ANNUAL WORLDWIDE MEETING
PROGRAM INFORMATION
Loews Hollywood Hotel
Los Angeles, California, USA
October 25-29, 2019
“The Firm of the Future: How Do We Get There?”
 
Welcome to world-famous Tinseltown – home of showbiz legends and known for its wonderful weather and diverse attractions. Hollywood and its surrounding areas are incredibly dynamic, offering something for everyone. Walk the path of a celebrity along the famous streets of Hollywood. Popular landmarks such as the Hollywood sign, Walk of Fame, TCL’s Chinese Theater – with its famous hand and footprints, and the Dolby Theater, home of the Academy Awards, are within walking distance of our hotel. A visit to La-La Land will be an experience of a lifetime for all!
HOTEL
Join us in celebrating BKR’s 30 th Anniversary! Our 2019 Annual Worldwide Meeting will be held at the Loews Hollywood Hotel , an urban oasis located at the corner of Hollywood and Highland. It is the epicenter for the main tourist attractions in Los Angeles, and a perfect base for moving and shaking, Hollywood style!
 
Click here to see why Hollywood is the place to be while visiting Los Angeles.
 
BKR has secured a special room rate of $269 per night for a king room, plus an additional 15.5% tax. Rates include basic internet access.
 
Reservations must be made by Monday, September 23, to insure rate and availability. To reserve your room, simply click on the link below:
 
 
Hotel check-in time is 4:00 p.m., and check-out is at 12:00 noon. However, every effort will be made to have your room ready when you check in.
 
MEETING REGISTRATION
We are pleased to advise that each member firm is entitled to one free partner registration to the meeting, which includes all sessions and social events, conference materials, group meals, and use of BKR’s Hospitality Suite. Additional partners and all companions are responsible for payment of the relevant registration and event fees indicated on the online registration form.
 
Click here to access the online registration site. If you have any questions about the online registration process, please contact the Executive Office.
 
Meeting registration, along with applicable payment online by credit card only, is due by Monday, September 23.
 
In the event you need to cancel your meeting registration, you must notify the Executive Office by Friday, October 11 , in order to receive a full refund.
 
BKR IS PAPERLESS! All materials will be sent via e-mail and posted on the meeting page and app.
AIR TRANSPORTATION
BKR has secured the following airline discount for travel in or between the United States and Canada:
 
Delta Airlines: 2% - 10% off published fares. Log on to www.delta.com , or contact Delta Airlines at 1-800-328-1111.  Please use the meeting discount code: NMTET.
 
Outside North America, please contact your local Delta reservation office.
 
As always, be sure to compare these fares with internet sites, and book your airline ticket at least 30 - 45 days prior to travel to secure the lowest fares.
 
Note: The above discounts may apply to the airline’s international code-share partners, so be sure to check with your local Delta reservation office, and refer to the discount code above.
 
GROUND TRANSPORTATION
The Loews Hollywood is located approximately one hour away from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX).
 
Taxis are readily available at the airport and pricing is approximately $75 to/from LAX, depending on traffic and the time of day.

Super Shuttle is available for $19 one-way from the airport with no reservation needed. Lyft and Uber are available as well.

HOSPITALITY SUITE
Catch up with friends and make new ones over refreshments and light snacks in Panorama Suite 2001, located on the 20 th floor. Our Hospitality Suite will open each afternoon at 4:00 p.m., from Saturday, October 26, through Tuesday, October 29, where you may help yourself to your favorite wine, beer, soft drinks, and light snacks. Be sure to stop in when you arrive to pick up your name badge.
 
CONTINUING PROFESSIONAL EDUCATION
U.S. members will earn approximately 12 hours of CPE credit by attending all of the sessions on Monday and Tuesday, subject to the NASBA requirements stated at the end of this document. 
 
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
  • Understand the relationship between leadership, emotional, and ethical intelligence;
  • Identify the current trends in the accounting industry;
  • Understand how to use the latest technology for marketing strategies;
  • Attain expertise in using data analytics to gain measurable outcomes;
  • Understand how to identify clients that are candidates for analytics solutions;
  • Learn how to build true differentiation for your firm; and
  • Integrate technology advancements in the workplace.
BUSINESS PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
Please see the Agenda and the Business Program/Biographies section below for speaker information and program outlines.
 
