The Association for Accounting Administration invites you and others from your firm to attend its 2007 National Practice Management Conference, Chart Your Course: MAP Success. The event has been exclusively designed to help participants professionally manage accounting practices of varying sizes. The two-and-a-half day educational extravaganza has something for everyone involved in accounting administration. The event includes sessions that range from the beginner to the advanced levels. From the high-level technical sessions to the smaller breakout sessions geared to specific problem-solving and informal gatherings designed to facilitate networking and information exchange, the Conference has sessions for accounting administrators with one year of experience to those with over 30 years of experience.

AAA continually enhances the program format to maximize networking and discussion time for attendees.

The overall program is designed to enhance the skills of even the most experienced administrator through a wide variety of top-notch and timely sessions led by professionals and experts from around the country. The event also features the A.C.E. Award, the profession’s most coveted award given for achievement, commitment, and excellence to the profession.

You should attend if you are . . .
• responsible for management of an accounting practice.
• responsible for the quality and profitability of your firm.
• supervising and/or training staff in an accounting firm.
• interested in developing a network of outstanding professionals.
• ready to promote your firm in today’s marketplace.
• a beginner or veteran.

In the past, the Conference has attracted professionals representing firms with 4 to 1,000 employees with an average firm size of 49. Whether you are new to the profession or someone with a great deal of experience, you will leave the Conference with skills and resources you never dreamed possible, ones that will help you and your firm prosper.

The Association for Accounting Administration (AAA) has more than 750 members nationwide. Its main objective is to develop and maintain, through cooperative efforts, a high level of professional skills required to satisfy members’ growing professional needs in the field of accounting administration.

AAA has published not only ADA Job Descriptions for CPA Firms, a Survey Manual, a Marketing Manual, a booklet, A Guide to CPA Firm Administration, a Disaster Planning Guide for CPA Firms, an Employee Orientation & Training Manual, A Guide to CPA Firm Intranets, The Funtastic Firm, The Guide to Paperless Administration, a web-based Resource Bank, a bank of knowledge for professionals involved in accounting administration, A Guide to Record Retention and Destruction Policies for CPA Firms, a collaborative effort with CAMICO, Inc. but in conjunction with the AICPA, AAA compiled and published Timesavers, one of the most useful firm management tools you’ll encounter. Timesavers is a collection of 200 interactive forms, checklists and surveys. The information covers all areas of practice management including practice development, administration and personnel. In early 2007, AAA will publish A Guide to Office Moves and Relocations.

In addition to the many publications, benefits through membership include networking and educational conferences, technology seminars, group purchasing programs, a member to member survey program and a lending library, to name a few.

The association is the one representative voice of professionals managing accounting firms. Check out the Association’s Web site at www.cpaadmin.org.

Hotel:  The Westin Providence (www.westin.com)
Address: One West Exchange Street, Providence, RI 02903
Telephone: (401) 598-8000
Room Rate: $179.00 single/double occupancy

Note that the Westin has sold out and AAA is currently using the new Hilton for overflow needs.

HOTEL
Connected to the Rhode Island Convention Center and the new Providence Place Mall, and located in downtown Providence, The Westin Providence boasts an excellent location. Within walking distance of many gourmet restaurants and historic attractions, guests can experience all that the city has to offer.

With a heated indoor pool, fully equipped Capital Club fitness center, and delicious Agora Restaurant and Bar, The Westin Providence has everything you need to relax and renew.

Relax in one of The Westin’s Heavenly Beds®, which come standard in each of their 364 guest rooms and suites. Guests enjoy spacious accommodations with beautiful city views and oversized bathrooms.

The hotel offers their new WestinWORKOUT® room and guests can exercise in the privacy of your own room!

Westin didn't discover fresh air, but they're proud to offer it at this hotel. The Westin Providence offers the Breathe WestinTM smoke-free program.

Guest Room and Hotel Amenities  
Tastefully designed and elegantly appointed in classic European style, accommodations at The Westin Providence offer spectacular views of Providence. Each of the guest rooms features a large writing desk, color television with in-room movies, and two telephones with voice mail and data ports.

Other amenities include:

All scheduled educational events will take place at The Westin Providence, One West Exchange Street, Providence, RI 02903. Registrants can reach the hotel at (401) 598-8000.  Should you need to send packages to the hotel, include your name, arrival date and the words “hotel guest” on the mailing label.

All reservations should be made through AAA to ensure availability and rate.  Reservations by telephone, fax, email or on-line will be accepted.  The group’s room block will be released on May 19, 2007.  All reservations received after this date will be reserved on a space available basis at the group rate.  AAA’s preferred room rate is $179.00 per room per night plus tax (currently 13%) for single/double occupancy.  The group rate has been extended three days pre and three days post the event for those wishing to spend a few days in New England.

Accounting Technology Administrator Fly-In
The Association for Accounting Administration offers a Special Interest Group (SIG) and is again offering a day-and-a-half program designed specifically for this group of professionals and those with interest. The SIG is for Accounting Technology Administrators otherwise known as CPA Firm Network Administrators and Firm Administrators responsible for managing technology within their accounting firm. This SIG will help ATAs effectively manage technology in the firm and provide networking opportunities.

The full-day program will be held on Tuesday, June 19, 2007 in conjunction with the AAA 2007 Practice Management Conference. This interactive program for the profession will be led by Roman H. Kepczyk of InfoTech Partners North America and Trey James of the Xcentric, the ATA Fly-In’s Program Sponsor.

Roman is also an AAA Advisory Board member and one of the profession’s leading authorities on firm technology issues.

This year’s session will focus on the following topics to be covered on Tuesday and/or Wednesday morning:

Participants will receive a listing of all participants to use for further networking, an executive summary of the session and a complete listing of tools and web resources for ATAs. Registrants will be encouraged to send questions before the session to ensure all subjects of importance are covered. Discounted registration fees are available for SIG members and Conference registrants.  The Fly-In will conclude with a lunch on Wednesday, June 20, 2007.

Human Resources Fly-In
The Association for Accounting Administration is offering a one-day program designed exclusively for the accounting firm human resources professional. The one-day program will be held on Tuesday, June 19, 2007 in conjunction with the AAA 2007 Practice Management Conference and will afford both the opportunity for CPE as well as re-certification credits for HRCI.  

Your team members are the key to your success.  In this powerful one-day program, we’ll address a critical issue facing the accounting profession and help managing partners and partners, administrators, managers, and human resource professionals maximize the quality and commitment of their team by sharing new concepts, tips, and tools to aid in recruiting, managing, and motivating their staff.  Participants will learn best practices in accounting HR, including:

If you're interested in an effective method for growing your team and developing your human resource management skills (or those of others in your firm), this fly-in is a must!  This interactive program for the profession will be led by Jennifer Wilson of ConvergenceCoaching LLC.

Participants will receive a listing of all participants to use for further networking, an executive summary of the session and a complete listing of tools and resources for accounting firm human resources professionals. Registrants will be encouraged to send questions before the session to ensure all subjects of importance are covered. Discounted registration fees are available for Conference registrants and all HR Fly-In registrants not registered for the conference are invited to morning sessions and meals on Wednesday, June 20 to further open discussions on topics of interest.

PKF North American Network Firm Administrators Roundtable
(PKF North American Network Members)

12:15 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.

Changing Chaos into Productivity
By Len Merson, Chaos Over, Inc.
Sponsored by Commercial Logic, Inc.

