Agenda topics, timing and speakers subject to change.
Sunday, May 19
7:30 pm – 9:30 pm
Opening Reception + Fireworks | Isle de France, EPCOT
Join us as we kick off the 2024 Financial Leadership Summit with a bang! Attendees will be shuttled to the Isle de France in EPCOT to view the fiery glow of torches and sky-piercing lasers while thunderous fireworks echo atop an original music score. Luminous The Symphony of Us is a thrilling visual extravaganza as the skies above the lagoon are transformed into a kaleidoscope of color from thundering pyrotechnic bursts. A truly magical way to start this dynamic conference!
Day 1 | Monday, May 20
8:00 am – 9:00 am
Concurrent Breakfast Sessions - 1 CPE credit available per session
Strategies for Negotiating Top-Quality Carrier Contracts in 2024
Presented by AFMS
Significant shifts are underway in the operations of UPS, FedEx, DHL, and TNT, resulting in increased complexity in today's contract landscape. This informative session will equip attendees with fresh perspectives on negotiating with carriers while helping them discover strategies to secure best-in-class pricing, protect their company from unforeseen market and carrier changes, and decrease overall shipping expenses by 15-25%.
Presenter:
Derek Bealby | VP, Sales and Customer Experience | AFMS
Data-Driven Leadership: Elevating Your Communication Game
Presented by Oracle NetSuite
Explore the fusion of financial insights and impactful communication, where finance leaders not only decode data but also weave compelling narratives that resonate with impact.
Delve into an enlightening conversation with renowned professional storyteller Kevin Galloway, alongside accomplished former financial leader, and current Principal Value Consultant Gary Meisner. Together, they will uncover the keys to becoming indispensable communicators within your organization, providing valuable insights on:
- mastering the three essential storytelling skills;
- transforming raw data into a persuasive and captivating narrative;
- effectively selling your ideas to navigate challenges in a dynamic economy;
- communicating data insights with finesse to drive strategic initiatives forward; and
- unlocking the connection between strategic communication and financial profitability.
Presenters:
Kevin Galloway | Principal Communications Advisor | Oracle NetSuite
Gary Meisner | Principal Value Consultant | Oracle NetSuite
Agility and Automation in the Financial Close - Making Your Time Count
Presented by Trintech
With the complex challenges of 2024, many companies are working to combat rising attrition and talent management, uncertain economic outlooks, and the need to rapidly shift both operating and predictive modeling in the coming year. It’s paramount for finance and accounting teams to streamline processes, adapt quickly to change, and leverage technology to add value and optimize resource utilization.
During this session, industry experts will discuss how leading companies use specialized automation to adapt rapidly, cutting down on manual tasks. This will free up time for valuable activities like planning and forecasting, leading to fewer errors, and enhanced security in finance and accounting operations.
After this session, attendees will be able to understand the impact manual and menial processes have on the success of the close, and the health of the organization; uncover where manual deficiencies lie in their own processes, that can benefit from the right technology and tools to standardize and automate the most critical finance & accounting processes; and expand their understanding of the true ROI that can be achieved through automated processes and satisfied team members.
Presenter:
Jon Sykora | Director, Partner Enablement | Trintech
9:00 am – 10:00 am
Welcome & Opening Remarks
Morning Keynote Address
Presented by Microsoft
Presenter:
Neal Foard | Author, Creative Messager, and Motivational Speaker
10:00 am – 10:30 am
Networking Break in Exhibit Hall
10:30 am - 11:30 am
Concurrent Track Sessions - 1 CPE credit available per session
Strategic Solutions: Driving Business Growth through Technology
Take Control of Benefits Spend: Mitigate Unpredictable Budgets and Renewals
Presented by Take Command Health
In a recent survey, the number one obstacle that stands in the way of CFOs doing their jobs is difficulty controlling healthcare costs. This doesn’t come as a surprise, with 2024 healthcare costs taking their biggest jump in years, according to the Wall Street Journal.
If you’re like many CFOs, each year you stand powerless as your group health insurance delivers another high renewal. Double-digit increases year over year aren’t sustainable for any company no matter the size and for years, CFOs have asked why they can’t just give a stipend to employees and have them buy their health insurance. Now they can.