MONDAY, OCTOBER 28
After our official “Welcome to Los Angeles” by our host, Rick Parent (Los Angeles), BKR’s CEO Howard Rosen (Executive Office) will discuss our theme for 2019, “The Firm of the Future.” Worldwide Chair Manuel Rangel, Jr. (Mexico City) will then present the annual update followed by Graeme Boake (Johannesburg) who will review BKR’s financial statements and budget, and call for a vote on each. The morning session will include a keynote address by Executive Vice President of the AICPA Mark Koziel, who will update us on the state of the accounting profession, followed by a motivational and uplifting presentation by Kevin Laue on “Finding Strength through Determination.” The morning program will conclude with Joel Goldstein, who will discuss “The Intersection of Marketing and Technology: How to Align it for Competitive Advantage.”
 
Monday afternoon will be devoted to the concurrent breakout sessions, repeated twice to give you an opportunity to participate in two different sessions, on:
 
  • Building True Differentiation for Your Firm;
  • Developing a Value Creation Foundation: Success Strategies to Win; and
  • Using Strategic Questions to Drive a More Successful Firm Culture.
 
Please be sure to register for both breakout sessions on the online registration form.
 
Note: The International Tax Workshop will take place from 1:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 29
Today’s program will begin with a panel discussion with BKR’s leadership on the planned governance reorganization. We will then travel around our three regions to learn about their latest initiatives and hear an update by our Worldwide Chair, followed by an International Tax Committee update. Keynote speaker and internationally recognized expert on blockchain technology, Ian Khan, will present “Emerging Technology and the Future of the Industry.”
 
After lunch, Upstream Academy’s Jeremy Clopton will delve into strategies to leverage data analytics and technology in today’s ever changing landscape. The conference will end with Bruce Weinstein, “The Ethics Guy,” who will focus on why both emotional and ethical intelligence are vital for successful leaders.
 
SOCIAL AGENDA HIGHLIGHTS
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 26
“California Cuisine” Buffet Dinner
Join your BKR colleagues for a truly California inspired reception and dinner at the Loews’ pool terrace. Located on the hotel’s fifth floor, the pool terrace offers views of L.A.’s glittering lights and the landmark Hollywood sign. And, best of all, we will be sampling the magnificent internationally inspired cuisine of celebrity chef Wolfgang Puck. Some surprises await you. It will be a night you surely won’t want to miss!
 
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 27
A full hot and cold breakfast buffet will be available beginning Sunday morning from 7:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. at Prestons, located on the Mezzanine Level.
 
OPTIONAL TOURS:
UNIVERSAL STUDIOS AND LUNCH
Get ready for the ultimate Hollywood experience – Universal Studios! You will have a chance to enjoy many of the popular attractions including the latest Jurassic World ride, the magical spells at The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, and Universal Studios’ legendary back lot Studio Tour, where you will get a “behind the scenes” look at the world famous studio. You will also have time to catch your breath and enjoy a buffet lunch at the exciting Universal CityWalk. It will be a fun filled day!
 
OR:
 
LOS ANGELES SHORT STORY AND LUNCH
Learn the story of how Los Angeles transformed from a tiny pueblo to a sprawling metropolis. It’s a 500 year saga of how L.A. went from cowboys to cars, which battles raged in its backyard, how Hollywood was born, and why an aqueduct changed everything. Today, Los Angeles is in the midst of a cultural renaissance and building boom. In fact, it’s the largest in over a century and has to be seen to be believed. See what the boom is all about in this informative tour followed by a delectable lunch at a downtown L.A. classic restaurant. Get ready for a memorable day!
 
A NIGHT AT THE HARD ROCK CAFE
Escape from boring, traditional dining experiences and join us at the Hard Rock Cafe Hollywood on Hollywood Boulevard for their mouthwatering menu, tasty cocktails, and cutting-edge technology in a music-inspired location. The Hard Rock Cafe Hollywood features pieces of memorabilia from a broad range of artists tailored to the musical tastes of guests of all ages. Current icons such as John Legend, Ariana Grande, Lady Gaga, Britney Spears, Maroon 5, and The Black Keys are on display, alongside classic artists including Elton John, Elvis, Michael Jackson, Prince, and more. Grab a cocktail and enjoy this unique hybrid experience of music and dining.
 