Thursday, June 21, 2007

BREAKOUT SESSIONS

Cocktail Hour/Reception Provided by Computer Solutions and the Hanke Group
Visit the Computer Solutions display for Invitation

BDO Seidman Alliance Member Reception (BDO Seidman Alliance Members) at the local offices of Piccerelli Gilstein & Co.

Registration with Our Vendors  
Cyber Café Open

Only Wet Babies Like Change
By Mikki Williams, Mikki Williams Unlimited
Sponsored by Taylor Made Software

In addition to the customary management, marketing, human resource, personal development and technology topics, concurrent sessions will be presented by recognized experts in their fields and cover such timely topics as (partial listing):

The Association will feature speakers on various timely issues.  Plans are coming together for a fabulous conference with two and a half days of nationally known speakers and timely issue-driven topics certain to please attendees from accounting practices, regardless of firm size or the specific responsibilities of the professional manager.  The conference will kick off on Tuesday afternoon with a First Timer’s Forum followed by a welcome reception that will help the Association Chart a Course for MAP Success for the balance of the week.  Following two-and-a-half days of breakout sessions and featured presentations for professionals managing accounting practices, the conference will conclude at noon on Friday with a program by nationally acclaimed speaker, Mikki Williams, Mikki Williams Unlimited

This year, AAA is again offering an Accounting Technology Administrator’s Fly-In on Tuesday, June 19, 2007 in addition to a concurrent all-day Fly-In for those with a concentration in human resources for CPA firms.  The offered Fly-Ins are separate from the Conference, but discounts for participation in both are available.

Monday, June 18, 2007
8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.                  
Grant Thornton Meeting (Grant Thornton Representatives)            

1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.               
PKF North American Network Firm Administrators Roundtable (PKF North American Network Members)

7:00 p.m.
AAA National Board of Directors Meeting

Tuesday, June 19, 2007
7:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
CPA Firm Association Meetings
(schedules to be determined)

7:30 a.m. – 8:00 a.m.
Fly-In Registration and Continental Breakfast

8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Pre-Conference Technology Fly-In and Lunch
Led by Roman Kepczyk, InfoTech Partners North America and Trey James, Xcentric
Program Level: Intermediate
NASBA Field of Study: Computer Science
CPE Credit: 8 hours

This year’s session will focus on the following topics:

Roman H. Kepczyk, CPA is President of InfoTech Partners North America, Inc. and the Lead Technology Management Strategist for the firm. His primary focus is helping firms throughout North America effectively use information technology by implementing best practices and directing them towards today’s “paperless” or Digital CPA firm. He has spent the past ten years consulting exclusively with CPA firms and prior to that, ten years with the CPA firm of Henry & Horne, (Arizona’s largest regional firm) where he was the partner in charge of the firm's Management Advisory Services and Microcomputer Consulting practices. Roman also served as the firm’s Administrative partner where he oversaw Internal Accounting, Marketing, Human Resources and was responsible for the creation and implementation of the firm's technology plan and budget. He is currently a member of the AICPA PCPS Executive Committee and just completed three years as the Chairman of the AICPA's Information Technology Executive Committee. Roman was included in the Accounting Today Most Influential People list for the years 2000-2005 and was named one of the Most Recommended Consultants of 2004 and 2005 by INSIDE Public Accounting. Roman is also an Advisory Board Member to the Association for Accounting Administration and has served on the Board of Directors of the Arizona Society of CPAs. He has been a featured national and regional speaker to thousands of CPA firms on information technology. On a technical level, Roman is an AICPA Certified Information Technology Professional.

Trey James is a partner with Xcentric, a firm providing technology solutions to CPA firms by bridging the gap and helping to build infrastructure.  Xcentric is one of the leading providers of technology driven results for CPA firms in North America as they partner with CPA firms to share knowledge and expertise, allowing firms to focus on growing their practice.  Trey speaks the “CPA language”, integrating today’s CPA firm specific software with technology of the future.  With more than 20 years of accounting profession experience, Trey and the partners of Xcentric have hundreds of network installs to their credit. Xcentric’s leaders are constantly researching and developing solutions to improve firms’ operations.

8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Pre-Conference Human Resource Fly-In and Lunch
Led by Jennifer Wilson, ConvergenceCoaching LLC
Program Level: Intermediate
NASBA Field of Study: Personnel/HR
CPE Credit: 8 hours
HRCI Approved: 8 hours

Your team members are the key to your success.  During this program, we’ll address a critical issue facing the accounting profession and help managing partners and partners, administrators, managers, and human resource professionals maximize the quality and commitment of their team by sharing new concepts, tips, and tools to aid in recruiting, managing, and motivating their staff.  Participants will learn best practices in accounting HR, including:

This session is specifically designed for those interested in an effective method for growing your team and developing your human resource management skills (or those of others in your firm).

Jennifer Wilson is a co-founder and owner of ConvergenceCoaching, LLC, a national leadership and marketing consulting firm dedicated to helping CPA and IT firms achieve success by helping them develop and implement success plans. Jennifer’s ultimate goal is to make a transformational difference in the lives of her clients and in their businesses. Named to Accounting Today’s 100 Most Influential People in Accounting list and one of Accounting Technology magazine’s Technology Stars, Jennifer worked in both the public accounting and IT sectors before co-founding ConvergenceCoaching, LLC. As a partner for the top ten accounting firm, BDO Seidman, LLP, Jennifer ran the National Financial Solutions Group practice with nearly 100 consultants providing software selection, implementation and support services to clients ranging from $5 to $100 million in size. Jennifer serves on the editorial advisory board for the CPA Technology Advisor and is a regular guest columnist for Accounting Today with many recently published articles on leadership, management, human resources and sales. She is a nationally recognized speaker, delivering leadership and marketing education to accounting and technology associations and state society members on a regular basis.

8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Grant Thornton Meeting (Grant Thornton Representatives)

12:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Conference Registration
Cyber Café Open

12:15 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.              
Leading Edge Alliance Firm Administrators/COO SIG and Human Resources SIG Meeting
(Leading Edge Alliance Members)

4:30 p.m. - 5:45 p.m.                
First Timer's Forum                                                                   
Led by Virginia Lowery, Illinois Agricultural Auditing Association and Rita Keller, Brady Ware & Schoenfeld           
Program Level: Overview
NASBA Field of Study: Personal Development
CPE Credit: 1.5 hours

If this is your first AAA Practice Management Conference, or first in several years, you are encouraged to participate in this lively and interactive session designed to help facilitate your conference experience. Spend time learning the ins and outs of the AAA National Practice Management Conference. Veteran attendees Virginia Lowery and Rita Keller will take a fresh approach to adding value to the annual event while providing tips to receive the maximum return on your personal and firm investment.

6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.                
Welcome Reception with Our Vendors                                                                 
Join other Conference participants for an evening of networking and fun. The evening will allow for introductions to the event’s vendors and will chart the course for the next three days of excitement with appetizers and a cash bar.
                                                                                                                            
Wednesday, June 20, 2007                                                  
6:15 a.m.                                 
Morning Power Walk                                                                  
Led by Roman Kepczyk, InfoTech Partners North America
Join other attendees for a relaxing walk through some of downtown Providence’s most interesting surroundings. Time will be provided to freshen up before sessions begin. Meet in the main lobby of the hotel.

7:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.                
Conference Registration with Our Vendors                                                           
Cyber Café Open                                                                                                  

7:30 a.m. - 8:30 a.m.                 
Vendor Continental Breakfasts                
Select from breakfasts led by CCH, Doc-It, Inc., NAPLIA/Lapping and Picardi, and Reqwired, Inc.
Program Level: Basic
NASBA Field of Study: Business Management & Operations
CPE Credit: 1 hour

This breakfast session will allow Conference participants to select a breakfast facilitated by one of four vendors to the accounting profession.  Presentations and open discussions will be included.

CCH, a Wolters Kluwer business, is a leading provider of integrated tax and accounting research information and software solutions.  CCH has a century-old existence and extensive experience developing the authoritative research tools and leading-edge software solutions professionals use daily in their practices.

Doc-It is a complete digital document management solution that includes software, training and implementation methodology developed by accountants for accounting firms.

North American Professional Liability Insurance Agency, LLP (NAPLIA)/Lapping and Picardi is a national independent agency that specializes solely in providing professional liability insurance, errors & omissions insurance, and related products. 

Reqwired is the leading learning management system (LMS) for accounting firms.  Reqwired empowers employees to take control of their professional development with self-service tools and customized learning plans, and enables professional development administrators to manage firm learning.  Reqwired’s LMS includes a comprehensive mandatory continuing education compliance management system as well as tools that aid in the administration of accredited education.  Reqwired was developed with accounting firms in mind; thus, implementation is immediate and effortless.

8:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.                
ATA Fly-In Day 2 including Lunch
Led by Roman Kepczyk, InfoTech Partners North America and Trey James, Xcentric        
Program Level: Intermediate
NASBA Field of Study: Computer Science
CPE Credit: 4 hours

Day 2 will be more technical in nature with discussions and presentations focusing on information securities tools and technologies including critical components of securing your firm’s IT infrastructure including the applications, appliances and resources and future techs and trends.  The line between leading edge and bleeding edge technologies can be extremely fine and this morning session will begin with discussion on what future technologies may bring to individuals and firms.

The session will conclude with lunch and an open forum “IT Talk” lead by session facilitators.

8:40 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.                 
Opening Ceremony
An official welcome to the 2007 Practice Management Conference presented by a local area representative.           

9:00 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.               
Dealing with the Organizational Wart: Change                                                             
By Dr. Dale Henry, Your Best Unlimited
Program Level: Basic
NASBA Field of Study: Business Management & Organization
CPE Credit: 1.5 hours
HRCI Approved: 1.5 hours

For most, dealing with change is like having a wart.  If it’s somewhere we can’t look at it everyday, we try to forget about it. And if it is somewhere we can see it, we want to get rid of it as soon as possible!  Change is the one thing you can count on being constant in a world that never stops spinning.  Change drives our everyday life and is the number one cause of stress and anxiety. So, if it is so predictable, what can we do to harness it?   This amusing session is designed to reboot and reset you master computer – the brain – and to enable you to work and play smarter in an ever-changing environment.

Dr. Dale Henry grew up in the foothills of the Smoky Mountains, an area that is bountiful in two things—hospitality and story-telling.  Dr. Dale has been a teacher, principal, Dean of the oldest college in Tennessee, a businessman, author, and a speaker and trainer.  Dale has been in customer service over half his life.  His story-telling ability propelled him as a teacher.  This, combined with his customer service and unique ability to captivate audiences, has sky-rocketed Dale in his speaking career.  Since he began speaking just a few short years ago, corporate, government, and educational agencies call on Dr. Henry regularly to have him train their professionals.  His client list is a virtual who’s who of the top businesses and agencies in the nation.  Dr. Henry is a master teacher in every aspect of the term, and he is what motivational speakers aspire to become.  Dr. Henry’s book, The Proverbial Cracker Jack: How to Get Out of The Box And Become The Prize, is a must read.

10:30 a.m. - 10:45 a.m.             
Refreshment Break with Our Vendors                                                                   

10:45 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.             
BREAKOUT SESSIONS BY FIRM SIZE                                                                 
Participants will be assigned to the session matching the number of personnel at their respective firms. Moderators will ensure focused discussions on topics and issues of importance to the participants. Breakout session agendas will be determined prior the Conference to help allocate time to the topics of interest and need.
Program Level: Basic
NASBA Field of Study: Business Management & Organization
CPE Credit: 1.5 hours
HRCI Approved: 1.5 hours

12:15 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.              
LUNCH & LEARN
Designed for participants to remain in the same groups as Breakout Sessions by Firm Size to continue discussions.           
Program Level: Basic
NASBA Field of Study: Business Management & Organization
CPE Credit: 1 hour
HRCI Approved: 1 hour

1:30 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.                
BREAKOUT SESSIONS
Management and Operations
(A) Gaining Leverage in Relationships and Negotiations
By Jerry Jellison, Ph.D., University of Southern California
Program Level: Intermediate
NASBA Field of Study: Business Management & Operations
CPE Credit: 1.5 hours
HRCI Approved: 1.5 hours

Here’s a practical new way to understand your business and personal relationships. This innovative model goes beyond the usual psychological factors (personalities, management styles, values) and gets at the underlying behavioral exchange processes that drive all relationships. Participants will learn how to determine the actual source of problems in any relationship. Participants will discover concrete things they can do immediately to --- resolve interpersonal conflicts, improve people’s performance, and build teamwork. In negotiations these practical tools will help you leverage power position and guarantee that the final agreement is equitable and profitable for all parties. Learn why win-win isn’t good enough, and how to put these new ideas to work to go beyond getting to yes.

Jerald M. Jellison received his Ph.D. from the University of Missouri in 1963. He has been a member of the psychology faculty at USC since 1971.  Widely known for his courses in Interpersonal Relations and Applied Social Psychology, Dr. Jellison is the recipient of multiple awards for Teaching Excellence and is actively involved in speaking to business audiences on the topic of producing change. He is the author of Overcoming Resistance: A Practical Guide to Producing Change in the Workplace (Simon & Schuster, 1993).

Administration Essentials
(B) Under the Microscope – Budgeting, Reflecting and Reporting
By Debbie Sessions, Porter Keadle Moore
Program Level: Basic
NASBA Field of Study: Accounting
CPE Credit: 1.5 hours

Financial analysis, while not one of the most exciting aspects of a firm administrator's job description, is one of the most important ways that firm administrators can reinforce their value within their organization. Administrators are in the unique position of being able to spend the time to understand their firm's financial performance, comparing actual results to budgets, and make recommendations for improvement. This session will give you the tools to manage and streamline the budgeting process as well as ideas of how to analyze and report on results.

Debbie Sessions is a partner with Porter Keadle Moore, LLP. She has been with the firm since 1982 and spent her first six years in the audit department and was an audit manager prior to taking the position of Director of Administration/Chief Operating Officer in 1988. Since 1988 she has been involved in all aspects of managing the business aspects of a CPA firm, including budgeting, recruiting, facilities management, employee benefits, continuing education, cash management, capital acquisitions, as well as other multiple management responsibilities.

Leadership
(C) Culture and Leadership: Opposite Sides of the Coin
By Eric Sanders, OD Economist
Program Level: Intermediate
NASBA Field of Study: Business Management & Operations
CPE Credit: 1.5 hours
HRCI Approved: 1.5 hours

Leadership is not an isolated role. Instead, leaders need a strong team of players willing to commit to the organization’s vision, empower others to support it, and - most importantly - lead in a fashion that is consistent with the vision. This session will explore the differences between managing and leading.  Outcomes of this session include:

Eric Sanders is an external Organization Development consultant specializing in translating human capital improvements into business results through organizational development and learning programs, and has presented on this topic at both the American Society for Training and Development International Conference and Expo and the Organization Development Network annual conference. As a Senior Account Manager for Human Synergistics, he managed hundreds of organizational culture and leadership development assessments, debriefed the results to organization leaders and assisted in change planning.