Individual coverage HRA (ICHRA for short) is a new way of providing health benefits that allows CFOs and other finance leaders to stay in control of costs. ICHRA allows companies to reimburse employees for health insurance rather than buying it for them. It’s a common-sense solution that’s changing the way CFOs are talking about health benefits, with 171% growth over last year for ICHRA adoption.
In this session, attendees will leave understanding how the individual coverage HRA works, what types of companies and locations are trending with ICHRA adoption, how to decide if this benefits solution is right for your company; and what steps it takes to get started.
Presenter:
Ami Desai | CFO | Take Command Health
Peak Performance: Leadership Excellence and Personal Wellbeing
Optimal Governance: Automation, Data Transformation, and Risk Management
How Finance Leaders are Leveraging Finance Automation to Minimize Risk
Presented by Tipalti
It’s clear that finance leaders need to adapt to the changing market to minimize risk, strengthen controls, and align digital transformation with their organization’s growth goals. Over the past three years, the most significant internal changes to the finance function were sizable investments in technology that allow finance departments to focus on the activities that will make an impact on future growth, like M&A, globalization, and finding strategic efficiencies. What once seemed like a threat to a finance team is now being embraced to eliminate outdated manual back-office processes so that their teams can focus on the strategic initiatives that will move their organizations forward.
During this session, industry experts will explain:
- how leveraging finance automation enhances compliance and minimizes risk;
- why adding automation to your accounting department will aid strategic growth; and
- embracing digital transformation to enable reporting and control capabilities.
Presenters:
Keri Blanks | Alliances Manager | Tipalti
Oscar Palacio | Managing Partner | CFGI
11:30 am - 12:30 pm
Concurrent Track Sessions - 1 CPE credit available per session
Strategic Solutions: Driving Business Growth through Technology
Data-Driven Procurement: Unlocking Cost Savings and Maximizing Return on Spend
Presented by Procurify
Procurement has evolved from a cost center to a strategic partner driving cost savings, operational efficiency, and competitive advantage. However, achieving this transformation requires a holistic view of organizational spending.
This session explores how technology empowers organizations to bring more spend under management and unify their spend data. By transforming data into actionable insights, procurement teams can uncover cost-saving opportunities, boost operational efficiency, and ultimately maximize their Return on Spend (ROS).
Presenter:
Matteo Perretta | Senior Director, GTM Enablement | Procurify
Peak Performance: Leadership Excellence and Personal Wellbeing
Exponential Leadership
Presented by The Siegfried Group, LLP
In the dynamic landscape of accounting and finance, leadership isn't just about managing teams or driving profits; it's about catalyzing exponential growth – both personally and professionally. In this session, we delve into the power of leadership as it relates to Siegfried’s approach both with our employees and the businesses we partner with across the country. Through the sharing of tools and practical insights, we’ll discuss how to harness the potential of Leadership Advisory to elevate your leadership skills, foster growth within your organization, and create a ripple effect of positive change in your professional and personal spheres.
Presenters:
Lauren Campbell | Regional Chief of Staff | The Siegfried Group
Leah Mazar | Managing Director | The Siegfried Group
Optimal Governance: Automation, Data Transformation, and Risk Management
AI Integration: Transforming Compliance and Customer Experience 
Presented by TelNet Choice, Inc.
12:30 pm – 1:30 pm
Networking Luncheon in Exhibit Hall
1:30 pm - 2:30 pm
Concurrent Track Sessions - 1 CPE credit available per session
Strategic Solutions: Driving Business Growth through Technology
Next-Gen Finance: Exploring AI and the Shift in Tech Strategy
Presented by Prophix
In today's rapidly evolving financial landscape, the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) applications has become increasingly widespread in the Office of the CFO. But because it is such a new and developing technology, there are still many questions - What are the best use cases for AI? what should be considered when incorporating AI? Where do we start?
During this session we'll explore the transformative impact that generative AI is having on current financial and accounting processes, as well as discuss the pivotal shift towards adopting a platform-centric technology approach, highlighting the need for achieving business objectives through a single version of the truth.
- Explore where AI is being applied in reshaping traditional Financial Planning and Analysis (FP&A) processes and understand tangible efficiency gains realized through the strategic application of AI-driven automation.
- Discover how machine learning-driven anomaly detection in transactional data contributes to a proactive approach in risk reduction and informed decision-making.
- Learn how to strategically address your tech stack by adding integrated solution functionality.
- Understand the evolution and value of platform-based software providers.
