Join us for an engaging session where specialists from both sides of the M&A world—healthy and distressed—come together to provide a comprehensive overview of the current landscape. Transaction Advisory leaders will offer valuable insights into the dynamics of mergers and acquisitions, whether dealing with thriving companies or those in turnaround situations. We'll also dive into the latest trends in the private equity environment, exploring how these forces shape M&A activity. We will conclude with an open Q&A, giving attendees the opportunity to ask the tough questions and gain practical knowledge to apply in your own practice.

This session will provide an update on M&A and capital raising trends and activity. We will discuss how to help clients, who are positioning their company for a sale, avoid seller pitfalls and maximize the value of their business through a structured sales process.

In an era of data overload, forensic investigations are evolving. This session explores how AI is transforming document review—accelerating analysis, maintaining quality, and lowering costs—so firms can deliver smarter, faster insights to clients. We’ll walk through real-world use cases where AI tools have streamlined forensic workflows, reduced manual effort, and enhanced defensibility. Whether you're advising on fraud, compliance, or litigation, attendees will gain practical strategies to integrate AI into your investigations process, leaving with a clear understanding of how to scale forensic services efficiently and competitively in today’s advisory landscape.

As firms expand into advisory services and integrate AI into their operating models, many encounter a painful—but predictable—dip in performance, clarity, and confidence. This session explores the Advisory J-Curve: the economic and cultural realities behind the early-stage investment, delayed returns, and eventual acceleration of advisory growth. Ultimately, attendees will walk away with a roadmap for scaling advisory services with confidence—embracing technology, reimagining pricing and talent models, and leading their firms through the J-Curve toward lasting profitability and differentiation.

Nothing is more important to firm growth and stability than retaining key clients. In this highly interactive session with facilitated group and table discussions, we will explore creative ideas to truly be proactive and consultative to expand the value you deliver to clients. Leave this session with practical and innovative client service ideas that will ensure your clients look to you and your firm for services for years to come!

Join us for an insightful session focused on how the panelists have designed an advisory business around several practice areas within their firm. Panelists will share how they are building the infrastructure for an advisory practice that supports sustainable growth, including a discussion on the impact of different sales cycles, staffing needs, and resource requirements than a traditional CPA practice requires.

Do you call yourself an Advisor, but in actuality find yourself stuck in the compliance work? Or, alternatively, do you find that you are uncomfortable learning the advisory skills needed and instead choose to do the accounting work because it is more familiar and comfortable? Being an Advisor is not for everyone. However, for those that desire to become an Advisor, it can be the most rewarding work of your career. Being an Advisor is a mindset. It is the relationship that the client desires so they can translate what the financial results of the business are telling them. When you have an advisory mindset, you understand both the operational and financial aspects of your client’s business and can create strategic plans with them to achieve their goals. That is when you become a true Cherished Advisor®, one that your client can’t imagine living without and you feel more fulfilled by the work you are doing.

This session will discuss recent changes and trends in valuation, including those from regulators and private equity. It will cover valuation for different purposes, including financial reporting, tax reporting and management planning, as well as discuss the future of valuation and what can help continue its growth trajectory.

The most successful organizations foster high-performing cultures—both internally among their teams and externally with their clients. This session delves into the role that a culture of Deep Trust and High Expectations plays in driving exceptional results. Attendees will learn how these principles strengthen relationships within their firm and build lasting partnerships with clients, and will discover strategies for cultivating trust, setting clear and ambitious expectations, and creating an environment where collaboration and alignment thrive.