Eric earned a Certificate in OD from Benedictine University, as well as a BS in psychology, an MA in economics and an MBA. He also was one of the “pilot pioneers” earning the new ASTD credential as a Certified Professional in Learning and Performance. His broad background includes twenty years of experience in retail sales and management, five years in academia as an instructor and teacher trainer, and two years as a missionary.

Personal Growth & Development
(D) Participatory Mentoring by Facilitative Leaders
By D. Michael McDowell, McCrory and McDowell
Program Level: Basic
NASBA Field of Study: Personal Development
CPE Credit: 1.5 hours
HRCI Approved: 1.5 hours

In this session, the differences between hierarchical and facilitative leadership styles and their respective impacts on both formal mentoring programs and informal mentoring opportunities within an accounting firm will be contrasted.  Participants will also look at what it takes to create honest, open participation between the mentor and the mentee.  Through a group participation process, the session will help participants identify the key elements of successful mentoring strategies/programs in use today and how generational issues might alter their effectiveness in the future.

D. Michael McDowell is a co-founding principal of McCrory & McDowell LLC.  Mike is currently managing principal of the firm and chairman of the firm’s Executive Committee. Over the past decade Mike has focused on leadership training and strategic planning and development, as well as assistance in implementing strategic initiatives. Mike’s facilitation techniques were developed from the training he received through the Institute of Cultural Affairs (ICA), a world leader in the techniques of facilitation, group consensus building, and action planning. In his role as a facilitator, Mike also works with professional services practices and other businesses throughout the country leading their strategic retreats and supporting the implementation of their strategic plans.

3:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.                
Refreshment Break with Our Vendors                                         

3:30 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.                
Changing Chaos into Productivity
By Len Merson, Chaos Over, Inc.                                                                           
Program Level: Basic
NASBA Field of Study: Business Management & Operations
CPE Credit: 1.5 hours
HRCI Approved: 1.5 hours

The inundation of electronically-held and paper-based information has placed us in a state of incredible overwhelm. The cry of “There’s no time to get all of the work done” and “I’m drowning in information” can not only be stopped – it can be turned into a pro-active experience. This session will teach:

Professionals need a pro-active stance in assimilating, processing and completing tasks. The overwhelm presently with today’s volume of information has not been satisfactorily handled with “tools” alone. Experiential rather than theory based, this program deals exclusively with the HUMAN side of information management. It was designed to produce viable and tangible business results by addressing the chaos-driven, real-world, information age. The reactive, automatic, multi-tasking, frenetic experience of overwhelm can be overcome by applying the practices set forth in this program. These practices bring sanity and productivity back and revitalize participants so they are satisfied with a day’s work and have energy left for family, friends and recreation.  What will attendees be able to “take-home” from this presentation?

Len Merson is the Founder and CEO of Chaos Over, Inc. His career began in sales and marketing consulting. Invariably, the companies that contracted for his services were so disorganized that it was hard to see how they attained, and maintained, the success they had achieved. This mismanagement of information was, for the most part, under the surface. Merson taught them methods to become far more organized. Carefully following a paradigm that he had formulated, each company's sales, revenue, productivity and profit "shot up like a rocket!" Merson also began to see how powerful the correlation was between organization and the companies’ profits and self-esteem of those involved. It was from this actualization that The CHAOSOVER Program (formerly the CareerTech program), was born in July of 1973. Over the past thirty-three years, Len has trained over 75,000 people in companies around the world in mastering their careers and recapturing their lives. An international trainer and consultant, as well as being regarded as an expert in the field of turning chaos into productivity, Merson’s programs have been successfully provided to companies such as the Whirlpool Corporation, Sun Microsystems. Oracle, Sybase, Quantum, Applied Materials, Altera, American Express Travel Division, and Electronic Arts/EA Sports. Len currently transforms more than twenty-five corporate environments and enthralls over thirty general audiences yearly and has won speaking awards from The National Speakers Association. Len is a published author of THE INSTANT PRODUCTIVITY TOOLKIT, 21 Simple Ways to Get More Out of Your Job, Yourself and Your Life, IMMEDIATELY. 

6:00 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.                
AAA Evening Out                                                                       
An evening with dinner, entertainment and awards.                                                   

Dinner, awards and entertainment will take place at the Biltmore Hotel. Participants will meet and depart from the hotel lobby at 5:40 p.m. for the brief walk.

Thursday, June 21, 2007                                                            
6:15 a.m.                                 
Morning Power Walk                                                                  
Led by Roman Kepczyk, InfoTech Partners North America

Join other attendees for a relaxing walk through some of downtown Providence’s most interesting surroundings. Time will be provided to freshen up before sessions begin. Meet in the main lobby of the hotel.

7:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.                
Registration with Our Vendors                                                   
Cyber Café Open                                                                        

7:30 a.m. - 8:30 a.m.                 
Managing Partner Continental Breakfast Panel

Panelists include Mike McDowell, McCrory and McDowell, Alan Litwin, Kahn, Litwin, Renza & Co., Rod Byrne, Wright, Griffin, Davis and Company, and Martin Shulman, Caras & Shulman
Moderated by Don Scholl, D.B. Scholl, Inc.
Program Level: Overview
NASBA Field of Study: Business Management & Operations
CPE Credit: 1 hour

This open forum format will provide an opportunity for conference participants to ask questions of managing partners from firms of various sizes with differing focuses and structures.

8:45 a.m. - 10:15 a.m.               
Succession Planning: Getting Your Head Out of the Sand                                   
By Sam Allred, Upstream Academy
Program Level: Overview
NASBA Field of Study: Business Management & Operations
CPE Credit: 1.5 hours
HRCI Approved: 1.5 hours

While some firms are on track with succession planning, many are headed for a train wreck.  Do you know the biggest mistakes firms make in succession planning and how to avoid them?  What are the key decisions that need to be made right now?  Do you know who’s going to succeed retiring partners and how to prepare leaders for new roles?  Do you understand what to do to ensure the best clients don’t follow retiring partners out the door?  These topics and more will be addressed in this session.

Sam Allred, CPA is a Shareholder with Anderson ZurMuehlen & Co., P.C., a regional CPA and business consulting firm headquartered in Helena, Montana.  AZ & Co. has six offices and 200 employees.  Sam is also the Founder and Director of Upstream Academy, an international association of CPA Firms. Sam was the central figure in the development of a consulting methodology now practiced by hundreds of CPA firms and consulting organizations around the country.  Sam is also the founder of LeaderSkills Institute which develops professional leadership training lessons for organizations to use in teaching their people important leadership skills. Strategic in his thinking, highly creative in his approach, intensely passionate and energetic describe Sam’s presentation style. His focus on processes gives attendees the roadmap they need to succeed, whatever the undertaking. He is known for cutting through to the basics of practical application in real-world environments. Sam has been regularly included in Accounting Today as one of “The Top 100 Most Influential People in Accounting” and has been listed for the past three years as one of “IPA Most Recommended Consultants” by INSIDE Public Accounting.

