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| Guiding accounting firms to best practices
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- 2011 Overview
- 2011 Agenda
- 2011 Location
- 2011 Sponsorship
- Past Conferences
BestPractices 2012
This year's BestPractices Conference was a great success and we are excited to announce that BestPractices 2012 will again be held in the Windy City, Chicago.
Plans are underway so check back soon for additional details and plan to join us in Chicago October 25-26, 2012.
Get ready for the future.
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NAPLIA specializes in professional liability insurance and risk management services for professional service providers. Our experienced staff in risk management will shop the insurance policy for you and explain the differences with each policy ensuring that you get the best value, risk management services and coverage for your firm. Contact Stephen Vono at stevev@naplia.com |
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Is your firm able to welcome change?
In today's world, there are frequently only two choices: embrace change or flounder in the wake of those who do.
How do you embrace something that feels so daunting? Where will the greatest
changes occur in your firm? How can you ensure you're riding the top of the wave
and not getting trapped at the bottom?
Join us in Chicago October 27-28.
Get ready for the future.
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| Thursday, October 27, 2011 |
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| 7:00 – 8:00 |
Breakfast |
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| 8:00 – 8:15 |
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Sam M. Allred, Founder and Director of Upstream Academy |
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| 8:15 – 9:30 |
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Sam M. Allred, Founder and Director of Upstream Academy |
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Make no mistake: managing change is hard work under even the best conditions. How do you keep the dialogue open with those who are being impacted most by change? How do you work through the inevitable challenges change brings, keep partners and others performing, maintain your firm culture, and pace both yourself and the firm? Don’t miss this keynote session with one of our profession’s top thought leaders! |
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| 9:30 – 9:45 |
Break |
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| 9:45 – 11:00 |
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Gale Crosley, President of Crosley+Company |
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Time-honored approaches to growth have served us well for many years—but times are changing. So what are the alternatives to banker breakfasts, lawyer lunches and aggressively waiting for something to happen? Join us for this session where we’ll discuss the required adjustments in mindset and explore specialization, innovation, value and competitive pricing, social media, and other elements of cutting-edge growth. |
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| 11:00 – 11:15 |
Break |
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| 11:15 – 12:30 |
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Roman Kepczyk Director of Consulting for Xcentric |
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What does the future hold for your internal systems? More importantly, what does cloud computing (and other technological innovations that will inevitably follow) mean for you and your clients in terms of accessibility to data, communication, and the services we provide? These are just some of the intriguing questions we’ll address in this important session. Join us! |
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| 12:30 – 1:30 |
Lunch |
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| 1:30 – 2:45 |
Concurrent Sessions – Select One of Three Sessions |
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Jody Padar, CEO and Principal at New Vision CPA Group |
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Getting your people involved and proactively thinking about the future is critical to the firm’s success. It’s also a great way to find out what your next generation of leaders is thinking, talking about, and wanting. In this session, we’ll explore tools to engage all generations in dealing with the changing landscape of modern business. Don’t miss this session! |
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Timothy J. Bartz, Chairman of Anderson ZurMuehlen & Co. |
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It’s 2011 and many firms still look and operate like it’s 1980. To prosper, the firm of the future will require a new structure. How can you build a more collaborative structure that will better meet the needs of firm leaders, staff members, and clients? Join us for this session as we explore answers to these important questions. |
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Eric Majchrzak, Marketing Director at Freed Maxick & Battaglia, CPAs. PC |
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Are you tired of all the buzz about social media? Frustrated that no one has been able to articulate its value to your firm? This session will provide real-life examples of how social media can help generate leads, enhance relationships, improve recruiting, gain media exposure, build credibility, maximize charge hours, and boost your firm’s visibility on search engines. Don’t miss this session! |
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| 2:45 – 3:00 |
Break |
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| 3:00– 5:15 |
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Sam M. Allred, Timothy J. Bartz, Jack Hinsche, K. Tim Larsen and Judy Padar |
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Always one of the most popular features of Upstream conferences, our afternoon discussion
forums provide an unmatched opportunity to share your firm's greatest challenges and learn
how other firm leaders have successfully dealt with the same difficulties. Bring your most
vexing issues and a notepad, and be ready to return to the office with great new ideas for
solving your firm's challenges! |
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| 5:15 – 6:15 |
Reception |
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| Friday, October 28, 2011 |
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| 7:00 – 8:00 |
Breakfast |
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| 8:00 – 9:45 |
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On the second day of the conference, join us for a new learning experience. Sam and Tim will
use brief presentations and a case study format to help conference participants delve more deeply into the issues all firms will face in the coming years as we move into a new era in our profession. Topics to be discussed include the following:
- How to move to an environment where women play a more significant role in firm leadership
- How to measure and compensate individual contributions to firm success
- Engaging your clients in change and becoming a more client-centric firm
- Key strategies for adapting to change
- Dealing with the compression of busy season
- Responding to future leaders who want fewer hours for the same (or increased) compensation
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| 9:45 – 10:15 |
Break |
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| 9:15 – 11:45 |
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| 10:45 – 11:00 |
Break |
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| 12:15 – 12:30 |
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Timothy J. Bartz, Chairman of Anderson ZurMuehlen & Co., P.C. |
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Come to this final session, where we'll recap the conference highlights and offer some tips
on how to implement the great ideas you've heard at BestPractices 2011. |
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Hotel Information
This year’s conference will be held at the Sax Hotel, located at 333 North Dearborn Street, Chicago, Illinois. Reservations can be made by calling (877) 569-3742. You will need to specify BestPractices to receive the special conference rate of $189.00 per night. We recommend making your reservations by September 23, 2011. If you have any problems with hotel reservations, please don’t hesitate to contact us for assistance.
