Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions about 2020 NPMC and the impact of the Coronavirus (COVID-19)
We understand CPAFMA’s 2020 National Practice Management Conference experience is an important part of your professional development and networking each year. We want our members, colleagues and friends to connect and learn in a meaningful way, but the safety and health of our conference attendees, speakers and vendors/sponsors is our priority. Considering the seriousness of the coronavirus pandemic, the extension of the tax filing deadline and our concern for everyone at this time, we’ve made the decision to cancel NPMC in Sarasota this June and host an event in November 2020 in Sarasota that will include an online component. The decision was extremely difficult with many vendors involved and all of us are very disappointed. We will continue to provide more details about the new program in the fall as they are finalized . We appreciate your patience.
Do you have a new date, location or format details yet?
The date will be November 9-11, 2020 at The Westin Sarasota in Sarasota, Florida with an online component. We are exploring every option to create the best possible program experience for our community. We are working on the program details, and we thank you for your patience. We will let you know as soon as we have more information about topics and speakers.
What if I choose not to attend or join this new event?
We are committed to doing what’s best for our community during these challenging times. Specific details on the process for transfers, credits and refunds are being determined. We will update you when available. Our offices at (937) 222-0030 (Mon-Fri 8am-5pm ET) or info@cpafma.org is available to assist you with any questions.
Can I put this year’s 2020 NPMC registration fee towards 2021 NPMC if I’m unable to attend or choose not to attend the event in November 2020?
Yes, you can. A member of the CPAFMA staff will be reaching out after April 15 to discuss how to handle your paid registration fees and this will be an option.
Do I have to cancel my hotel reservations?
Your hotel reservations were cancelled and there were no deposits charged to credit cards.
ABOUT
What is the NPMC?
The National Practice Management Conference is the annual conference of the CPA Firm Management Association, a North American professional organization focused on those managing CPA firms.
What is the Conference’s focus?
The 2020 conference will help you define a clear path for the future by providing the latest learning, tools and information to keep you on the cutting edge of CPA firm management practices. You will have the opportunity to hear from some of the profession’s most sought after thought leaders and share experiences with others facing the same challenges.
REGISTRATION
Are there discounts available?
There are several discounts available for attendees including an early bird registration period thru mid-February, a PAFM designation discount of $100, and various promotional discounts throughout the spring of 2020. For more information contact CPAFMA at
info@cpafma.org or (937) 222-0030.
Registrants may cancel without penalty if written cancellation requests are received by June 1, 2020. Due to financial obligations incurred by the CPAFMA, a credit voucher less 50% of the registration fee will be issued for written requests received between June 2 and June 12, 2020. No refunds or credits will be issued on cancellation requests received after June 12, 2020. Registrations are transferrable without penalty.
What if I need help with registering?
If I have dietary restrictions or accessibility needs what do I do?
The chef at The Westin Sarasota has agreed to work with the Association on all dietary requests and accessibility needs will be met if at all possible. Contact CPAFMA at
info@cpafma.org or (937) 222-0030.
Participants will be assigned to the Sharing Best Practices Roundtables based on firm sizes provided on the registration forms. This data also assists conference planners when providing data to speakers during advance planning meetings.
TRAVEL AND HOTEL
How do I book my hotel room?
All rooms are booked through CPAFMA and can be done on the conference registration form either at the time of registration or separately.
What’s the easiest way to get to Sarasota?
For those too far to drive to Sarasota, there are regular flights to and from either Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport (SRQ) which is 4 miles from The Westin Sarasota or Tampa International Airport (TPA) which is 56 miles from the hotel. Both have several ground transportation options. The hotel does not offer shuttle service to either airport.
What should I pack when going to the Conference?
Participants should pack plenty of business cards to share along with their smart phone charger, tablet or laptop charger and walking shoes.
What should I wear during the Conference?
CPAFMA’s conference has gone to casual summer dress while we are in Florida. We are calling is Tommy Bahama dress in 2020. If you are familiar with the Tommy Bahama line of clothing from Florida, you will know what we mean, if not, visit their
website to see more.
You sure can.
Are meetings rooms going to be chilly?
Absolutely. We recommend always having a sweater or light jacket as meeting room temperatures tend to vary greatly when air conditioning is always on.
AGENDA
What is the Evening Out?
CPAFMA will be hosting a dinner with live entertainment at the Van Wenzel Performing Arts Hall within walking distance of The Westin Sarasota for all attendees on Thursday evening, June 25. The evening will include cocktails, dinner and entertainment suitable for all and memorable. Our evening theme, Memories are Made in Flip Flops couldn’t be more perfect. The Evening Out is included in the Conference registration fee.
Is my guest invited to everything on the schedule?
Registered guests ($175 per person) are invited to everything including the welcome reception, Happy Hour, Memories are Made in Flip Flops and morning breakfasts. And we encourage you to invite them to our morning Power Stroll and Yoga Class too!
Who are the vendors?
The vendors are those who provide software, products and services to CPA firms throughout North America.
What is a Lunch & Learn?
A Lunch & Learn is a sponsored session where we combine a learning opportunity with lunch. The session is hosted by a vendor with an educational component. Participants have the opportunity to select from one of three sessions. There is no pre-selection.
What is a Seagull prize?
We provide a cash prize to a few lucky attendees for being to the session on time and ready to learn!
What is FMA Feud?
Roman Kepczyk and Alan Alexander will be hosting CPAFMA’s spin on the game show, Family Feud. Which CPA firm families have what it takes?
When will the Firm Manager of the Year and Emerging Leader of the Year Awards be presented?
These awards will be presented during the Evening Out at Van Wenzel Performing Arts Hall.
Do I need to pre-select breakout sessions?
There is no need to pre-select your courses. We know there are many things that will change between the time you register and when the course takes place and we want you to have the flexibility to change your mind.
Will there be wifi in the meeting rooms?
Absolutely. We know it’s difficult to be out of the office for several days and it’s imperative to be connected with the office and home.
Will breakfasts be hot breakfasts?
We will be providing a continental breakfast on Wednesday and Thursday mornings and a full hot breakfast on Friday morning.
Will we receive speaker handouts?
Yes, speaker handouts will be available via the Conference app. Please note that some speakers do not make their presentations available as handouts. We will encourage all speakers to provide at least an outline of their presentation but encourage all participants to take notes.