Members Advisory Symposium
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The accounting profession is always on the move. So how can you keep up with all of the changes?
The MACPA Members Advisory Symposium is the premiere event for members and colleagues to learn about the latest issues in the profession from local and national leaders. Held in the spring and fall, these events:
- Provide an update on the future of the accounting industry
- Show how MACPA members are having an impact on a state and national level
- Report the news from Lansing about the activities of the Michigan State Board of Accountancy and the lobbying efforts on behalf of the profession.
Highlights from the 2009 Spring Members Advisory Symposium
Thursday, May 7, 2009
New additions to MACPA’s Spring Members Advisory Symposium brought fresh perspectives on the profession and the economy to a record-setting audience of more than 280 participants. A highlight of the daylong conference, held at the Lansing Center on May 7, was the opportunity to hear from Jeff Thredgold, one of the country’s most articulate economists.
President of Thredgold Economic Associates, Thredgold runs an economic consulting and professional speaking company based in Salt Lake City, Utah. He’s appeared on CNBC and CNN and participates in economic forecast surveys for USA TODAY.
Thredgold shared a positive outlook on the economy, suggesting that the national economy will turn around by the end of 2009. He identified seven critical industries of the future: technology; transportation; telecommunications; financial services; energy; entertainment; and biomedicine. He also said that healthcare, financial planning and leisure and entertainment are three growth industries, due to aging baby boomers.
Featuring a varied array of speakers, the Symposium also provided an in-depth look at how the economic crisis is affecting the profession. Regulatory changes relating to protecting investors and fair value accounting were hot topics. Keynote speaker Barry Melancon, AICPA president and CEO, urged CPAs to take a proactive role by helping consumers better understanding financial issues.
MACPA President and CEO Peggy Dzierzawski also talked about the economy and how the Association is coping with the current environment. From utilizing new technologies, to developing new partnerships and giving back to the community, Peggy discussed how strong relationships add value to the profession and the Association.
State Board of Accountancy Licensing Director Joyce Karr explained changes in peer review requirements and shared a “preview” of the new online license renewal form. On the political front, well-known pundit Tim Skubick offered a lively and insightful look at Lansing politics.
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Barry Melancon Presents at the Spring Members Advisory Symposium |
Carla Sledge stands with the U.S. Army, Dewitt Recruiting Station, Color Guard after Singing the National Anthem |
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Benjamin Bankes stops by the Symposium during Peggy Dzierzawski's Presentation |
Students from Oakland University joined Barry Melancon for Breakfast before the Symposium |
About Members Advisory Symposium
Through statewide representation, the Members Advisory Symposium facilitates the exchange of information, vision and ideas. In addition, the Symposium fosters a greater understanding of our changing profession by providing an environment to share knowledge, trends, shifting paradigms and concepts. Symposium members act as catalysts for change as they return to their regions and relay the work of the Symposium. In turn, information gathered at the grass roots level is shared with the Symposium.
Composition
Board members, interest track committee and task force chairs and vice chairs, former Chapter officers, and Past Presidents constituted the initial Regional Advisory Council, which is now called the Members Advisory Symposium.
The Symposium is open to all members of MACPA, and recommended five credits of continuing professional education is preferred.
