Back in Action: The In-Person Comeback

By Monette Anderson, CAE

The buzz is real: in-person events are making a bold comeback, and WSCPA members are leading the charge! Attendance at our fall conferences skyrocketed by 30%, and it’s easy to see why. These events don’t just deliver valuable content; they also reinforce WSCPA’s position as the pre-eminent community for CPAs. The electric atmosphere and engaging activities—from pet photo contests to Oscar-style networking—reminded us all of the unmatched value of face-to-face connections. Below are some highlights from fall conferences in case you missed the fun.

Reviews Are In

Thanks to members who take time to fill out survey content. We read every comment, and your feedback really helps us make sure we continue to bring the content, speakers and engagement you’re looking for. A few highlights from fall conferences:

• “It was an awesome and relevant day.” - Pacific Tax Institute
• “I loved the pet picture posting­­—fun idea!” - Pacific Tax Institute
• “Thank you. I am so grateful to attend today. The speakers were wonderful and I felt very engaged with the people, the content and the profession.” - Emerging Leaders Workshop
• “Loved seeing so many people in person. Also encouraged by how many people stayed for the networking event.” - Not-for-Profit Conference
• “I was in person yesterday and online today. Both days were incredibly well done! Every aspect was top notch.” - Not-for-Profit Conference
• “It was a great event with great speakers, timely topics, and an engaged audience. Great work to the WSCPA team!” - Fraud Conference

Fraudies: A Red-Carpet Affair

One of the standout events this year was the WSCPA Fraud Conference, which rolled out the red carpet—literally! Clark Nuber returned to the stage with their 3rd Annual Fraudie Awards, showcasing the top fraud schemes of the year. We leaned into the trend with Oscar-style photo ops, red carpet interviews, and a popcorn machine networking break that brought learning and fun together seamlessly.

Cutest Pets and Creative Contests

WSCPA added a playful twist to our events, creating opportunities for attendees to connect and have fun. A pet photo contest stole the spotlight, with dozens of adorable submissions lighting up our social wall. With the help of our sponsors, the top five nominees were chosen, and audience members cast their votes for their favorite CPA companion.

Our sponsors are joining in on the fun, too. New WSCPA sponsor Praece introduced an interactive challenge with a tech-savvy twist—guessing the number of “computer keys” in a jar. The winner, armed with a little help from ChatGPT, submitted the closest guess and walked away with a shiny new iPad. During the artificial intelligence (AI)-focused session that same day, presenter Lauren Renninger from Armanino had stated, “Don’t worry that you’ll be replaced by AI, worry you’ll be replaced by someone who knows how to use AI better than you do.” It was a comment that was as insightful as it was timely, further reinforcing the value of staying ahead of the curve.

Engaging from Anywhere

While we’re thrilled to see in-person attendance on the rise, we also deeply value our virtual audience. For many, virtual attendance is the only option due to busy schedules, travel limitations, or personal preference. That’s why we’re committed to ensuring our online attendees stay at the heart of the action. Joining the social wall, competing in trivia games, or contributing to the live virtual chat are just a few ways we’re making sure virtual participants feel engaged and connected. These interactive features are designed to ensure every attendee is a valued part of the WSCPA community, regardless of location.

Thank you for continuing to show up, share your insights, and inspire your peers. Your contributions demonstrate the value of a diverse, inclusive WSCPA audience, and we’re excited to continue innovating for you.

Looking Ahead

The true magic of in-person events lies in the moments between sessions—the hallway conversations, shared laughs over coffee, and those unexpected career connections that can only happen face-to-face. To amplify these opportunities, our post-conference networking receptions are now open to all members, inviting them to reconnect and build meaningful relationships.

Looking ahead, WSCPA is doubling down on creativity and connection. Expect more engaging themes, interactive activities, and opportunities to collaborate with peers, mentors, and industry leaders. These events not only provide immense value but also reinforce WSCPA’s role as the pre-eminent community for CPAs and top-notch professional development.

If you’ve been waiting for the right time to return to in-person events, this is your moment. The energy is back, the connections are stronger than ever, and we can’t wait to welcome you. Be sure to join us for spring conferences!