112th Annual Conference: Adapt, Evolve, Thrive
13.00 Credits
Member Price $475.00
Price will increase by $75 after 5/2
Non-Member Price $575.00
Price will increase by $75 after 5/2
Overview
Adapt, Evolve, Thrive: Learning and Growing in Changing Times
Join us for two dynamic days of learning, networking, and inspiration! This year’s conference features engaging sessions and workshops on pivotal topics, including:
- Roadmap to Success
- Unlocking Better Thinking
- Finding the Warrior Within
- Ethics in the Real World
- Cultivating Resilience to Beat Burnout
- Aligning Behaviors with Values
- AI/Technology
- AICPA Update
- ...and more!
Led by industry experts and thought leaders, our sessions will explore the latest trends, innovative strategies, and practical solutions to help you excel in today’s ever-changing professional landscape.
Network with fellow CPAs, share insights, and build connections that can propel your career forward. Don't forget about the Awards Ceremonies, followed by the famous Dessert Dash and entertainment - Music Bingo!
See AGENDA tab for current schedule.
STUDENTS
Scholarships and per diem for travel are available to you - click here to apply
HOTEL
Please book your hotel room online here, or by calling The Northern Hotel at 406-867-6767. The MTCPA room block expires on 5/12/25. Rooms subject to availability after that time.
NOTES
All meals and entertainment are included in the registration price. If you are having guests accompany you at the meal events, please add them to your registration by choosing "Add Guest" at checkout. Any guest attending sessions, however, must register as a full participant.
If you can ONLY attend the MTCPA Awards Luncheon or DSA Reception/Dinner (both on Thursday 6/5), please email us at info@montana.cpa to purchase meal tickets. The cost is $40/pp for the MTCPA Awards Luncheon and $65/pp for the DSA Reception/Dinner.
Highlights
A premier event designed to keep you ahead in a rapidly changing profession. Gain insights from expert speakers, explore key topics like leadership, ethics, and resilience, and get the latest AICPA updates. With engaging sessions and valuable networking opportunities, this is your chance to learn, grow, and connect with fellow CPAs.
Platinum Level Sponsor
Gold Level Sponsor
Wednesday, June 4
Optional Session
- Welcome Reception
Join us at Craft Local (2501 Montana Ave, Billings) for drinks, desserts, and mingling.
This session is available to registrants and their guests
Thursday, June 5
General Session
- Lessons from the Summits: What is your Everest?
Jon Kedrowski
Jon Kedrowski
Dr. Jon Kedrowski is an accomplished mountaineer, geographer, and author with a Ph.D. in Environmental Geography. Based in Vail, Colorado, he has summited 6 of the 7 continental peaks, including 7 Everest expeditions, and made historic climbs such as a winter ascent of K2 in 2021. Jon’s books, such as “Sleeping on the Summits,” combine his love of adventure with storytelling. As a guide, speaker, and coach, he inspires others by using mountains as metaphors for personal and professional growth.
Jon will share his approach to conquering your own Everest by staying focused through the storms of life and business, using past successes and lessons in overcoming the mountains of the mind and looking toward the future for new opportunities of growth among the chaos and constant change.
Credits: 2 - Personal Development
This session is available to registrants only.
General Session
- Roadmap to Success: BAR Group
Credits: 1 - Personal Development
This session is available to registrants only.
Optional Session
- MTCPA Awards Luncheon
Includes Inspire-Empower-Impact Award, Medallion Awards, and Honorary Life presentations.
- I-E-I Award winner: Madeline Miller, CPA
- Medallion Award winners: TBA
- Honorary Life recipients: TBA
This session is available to registrants and their guests
- Guest Price
- $40.00
Session Pricing:
General Session
- Unlocking Better Thinking for Accountants
Toby Groves
Toby Groves
Dr. Toby Groves explores innovative strategies to enhance thinking and decision-making by leveraging the brain’s adaptability. Inspired by neurological recovery therapies, extreme resilience through adversity, and breakthroughs in autism, stroke, and brain injury recovery, his work adapts these techniques for industries, government, and daily life. Over the past decade, Dr. Groves has collaborated with thousands of decision-makers across critical fields, refining methods that improve mental agility, elevate decision-making, and uncover hidden potential in real-world applications.
