Steven Siegel, JD, LLM
The Siegel Group , Morristown, NJ

Address whatever developments occur in the first half of 2025 – and planning for the sunset of the 2017 Act – or what may be done to prevent the sunset.

James M. Harris III
James Harris & Company , Albany, GA

While being one of the most challenging projects a CPA can work on, business succession planning is also where a CPA can add tremendous value to a client. Many business owners struggle with five common myths that often keep them from beginning the process of business succession planning. We find that implementing five key concepts can create a successful succession plan. Learn the steps to help guide your clients through this process and ensure a successful transition.

Christopher Steele, J.D., LL.M
Bernstein Global Wealth Management , Atlanta, GA

Estate planning isn’t just about distributing assets- it’s about making fair, responsible, and ethical decisions that honor your clients’ values and protect their loved ones. This presentation explores key ethical considerations, including fiduciary duties, conflicts of interest, undue influence, and equitable decisions for beneficiaries. Learn how to navigate ethical dilemmas, uphold professional integrity, and guide clients toward estate plans that align with their wishes and ethical best practices. 

Daniel Morgan
Senior Portfolio Manager / Synovus Trust Company, N.A. , Atlanta, GA

Patrick Maffett, CIMA, AIF, MBA
Synovus Financial , Atlanta, GA

Find out how to navigate through these uncertain times. Many investors wonder what strategies they should undertake to maximize their portfolio’s return. Review various tactics investors could apply. Questions to be discussed include: Is the Central Bank successfully navigating the economy into a “no landing” scenario? Is the recent rally in the Stock Market powered by rate cuts and AI running out of steam? How will the incoming administration’s polices impact the economy and markets? What is the long-term effect of the federal government's massive deficits on the financial markets?

Steven Siegel, JD, LLM
The Siegel Group , Morristown, NJ

Continuation of the morning session that will wrap up and address the morning discussion regarding current events in estate planning.

Jeremiah W. Doyle IV, Esq.
Senior VP and Wealth Strategist / BNY Wealth , Boston, MA

The generation-skipping transfer tax is filled with compliance and planning traps for the unwary. Explore the most common compliance and planning issues that CPAs will encounter, including (1) who pays the GST tax, (2) how to identify grandfathered trusts, (3) the automatic and affirmative allocation rules and how they are treated on a gift or estate tax return, (4) what is qualified severance, (5) what is a reverse QTIP election, (6) the three options for classifying gifts for GST purposes on a gift tax return, (7) late and retroactive allocations and, (8) most importantly, relief provisions.

Laurie D. Busbee
Legacy Studio Estate Law , Atlanta, GA

Death is unpredictable, but you do not need a crystal ball to be prepared. Discuss practical questions you can cover with your clients to ensure they are ready in the event of a crisis, as well as direction you can provide about what needs to be dealt with first when there is a death in the family.

Jeremiah W. Doyle IV, Esq.
Senior VP and Wealth Strategist / BNY Wealth , Boston, MA

The current estate, gift and GST tax exemption exempts all but the super-rich from Federal transfer taxes. However, the income tax remains. Discuss the types of assets that will benefit from a basis increase and ideas for obtaining an increased cost basis at death for those assets for which such an increase will be beneficial. Among the planning topics discussed will be the use of “upstream” outright gifting and gifts to grantor trusts while avoiding Section 1014(e), the importance of discretionary distribution provisions in trusts in obtaining a basis increase, how a “swap” power in a trust can aid in obtain a basis increase and the use of powers of appointment, including formula powers of appointment, to obtain a basis increase.

Hale E. Sheppard, Esq.
Eversheds Sutherland (US) LLP , Atlanta, GA

New president, new Congress, new Treasury secretary, and new IRS commissioner. These incoming players will trigger different rules and priorities in many areas, including international tax. Focus on significant changes in global taxation and enforcement, particularly noteworthy tax cases, administrative rulings, and other developments during the past year.

Christopher B. Blackmon, CPA
Financial Advisor / Mercer Global Advisors , Atlanta, GA

Jasna Veledar
Mercer Advisors , Atlanta, GA

Focus on the unique aspects of estate planning faced by millennials and divorcees that differ from those of a married family. Also, discuss the need to update your plan as laws and family circumstances change regularly.

Bridget J. Dunk, CPA
Carr, Riggs, & Ingram, LLC , Atlanta, GA

Chris Facka
Level Four Advisory Services , Atlanta, GA

Explore the latest trends in financial planning, strategies for entering retirement, and key techniques for addressing estate issues, cash flow management, and net worth evaluation. Tailored for CPAs, this presentation provides actionable insights to enhance client relationships and collaboration with CFPs, empowering attendees to deliver holistic, detail-oriented financial guidance. A Q&A session ensures practical application in your practice.

David F. Golden, CPA, Esq., LLM
Attorney/Partner / Troutman Pepper Hamilton Sanders LLP , Atlanta, GA

Summarize the high points of each presenter, tying together all the sessions and helping solidify what you have learned over the three days.