Presenter:
Matt Mayhew | Senior Product Marketing Manager | Prophix
Peak Performance: Leadership Excellence and Personal Wellbeing
Leadership Strategies for Navigating Fraud Risks in the Age of AI and ChatGPT
As the opportunities for technology adoption and innovation walk in the C-suite door, so do the risks. We see daily that the benefits of applying new technology in business can be astounding, yet they can also lead to fear, loss and occupational fraud. Businesses are seeing technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning and biometrics as promising tools to prevent and detect fraud, however the psychological disruption they cause for employees can lead to fraudulent behavior.
Participants in this session will gain insights into:
- anticipated effects emerging technologies can have on organizations, job roles, and oversight;
- individuals who utilize and implement the application of emerging technologies are the source of fraud;
- fraud and mental health as a result of pace of innovation; and
- effective strategies to mitigate risks associated with emerging technologies.
Presenter:
Dr. Sri Ramamoorti | Associate Professor of Accounting | University of Dayton
Optimal Governance: Automation, Data Transformation, and Risk Management
Accelerating Integrated FP&A with AI and Automation
Presented by IBM
To stay ahead in today's volatile business environment, where challenges like inflation, supply chain disruptions, and labor complexities are the norm, organizations need a modern planning and analytics solution to collectively think and act fast. A new generation of AI-powered automation simplifies and accelerates business planning and optimization - integrating finance and operations across the organization.
Learn about IBM’s financial transformation and its move to autonomous, Cloud-based planning using AI and Machine learning. IBM finance experts will share how establishing a single, trusted data model shared across the enterprise for forecasting, analysis, and reporting enables more productive workflows resulting in significant time and cost savings. They will also discuss how the latest innovations in AI and automation have increased speed, productivity, and impact of finance and business operations across the entire IBM organization.
Presenters:
Bill Primerano | Worldwide Technical Sales Leader | IBM Business Analytics Software
David Trager | Enterprise Data Strategist | IBM Finance
2:30 pm - 3:30 pm
General Session
 Attracting Top Talent with Meaningful Work
Presented by Workiva
The hiring market has only tightened for accounting and finance professionals, especially as climate-related regulations heighten the demand for talent who can build processes for assured integrated reporting of financial and non-financial information.
After this session, attendees will be able to:
- identify the latest forces pressuring hiring managers to hold on to accounting and finance talent;
- develop career opportunities that can appeal to rising talent; and
- map out a plan for automating low-value, time-consuming tasks so staff can shift their focus to more meaningful work.
Presenter:
Tim Hird | Executive Vice President, Enterprise Optimization | Robert Half and Protiviti
Arthy Kumar | Industry Principal | Workiva
3:30 pm – 4:00 am
Networking Break in Exhibit Hall
4:00 pm - 5:00 pm
General Session
Generative AI: From Disruption to Transformation
Presented by Deloitte
Join industry experts for a fireside chat as they discuss how organizations are exploring Generative AI to transform business strategy, workforce dynamics, skills development, and trust-building, as well examine its broader implications on the economy and society.
Moderator:
Andrej Suskavcevic, CAE | President and CEO | FEI
Presenters:
Beena Ammanath | Global & US Technology Trust Ethics Leader | Deloitte & Touche LLP
Dipti Gulati | Chair and CEO - Audit & Assurance Partner | Deloitte & Touche LLP
5:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Networking Reception in Exhibit Hall
Day 2 | Tuesday, May 21
8:00 am – 9:00 am
Concurrent Breakfast Sessions - 1 CPE credit available per session
Cyber Trends Outlook – The State of Cybersecurity
Presented by Corsica Technologies
The world of cybersecurity is changing faster than ever. New threats, constrained resources, and increasing technical sophistication are driving emerging challenges in cybersecurity. In this presentation, attendees will learn about the biggest cyber trends in 2024; latest ways to mitigate these threats; hidden cybersecurity risks of generative AI tools; and current challenges and opportunities midmarket companies face when managing their cybersecurity and IT demands.
Presenters:
Ross Filipek | CISO | Corsica Technologies
Dave Heflin | Executive VP of Sales | Corsica Technologies
Elaine Jones | Chief Financial Officer | Stillwater Hospice
Controller’s Guidebook: When Accountants Dare to Dream
Presented by FloQast
The accounting industry is in a state of flux. It is reeling from a talent crisis and experiencing constant pressure to do more with less while pushing toward financial transformation. An uncertain economic environment exacerbates all of these factors.