Explore the psychological science behind effective accounting with Dr. Toby Groves in this engaging session. This course introduces innovative thinking, strategies to overcome mental blocks, and tools to enhance judgment, resilience, and stress management for accountants. Delve into emerging topics like AI, fraud detection, and cybersecurity, equipping yourself to excel in today’s evolving landscape.
Credits: 2 - Personal Development
This session is available to registrants only.
General Session
- MTCPA Business Meeting
Our Board of Directors discuss Society status, updates, and news.
Credits: 1 - Specialized Knowledge
This session is available to registrants only.
Optional Session
- Celebration Dinner & DSA Award Cermony
Enjoy drinks & appetizer reception, formal dinner, Distinguished Service Award (DSA) ceremony, Dessert Dash, and some Music Bingo fun afterwards! This event is included in registration price. Guests welcome with added event registration.
- DSA Award winner: Ronald Yates Jr., CPA
This session is available to registrants and their guests
- Guest Price
- $65.00
Session Pricing:
Friday, June 6
Optional Session
- Working Breakfast: Employer Sponsored Retirement Plans
Join this working-breakfast session sponsored with content from Allied Investment Advisors.
Credits: 1 - Specialized Knowledge
This session is available to registrants only.
General Session
- Ethics in the Real World
Toby Groves
Toby Groves
Dr. Toby Groves explores innovative strategies to enhance thinking and decision-making by leveraging the brain’s adaptability. Inspired by neurological recovery therapies, extreme resilience through adversity, and breakthroughs in autism, stroke, and brain injury recovery, his work adapts these techniques for industries, government, and daily life. Over the past decade, Dr. Groves has collaborated with thousands of decision-makers across critical fields, refining methods that improve mental agility, elevate decision-making, and uncover hidden potential in real-world applications.
Are common ethics programs truly effective? This session examines why codes of ethics, training, and “tone at the top” often fail and how they can unintentionally undermine ethical reasoning. By exploring psychological and social influences on decision-making, you’ll uncover why individuals sometimes act against their own values and learn strategies to promote genuine integrity. Using research, real-world examples, and actionable insights, this session provides a fresh perspective on fostering ethical behavior in complex organizational settings.
Credits: 2 - Behavioral Ethics
This session is available to registrants only.
Breakout Session
- Aligning Behaviors with Values
Chantel Schieffer
Chantel Schieffer
Chantel Schieffer, owner of True North Leadership, has spent 30 years strengthening communities, teams, and cultures across private industry, government, and nonprofits. A Montana native, she holds a B.A. in Political Science from Montana State University and leadership certifications from Harvard, Yale, UC Berkeley, and Brené Brown Research & Education Group. Recognized for her impact, she’s received the ATHENA® Leadership Award, Alpha Omicron Pi Woman of Leadership Award, and Leadership Montana’s Tom Scott Award. Based in Helena, she and her family embrace adventure, often exploring Montana’s great outdoors.
Great leaders live their values. In this breakout, Chantel Schieffer helps you identify what drives you and ensure your actions reflect your beliefs—even in tough times.
Credits: 1 - Personal Development
This session is available to registrants only.
- Goal Setting: Implementing a Plan w/ Dr Jon Kedrowski
Jon Kedrowski
Jon Kedrowski
Dr. Jon Kedrowski is an accomplished mountaineer, geographer, and author with a Ph.D. in Environmental Geography. Based in Vail, Colorado, he has summited 6 of the 7 continental peaks, including 7 Everest expeditions, and made historic climbs such as a winter ascent of K2 in 2021. Jon’s books, such as “Sleeping on the Summits,” combine his love of adventure with storytelling. As a guide, speaker, and coach, he inspires others by using mountains as metaphors for personal and professional growth.
Working off of his presentation from yesterday, Dr Jon deep dives into goal setting with a hands-on approach.
(This session is offered at both breakout times)
Credits: 1 - Personal Development
This session is available to registrants only.
Breakout Session
- Cultivating Resilience to Beat Burnout
Chantel Schieffer
Chantel Schieffer
Chantel Schieffer, owner of True North Leadership, has spent 30 years strengthening communities, teams, and cultures across private industry, government, and nonprofits. A Montana native, she holds a B.A. in Political Science from Montana State University and leadership certifications from Harvard, Yale, UC Berkeley, and Brené Brown Research & Education Group. Recognized for her impact, she’s received the ATHENA® Leadership Award, Alpha Omicron Pi Woman of Leadership Award, and Leadership Montana’s Tom Scott Award. Based in Helena, she and her family embrace adventure, often exploring Montana’s great outdoors.