10:15 a.m. - 10:30 a.m.             
Refreshment Break with Our Vendors                                                                   

10:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.             
BREAKOUT SESSIONS
Management and Operations
(E) Emerging Technologies and Their Strategic Implications
By Roman Kepczyk, InfoTech Partners North America
Program Level: Overview
NASBA Field of Study: Computer Science
CPE Credit: 1.5 hours

Information technology has had an impact on every production process in the firm and changed the face of the accounting profession.  Learn about today's leading and bleeding technologies, as well as "visionary" technologies that could one day influence your firm.  Maximize the use of today's technologies, as well as learn what to look out for in the future of accounting technology.

Administration Essentials
(F) Building Your Asset as a Firm Administrator: A Personal Focus
By Rita Keller, Brady Ware & Schoenfeld and Bill Leach, Katz Sapper & Miller
Program Level:  Basic
NASBA Field of Study: Personal Development
CPE Credit: 1.5 hours

Whether you are new to firm administration or new to the CPA world, you will benefit from this session filled with practical advice on building your career as a successful firm administrator.  This session is designed for professionals with less than five years of experience managing an accounting practice. Two of the countries best-known and most experienced CPA firm administrators will take you on a journey to building your own personal asset as a firm administrator.  They will help you answer the following questions and much much more!

- What tools and resources will you need on your journey?
- What obstacles will you encounter?
- What does it take to truly become the "go to" person in your firm?
- There are high expectations - have you identified them?
- How will you meet and surpass them?

Rita Keller joined the firm of Brady Ware Schoenfeld in 1978 and became a Director in 1995. She serves as the firm's Chief Operating Officer and is nationally known for her expertise in CPA firm management. She is responsible for firm operations, including administration, human resources, marketing, technology, training and internal accounting. Through Brady Ware's Solutions for CPA Firm Leaders group, Rita works with leaders of firms to help them position themselves for success in today's rapidly changing CPA firm environment. Rita's involvement with national organizations and publications are numerous. She served seven years on the National Board of Directors of the Association for Accounting Administration, serving two terms as national president. She is also past–president of the Indiana Chapter of AAA and was a co–founder of the Ohio Chapter. Rita serves on the Ohio CPA Society Committee of 50, the AICPA Staffing Task Force and the advisory board of CPA Managing Partner Report. She is also a member of the New Horizon Group, an elite group of business advisors who focus on management of accounting practices world–wide. Nationally recognized as a facilitator, speaker and author, Rita has been featured at numerous CPA conferences and in many CPA publications, including the Journal of Accountancy.

On a local level, Rita brings her expertise to professional service firms in the eastern Indiana/southwestern Ohio market offering human resources consulting, administrative/management practice reviews and training for organizations who want to provide awesome client service.

Bill Leach is a Principal of Katz, Sapper and Miller and has served as Firm Administrator of Katz, Sapper & Miller for over 28 years. He is responsible for all administrative and business aspects of the firm, with particular emphasis in human resources, billings and collections, KSM's financial matters and facilities management. Prior to joining KSM, he was Executive Vice President of an Indianapolis engineering firm, and a member of the U.S Marine Corps, serving two tours of duty in the Republic of Vietnam. Bill, a non-CPA administrator, was named a Principal of Katz, Sapper and Miller in 1985. In addition to KSM's management, he provides consulting services to clients seeking expertise in the areas of Human Resource Management, Relocation and Space Utilization, Practice Management and other management issues. Bill's firm is nationally recognized as a "Best of the Best" firm based on fiscal and management performance and has been chosen one of the top ten "Best Places to Work in lndiana." A member of the Association for Accounting Administration since 1986, Bill is a past President of the Indiana
Chapter and has served as a member of the National Board of Directors. He was selected as the CPA Firm Administrator of the Year in 1995 and awarded the inaugural National AAA Distinguished Service Award in 2002. Bill also currently serves on the Editorial Advisory Board of various national accounting management publications and has written articles for or appeared in articles bv the profession’s most noteworthy publications. He has been a national speaker to hundreds of CPA firms from Seattle to Miami and New York to San Diego.

Leadership
(G) Success Strategies for Retaining the Best
By Troy Waugh, The Rainmaker Academy
Program Level: Intermediate
NASBA Field of Study: Personnel/HR
CPE Credit: 1.5 hours
HRCI Approved: 1.5 hours

Turnover of top talent is plaguing many accounting firms.  But, there are many firms whose retention is excellent.  In this session participants will learn some of the secrets of those firms who retain the best and brightest, what makes them different from the high-turnover firms and how you can make an impact in your firm.  We will discuss:

Troy Waugh, author of two books and selected as one of the 100 Most Influential People in the Accounting Profession by Accounting Today magazine, is one of the most sought after leadership and sales consultants to the accounting industry.  Troy helps public accounting firms grow. He and his experienced team of consultants have helped firms add more than $500 million in new business through their consulting, training and alliance services. As CEO of Five Star3, LLC, Troy is the founder of The Rainmaker Academy, The Rainmaker Consulting Group and Enterprise Network Worldwide. Troy’s highly acclaimed books, “Power Up Your Profits” and “101 Marketing Strategies” have received praise throughout the world and have been translated into German and Spanish. Troy’s articles have been published in Accounting Today, The Practical Accountant and numerous state society monthly newsletters.  He has been publishing a Marketing Moment with Troy Waugh since 1992. He received an MBA in marketing from the University of Southern California in 1973.  He obtained a BS in accounting from the University of Tennessee in 1969. He became a Certified Public Accountant in 1970. He is a member of the National Speakers Association, The American Institute of CPAs and The Tennessee Society of CPAs.

Personal Growth & Development
(H) The Reluctant Salesperson: Practical Advice for the “Stereotypical” (e.g. I Hate to Sell) CPA or Professional Managing an Accounting Practice
By Jeff Pawlow, The Growth Partnership
Program Level: Basic
NASBA Field of Study: Marketing
CPE Credit: 1.5 hours

Are you reluctant? Let’s face it, most CPA firm managers didn’t pursue a career in the profession because they were passionate about getting the chance to network and sell. At the same time, most partners and managers ultimately realize that they need to be at least minimally proficient when it comes to developing their practices. If you don’t fancy yourself a rainmaker, but know you must generate a little “mist”, then this course is for you. Designed from the group up for today’s CPA firm manager, The Reluctant Salesperson has quickly become the standard for sales and marketing training in the profession.

As the Chief Executive Officer and Managing Shareholder of The Growth Partnership, Inc., Jeff Pawlow leads a dynamic team of consultants who are dedicated to helping their accounting firm clients achieve sustainable, profitable growth. Prior to his career in the accounting industry, Jeff served as a Marketing Officer for Norwest Bancorp, one of the largest bank-holding corporations in the United States. He entered the accounting industry in 1995 as the Director of Marketing for Smith & Gesteland, LLP, a large local accounting firm in Madison, WI, and subsequently held the same position with Rubin, Brown, Gornstein & Co., an Accounting Today’s “Top-100” firm headquartered in St. Louis, MO. While working with these two firms, Jeff’s efforts were recognized with a total of seven Marketing Achievement Awards by the Association of Accounting Marketing, including the “Best of Show” awards for overall marketing excellence in both 1997 and 1998.  Jeff entered the accounting consulting industry in 1998 as the Executive Vice President and Director of Consulting Services for Waugh & Co. where he practiced for 14 months prior to forming The Growth Partnership in December of 1999. In addition to serving clients and helping build TGP into a full-service consulting firm, Jeff is also a frequent speaker at accounting conferences and contributes regularly to the accounting media.  Jeff has been recognized as one of INSIDE Public Accounting’s “Most Recommended Consultants” since the annual list was first published in 2004.

12:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.              
Luncheon
Dr. Donna Lopiano, Women’s Sports Foundation
                                                                                               
1:45 p.m. - 3:15 p.m.
BREAKOUT SESSIONS
Management and Operations
(I) Stepping Out of the Rubble: Developing a Business Disaster and Continuity Plan
By John Watton, Saltmarsh, Cleaveland & Gund, PA
Program Level: Overview
NASBA Field of Study: Business Management & Operations
CPE Credit: 1.5 hours

Disasters take all shapes and sizes.  From natural disasters devastating entire regions and economies to emergencies that cause business interruption for firms, the development and execution of a disaster plan is a must for all involved in professional firm management.  This session will lead participants through the development, implementation and execution of plans and discuss the need to continually revisit plans to ensure the continued success of firms and their people.

John Watton is the Firm Administrator at Saltmarsh, Cleaveland & Gund in Pensacola, Florida. He has seventeen years of  experience in professional services firm administration, including both accounting and law firms. His overall expertise is in the areas of financial analysis and annual budgeting, management reporting, personnel and human resources, and firm administrative services.  John received his M.S. in Personnel Administration from Central Missouri State University and B.B.A. in Accounting from Florida Atlantic University.  He has served on the National Board of Directors of the Association for Accounting Administration, serving as director and most recently treasurer.  John was instrumental in leading his firm through disasters including the survival and subsequent growth following several hurricanes in recent years.

Administration Essentials
(J) Firm Administrator’s Role in Managing Technology
By Roman Kepczyk, InfoTech Partners of North America
Program Level: Basic
NASBA Field of Study: Computer Science
CPE Credit: 1.5 hours

In addition to running the practice, firm administrators are often charged with overseeing the IT function as well.  Learn about today's best practices to strategically manage your firm's technology utilization.  This session will discuss optimum staffing for the IT department including training for internal personnel and utilization of outsourced IT resources.  Learn about tools to manage support as well as to monitor progress on the firm’s initiatives. This session will also discuss leading website and intranet technologies to help you optimize management of the firm's knowledge resources.

Leadership
(K) The Execution of a Succession Plan
By Sam Allred, Upstream Academy
Program Level: Intermediate
NASBA Field of Study: Business Management & Operations
CPE Credit: 1.5 hours

Too many firms struggle to follow through on important goals.  While firm leaders have the best of intentions, their execution often resembles a flavor of the month approach.  This session will focus on the key principles and processes that help to ensure greater success in achieving important firm goals. Come and learn the principles to successfully implement your firm’s succession plan.

Personal Growth & Development
(L) Managing Difficult Situations
By Jennifer Wilson, ConvergenceCoaching LLC
Program Level: Basic
NASBA Field of Study: Business Management & Operations
CPE Credit: 1.5 hours
HRCI Approved: 1.5 hours

Our roles as leaders and managers are filled with opportunities to manage, or avoid, conflict. However, well-managed conflict can promote change and create opportunities in your firm. Attend this course to gain confidence in managing conflict in your life and learn how to:

3:15 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.                
Refreshment Break with Our Vendors                                         

3:30 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.               
BREAKOUT SESSIONS
Management and Operations
(M) Changing Chaos into Productivity: An Advanced Look
By Len Merson, Chaos Over, Inc.
Program Level: Intermediate
NASBA Field of Study: Business Management & Operations
CPE Credit: 1.5 hours

This session will continue working towards changing chaos into productivity with additional discussion, exercises and an advanced look.  Participants will bring their own experience of inundation and readily admit that focus and concentration decrease exponentially when the paper tiger and electronic lion both growl. They will see for themselves how mismanagement of information has caused erosion of revenue and profit. Practices will be introduced in a sequence that will open up the possibilities for taming these beasts. It will be up to the participants to apply these practices in their daily lives, and those who do will be rewarded with increased time, energy and financial gains.

Administration Essentials
(N) Building Your Asset as a Firm Administrator: Focus on the Firm
By Rita Keller, Brady Ware & Schoenfeld and Bill Leach, Katz Sapper & Miller
Program Level: Basic
NASBA Field of Study: Personal Development
CPE Credit: 1.5 hours

This second session for new administrators will explore the increased expectations for firm administrators to take on a high-level, leadership role in the firm's long-term success. Not only must they develop and facilitate efficient administrative work processes within the firm, they must also facilitate first-class technology plans, enable the firm to identify, hire and effectively manage the future leaders of the process, inspire "knock-your-socks-off" client service and handle the responsibility of making sure the firm is ready "inside" for the growth that firms are experiencing from the "outside."

Leadership
(O) Execution: The Discipline of Actually Getting Things Done
By Jeff Pawlow, The Growth Partnership
Program Level: Intermediate
NASBA Field of Study: Business Management & Operations
CPE Credit: 1.5 hours
HRCI Approved: 1.5 hours

In this engaging session, participants will learn about the 4 Disciplines of Execution and how they can be immediately applied within their firms. While most CPA firm managers are regularly confronted with “FTI (Failure To Implement) Syndrome” – the practical road map explored in this session can help. Using engaging video and useful tools, this session is designed to allow participants to walk away from this session prepared as catalysts for getting things done at their firms. A must-see session for anyone who hopes to play a leadership role in their office.

Personal Growth & Development
(P) Marketing Skills – You Make the Difference
By Troy Waugh, The Rainmaker Academy
Program Level: Basic
NASBA Field of Study: Marketing
CPE Credit: 1.5 hours

The firm administrator can play a vital role in building the communications skills of his or her team members.  After all, it is the manner in which the team members communicate with each other and with the market place that will determine the future opportunity for you and your firm.  During this session we will focus on:

5:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
Cocktail Hour/Reception Provided by Computer Solutions
Visit the Computer Solutions Display for an Invitation
                                                                                                  
5:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.               
BDO Seidman Alliance Member Reception (BDO Seidman Alliance Members)
At the local offices of Piccerelli Gilstein & Co.

5:15 p.m. - 6:45 p.m.                
AAA Chapter Outreach Meeting                                                                            
Led by the AAA Director of Membership & Growth                                                    

This session welcomes all current chapter officers and potential chapter leaders as well as individuals looking to organize a chapter in their area. The session will review current procedures and offerings as well as provide an exchange of information between chapters regarding programs, benefits and success stories.

Evening                                   
Evening On Your Own                                                               

Reservations will be made at several local restaurants and sign-up sheets will be posted at the AAA Registration Desk beginning Wednesday, June 20.

Friday, June 22, 2007                                                                  
7:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.               
Registration with Our Vendors                                                   
Cyber Café Open

7:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m.                 
FIRM SIZE BREAKFAST BUFFET BREAKOUTS                                    
Designed for participants to regroup in the same groups as Wednesday’s Breakout Sessions by Firm Size to finalize discussions.                             
Program Level: Basic
NASBA Field of Study: Business Management & Organization
CPE Credit: 2 hours
HRCI Approved: 2 hours

9:15 a.m. - 11:45 a.m.               
Only Wet Babies Like Change                                                    
By Mikki Williams, Mikki Williams Unlimited
Program Level: Overview
NASBA Field of Study: Personnel/HR
CPE Credit: 2.5 hours
HRCI Approved: 2.5 hours

"Change is inevitable... growth is optional." When there is change, when new information comes along and circumstances transform, it is no longer possible to apply yesterday's solutions to today's problems. It is critical to find new answers, solutions, and ideas. The new century is one of rapid shifts and transitions, and those who will thrive - not just survive - are those who are fully equipped to manage these changes. This program is not designed to analyze where the sophisticated technology of the future will take us, nor how we are governed, nor what is happening globally, nor the changes that are taking place in the American social structure. It is designed to study the dynamics of how we adapt to change and how we can leverage the challenges, means, and methods to better our lives.  Mikki Williams has dealt with major changes in her personal and professional life. She "charted her course" when circumstances beyond her control left her in a situation where she was faced with great challenges. Many successful, diverse careers evolved as a result of her ability to deal with these change factors.