Air Travel Information
The hotel is located approximately 12 miles from Midway International Airport and approximately 19 miles from O’Hare International Airport. |
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Transportation
GO Airport Express is the official transportation partner for BestPractices 2011. From O’Hare Airport round-trip cost is $40.80 and one-way cost is $22.40; from Midway Airport, round-trip is $33.60 and one-way cost is $18.40.To receive this rate, call 888-284-3826 and reference the group discount code Upstream or visit this website for reservations. Limousine service is available from LimoBank. Visit this website for reservations.
If you prefer to rent a vehicle, reservations for airport car rentals can be made in advance through rental agencies. |
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Cloud Gate Sculpture © City of Chicago |
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Conference Meal Information
Breakfast and lunch will be provided on Thursday and buffet-style breakfast will be provided Friday.
Special Meal Requests
If you have special meal requests, please contact Kelsey Ferro at (406) 495-1850 or email at kelseyf@upstreamacademy.com. |
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Chicago Gold Coast © City of Chicago |
Chicago Area Activities
Chicago’s magic lies in its mix: sophisticated yet friendly, bustling city streets adjacent to long stretches of green parks and sparkling blue Lake Michigan, and a stunning year-round array of things to see and do, unique in all the world. Chicago is more walkable than most large cities, and the Sax Hotel is located in the heart of downtown in close proximity to world renowned shopping, the Chicago Theater District, museums, and restaurants.
With an endless assortment of theatre, music, dance, restaurants, shopping and nightlife at your fingertips and able to match every taste, budget and mood, come and discover why so many visitors fall in love with this city every year.
If you are planning to extend your trip to include some sightseeing, you may find the following sites of interest: |
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Discover a state-of-the-art collection of architecture, landscape design and art that provide the backdrop for hundreds of free cultural programs including concerts, exhibitions, tours, and family activities. In Millennium Park, you’ll find a new kind of town square – a lively, spectacular gathering spot located in the heart of the city and a destination for Chicagoans and visitors alike.
Chicago’s many fine cultural institutions are fascinating places to learn and explore – and three of them are conveniently located on the beautiful Museum Campus just south of Grant Park. Here, on the city’s lakefront and just steps apart, you can see the world’s largest and most complete T. rex at The Field Museum, the space and sky theaters at Adler Planetarium, and, at Shedd Aquarium, the spectacular Oceanarium which recently completed a major renovation. |
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T-Rex Field Museum
© Chicago Convention & Tourism Bureau |
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In the block south of Millennium Park, The Art Institute of Chicago encompasses more than 5,000 years of human expression from cultures around the world as well as the largest collection of impressionist paintings outside of Paris. Founded in 1879, the Art Institute opened its newest addition – the 24,000-square-meter Modern Wing housing renowned Modern and Contemporary masterpieces – in May 2009.
The John Hancock Center is a landmark building known for its pyramid shape and crossed outer beams. From the 94th floor John Hancock Observatory and the open-air Skywalk, you’ll enjoy sensational views of the city, lake, and, on clear days, the surrounding states of Indiana, Michigan, and Wisconsin. And the multimedia Sky Tour comes in adults’ and kids’ versions.
