New Show at Javits Center in May Features More Exhibitors, Speakers, and Prizes

By Lori Pendleton

Financial professionals will find a wide variety of products, resources, and services at the 1999 CPAs' Finance, Business and Technology Show & Conference, developed by the NYSSCPA and the Foundation for Accounting Education. The show will feature new exhibitors, chances to speak to specialists in accounting and other financial fields, and prize giveaways. It will take place May 25­27 at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in New York City.

According to NYSSCPA Convention Manager Lisa Bittings, 30 percent of the exhibitors are new to the show. Exhibitors include financial services firms such as Equitable, Morgan Stanley Dean Witter, Merrill Lynch, and CIBC Oppenheimer.

Another change to this year's show is a new "Ask the Experts" feature, an opportunity for attendees to ask specific questions regarding issues and developments in the speakers' specialties.

Eric Cohen (Rochester), Peter Frank, and Walter Schmidt (Nassau) will present a full day of technology-related sessions, making Wednesday "Technology Day." They will review new hardware, software, and programs and discuss the pending Y2K problem, virtual offices, and incorporating e-mail and the Internet into business operations.

On Tuesday morning, controller Michael Minarczyk (Nassau) will talk about working for American Football Conference East champions, the New York Jets.

Several exhibitors are giving away prizes at their booths.

"Many companies are holding their own contests and drawings. One group will give away a PalmPilot, another a MontBlanc pen, and someone else a gift certificate worth up to $350," Bittings said.

In addition to vendors' giveaways, the show will hold a series of contests in which attendees can win golf equipment, a weekend in Las Vegas, up to $1,000 cash, and a red reproduction 1954 Maserati displayed on the show floor.

"We're really excited to be able to give our attendees a chance at winning such great prizes," Bittings said. "Imagine coming to check out new software and office products and leaving with a classic car."