Participants will learn how to deal effectively with change in both areas of their lives in an educational, inspirational format by exploring the strategy of success skills, the concepts of personal growth, and self-management tips formulated for life and creativity.

Learning objectives:

 Mikki Williams, CSP, is an experience…a one of a kind talent, eclectic, refreshing and smart. She has a dynamic ability to communicate to an audience, delivering practical information in a down to earth style. A speaker, trainer, consultant, coach, author, radio and TV personality and entrepreneur extraordinaire, she is a speaker resource for Vistage International, the world’s largest CEO membership organization and Group Chair of two of her own executive think tanks in Chicago. A Certified Speaking Professional, Mikki has presented at The White House and President Mandela’s South African home, she was featured on the front page of the Wall St. Journal, honored as the United Nations “Outstanding Woman of the Decade” and ABC did a television documentary about her life. Mikki is CEO of Coaching, etc TM …an executive and life coaching firm, helping people and businesses reach their potential. An Enthusiologist TM, who went from dance choreographer through nine successful careers to word choreographer, she mixes entertainment and humor with business savvy and knowledge to share insight and inspiration for life changing impact. From the corporate world to the ever changing world we live in, she is a breath of fresh air; outrageous, fun, stimulating, informative and most of all, real!

10:30 a.m. – 10:45 a.m.            
Refreshment Break with Our Vendors                                                                   

11:45 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. 
Conference Closing

Resources to Complement Your Learning Experience!
Each full Conference registrant will receive one copy of all session handouts on compact disc accompanied by a notepad for taking notes during educational sessions.  Individual photocopies of handouts will be available on-site for note taking.  The CD also includes important information about Association services and products as well as information regarding the AAA website – your resource to the professionally managing an accounting practice.  Information about vendors and sponsors with links to their Websites will be included. 

Certified Public Accountant
Continuing Professional Education (CPE) Credits
Select from more than 59 hours of CPE to earn up to 29 hours of credits at the AAA Practice Management Conference and ATA and HR Fly-Ins. Two-and-a-half days of sessions are offered during the meeting and a full day prior, with topics of interest to those in public accounting.  Attendees are responsible for determining their individual state’s requirements for CPE.

The Association for Accounting Administration is registered with the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) as a sponsor of continuing professional education on the National Registry of CPE Sponsors. State boards of accountancy have final authority on the acceptance of individual courses for CPE credit.  Complaints regarding registered sponsors may be addressed to the National Registry of CPE Sponsors, 150 Fourth Avenue North, Nashville, TN, 37219-2417.  Web site: www.nasba.org. 

Upon course and evaluation completion, participants attending the 2007 AAA Practice Management Conference desiring CPE credit can earn up to 21hours.  ATA and HR Fly-In attendees will earn up to 8 hours each (if attending full day and a half program). The Conference and Fly-Ins do not require advance preparation or have prerequisites.

For more information regarding administrative policies such as complaint and refund, please contact the AAA National Office at (937) 222-0030.

HRCI Approved Courses
The Association for Accounting Administration is an Approved Provider of recertification credit hours for the Human Resources Certification Institute (HRCI).

This program (including the HR Fly-In) has been approved for 28.5 recertification credit hours toward PHR and SPHR recertification through the Human Resources Certification Institute (HRCI).  For more information about PHR and/or SPHR certification or recertification, please visit the HRCI homepage at www.hrci.org.

In addition to quality continuing education, unlimited networking opportunities will be available.  Tuesday evening will feature the Conference’s welcome reception with our vendors at the Westin Hotel.  This year the reception will help us Chart Your Course: MAP Success for what lies ahead.

Both Tuesday and Wednesday mornings include optional Power Walks for those who would like to kick start their day with some exercise while taking a brisk walking tour of the city.  Participants should meet in the hotel lobby each morning for a 6:15 a.m. departure.  Walkers will return to the hotel in plenty of time to prepare for the day.

Wednesday evening, guests will participate in AAA’s Evening Out at the historic Biltmore Hotel.  The evening will be complete with networking, a delicious dinner, awards and entertainment.  With the opportunity to see the historic Biltmore Hotel in downtown Providence, unlimited networking, and entertainment that will keep you smiling for weeks, Conference registrants will be captivated – a night out you won’t want to miss.

The Venue
Wednesday, June 20th is sure to be an enjoyable evening with an array of hors d’ouerves, a delectable dinner menu and an assortment of mouth-watering desserts at the beautiful Providence Biltmore Hotel.

The Hotel alone is a state treasure.  It was opened in 1922 and was designed to recreate the high standards of living enjoyed at the Vanderbilt Biltmore Estate in North Carolina.  It has been superbly restored and impeccably furnished and is the Crown Jewel of America’s foremost Renaissance City.

The hotel is centrally located in Down City Providence within walking distance of the business, historical, governmental, and cultural communities, and adjacent to the Rhode Island Convention Center, Providence Place Mall and The Westin Providence Hotel, where the Conference will be held.  You can learn more about the Biltmore Hotel at www.providencebiltmore.com/history.htm.

The Entertainment
The evening’s entertainment is provided by the Ocean State Follies, a group of comedians headed by Charlie Hall who began the Follies in 1992.  The Follies (and Charlie) have enjoyed poking fun at their own state ever since.  Along with the Follies, you will also get to hear from Emmy-nominated comic John Roarke, a great impressionist.  You can check out Ocean State Follies by visiting their website at www.oceanstatefollies.com and John Roarke’s website at www.johnroarke.com.

Get ready to laugh the night away!

In 1636, after being exiled from Massachusetts, Roger Williams founded a refuge for persecuted religious dissenters. He named his settlement Providence in honor his beliefs in the “merciful providence of God.” Unfortunately, soon after being settled, most of Providence was burned in King Philip’s War in 1675-76 and the city was slow to rebuild. Life was hard and farming, the primary occupation, was difficult due to the rocky forested terrain. There were constant fights over land titles, religion and politics. Farming gave way to fishing and maritime trade by the mid-1770s. When the British Sugar Act levied heavy taxes on sugar and molasses, impacting Providence’s distilleries, rum and slave trade and the Rhode Island played a leading role in seeking independence from Great Britain. The resulting American Revolutionary War brought troops to the area and created more trade interruptions.

Following the war, Samuel Slater is credited with shifting the economy focus of Providence from maritime to manufacturing and for the next 100+ years the city prospered in textile and jewelry manufacturing.

In 1900, Providence became the capital of Rhode Island, but the Great Depression brought more misfortune and economic decline to the area. Then as life seemed to be improving, The New England Hurricane of 1938 flooded most of the downtown area. Even as rebuilding was in process, organized crime gained a strong hold in Providence. From the 1950s well into the 1970s, Providence was known as the center of the New England Mafia. The positive turnaround for Providence came between 1975 and 1982, when millions community development dollars poured into the area. Today, Providence continues to be a city on the move and takes pride in being recognized as one of the most progressive cities in the northeastern United States.