MONDAY, OCTOBER 28
Companion Tour: Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous and Lunch
Companions will see the neighborhoods and homes of the rich and famous, including showbiz legends and hot new stars of today’s movies and TV shows. As they drive through the exclusive communities of Beverly Hills, Holmby Hills, and Bel-Air, they will be amazed by one fabulous estate after another. Some of these homes are worth more than $100 million. After checking out these compounds, companions will enjoy a delicious Beverly Hills lunch and have time to do some “window” shopping on the famous Rodeo Drive.
 
“Oscar Night” Gala Dinner at the Ray Dolby Ballroom
Tonight, we will celebrate our 30 year anniversary in true Hollywood style at the world famous Ray Dolby Ballroom. Come dressed in your finest and be prepared for a unique evening, full of surprises and famous guests. Black tie requested.
 
VISA REQUIREMENTS
Generally, a citizen of a foreign country that is not part of the Visa Waiver Program must obtain a visa from the U.S. Department of State. Visit the link below for more information.
 
 
You can also contact your U.S. Embassy or Consulate prior to your departure to confirm.  Note: Visa applications may take several weeks or even months to process, so please apply early.
 
If you need an invitation letter, please contact the Executive Office several months in advance of your planned travel.
 
TIME ZONE
The time zone in Los Angeles is GMT-8.
 
WEATHER AND DRESS
In October, the average temperature is 79°F (19°C). The weather is mostly warm and comfortable.
 
The dress for the meetings is business casual and casual for social events, with the exception of “Oscar Night” where black tie attire is requested.
 
If you would like to rent a tuxedo, please contact the following provider:
 
Friar Tux
1-818-242-7900
 
ASSISTANCE
Your Executive Office Team, together with the partners and staff of Gumbiner Savett Inc., look forward to welcoming you to Los Angeles. Please feel free to contact us at 1-800-BKR-INTL (1-800-257-4685) in North America, 1-212-964-2115 (outside North America), or bkr@bkr.com for any assistance you may need.
 
WEBSITES
For more information on the many aspects of the Annual Worldwide Meeting, visit the following sites:
 
Speakers: 
Joel Goldstein: https://www.ggcomm.com/
Mark Koziel: https://www.aicpa.org/
Kevin Laue: http://kevinlaue.net/
Bruce Weinstein: https://theethicsguy.com/                                                                         

BUSINESS PROGRAM OUTLINES/BIOGRAPHIES
 
UPDATE ON THE ACCOUNTING PROFESSION
Presenter: Mark Koziel, CPA, CGMA
 
The accounting profession continues to evolve at a rapid pace. In this presentation, Mark will provide insights on how services are changing and the opportunities that lie ahead.
 
In this session, you will learn about:
 
  • Current changes that are driving growth and opportunity in the traditional services of audit, tax, and accounting;
  • How firms can each adapt to a new way of doing things; and
  • Current and emerging tools available to all firms in transforming their services.
MARK KOZIEL
AICPA
New York, New York, USA
 
Mark Koziel is Executive Vice President – Firm Services for the American Institute of CPAs (AICPA). He leads the Private Companies Practice Section (PCPS), Firm Relationship Management, Small Firms, Diversity and Inclusion, Young Member Initiatives, Technical Hotline, and Center for Plain English Accounting.

Learn more about Mark here .
NOTHING IS OUT OF REACH: FINDING STRENGTH THROUGH DETERMINATION
Presenter: Kevin Laue

When his left arm was severed in-utero, Kevin Laue was left with a “nub” that barely extended below his elbow. Despite his prodigious height, red hair, and extraordinary athleticism, the “nub” was the thing that defined him and held him back.

With the help of a dedicated AAU basketball coach, Kevin eventually learned to see his “nub” as strength rather than a handicap, and channeled that strength on to the basketball court where he became the first player missing a limb to play NCAA Division 1 basketball.

Today, Kevin challenges his audience to “find their nub” and turn their own weakness into strength by understanding it better.
KEVIN LAUE
Lake Tahoe, Nevada, USA

The first player missing a limb to play NCAA Division 1 basketball, he overcame the early death of his father, a challenging home environment, and a legion of critics to become one of the top high school basketball players in his home state of California while earning a scholarship to join the Manhattan College Jaspers.

