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113th Annual Conference: True North
13.00 Credits
Member Price $525.00
Price will increase by $75 after 5/22
Non-Member Price $625.00
Price will increase by $75 after 5/22
Overview
True North: Integrity and Innovation in the CPA Profession
Join us in Whitefish for two energizing days of learning, connection, and celebration at MTCPA’s 113th Annual Conference—Montana’s premier gathering of accounting professionals.
In a time of rapid change, CPAs look to a steady compass. Guided by the theme True North: Integrity and Innovation in the CPA Profession, this conference brings together professionals from across the state to explore how integrity and innovation guide decision-making, strengthen trust, and shape the future of accounting.
Through timely sessions, expert insights, and meaningful conversations, attendees will examine emerging trends, evolving standards, and practical strategies—while reaffirming the ethical foundation that defines the CPA profession. Beyond high-quality CPE, the conference offers opportunities to reconnect with peers, build new relationships, and celebrate excellence within the profession.
HOTEL
Please book your hotel room by calling Grouse Mountain Lodge at 406-892-2525 and refer to MTCPA Annual Conference. Room block expires 5/18/26. Rooms subject to availability after that time. Rates starting at $239/night + tax. Reservations can be made Monday-Friday 8AM-5PM.
NOTES
- All meals and entertainment are included with registration
- Guests may be added for meal events at checkout by selecting “Add Guest” to the event (or email info@montana.cpa), but anyone attending sessions must register as a full participant. Prices are $35 per guest for the MTCPA Luncheon and $75 per guest for the DSA Reception/Dinner. Friday's lunch is $20 per guest.
- If you plan to attend only the MTCPA Awards Luncheon or DSA Reception/Dinner, both on Thursday 6/18, please email info@montana.cpa to purchase tickets. Prices per guest listed in bullet above.
STUDENTS
Apply to attend the conference for FREE, plus allotted travel expenses if you are coming from out of town. Receive the MTCPA Leadership Track certificate at the end of the event. Apply here.
Highlights
Stay ahead in an ever-changing profession. Explore themes of integrity and innovation, hear the latest AICPA updates, engage in meaningful networking, and celebrate outstanding CPAs from around the state.
Keynote Sponsor
Platinum Level Sponsor
Gold Level Sponsor
Silver Level Sponsor
Wednesday, June 17
Optional Session
- Welcome Reception
Sponsored by JCCS
This session is available to registrants and their guests
Thursday, June 18
General Session
- You’re More Than a CPA: Unlocking the Person Within the Professional
John Garrett
John Garrett
John Garrett is a nationally recognized keynote speaker, award-winning author, and people-centric leadership expert who brings humor, insight, and real-world experience to his talks. A recovering Big Four CPA and former stand-up comedian, John helps professionals rethink outdated ideas about workplace culture and leadership by encouraging individuals to bring their whole selves to work. His work — including the What’s Your “And”? movement and podcast — has earned him recognition on Accounting Today’s list of the Top 100 Most Influential People in the profession. John has delivered keynotes to organizations ranging from accounting firms to associations and tech companies, blending wit with practical strategies for building engagement, connection, and resilient workplace cultures.
In a profession driven by credentials, deadlines, and expectations, people are often reduced to their roles—at a cost to organizations. John Garrett challenges leaders to rethink “professionalism,” showing how identity suppression impacts engagement, retention, and performance, and how creating space for authentic human connection can unlock stronger cultures and better results.
Credits: 2 - Personal Development
This session is available to registrants only.
General Session
- Raising the BAR Group presentation
Credits: 1 - Personal Development
This session is available to registrants only.
General Session
- MTCPA Awards Luncheon
Includes the Inspire Empower Impact Award, Medallion Awards, and Honorary Life presentations.
- I-E-I Award winner: Rick Reisig, CPA
- Medallion Award winners: TBA
- Honorary Life recipients: TBA
Sponsored by Glacier Bancorp Inc.
This session is available to registrants and their guests
- Guest Price
- $35.00
Session Pricing:
General Session
- AI Curious to AI Capable
Brandy Lawson, TekGrl, LLC DBA FieryFX
Brandy Lawson
Brandy Lawson is a sought-after speaker, business advisor, and founder of FieryFX, an innovation consultancy that helps organizations leverage technology, systems, and expert talent to work smarter and grow with clarity. Known for her practical insights and engaging style, Brandy helps leaders identify untapped opportunities, implement effective solutions, and navigate change with confidence. She brings years of experience in technology, strategy, and business transformation to her presentations, and is praised for making complex ideas accessible and actionable. Brandy also hosts the weekly podcast Elevated, where she shares quick, strategic takeaways on innovation, tech, and smart business.
AI tools change every 90 60 21 days, yet most firms still use 2019 risk frameworks to evaluate 2026 technology. This session is about moving from “I should learn about AI…” to “I’m using AI this week” — with a framework that works when you’re trained to be methodical but the tools (and world) keep changing.
Credits: 2 - Information Technology
This session is available to registrants only.
General Session
- MTCPA Business Meeting / Society Update
Credits: 1 - Specialized Knowledge
This session is available to registrants only.
