IMA® (Institute of Management Accountants) is committed to helping finance and accounting professionals grow stronger and thrive during challenging times – and members sharing their knowledge and expertise can play a valuable role in this effort. IMA is asking members to submit proposals for educational sessions for its 2021 Annual Conference & Expo (ACE2021), taking place June 13-16, 2021, at the Westin Kierland Resort in Scottsdale, Ariz.
IMA is looking for highly engaging sessions featuring experiential learning, peer collaboration, and innovative topics. Breakout sessions fall into two categories:
- Specialty Tracks: 75-minute interactive and engaging presentations, including 10-15 minutes of Q&A.
- Pre-Conference Workshops: 150-minute interactive and engaging pre-Conference workshops with a combination of narrative, case studies, problem solving, and time allocated for Q&A.
The Conference will feature the following eight subject-focused specialty tracks:
- Accounting Hot Topics
- Business Acumen and Operations
- Ethics
- Leadership and Professional Development
- Reporting and Control
- Small- to Medium-Sized Enterprises
- Strategy, Planning, and Performance
- Technology and Analytics
For further information, please see this detailed list of tracks with suggested topics.
“We’re very much looking forward to returning to an in-person Conference in 2021,” said Debbie Warner, CAE, CPLP, IMA vice president of Education and Career Services. “The cancellation of the 2020 Conference was necessary for the safety and wellbeing of everyone, but it was a difficult decision that had to be made in light of the global pandemic. We are working hard to ensure that the 2021 Conference offers the same inspiring speakers, quality CPE, and networking opportunities that have been the hallmark of IMA Conferences for nearly 100 years.”
Members who wish to be considered as a breakout session leader should complete an online form by 11:59 p.m. EDT on August 28, 2020. In addition, members can view a speaker submission checklist to ensure all required information is completed.
If you have a suggestion for a general session speaker, please email their name, brief description, and contact information to LeighAnn Tobia at ltobia@imanet.org.
The 2021 Annual Conference Volunteer Program Committee will review each submission, and speakers will be notified of the selection results by late November. IMA will review multiple proposals from the same individual.
Conference speakers receive special benefits: one complimentary Conference registration, a one-night stay at the Westin Kierland Resort (one night per session, room and tax only), and a $500 stipend to defray travel expenses (one per session).
Of special note for Academic members: Please be advised there will be a separate call-for-proposal request in the fall of 2020 to submit Applied Research topics for the Conference.