Society Show Improves as it Grows

July 1999 Issue

Society Show Improves as it Grows

The 1999 CPAs' Finance, Business and Technology Show & Conference provided 2,000 attendees with a line-up of new exhibitors showcasing their latest products and services for today's CPA, CPE courses on hot topics, and several other enhancements, including a new conference site, the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in New York City.

At a ribbon-cutting ceremony, the outgoing Presidents of the NYSSCPA and FAE, George T. Foundotos and Barry B. Seidel, respectively, officially opened the show that combined the traditional May and November events.

There were 1,648 registrations for FAE's slate of 17 CPE courses, representing about a 40 percent increase in course attendance over last year. Attendees received up to 20 CPE credits for only $35 per session. Pre-registered POP Pass holders attended sessions for free. CPE courses, led by top faculty, included The Year 2000 and Beyond: Current and Emerging Technologies as well as updates on employee benefits, sales tax, federal tax, compilation and review, and dealing with the IRS.

Ask the Experts, another new feature, enabled attendees to get their questions answered on the show floor by a panel of experts on such topics as not-for-profit, emerging technologies, closely held and S corporations, and individual taxation. Michael J. Minarczyk, controller of the New York Jets, kicked off the experts session by answering questions about accounting for a professional football team. He also provided a number of Jets theme prizes that were raffled off to attendees throughout the three days.

Other prizes included a golf challenge with a chance to win a 1954 Maserati reproduction car displayed on the show floor. Although no one won the car, one attendee won a paid Las Vegas vacation. Another attendee won a golf iron, and many received titanium golf balls.

At the Society's "cybercafe," staff members fielded questions about the Internet and the benefits of using the www.nysscpa.org, website. Six iMac desktop computers for hands-on instructional purposes helped visitors to learn more about using cyberspace for research and business. They also received www.nysscpa.org mousepads and information tailored for both novice and Internet-savvy individuals.

The NYSSCPA website played a key role in marketing the show as nearly one-third of the attendees registered online. In addition, the website promoted the Show by including a quiz as well as a chance to win "Late Show with David Letterman" tickets.

The NYSSCPA/FAE booth presented attendees with information about Society benefits, FAE courses, The CPA Journal, and The Trusted Professional.

Another show upgrade was a computerized registration system that made the exchange of information between exhibitors and attendees easier.

The Society's goal was to provide one-stop shopping for CPAs and other financial professionals as well as to create a whole new look and atmosphere for both exhibitors and attendees.

Watch The Trusted Professional for news on upcoming shows. *