ANNAPOLIS, MD | NOVEMBER 3-4, 2023

BUSINESS BUILDERS CONNECTION CONFERENCE

Early Bird Rates Expire on September 30th!

$695 w/ sleeping room

$595 no sleeping room

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REGISTER NOW - LODGING INCLUDED

What is the Business Builders Connection Conference?

Join us for the Business Builders Connection Conference, a remarkable event designed exclusively for small and solo firm members in the accounting and tax professional fields. Hosted by the esteemed Maryland Society of Accounting and Tax Professionals (MSATP), this intimate (50 attendees) conference is tailored to address the specific needs and challenges faced by practitioners like you.


As a small or solo firm owner, you understand the unique demands of the accounting and tax profession. It can be daunting, with complex regulations to navigate, client communications to manage, and long work hours. We recognize the importance of finding the right advisors and resources to help you navigate these challenges and achieve your professional goals. That's why we created the Business Builders Connection Conference.

MEET THE LINEUP

Prepare to be inspired and empowered by an extraordinary lineup of industry-leading speakers at the Business Builders Connection Conference! We have carefully selected renowned experts at the forefront of the accounting and tax profession to deliver captivating insights and practical strategies that will transform how you approach your business. These speakers bring a wealth of knowledge and experience, and their passion for success is contagious. Get captivated as they share their expertise, challenge your perspectives, and ignite your entrepreneurial spirit. Prepare to be inspired as these luminaries take the stage and unlock the secrets to achieving unparalleled success in the accounting and tax profession. Their powerful stories, innovative ideas, and thought-provoking presentations will leave you motivated, invigorated, and armed with the tools you need to take your firm to new heights. Get ready to learn from the best and elevate your professional journey like never before at the Business Builders Connection Conference!

Nayo Carter-Gray, EA, MBA

Founder of 1st Step Accounting

Nayo Carter-Gray, EA, is owner and founder of 1st Step Accounting LLC, where her goal is “making accounting a little less taxing” for small business owners. A self-proclaimed techie, Nayo decided a virtual accounting practice was the best way to experience her love of travel and still help small business owners across the United States reduce the stress of managing their disorganized financial systems. She is a QuickBooks® Online Advanced Certified ProAdvisor®, was named one of Hubdoc’s 2017 Top Cloud Accountants and is member of the Intuit® Trainer/Writer Network.

Kelly Rohrs, CPA

Founder of K. Rohr's CPA, P.C.

Kelly A. Rohrs, CPA finds nothing more exciting than helping people find business success. She is a member of the American Institute of CPAs (AICPA), the New York State Society of CPAs (NYSSCPA), the National Conference of CPA Practitioners (NCCPAP), Whoggga, and Boost Women’s Networking Group. 

With over 10 years of experience in public accounting, Kelly specializes in working with small to medium sized businesses. Kelly is highly respected within the accounting community and active in professional organizations from which she has received numerous awards and mentions for her work in the field, including:

  • Emerging Leaders Award from New York State Society of CPAs
  • 2022 Premier Business Women of Long Island
  • Top 50 Women in Accounting nomination through Ignition

Kelly has been featured on AICPA’s Tax Odyssey podcast (twice), Thomson Reuters Pulse of the Practice podcast, and Tony Wilson’s Ask an Accountant podcast. She enjoys helping business owners succeed and has shared her knowledge through various publications including the May 2022 Bloomberg Tax Spotlight and the February 2022 issue of CPA Practice Advisor where she wrote about the important topic of preventing staff burnout.

Randy Crabtree, CPA

Co-Founder and Partner at Tri-Merit

Randy is a widely followed author, lecturer, and podcast host for the accounting profession. Since 2019, he has hosted the bi-weekly “The Unique CPA” podcast, which ranks among the world’s 10% most popular programs (Source: Listen Score). You can find articles from Randy in Accounting Today’s Voices column, the AICPA Tax Adviser. He is a regular presenter at conferences and virtual training events hosted by CPA Associations and state societies.

Blake Oliver, CPA

Earmark CPE

Blake Oliver, CPA, is the founder and CEO of Earmark, an app that offers NASBA-approved CPE for listening to your favorite accounting and tax podcasts. Additionally, Blake co-hosts The Accounting Podcast, a Top 25 Business News show on the Apple charts, and the most popular podcast for accountants and bookkeepers in the world. He has been named one of Accounting Today’s top 100 most influential people and recognized as one of CPA Practice Advisors “40 Under 40” in the accounting profession.