FloQast and the University of Georgia invited accountants to dream about how the profession might be different if they were in control. An analysis of survey data shed light on accountants’ ideal-on-the-job state, the role of technology in their future, and recommendations for their employers. Perhaps the biggest takeaway found that most accountants recognize that their employers need financial transformation to drive strategic business performance.
Join this session as we review FloQast’s latest report, Controller’s Guidebook: When Accountants Dare to Dream, and provide attendees with details on:
- the role accountants believe they have in driving financial transformation within their organization;
- how technology can empower accountants in this role; and
- what obstacles do accountants believe are keeping organizations from pursuing better solutions.
Presenter:
Jaysen Dyal | Product Marketing Manager | FloQast
Will Your Bank “Swipe Right” in the Turbulence of Banking Disruption?
Presentered by RedBridge Debt & Treasury Advisory
Join this dynamic session as industry experts delve into the complexities of banking relationships. Discover how banks assess partnerships amidst disruptions, regulatory pressures, and economic uncertainties. Gain insights into current market challenges and acquire strategies to attract optimal banking partners with the most pertinent information.
Presenters:
Bridget Meyer, CTP | Senior Director | Redbridge Debt & Treasury Advisory
Juan Trejo III | Director- Relationship Manager - Mid Corporate Coverage Americas | Redbridge Debt & Treasury Advisory
9:00 am – 10:00 am
Welcome Back Remarks
Morning Keynote Address
Storytelling with Data: What You Show & What You Say
To drive change with data, you must present it effectively. In this inspiring session, best-selling author Cole Nussbaumer Knaflic demonstrates how to overcome common graph and slide issues, plus shares secrets she used to transform herself from a shaky-voiced introvert into an adept presenter. Whether a formal presentation or a daily meeting setting, you’ll learn to engage, inform, and influence through what you show and what you say. You’ll leave the session ready to make your next graph or slide your best one yet and present it powerfully!
Presenter:
Cole Nussbaumer Knaflic | Founder and CEO | storytelling with data
10:00 am – 10:30 am
Networking Break in Exhibit Hall
10:30 am - 11:30 am
General Session
The Evolving Role of Finance: Five Topics Shaping the Finance Leader Agenda
Presented by PwC
As the complexity and scope of the finance role grows, so does the finance leader’s influence on a company’s growth trajectory. Learn how finance professionals can position themselves to drive a nimble business strategy underpinned by a solid foundation structured on risk analysis and profitability.
Join fellow attendees and explore the five topics shaping today's finance leader - embracing new mandates, unlocking the ROI of reinvention, taking action on climate, modernizing the finance function, and practicing trust as a discipline.
Presenter:
Kazi Islam | Trust Solutions Strategy Leader | PwC
11:30 am - 12:30 pm
General Session
Fireside Chat with The Walt Disney Company's Brent Woodford
Moderator:
Andrej Suskavcevic, CAE | President and CEO | FEI
Presenter:
Brent Woodford | Executive Vice President, Controllership, Financial Planning and Tax | The Walt Disney Company
12:30 pm – 1:30 pm
Networking Luncheon in Exhibit Hall
2:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Post-Conference Workshop
(additional registration + fee required | 2 CPE credits available)
Chief Capital Officer: Catalyst for Board Director and CEO Excellence
Historically, the role of the board of directors was mostly ceremonial, summed up by the phrase, “noses in, fingers out.” All that changed with the collapse of Enron. From that point forward, board directors have been expected to function as strategic assets and sources of sustainable competitive advantage to the firms they serve. This includes ensuring CEOs are extraordinary.
By attending this workshop, you will learn how the Chief Capital Officer as CFO of the Future equips and engages with the board and CEO to consistently achieve extraordinary levels of sustainable value for shareholders and all other stakeholders. Attendees can expect to emerge from this session with the skill set to:
- support board directors and CEOs to perform as strategic assets and sustainable competitive advantages to their firms;
- optimize sustainable value for shareholders and other stakeholders; and
- manage effective communications with analysts, institutional investors, shareholder activists, and individual shareholders.
Presenter:
Mark Sickles | Chief Executive Officer | SuperOrg, Inc.
Back to 2024 Financial Leadership Summit