Optional Session
- Celebration Dinner & DSA Award Ceremony
Enjoy drinks & appetizer reception, dinner, Distinguished Service Award (DSA) ceremony, and concluding with the famous Dessert Dash. This event is included in registration price. Guests welcome with added event registration.
- DSA Award winner: Clem Lockman, CPA
Reception sponsored by Pinion
This session is available to registrants and their guests
- Guest Price
- $75.00
Session Pricing:
Friday, June 19
Optional Session
- Working Breakfast: Charitable Giving Strategies
Join the Whitefish Community Foundation over breakfast as they discuss tax law changes that affect charitable giving, as well as general charitable giving strategies for your tax clients.
Sponsored by Pinion
Credits: 1 - Specialized Knowledge
This session is available to registrants only.
General Session
- AICPA Update w/ Carla McCall
Carla McCall
Carla McCall
Carla McCall, CPA, CGMA, is a Past Chair of the AICPA and the Managing Partner of AAFCPAs, a Top 100 CPA and consulting firm. In her leadership roles, Carla has championed innovation, professional value, and inclusion across the profession while helping guide strategic growth and expanded service offerings. She has also been recognized among Accounting Today’s Top 100 Most Influential People and as one of the Most Powerful Women in the Accounting Profession. Carla brings deep insight into the evolving landscape of the CPA profession and a commitment to advancing the profession’s value, sustainability, and opportunities for future generations.
Credits: 2 - Specialized Knowledge
This session is available to registrants only.
Breakout Session
- BREAKOUT: Practitioner Liaison Meeting [IRS]
Join IRS Stakeholder Liaison for a in-person Practitioner Liaison Meeting. This session will focus on collecting feedback with the goal of improving IRS services and addressing concerns raised by the tax professional community.
Credits: 1 - Specialized Knowledge
This session is available to registrants only.
- BREAKOUT: Seeing Culture Clearly: A Leader’s Lens for Building Firms People Choose
John Garrett
John Garrett
John Garrett is a nationally recognized keynote speaker, award-winning author, and people-centric leadership expert who brings humor, insight, and real-world experience to his talks. A recovering Big Four CPA and former stand-up comedian, John helps professionals rethink outdated ideas about workplace culture and leadership by encouraging individuals to bring their whole selves to work. His work — including the What’s Your “And”? movement and podcast — has earned him recognition on Accounting Today’s list of the Top 100 Most Influential People in the profession. John has delivered keynotes to organizations ranging from accounting firms to associations and tech companies, blending wit with practical strategies for building engagement, connection, and resilient workplace cultures.
This discussion-based breakout introduces a leadership framework that explores how culture and performance are shaped across mindset, behaviors, shared meaning, and organizational systems. Through guided reflection and peer dialogue, leaders identify blind spots that may impact engagement, retention, and succession, and consider how shifting their perspective can help create more connected, motivated, and resilient organizations.
Credits: 1 - Personal Development
This session is available to registrants only.
- BREAKOUT: Your First Week of AI Experiments: A Practical Workshop
Brandy Lawson, TekGrl, LLC DBA FieryFX
Brandy Lawson
Brandy Lawson is a sought-after speaker, business advisor, and founder of FieryFX, an innovation consultancy that helps organizations leverage technology, systems, and expert talent to work smarter and grow with clarity. Known for her practical insights and engaging style, Brandy helps leaders identify untapped opportunities, implement effective solutions, and navigate change with confidence. She brings years of experience in technology, strategy, and business transformation to her presentations, and is praised for making complex ideas accessible and actionable. Brandy also hosts the weekly podcast Elevated, where she shares quick, strategic takeaways on innovation, tech, and smart business.
This is the “okay, what do I actually DO on Monday morning” session. You’ll leave with three specific AI experiments you’re running next week using real tasks from your actual job. (Bring your laptop if you want to experiment during the session)
Credits: 1 - Computer Software & Applications
This session is available to registrants only.
General Session
- Lunch
Sponsored by Rudd & Company
This session is available to registrants and their guests
- Guest Price
- $20.00
Session Pricing:
General Session
- Roundtable Discussions
Group peer-to-peer discussions on a variety of topics - TBD
Credits: 2 - Specialized Knowledge
This session is available to registrants only.
General Session
- Made in Montana Business Panel
This panel will be a conversation with Montana-based founders, finance leaders, and CPAs about what it really takes to grow companies here in the state.
Panelists:
Justin Meccia - Whitefish Handcrafted Spirits
Kristen Heck - LC Staffing
Jeff Claridge - LHC | Heavy Civil Contractor
more announced soon!
Credits: 1 - Specialized Knowledge
This session is available to registrants only.
General Session
- Closing / Prize Drawings
This session is available to registrants only.
