K2's New Technology Innovations Conference - VIRTUAL

Overview

This conference is offered in collaboration with the K2 Enterprises.

The accounting profession is standing at a technological inflection point. Artificial intelligence isn't just automating tasks anymore - it's reshaping how we think about advisory services. Quantum computing is moving from theory to practical application. Blockchain has evolved beyond cryptocurrency hype into legitimate business infrastructure. The practitioners who understand these technologies won't just survive the next decade - they'll define it. This intensive one-day conference cuts through the noise to give you what matters: practical insight into the innovations that will shape accounting practice in 2026 and beyond.

Whether you're looking to position your practice at the forefront of technological change or simply want to understand what's coming so you can prepare your clients and your team, this is your opportunity. We've assembled focused sessions on the technologies that are actually changing our profession right now, plus the emerging innovations you need on your radar. Walk away with clarity about where technology is headed and what it means for your practice.

Highlights

Prerequisites

None

Designed For

Any business professional

Objectives

Preparation

Fundamental understanding of computer operations

Notice

Credits

Level

Code

Vendor

Fields of Study

Monday, June 29

General Session

9:30am - 11:10am Free and Open Source Technology For Your Organization

Stephen Yoss Jr., Stephen M. Yoss, Jr., CPA, MS is a ce, K2 Enterprises

Stephen Yoss Jr.

Stephen M. Yoss, Jr., CPA, is the partner, and principal of Devmatics, LLC, a software development company that focuses on solving problems through the implementation of technology. Stephen has consulted with several companies on how to lower overhead, personnel and compliance costs by investing in technology and reengineering their business practices. He teaches his clients to embrace technology at every opportunity in order to increase efficiency and productivity.
Stephen began working with technology at age ten, and started his first IT company at age 13, designing web applications for local businesses. He has presented to thousands of practitioners nationwide on topics such as cloud computing, mobile technology, spreadsheet design and best practices, information security, identity theft prevention and many more.

There are a ton of amazing open-source or free Apps, services, websites available today. Open-source is the philosophy of making the code of applications available freely to the public. Meaning, apps that are free to download and modify to your personal requirements. Anybody can download these Apps and immediately use them for their own projects. Open-source Apps and services are often of the same quality and usability as their proprietary counterparts. This is an opportunity for organizations to save money, better utilize Cloud resources, improve security and mobile access to data. While reducing cost, implementation time and workflow complexity. This course will highlight some of the best open-source or free services available today for desktops and mobile devices. Including Apps and services that organizations have typically paid for in the past. For example, using Open Office instead of Microsoft Word or Excel. Using Mozilla Thunderbird instead of Microsoft Outlook. Or using PDF Creator instead of Adobe Acrobat. It will also discuss open-source projects an organization could use for its main internal systems. For example, using Alfresco for a document management system, or SuiteCRM for a customer relationship management, or WordPress for managing its website. The course will present options for desktop productivity, systems management, accounting, publishing, organization, system administrator and more. Additionally, the course will highlight resources on where participants can find even more useful free tools. Participants are highly recommended to follow along with the presentation with their own devices and try out the various Apps, services and tools presented.

Credits: 2 - Information Technology

This session is available to registrants only.

General Session

11:20am - 1:00pm K2’s Tech Update

Randy Johnston, K2 Enterprises

Randy Johnston

Randy Johnston, is a nationally recognized educator, consultant, and writer with over 40 years of experience in Strategic Technology Planning, Accounting Software Selection, Paperless, Systems and Network Integration, Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery Planning, Business Development and Management, Process Engineering, and outsourced managed services.

Staying current with today’s technology is no longer optional; it is essential. Tech Update 2026 offers accounting professionals a clear, strategic view of the evolving tech landscape, enabling them to cut through the noise and make informed decisions. This forward-looking session is built for practitioners who want to leverage innovation to enhance client service, boost operational efficiency, and remain competitive.

Explore the most impactful trends in artificial intelligence, quantum computing, automation, and cloud-based ecosystems. Understand how technologies like Microsoft 365 Copilot, generative AI tools, industry-specific SaaS platforms, and blockchain are reshaping the profession. Learn to identify which solutions align with your firm’s goals - and which are just vendor hype.

Credits: 2 - Computer Software & Applications

This session is available to registrants only.

General Session

1:30pm - 3:10pm K2’s AI: Real Tools, Real Results

Mac McClelland, Mac McClelland, an attorney and accou, K2 Enterprises

Mac McClelland

Mac McClelland, MBA, JD, an attorney and accounting professional, is an associate of K2 Enterprises of Hammond, La., and Network Management Group of Hutchinson, Kan. Mac was formerly the director of the Centre for Financial Studies at the University of Otago in Dunedin, New Zealand, where he lived and worked for seven years from 1990 to 1997. He was also a member of the faculty of the Advanced Business Programme, ranked in the top 100 MBA programs in the world by The Economist, specializing in business strategy and strategic management accounting. He gained his practical experience in information systems with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, and has an established practice in business and technology consulting. Mac has taught hundreds of continuing professional education seminars to accountants and business managers in the United States, New Zealand, Australia, Japan and Southeast Asia. His presentations are highly rated, and he has won several awards for teaching excellence. MCClelland has been published in leading business and practitioner journals, including Computers in Accounting, Journal of Accounting Education, and the top rated Journal of Accounting Research.

This session teaches professionals how to move beyond theory and start using AI to work smarter, faster, and more accurately. This hands-on session explores how public accounting and industry finance teams can use AI tools for tasks like reporting, forecasting, audit analytics, and client service. Participants will see real-world examples of automation, gain practical implementation tips, and learn how to balance innovation with professional responsibility. Discover how to measure your AI ROI, enhance productivity, and position your firm or department for success in the AI-driven accounting era.

Credits: 2 - Information Technology

This session is available to registrants only.

General Session

3:20pm - 5:00pm K2's What Now, What's Next: Emerging Technologies

Brian Tankersley, Brian Tankersley is a consultant who, K2 Enterprises

Brian Tankersley

Brian F. Tankersley, CPA, CITP, CGMA, is the Technology Editor for The CPA Practice Advisor magazine. He has over 30 years of professional experience, including accounting, auditing, technology, and education, including 20 years as a CPE discussion leader. He teaches courses nationally through K2 Enterprises since 2005 and currently works with Yaeger CPA Review. Tankersley is a Certified Information Technology Professional, a Chartered Global Management Accountant and makes his home in Farragut, Tenn.

The Internet, Cloud-based applications, blockchain, cryptocurrencies, generative artificial intelligence, and software as a service were all revolutionary in their time. Still, many more technologies are in the pipeline and will change how we work, play, and experience life. This session will begin with an update on some of the technologies highlighted in our first session on this topic in 2018 and will continue with a discussion of the innovations to come in 2026 and beyond. Attend this session and learn about innovative technologies shaping our world today and those that will change it in the future.

Credits: 2 - Computer Software & Applications

This session is available to registrants only.