Learn more about Kevin here .
THE INTERSECTION OF MARKETING AND TECHNOLOGY: HOW TO ALIGN IT FOR COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE
Presenter: Joel Goldstein
 
Joel’s presentation will include the following topics:
 
  • How technology can help you differentiate your message and accelerate your marketing;
  • Tying marketing technology to the firm’s business strategy;
  • “Tech accelerators” that work best in CPA marketing today;
  • How you are managing your “martech stack” of IT technology tools; and
  • The type of marketing technologist staff a CPA firm needs to hire.
JOEL GOLDSTEIN
Goldstein Group Communications
Solon, Ohio, USA
 
Joel Goldstein is a recognized expert and speaker on how to build high impact B2B branding and lead generation programs for companies that are seeing more powerful ways to find and keep customers. His company solves the toughest problems known to B2B marketers, drawing a straight ROI line from marketing to sales .

Learn more about Goldstein Group Communications here .
EMERGING TECHNOLOGY AND THE FUTURE OF THE INDUSTRY
Presenter: Ian Khan
 
In Ian’s presentation, you will learn about the three pivotal technology disruptions and how they are shaping the world. Covering key aspects of a world powered by technology, this session will highlight and focus not only on the accounting industry, but the state of business in general with a special focus on technology.
IAN KHAN
Futuracy Institute of Thought Leadership
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
 
Forbes contributor and Featured Technology Futurist on CNN, Ian Khan is a highly sought after emerging technology expert. A three times TEDx speaker and author, Ian has impacted over 5,000 organizations in his career of 20 years to help them understand emerging technology and the steps they can take to create limitless value.

Learn more about Ian here .
STRATEGIES TO LEVERAGE DATA ANALYTICS AND TECHNOLOGY
Presenter: Jeremy Clopton
 
Data analytics and emerging technology are all the rage. Despite all the discussion, however, many firms still struggle with turning the theoretical into applicable. Join Jeremy for a session designed to provide you actionable takeaways to put data analytics and technology to work in your firm. This session will include strategies for both internal and client facing applications, and action steps to get you started.
 
After this session, you will understand a methodology for applying analytics and emerging technologies, be able to explain how analytics can impact practice management in a firm, and understand how to identify clients that are candidates for analytics solutions.
JEREMY CLOPTON
Upstream Academy
Helena, Montana, USA

Jeremy Clopton, Director at Upstream Academy, gained his real world experience from his work with one of the top accounting and consulting firms in the country, where he led a firm-wide specialty practice.

Learn more about Upstream Academy here .
EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE AND ETHICAL INTELLIGENCE: WHY SUCCESSFUL LEADERS HAVE BOTH
Presenter: Bruce Weinstein, PhD
 
Emotional intelligence is the ability to discern how others are feeling and then to act in accordance with that information. It is a crucial quality of great leadership, but it is not enough!
 
Emotional intelligence alone cannot answer the question, “What is the right thing to do?” To do that, you also need ethical intelligence. In this engaging, content-rich session, Bruce will show you what these two forms of intelligence are and how to strengthen your own emotional and ethical intelligence.
 
You will then be better positioned to enjoy deep, meaningful relationships with clients and team members, which will ultimately boost your business and enhance your ability to serve others well.
BRUCE WEINSTEIN, PHD
The Institute for High-Character Leadership
New York, New York, USA
 
Through his practical, engaging, and entertaining presentations on ethical leadership, Forbes Contributor Bruce Weinstein, The Ethics Guy®, shows organizations around the world how everyone benefits from honest, accountable behavior .

Learn more about Bruce here .
*  *  * * *
 
BKR International 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. 
 
The individual segments of the program have been developed with the objective of contributing to or increasing the professional competence of participants. These group sessions require only a basic level of knowledge. No advance preparation or other prerequisites are required. Sessions will be presented in the group-live format.
 
Sponsored learning activities are measured by program length, with one 50-minute period equal to one CPE credit. One-half CPE credit increments (equal to 25 minutes) are permitted after the first credit has been earned in a given learning activity. Please note that not all state boards have adopted this rule. Some participants may not be able to use one-half credit increments. 
 
Complaints regarding registered sponsors may be addressed to the National Registry of CPE Sponsors, 150 Fourth Avenue North, Suite 700, Nashville, TN, 37219-2417. Website:  www.nasba.org .
 
Complaints regarding administrative policies, refunds, and cancellations should be made to the Executive Office at bkr@bkr.com or 1-212-964-2115.