The most frequently asked questions about Providence –

What are the next dates for Waterfire?
WaterFires run May through October. Please refer to the events calendar for current dates, contact WaterFire by phone at (401) 272-3111, or click here for www.waterfire.com.

Where are the best places to visit to get a good insight to Providence's history?
The Providence Preservation Society is a good place to start.  Contact them at (401) 831-8583 or www.ppsri.org.  The Rhode Island Historical Society is also a great resource.  You can contact them at (401) 331-8575 or visit www.rihs.org.   For those wanting to stretch their legs, walk Benefit Street’s “Mile of History.” Located on Providence’s East Side, it boasts the most impressive collection of original Colonial homes in the U.S. -- with 200 pristine 18th and 19th century buildings, brick sidewalks and antique gas lamps. 

What type of tours does Providence offer?
The are several tours, including the Gray Line “Historic Providence Tour” (www.conwaytours.com or (800) 888-4661) and the land and sea Splash Duck Tour of the city (www.splashducktours.com or (401) 421-DUCK).   The Providence Preservation Society also offers walking tours of the city.

What are the best things to do with children?
There’s tons of things for kids to do!  Among them are:

How can I get around Providence without a car?
Providence is very walkable, with many dining, shopping, and entertainment options within walking distance of several large downtown hotels including The Westin.  Taxis are also available, as is the Providence Link Trolley, which provides local transportation to the downtown area for a small fee (visit www.ripta.com for current rates).

How long does it take to drive from:
New York? About three hours.
Hartford? About one hour and 45 minutes.
Boston? About one hour.

Is the city safe?
Yes! But, just as in any metropolitan area, you should use caution. Never walk alone at night and only walk in well-lit areas.

Where can I park?
There are a number of locations in the downtown area. Providence Place has 4,500 spaces and with the Rhode Island Convention Center offers approximately 2,500 spaces.  There are also several lots around the city and most hotels offer parking options.

What are the best things about Providence?
There’s a lot to love about the Providence and Warwick area.   We have one of the hottest restaurant scenes in the country, a rich history, stunning architecture and plenty of family-oriented entertainment.  Plus, we are ideally located.  We’re less than an hour from Newport and much of Rhode Island’s coastline, about an hour from Boston and Cape Cod and only three hours from New York City.

Things to Do

Weather
In the month of June, the average temperature is 67.6 degrees with an average high of 77.3 degrees and average low of 57.9 degrees.  Expect about 3.38” of rain during the month.

Websites of Interest
www.helloprovidence – local yellow pages and city guide

GETTING THERE/UPON ARRIVAL

The T.F. Green Airport offers travelers a wide assortment of airlines with diverse service areas.
The airport is served by 12 airlines including Air Canada, American Airlines/American Eagle, Cape Air, Continental Airlines/Continental Express, Delta Airlines/Delta Connection, Northwest Airlines, Southwest Airlines, Spirit Airlines, United Airlines/United Airlines Express, USAirways/USAirways Express, SATA International/Azores Express, and New England Airlines.
The hotel is located about 10 minutes from T.F. Green Airport, just 8.5 miles.

Airport to Downtown Transportation
Aero-Airport Limousine Service
Service is available from the baggage claim area of the airport by Aero-Airport Limousine Service with regularly scheduled shuttle departures.  For reservations or information call (401) 737-2868.

Taxi Service
Taxi service is available from the baggage claim area of the airport for an average fare of $12-18 each way.

Driving
From Cape Cod
Take Interstate 195 West to I-95 North. Take Exit 22A and head towards downtown. At the first set of lights turn right and at the next set of lights turn right again. The hotel is on the right.

From New York
Take Interstate 95 North. Take Exit 22A and head towards downtown. At the first set of lights turn right and at the next set of lights turn right again. The hotel is on the right.

From Logan International Airport (Boston)
Take Interstate 93 South to Interstate 95 South. Take Exit 22A and stay left toward downtown. At the second set of lights turn right. At the stop sign, turn right onto Exchange Terrace. The hotel is on the right.

From Hartford
Take Route 6 East to Route 10 North and bear right to downtown. Turn right at the second set of lights. Proceed to the stop sign and turn right onto Exchange Terrace. The hotel is on the right.

Paid parking in an attached garage or nearby parking facilities to the hotel is available for those driving to Providence or renting automobiles.  Valet parking is also available.

AAA will be hosting a Cyber Café in the vendor display area throughout the Conference.  This will provide Conference participants with the ability to check email or visit the sites of our vendors.

Confirmed conference sponsors to date:

* Spouse/Guest Registration includes Tuesday’s reception and Wednesday’s Evening Out event.
** One-day fee includes all scheduled activities and meals on the day selected.
*** Vendor registrations include a table top display throughout the event.
^ Fee is reduced to $199 for ATA SIG members and/or firms with a full Conference registrant. 

Fee Inclusion
Full registration fees cover all sessions, conference materials, refreshment breaks, the Tuesday evening welcome reception, two continental breakfasts, one breakfast buffet, two luncheons, and the AAA Evening Out.  Hotel accommodations and other meals are not included.  Information about hotel reservations and arranging transportation appear elsewhere in this site section.

Spouse/guest registration fees include the Tuesday evening welcome reception and Wednesday’s Evening Out.

One-day registration fees (Wednesday or Thursday) include all scheduled activities and meals on the day selected.

Please note vendor registration fees include the same items as a full registration in addition to a table top display throughout the event.

Fees for the Accounting Technology Administrator’s Fly-In include the full-day program on Tuesday, June 19 including a continental breakfast, refreshment breaks, lunch and all course materials, the Tuesday evening welcome reception and a half-day of sessions including a continental breakfast, refreshment break and lunch on Wednesday, June 20.

Fees for the Human Resources Fly-In include the full-day program on Tuesday, June 19 including a continental breakfast, refreshment breaks, lunch and all course materials, the Tuesday evening welcome reception and the ability to participate in a half-day of the conference sessions including a continental breakfast, refreshment break and lunch on Wednesday, June 20.

Registration Desk
The AAA Registration Desk will be open during the following times:

Confirmation
Each registrant will receive written confirmation of registration.  This confirmation will serve as a receipt of fees paid.  Badges and materials will be available at the registration desk.

Cancellation Policy
Notification of cancellation must be submitted in writing to AAA headquarters.  Cancellations received by mail, fax or email by Monday, June 4, 2007, will be subject to a $50 cancellation charge.  No refunds will be given after Monday, June 4, 2007.  Substitutions are allowed at any time but must be submitted in writing.

Special Assistance
AAA’s staff will be happy to assist you with any special needs.  If you require special assistance, please notify AAA in writing prior to Monday, June 5, 2006, so that your needs can be properly accommodated.


Attire
Conference participants should wear casual business attire, defined as dress slacks or casual dress wear.  No jeans, please. The welcome reception dress is casual dress.  Please be sure to bring a sweater or light jacket as meeting room temperatures tend to vary.  The AAA Evening Out on Wednesday will be casual business attire.

AAA NATIONAL OFFICE
136 South Keowee Street
Dayton, OH 45402
Phone: 937.222.0030
Fax: 937.222.5794
aaainfo@cpaadmin.org