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
Leader(s):
Leader Bios
Brandy Lawson, TekGrl, LLC DBA FieryFX
Brandy Lawson is a sought-after speaker, business advisor, and founder of FieryFX, an innovation consultancy that helps organizations leverage technology, systems, and expert talent to work smarter and grow with clarity. Known for her practical insights and engaging style, Brandy helps leaders identify untapped opportunities, implement effective solutions, and navigate change with confidence. She brings years of experience in technology, strategy, and business transformation to her presentations, and is praised for making complex ideas accessible and actionable. Brandy also hosts the weekly podcast Elevated, where she shares quick, strategic takeaways on innovation, tech, and smart business.
Carla McCall
Carla McCall, CPA, CGMA, is a Past Chair of the AICPA and the Managing Partner of AAFCPAs, a Top 100 CPA and consulting firm. In her leadership roles, Carla has championed innovation, professional value, and inclusion across the profession while helping guide strategic growth and expanded service offerings. She has also been recognized among Accounting Today’s Top 100 Most Influential People and as one of the Most Powerful Women in the Accounting Profession. Carla brings deep insight into the evolving landscape of the CPA profession and a commitment to advancing the profession’s value, sustainability, and opportunities for future generations.
John Garrett
John Garrett is a nationally recognized keynote speaker, award-winning author, and people-centric leadership expert who brings humor, insight, and real-world experience to his talks. A recovering Big Four CPA and former stand-up comedian, John helps professionals rethink outdated ideas about workplace culture and leadership by encouraging individuals to bring their whole selves to work. His work — including the What’s Your “And”? movement and podcast — has earned him recognition on Accounting Today’s list of the Top 100 Most Influential People in the profession. John has delivered keynotes to organizations ranging from accounting firms to associations and tech companies, blending wit with practical strategies for building engagement, connection, and resilient workplace cultures.
- Denis Adams
- Linda Addington - Addington Accounting & Tax PC (Kalispell, 59901)
- Brandi Ashford - University of Montana Student (Missoula, 59812)
- Brigitte Baake - Jordahl & Sliter PLLC (Kalispell, 59904)
- Amber Balzer - Rocky Mountain College Student (Billings, 59101)
- Jennifer Beisecker - Montana State Univ Billings Student (Billings, 59101)
- Adrianna Bernhardt - Wipfli Advisory LLC (Helena, 59604)
- Megan Connors - Pinion (Missoula, 59801)
- Bradley Corntassel - Jordahl & Sliter PLLC (Kalispell, 59904)
- Jessica Curney - Multistate Tax Resources LLC (Helena, 59601)
- Aurelia Damiani - JCCS PC (Kalispell, 59904)
- Leana Eastty - Montana State University Student (Bozeman, 59717)
- Meghan Ekholt
- Carrie Faulhaber - Beartooth Group (Bozeman, 59771)
- Katelyn Fuchs - Carroll College Student (Helena, 59601)
- Kris Fuehrer - Whitefish Tax & Consulting PC (Whitefish, 59937)
- Erin Furr - Pinion (Great Falls, 59401)
- Theresa Gallo - Multistate Tax Resources LLC (Helena, 59601)
- Abigail Grotbo - Montana State University Student (Bozeman, 59717)
- Annette Hill
- Tristen Holt - Montana Tech Student (Butte, 59701)
- Alana Jilek - Rocky Mountain College Student (Billings, 59101)
- Ryan Jordan - Jordan & Associates Inc (Great Falls, 59404)
- Miranda Koski - Carver Florek & James CPAs (Missoula, 59801)
- Julie Kostelecky - Rudd & Company PLLC (Bozeman, 59718)
- Connor Larson - Colleen Black & Co PC (Billings, 59102)
- Renee Liechti - Jordahl & Sliter PLLC (Kalispell, 59904)
- Hunter May - Linked Accounting, LLP (Kaysville, 84037)
- Cassandra McKenney - Jordahl & Sliter PLLC (Kalispell, 59904)
- Ryan Patrick
- Hailee Regan - Douglas Wilson & Co PC (Great Falls, 59401)
- Richard Reisig
- Hillary Rens - Deason CPA PC (Miles City, 59301)
- Michael Reynoso - University of Montana Student (Missoula, 59812)
- Russell Rice - Eide Bailly LLP (Billings, 59101)
- David Ritchey - Online Degree/Other Student (-, 00000)
- Kelli Schwartzenberger - Jordahl & Sliter PLLC (Kalispell, 59904)
- Ryan Screnar - Glacier Bancorp Inc (Kalispell, 59901)
- Justin Sliter - Jordahl & Sliter PLLC (Kalispell, 59904)
- Sara Smith - ALPS Corporation (Missoula, 59802)
- Sarah Stahlberg - ALPENGLOW TAX & CONSULTING (KALISPELL, 59901)
- Sarah Stanger - Pinion (Great Falls, 59401)
- Kendal Staples - Carroll College Student (Helena, 59601)
- Melissa Sullivan - RMW Accounting (Shelby, 59474)
- Sydni Tangaro - Tangaro & Company CPAs (Bozeman, 59771)
- Valerie Vermulm - Billmans Inc (Cut Bank, 59427)
- Larry Vervick - Larry Vervick CPA PLLC (Missoula, 59801)
- Ronald Yates - Eide Bailly LLP (Billings, 59101)
Non-Member Price $625.00
Member Price $525.00