Benjamin Skrajny

CMO at Bellator Cyber Guard

Benjamin Skrajny, the CMO at Bellator Cyber Guard, is a recognized authority in the realm of cybersecurity, compliance, and customized Written Information Security Plans (WISPs). Benjamin has a passion for cybersecurity, a knack for translating complex concepts into actionable strategies, and is a leading voice in the industry.

At Bellator Cyber Guard, Benjamin spearheads marketing initiatives while also sharing his expertise on the importance of having an effective information security program in place. In an era of evolving cyber threats, his insights into crafting robust WISPs serve as guidance, paving a path for professionals committed to reinforcing their digital environment.

Benjamin's journey in cybersecurity is marked by innovation and a commitment to demystifying the intricacies of information security. With the ability to blend the technical nuances of WISPs with practical, real-world solutions; Bellator Cyber Guard continues to empower businesses with the knowledge and tools they need to safeguard sensitive information.

As a featured speaker at the MSATP’s upcoming conference, Benjamin promotes the importance of WISPs and advocates their adoption as a cornerstone of modern cybersecurity practices. His presentations provide audiences with actionable insights into developing, implementing, and maintaining an effective Written Information Security Plan.

With multiple years of experience as well as AICPA certifications, Benjamin combines his marketing prowess with a genuine dedication to cybersecurity. Apart from his professional endeavors, he cherishes quality time with his family, engages in fundraising activities, and enjoys philosophy.

AGENDA

The BBCC will be an immersive and invaluable experience over two action-packed days. 

At this year's conference, we have curated a lineup of topics to equip you with the knowledge and strategies to thrive in the modern accounting and tax landscape.

Here are the key topics that will be covered:

  • App Stacking to make you more efficient: Learn how to leverage technology and streamline your workflow by combining multiple apps and tools. Discover the power of integrating applications to automate repetitive tasks, eliminate manual errors, and delegate non-core activities, allowing you to focus on high-value work.
  • Automate, Eliminate, Delegate: Gain insights into effective strategies for automating processes, eliminating inefficiencies, and delegating tasks within your firm. Explore time-saving techniques and discover how to optimize your resources for maximum productivity and profitability.
  • AI and ChatGPT: Explore the world of artificial intelligence (AI) and its applications in the accounting and tax profession. Understand how ChatGPT and other AI-powered tools can enhance client interactions, provide intelligent insights, and streamline your firm's operations.
  • Creating a WISP plan workshop to protect you and your clients: Learn the importance of developing a comprehensive Written Information Security Plan (WISP) to safeguard sensitive client data and protect your firm against cyber threats. Gain practical tips for implementing security measures and ensuring compliance with data protection regulations.
  • Firm Culture and Business Growth Strategies: Discover the importance of fostering a strong, firm culture that promotes teamwork, innovation, and employee satisfaction. Explore effective business growth strategies and learn how to position your firm for long-term success in a rapidly evolving industry.

Friday, November 3:

12:00pm - 1:30pm: Registration

2:00pm - 4:30pm: Keynote Speaker, Randy Crabtree, CPA - Firm Culture & Business Growth

4:30pm - 5:30pm: Hotel Check-In

6:00pm: Murder Mystery Dinner

Saturday, November 4:

7:00am - 8:30am: Breakfast

9:00am - 9:50am: Breakout Sessions A/B

10:00am - 10:50am: Breakout Sessions A/B

11:00am - 11:30am: Break/Networking

11:30am - 12:50pm: Lunch (Provided)

1:00pm - 1:50pm: Breakout Sessions C/D

2:00pm - 2:50pm: Breakout Sessions C/D

3:00pm - 4:00pm: Wrap-Up Session

**Hours are subject to change. Please check back for updates.

VENUE

The Crowne Plaza Hotel

173 Jennifer Rd.

Annapolis, MD 21401

Phone: 410-266-3131

Hotel Website

Annapolis has many attractions, including historic landmarks like Historic Annapolis, Maryland State House, US Naval Academy, William Paca House & Garden, Charles Carroll House, and Hammond-Harwood House. Enjoy museums and galleries like Banneker-Douglass Museum, Annapolis Maritime Museum, and McBride Gallery.

More about the venue