Time
Credits: 1 - To Be Determined
This session is available to registrants only.
General Session
- From Compliance to Advisory: AI's Impact on Accounting
Credits: 1 - To Be Determined
This session is available to registrants only.
General Session
- Beyond the Technology: Leading Digital Transformation in an Accounting Firm
Credits: 1 - To Be Determined
This session is available to registrants only.
General Session
- AI Governance and Implementation: Best Practices for Success
Credits: 1 - To Be Determined
This session is available to registrants only.
General Session
- AI Lab: Build Your First AI-Powered Workflow
Credits: 1 - To Be Determined
This session is available to registrants only.
Tuesday, November 17th
General Session
- State of the Profession
Shelly Weir, President & CEO, Florida Institute of CPAsShelly Weir
Shelly Weir is President & Chief Executive Officer of the Florida Institute of CPAs (FICPA), the statewide professional association for Certified Public Accountants (CPAs) in Florida. In this role, Weir serves as Secretary-Treasurer of the FICPA and FICPA Scholarship Foundation and works in partnership with the FICPA Council to develop and execute the Institute's strategic vision. Weir leads a staff of 40 professionals responsible for carrying out the missions of the FICPA and FICPA Scholarship Foundation.
Weir is actively engaged in legislative and advocacy efforts representing the CPA profession at the state and national level, serving as a Trustee for Florida TaxWatch. As a member of the Board of Trustees for the Florida Chamber Foundation, she advocates for the business and tax interests of CPAs. As President & CEO, Weir represents all Florida CPAs with the state's Board of Accountancy and the Department of Business & Professional Regulation. As a member of the CPA Society of Association Executives, she collaborates with other association leaders to address regulatory and legislative agendas affecting CPAs across the nation.
An association executive with nearly 20 years of experience, Shelly has the unique ability to foster excitement, commitment and vision in others to the benefit of the organization and its goals.
Weir began her tenure as President & CEO of FICPA in April 2021. Prior to joining FICPA, she spent 10 years with the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA), where she was most recently the Senior Vice President of Career Development. In this role, she designed and executed programs that delivered career advancement opportunities and competency attainment for professionals in the hotel industry.
Throughout her time at AHLA, Weir represented the hotel industry on multiple task forces with the U.S. Departments of Education and Labor under Presidents Obama and Trump. She was appointed Co-Chair of the Presidential Task Force on Expanding Apprenticeship in the United States from 2017-2018. In 2020, her work was recognized by the White House with the Pledge to America's Worker Presidential Award for outstanding career development.
Weir earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from Florida State University. She resides in Orlando with her husband and two sons and is an avid college sports fan.
Credits: 1 - Technical Business
This session is available to registrants only.
General Session
- 2026 Legislative Update
Jason Harrell, Chief External Affairs Officer, Florida Institute of CPAsJason Harrell
Jason Harrell is the FICPA Chief External Affairs Officer responsible for leading all aspects of the Institute’s public policy, advocacy, governmental affairs and regulatory affairs. He serves as the liaison to the DBPR and Board of Accountancy and is responsible for all advocacy-related external communications and campaigns to increase the value of the CPA license. Jason brings numerous years of experience to this role, previously serving as director of government relations for Florida Court Clerks and Comptrollers Association and budget and communications director for the Clerks of Court Operations Corporation, serving in key roles under two Speakers in the Florida House, and serving in the Executive Office of the Governor in the Office of Policy and Budget and Chief Inspector General’s Office.
Credits: 1 - Technical Business
This session is available to registrants only.
General Session
- Blockchain and Crypto: Hype, Reality, and What's Ahead
Credits: 1 - To Be Determined
This session is available to registrants only.
General Session
- CAS Panel: Using Technology to Deliver Greater Client Value
Credits: 1 - To Be Determined
This session is available to registrants only.
Optional Session
- Add-On: 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.
Add-On: 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 Digital Evolution Summit
Credits: 4 - Ethics
This session is available to registrants only.
- Registrant Price
- $149.00
Session Pricing:
Leader(s):
Leader Bios
Jason Harrell, Chief External Affairs Officer, Florida Institute of CPAs
Jason Harrell is the FICPA Chief External Affairs Officer responsible for leading all aspects of the Institute’s public policy, advocacy, governmental affairs and regulatory affairs. He serves as the liaison to the DBPR and Board of Accountancy and is responsible for all advocacy-related external communications and campaigns to increase the value of the CPA license. Jason brings numerous years of experience to this role, previously serving as director of government relations for Florida Court Clerks and Comptrollers Association and budget and communications director for the Clerks of Court Operations Corporation, serving in key roles under two Speakers in the Florida House, and serving in the Executive Office of the Governor in the Office of Policy and Budget and Chief Inspector General’s Office.
Paul Brown, Vice President, Professional and Technical Standards, Florida Institute of CPAs
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.
Shelly Weir, President & CEO, Florida Institute of CPAs
Shelly Weir is President & Chief Executive Officer of the Florida Institute of CPAs (FICPA), the statewide professional association for Certified Public Accountants (CPAs) in Florida. In this role, Weir serves as Secretary-Treasurer of the FICPA and FICPA Scholarship Foundation and works in partnership with the FICPA Council to develop and execute the Institute's strategic vision. Weir leads a staff of 40 professionals responsible for carrying out the missions of the FICPA and FICPA Scholarship Foundation.
Weir is actively engaged in legislative and advocacy efforts representing the CPA profession at the state and national level, serving as a Trustee for Florida TaxWatch. As a member of the Board of Trustees for the Florida Chamber Foundation, she advocates for the business and tax interests of CPAs. As President & CEO, Weir represents all Florida CPAs with the state's Board of Accountancy and the Department of Business & Professional Regulation. As a member of the CPA Society of Association Executives, she collaborates with other association leaders to address regulatory and legislative agendas affecting CPAs across the nation.
An association executive with nearly 20 years of experience, Shelly has the unique ability to foster excitement, commitment and vision in others to the benefit of the organization and its goals.
Weir began her tenure as President & CEO of FICPA in April 2021. Prior to joining FICPA, she spent 10 years with the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA), where she was most recently the Senior Vice President of Career Development. In this role, she designed and executed programs that delivered career advancement opportunities and competency attainment for professionals in the hotel industry.
Throughout her time at AHLA, Weir represented the hotel industry on multiple task forces with the U.S. Departments of Education and Labor under Presidents Obama and Trump. She was appointed Co-Chair of the Presidential Task Force on Expanding Apprenticeship in the United States from 2017-2018. In 2020, her work was recognized by the White House with the Pledge to America's Worker Presidential Award for outstanding career development.
Weir earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from Florida State University. She resides in Orlando with her husband and two sons and is an avid college sports fan.
Non-Member Price $695.00
Member Price $695.00