Before the broader PE Summit community arrives, join an exclusive group of accounting firm leaders for an evening of candid conversation and peer networking. As firms navigate an unprecedented number of strategic options—from independence and mergers to ESOPs and private equity—this reception offers an opportunity to exchange ideas, build relationships, and set the stage for the discussions ahead. Open exclusively to accounting firm attendees participating in CPA Insights.

Accounting firm leaders have more strategic options than ever before. From independence and mergers to ESOPs, private equity, and alternative capital models, the path forward is no longer one-size-fits-all. In these opening remarks, we’ll set the stage for CPA Insights by exploring the forces reshaping firm ownership, growth, and succession—and the critical decisions leaders face as they plan for the future.

For decades, accounting firms relied on a predictable formula for growth and ownership transition: Partners funded the next generation, firms financed growth from operations, and independence was the default path forward. That model is increasingly under pressure.

Accounting Today’s 2025 research revealed that one in three firms now report needing capital, driven by rising technology and AI investments, acquisition opportunities, talent challenges, and the growing cost of partner succession. At the same time, aging ownership groups and rising firm valuations are making traditional partner buyout models harder to sustain, forcing firm leaders to reconsider how they fund growth, transition leadership, and remain competitive.

This opening session will explore the structural forces creating capital pressure across the profession and examine the strategic choices firms now face.

• Why are some firms actively seeking outside capital while others remain committed to independence?
• What alternatives exist beyond private equity?
• And how can firm leaders determine the right path for their firm’s future?

Our conference co-chairs sit down with Dan Hood for a candid discussion on the changing economics of firm ownership, the realities of succession planning in today’s market, and the funding models that will shape the next generation of accounting firms.

Employee Stock Ownership Plans are gaining renewed attention as a strategy for ownership transition, succession planning, and long-term independence. But how do ESOPs work in practice, and are they the right fit for your firm?

This session will examine how accounting firms are using ESOPs to create liquidity for retiring partners, transfer ownership to the next generation of leaders, and align the interests of employees with the long-term success of the firm. Attendees will gain a practical understanding of ESOP structures, the transition process from traditional partnership models, the tax and financial implications, and the opportunities and challenges firms should consider when evaluating this increasingly popular ownership model.

Private equity may be the most visible capital source, but it’s far from the only option.

This session explores the full spectrum of capital options available to accounting firms, from traditional bank financing and specialty lenders to partner buy-in loans, succession financing, and leveraged recapitalizations. Through real-world examples, attendees will learn how firms are using debt and other financing strategies to fund growth, facilitate ownership transitions, pursue acquisitions, and remain independent.

Technology has become one of the most important drivers of growth, efficiency, and firm value. As accounting firms face mounting pressure to modernize operations, leverage AI, improve the client experience, and create capacity, technology investment is increasingly being viewed as a strategic capital decision rather than a routine operating expense. In this panel discussion, thought leaders from some of the profession’s leading technology vendors will share their perspectives on where firms are investing today, the capabilities firms will need to remain competitive tomorrow, and how firm leaders should think about prioritizing future technology investments.

Private equity isn’t inevitable. Accounting firms today have more options than ever—including remaining proudly independent. But independence requires firms to proactively address many of the same challenges that are driving others toward outside capital: growth, succession, talent, technology investment, partner retirements, capacity, and long-term strategic planning. In this session, firm leaders who have chosen to stay independent share how they’re building sustainable, competitive firms on their own terms.

The accounting M&A landscape has shifted dramatically, and firms under $10 million in revenue are navigating a uniquely complex environment. Buyer expectations have evolved, valuation methodologies have changed, and the options available to firm owners extend well beyond a traditional PE deal.

In this session, Brannon Poe, CPA, Founder of Poe Group Advisors, and Morry Brown, Regional Market Lead, draw on their experience guiding hundreds of firm owners through transitions to break down what smaller firm leaders need to know when planning an exit

We wrap up the Pre-Conference by highlighting the most important insights for firm leaders evaluating strategic options — from remaining independent to pursuing outside capital. These closing remarks also set the stage for the main conference, where we move from decision-making to execution and long-term impact.

The accounting profession is undergoing one of the most significant transformations in its history. Join accounting firm leaders, investors, advisors, and solution providers as we kick off PE Summit 2026 with an evening of networking and conversation. This reception provides an opportunity to connect with peers, share perspectives, and begin exploring the trends, opportunities, and challenges that will define the discussions throughout the summit.