2026 Financial Leaders Forum

Agenda

Agenda topics, timing and speakers subject to change.
 
 

Sunday, May 17

6:30 pm – 8:30 pm

Financial Leaders Forum Opening Reception
Sponsored by Hearst Television | Microsoft | Szabo Associates | Altus
Dust off your boots and grab that ten-gallon hat—it's time to kick off the Financial Leaders Forum with true Texas spirit! The Opening Reception brings together great people, refreshing cocktails, and mouth-watering bites in one lively venue. Connect with fellow attendees, forge new friendships, and enjoy an evening of genuine hospitality. Y'all won't want to miss this warm Texas welcome to the Forum!

 
 

Day 1 | Monday, May 18

FEI and MFM attendees can attend concurrent sessions across both associations. A few Roundtable sessions are reserved for MFM members only — these are clearly marked in the program.

 

7:00 am - 5:00 pm

Registration Desk Open
Registration Desk | Third Floor

 
 

7:30 am – 8:30 am

Networking Breakfast in the Innovation Expo Hall
3rd Floor | Grand Ballroom
This is your chance to refuel on breakfast while forming meaningful connections in a relaxed and energized atmosphere. Meet fellow finance leaders, discover innovative solutions from top providers, and get a head start on exploring the latest tools and technologies that can transform your organization — all before the day's sessions begin. It's networking without the rush, conversation with purpose, and the perfect way to maximize your forum experience from the very first moment.

 
 

7:30 am – 8:30 am

MFM Member-Only Topic-Specific Sessions


Radio Network Roundtable + Breakfast
Conference Room 3+4 | Third Floor

Gaming Network Roundtable + Breakfast
Conference Room 14 | Third Floor

Order-to-Cash Community Networking Breakfast
Pearl Room 3 | Second Floor

 
 

8:30 am – 10:00 am

Joint Conference Welcome and Opening Keynote
Grand Ballroom | Third Floor


Andrej Suskavcevic, CAE | President and CEO | Financial Executives International (FEI) and Financial Education and Research Foundation (FERF)

Joseph Annotti | President and CEO | Media Financial Management Association (MFM)

 

Building and Maintaining a Winning Team - A Leadership Conversation with R.C. Buford
1 CPE Credit


R.C. Buford | Chief Executive Officer | Spurs Sports and Entertainment

Paul Hensley | SVP, Strategic Financial Advisor | Holt Group Companies

 
 

10:00 am – 10:30 am

Networking and Refreshment Break in the Innovation Expo Hall
Expo Hall | Third Floor

 
 

10:30 am – 11:30 am

Concurrent Thought Leadership Sessions

 

FEI Sessions

 

Session 1 | Too Many Priorities, Not Enough Progress: How Mid-Market CFOs Break Through Misalignment and Drive Execution

Presented by Heatherized, Inc.
Conference Room 1+2 | Third Floor

 

In many mid-market companies, the problem is not a lack of strategy, effort, or ambition. It is too many priorities pulling the organization in different directions. Teams are busy, initiatives are moving, and expectations remain high, yet progress slows, execution fragments, and results fall short. For mid-market CFOs, this is becoming one of the defining leadership challenges of the moment.

 

In a business environment shaped by rapid change, constrained resources, rising expectations, and AI-driven disruption, CFOs are being called on to do more than oversee financial performance. They are expected to help align priorities, strengthen decision-making, and drive execution across the enterprise. This session explores why misalignment is so often the hidden drag on growth and what financial leaders can do to break through it.

 

Attendees will leave with a practical framework for identifying where alignment breaks down, refocusing leaders around the priorities that matter most, and creating the clarity and accountability required to turn competing priorities into measurable progress.

 

Presenter:

Heather Cole | Executive Coach and Strategic Advisor at the Intersection of AI, Technology, and Finance | Heatherized, Inc.

 

 

Session 2 | How to Negotiate Best-In-Class Contracts With UPS & FedEx

Presented by AFMS
Conference Room 16+17 | Third Floor

2026 marks a critical inflection point for the U.S. parcel market. While volumes continue to rise, escalating cost structures, intensifying competition, and rapid delivery-network changes are placing unprecedented pressure on large shippers. The traditional playbook— relying on base rates and headline discounts — is no longer valid.

 

This session will equip key stakeholders with the insight and tools needed to navigate this new reality. Attendees will gain a clear understanding of today’s structural shifts and learn how to implement a disciplined, data-driven approach to protect margins, reduce risk, and build lasting competitive advantage through smarter parcel management.

 

Presenter:

Mike Erickson | President | AFMS

 

 

Session 3 | From Pilot to Production: How Finance Leaders Are Operationalizing Auditable AI

Presented by Trullion
Conference Room 20+21 | Third Floor

Finance leaders are under mounting pressure as regulatory complexity grows, documentation volumes surge, and the demand for stronger controls intensifies. Revenue leakage, recognition errors, and under-tested contract portfolios remain persistent blind spots. AI is no longer a future concept—it is reshaping how finance teams find and fix these issues today. This session brings together an AI innovator and an enterprise practitioner for an honest conversation about where vertical AI is delivering real value in revenue assurance and finance controls.

 

Presenter:

Ryan Himmel, CPA | GM of OCFO & Head of Partnerships | Trullion

James McBratney, CPA | VP, SEC Reporting and Accounting Policy | News Corp

 

 

MFM Sessions

 

Session 1 | Navigating the Complexities of Credit Card Acceptance
Presented by Basys Processing
Pearl Room 2 | Second Floor

As credit card acceptance expands across media organizations, finance leaders are navigating increasingly complex regulatory and operational considerations. From state-specific surcharge rules to differences between American Express, Visa, Mastercard, debit, and virtual cards, the landscape is nuanced and highly variable.