Learn what burnout is, why its dangerous, your personal stress triggers and warning signs, and ways to protect yourself against extreme stress and overwhelm.
Credits: 1 - Personal Development
This session is available to registrants only.
- Goal Setting: Implementing a Plan w/ Dr Jon Kedrowski
Jon Kedrowski
Jon Kedrowski
Dr. Jon Kedrowski is an accomplished mountaineer, geographer, and author with a Ph.D. in Environmental Geography. Based in Vail, Colorado, he has summited 6 of the 7 continental peaks, including 7 Everest expeditions, and made historic climbs such as a winter ascent of K2 in 2021. Jon’s books, such as “Sleeping on the Summits,” combine his love of adventure with storytelling. As a guide, speaker, and coach, he inspires others by using mountains as metaphors for personal and professional growth.
Working off of his presentation from yesterday, Dr Jon deep dives into goal setting with a hands-on approach.
(This session is offered at both breakout times)
Credits: 1 - Personal Development
This session is available to registrants only.
Optional Session
- AICPA Update/Fireside Chat with Okorie Ramsey
Okorie Ramsey
Okorie Ramsey
Chair, AICPA and the Association 2023-2024 Okorie L. Ramsey, CPA, CGMA, PMP, is Vice President of Sarbanes/Oxley Compliance at Kaiser Permanente and Chair of the AICPA and the Association of International Certified Professional Accountants. With extensive leadership experience in governance and finance, Ramsey oversees regulatory compliance, internal controls, and risk management. He is a lifetime NABA member, past CalCPA leader, and former adjunct professor at San Francisco State University. Holding a BS in Business Administration and Harvard Executive Leadership credentials, Ramsey is dedicated to mentoring, family, and advancing the accounting profession.
Join past AICPA Chair Okorie Ramsey for an insightful discussion on the latest developments impacting the accounting profession. This interactive session will cover key AICPA initiatives, industry trends, and challenges shaping the future of CPAs. MTCPA Executive Director Alllen Lloyd will join Okorie for some local discussion as well.
Credits: 2 - Specialized Knowledge
This session is available to registrants only.
Optional Session
- GUEST: All Meal Events
Purchase this option to cover all meal events for your guest at the Annual Conference. Includes the Wednesday Reception, Thursday Awards Luncheon, and the Thursday Evening Celebration/Dinner. No need to select individual guest meal options if selecting this option.
This session is available to guests only.
- Guest Price
- $100.00
Session Pricing:
Optional Session
- DIETARY RESTRICTIONS
Please choose this option only if you have dietary restrictions or food allergies. Staff will contact you to confirm.
This session is available to registrants and their guests
- Denis Adams - Wipfli LLP (Billings, 59101)
- Marilyn Bartlett
- Christi Bradbury - Pearson Design Group Inc (Bozeman, 59772)
- Scott Cichosz - Archie Cochrane Motors Inc (Billings, 59102)
- Alexa Coolahan - Alexa's Accounting (Billings, 59105)
- Terrena Fogle
- Lyndsey Geering - Kampgrounds of America Inc KOA (Billings, 59101)
- Steven Johnson - Pinion (Helena, 59601)
- Ryan Jordan - Jordan & Associates Inc (Great Falls, 59404)
- Connor Larson - Colleen Black & Co PC (Billings, 59102)
- Lorna Little Owl - Montana State Univ Billings Student (Billings, 59101)
- Tami Park - Park Tax Preparation and Accounting LLC (Great Falls, 59405)
- Tiffany Richardson
- David Ritchey - Online Degree/Other Student (-, 00000)
- Kimberly Schwend - Kim Schwend CPA (Billings, 59101)
- Ryan Screnar - Glacier Bancorp Inc (Kalispell, 59901)
- Sara Smith - ALPS Corporation (Missoula, 59802)
- Sydni Tangaro - Tangaro & Company CPAs (Bozeman, 59771)
- John Tescher - PRO Co-op (Scobey, 59263)
Non-Member Price $575.00
Member Price $475.00