Join us for an unforgettable experience at the Charleston Marriott. Experience true southern hospitality and modern accommodations at its finest. The hotel overlooks the Ashley River, offers easy access to beautiful downtown historic Charleston, the old city market, local area beaches, The Citadel, and of course, great dining and entertainment. Network with members while enjoying the Ashley River sunset with a cocktail at one of the only roof top bars in Charleston. Elevate your knowledge and soak in the beauty of the city with us.

Members are encouraged to bring additional members from their firm. It is essential for future firm leaders to have networking skills to build long-term business relationships, grow referral networks and client bases, and further career goals.

Purchase two Member tickets and then additional Members are at a discounted rate.

5.4 CPE Credits will be awarded to Members for attending the entire conference.

Member: $1,850.00 – Attend the conference on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday.

Additional Members: $1,250.00 – Purchase two Member tickets at regular price and then additional Members are a discounted rate.

Accompanying Guest: $600.00 – Bring a spouse or friend. They can attend evening events on Wednesday and Thursday. And breakfast on Thursday and Friday.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 14

Arrival day with free time for networking at the lounges and pool

6:00 PM – 9:00 PM: Welcome Reception in the Courtyard of the Charleston Marriott

THURSDAY, MAY 15 

7:30 AM – 9:00 AM: Breakfast, networking with members and sponsors (Courtyard)

9:00 AM: Welcome to conference – Joe Tarasco (Yellow Topaz Room)

9:05 AM: Welcome to Charleston – Tripp Hays, Destination Services Manager at Explore Charleston 

9:15 AM: Conference agenda – Joe Tarasco

9:20 AM: MGI NA Strategy and Year in Review – Jeff Vroman and Joe Tarasco (Members only)

9:35 AM: Welcome New Member: LMHS

9:40 AM: Tariff Engineering to Minimize Customs Duties in Today’s Uncertain Times – Robert Silverman, Esq., GDLSK 

10:10 AM: Break (Blue Topaz Room)

10:25 AM: Practice Management Roundtable – The Successful Firm of The Future: The future will bring tremendous opportunities for accounting firms that are highly leveraged including offshore staff, growth oriented, with well-trained professional staff led by results focused leaders, establishing succession strategies, and using state-of-the-art technology, AI and increased efficiency methods. – Joe Tarasco 

11:55 AM: AI and Other Exposures and Risks Accounting Firms Face Today – Stephen Vono, Founding Partner, McGowanPro

12:00 PM: Lunch (Courtyard)

1:00 PM: This is the year you are FINALLY going to offer Financial Services! – John C. Pastore, Jr., CRPC®,
Executive Vice President, Integrated Financial Partners

1:15 PM: Expanding Service Offerings: Providing value-added services such as financial and business strategy, wealth management, and technology consulting to meet growing client demands – Cory Parnell and Dane J. Boeckermann, BGM

1:55 PM: AI-Powered Practice Management – Austin Brown, Senior Account Executive, Karbon

2:00 PM: From Talent to Tax: Top Trends CPAs Must Track in 2025 – Michel Millien, Associate Director of Tax Controversy Services at ABGi  

2:30 PM: Break (Blue Topaz Room)

2:45 PM: Marketing analytics, website security, speed, and search engine optimization (SEO) are more important than ever before. Your website’s performance, social media presence, and digital marketing strategies can significantly impact your ability to establish relationships, engage with clients and contacts, and generate leads. Learn how to invest in the right technology and digital marketing strategies to ensure your accounting firm stands out in the competitive digital landscape. – Nancy Damato

3:30 PM: Group photo (Members only)

3:45 PM: Closing remarks for day one – Joe Tarasco

4:15 PM: Sound Bath Experience (Opal Two Room)

6:00 PM – 9:00 PM: Cocktail Reception at Harbour Club at WestEdge located at 22 WestEdge Street, 7th floor in the Ashley’s Gate room. 3 minute walk from the hotel. Dresscode is business casual attire. Torn, tattered, faded, rolled up, distressed or low-riding denim is not permitted. No tee shirts, tennis shoes, athletic wear or flip-flops will be permitted. Hats or ball caps must be removed.

FRIDAY, MAY 16 

Who can I contact about the conference? Yvonne Lee, MGI North America yvonne.lee@mgiworld.com (725) 780-8975

Who can I contact about hotel rooms or special requests? Natalie Schenk, Event Manager, Charleston Marriott Natalie.Schenk@marriott.com (843) 266-1470

Do you have a map of the hotel? Here is a map. The conference will be in the Topaz Room.

How much is parking? The Charleston Marriott is pleased to offer Self and Valet Parking. The below rates offer unlimited in and out privileges and are exclusive of tax.

• Overnight Self-Parking: $15 per day
• Overnight Valet Parking: $22 per day
• Event Valet Parking (Day of only): $15 per day
• Event Self-Parking (Day of only): Complimentary