The Museum of Science and Industry - the largest science museum in the Western Hemisphere, spanning nearly 14 acres - offers over 800 captivating interactive exhibits including the U-505 submarine, a working coal mine, a Boeing 727 airplane, and much, much more. |
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No trip to Chicago would be complete without taking in a show in the legendary Loop District. Catch a production straight from Broadway at the Bank of America Theatre and Auditorium Theatres. Another treasure in the Loop theater district is the Goodman Theatre. The Goodman – whose productions, artists, and programs earned a Special Tony Award for Outstanding Regional Theatre - consistently produces unsurpassed classic and contemporary works. The legendary Chicago Theatre, whose famous C-H-I-C-A-G-O marquee lights up State Street. plays host to concerts, comedians, special events, and theatrical productions. |
Chicago Theatre © Chicago Convention & Tourism Bureau |
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| Navy Pier is the place where all of Chicagoland and tourists from around the world have come together since 1995 to enjoy the beauty and the thrills of a day on Lake Michigan. From rides to restaurants, exhibitions to entertainment, shopping to dining cruises and tour boats, Navy Pier has it all - in a location unlike any other! Take a ride on the 15-story tall Ferris wheel, catch a movie at the IMAX® Theatre, or just kick back and enjoy the incredible feats of talented chinese acrobats in Cirque Shanghai. |
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Lincoln Park © Chicago Convention & Tourism Bureau |
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 BestPractices Conference 2011 Sponsorship (4 available) ‐ $3,000
Benefits of Sponsorship
- Complimentary access to conference sessions for up to two representatives (Discussion Forums on first day not included)
- Introduction of representatives by Sam Allred at the beginning of the event
- Announcements throughout the conference acknowledging sponsorship and requesting
attendees visit the sponsor’s display
- Draped display table with chairs outside of General Session room for marketing materials
(no more than two representatives per exhibit)
- List of conference attendees
- Chance to interact with participants during the conference meals, breaks and reception
- Banner and link on Upstream’s website in the conference section
- Full page PDF information sheet included on the conference USB drive
Why Participate as a Sponsor?
Sponsorship brings your company high‐profile recognition and exposure to top decision‐makers in CPA
firms. Sponsorship is limited to four companies.
Lodging and Logistics
Sponsors are responsible for all travel arrangements and hotel costs. Upstream will provide a draped
display table with chairs. Sponsors requiring electricity, Internet access, etc. at their booth are responsible
for coordination with the hotel and any additional cost.
When your application is received, an Upstream representative will contact you to confirm availability on a first come, first serve basis.
- Upstream reserves the right to accept or reject any sponsor application.
- Applications for sponsorship with sponsorship fee must be received by October 15, 2011.
- Insertions into the conference folder should be mailed to the address below and must be received no later than October 15, 2011.
- To be featured on the Upstream Academy website, please send your company logo along with a brief description of your company and/or services (no more than 50 words) to Georgia at georgiac@upstreamacademy.com.
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BestPractices Conference 2010 |
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Maximizing Team Horsepower
BestPractices 2010 was a great success, with fabulous speakers, excellent networking opportunities and beautiful weather to boot.
The conference was held at the Hotel Contessa, right on the San Antonio Riverwalk.
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CCH, a Wolters Kluwer business, is a leading provider of tax and accounting research information, software, and workflow tools for CPAs,
financial professionals, and corporations of all sizes. Award-winning products include IntelliConnect™, The ProSystem fx ® Suite and
Accounting Research Manager™. For more info: 877-224-8396 or CCHGroup.com
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Here's What Attendees Have Told Us About BestPractices |
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Your Satisfaction Is Our Goal
As with everything Upstream Academy does, your satisfaction with the BestPractices Conference is guaranteed. If you are not completely satisfied with the value you receive, we will, at your option, either refund your money or accept the portion of those fees that reflects your level of satisfaction.
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Upstream Academy will recommend 13 hours of CPE credit for participation in this course. None Overview : After attending the BestPractices Conference you will be able to develop and implement improvements to your firm’s people-related processes.
Upstream Academy is registered with the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) as a sponsor of continuing professional education on the National Registry of CPE Sponsors. State boards of accountancy have final authority on the acceptance of individual courses for CPE credit. Complaints regarding registered sponsors may be addressed to the National Registry of CPE Sponsors, 150 Fourth Avenue North, Suite 700, Nashville, TN, 37219-2417 or by visiting the web site: www.nasba.org. |
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