 

This session will address key questions asked frequently, including how state regulations may apply in multi-state environments, how American Express differs from Visa and Mastercard, managing credit acceptance when debit surcharge restrictions apply, whether organizations can selectively accept certain card types, payment timing considerations tied to credit card acceptance, and how virtual cards fit within current frameworks.

 

We will provide a structured overview of how these issues are commonly approached within the payment’s ecosystem. While not offering legal advice, this session will equip attendees with greater clarity and the right questions to bring to their internal legal teams.

 

Presenters:

Melissa Lewis | Director, Financial Services | Basys

Kenny Thompson | Managing Partner | Basys

Dave Crosswhite | Director, Enterprise Sales | Basys

 

 

Session 2 | The Corporate Game: Navigating the Unwritten Rules of Success

Presented by Grant Thornton
Pearl Room 3 | Second Floor

Success in corporate life is rarely driven by hard work alone. Beneath the formal org charts, job descriptions, and leadership principles is a second set of rules—unwritten norms around visibility, influence, relationships, timing, and power. This panel explores what it really takes to navigate corporate environments successfully without losing yourself in the process.

 

Through candid stories and contrasting perspectives, panelists will reflect on the expectations that first brought them into corporate life, the moment they realized merit was only part of the equation, and the choices they’ve made about how to operate with both ambition and integrity. The conversation will move from personal origin stories to practical insight, offering the audience concrete tools for recognizing signals, making intentional moves, protecting their energy, and defining success on their own terms.

 

Presenter:

Deborah Newman | Global Media & Entertainment Leader | Grant Thornton Advisors

 

 

Session 3 | Game On: Monetization Shifts, M&A, and Accounting in the Evolving Media Landscape
Presented by PwC
Pearl Room 1 | Second Floor
Media and entertainment companies are rapidly evolving their revenue models, pursuing strategic M&A, and navigating shifting accounting requirements. From subscriptions and ad-supported models to content and software capitalization, this session unpacks the latest monetization trends, deal dynamics, and their impact on financial reporting. Attendees will gain practical insights into how these changes are reshaping financial strategy, forecasting, and decision-making in both the video games industry and the broader media & entertainment sector.

Presenters:
Heidi Feng | Partner | PwC
Victor Kao | Partner | Armanino Advisory LLC

 

11:30 am – 12:30 pm

Joint General Session: 1 CPE Credit

Women Redefining Leadership in a Connected World: A Panel Discussion
Grand Ballroom | Third Floor


Hear from pioneering women leaders across healthcare, media, and technology as they discuss how they define success in their hyper-competitive sectors. This panel explores the unique challenges these industries present, the opportunities emerging at their intersection, and the leadership approaches that drive meaningful impact. Discover practical insights on navigating rapid change, building influence across diverse stakeholders, and creating pathways for women to thrive in leadership roles.

 

Moderator:

Pam Mudge | Senior Client Partner, Interim & Project Solutions | Korn Ferry

 

Panelists:

Alice Jolla | Chief Accounting Officer and Corporate Vice President, Corporate Finance and Services | Microsoft Corporation

Antonella Ricciardi | Senior Vice President, Corporate Controller | NBCUniversal Media

Menaka Swampillai-Evans | Chief Financial Officer | ITV America and ITV Studios America

 
 

12:30 pm – 2:00 pm

Networking Luncheon in the Innovation Expo Hall
Expo Hall | Third Floor

 
 

2:00 pm – 3:00 pm

Concurrent Thought Leadership Sessions

 

FEI Sessions

 

Session 1 | Forecasting Performance in Project-Based Businesses

Presented by Forvis Mazars
Conference Room 1+2 | Third Floor

Forecasting financial performance in project-based environments is increasingly complex, with margin, EBITDA, cash, and delivery risks often surfacing inaccurately or too late. This session examines how leaders can gain clearer, more timely insight into financial and operational performance using effective forecasting approaches. Attendees will hear practical perspectives on improving forecast reliability, strengthening cash visibility, and aligning teams around a single, decision-ready view of the business.

 

  • Challenges with Percentage-of-Completion Reporting
  • Cash forecasting best practices
  • Leveraging automation for AP, AR
  • Operational alignment considerations for leadership

 

Presenters:

Mark Miller | Principal | Forvis Mazars

Brian Reynolds | Manager | Forvis Mazars

Brent Young | Director | Forvis Mazars

 

 

Session 2 | AI Needs Better Data: How CFOs Build a Trusted Data Foundation for AI

Presented by Oracle NetSuite
Conference Room 16+17 | Third Floor

AI is transforming finance, from real-time forecasting and automated variance analysis to faster close cycles and dynamic scenario planning. Yet moving from experimentation to trusted, enterprise-wide impact requires more than advanced algorithms. It requires better data.

In this session, learn why data quality, integration, and governance are the true enablers of effective AI in finance. Discover how connected, high-quality data, paired with embedded intelligence and an upskilled finance team, drives reliable forecasting, anomaly detection, zero-day close, and faster, more confident decisions.

 

Presenter:

Tom Kelly | Director, Product Management | Oracle NetSuite

 

 

Session 3 | The Rise of Self-Funding AI: How Finance Leaders Are Turning Intelligence into ROI

Presented by SIB Fixed Cost Reduction
Conference Room 20+21 | Third Floor

Today's finance leaders are responsible for guiding the business through volatility while maintaining precision, credibility, and control.

 

In this session, a SIB industry expert will explore how leading finance teams are using AI to strengthen visibility, sharpen decision-making, and support growth without surrendering judgment or discipline. Attendees will learn how to invest in targeted AI that delivers measurable ROI by surfacing hidden errors, reclaiming margin, and preserving financial control on your tail spend.

 

  • Enhance foresight and decision quality while retaining financial control with the help of AI.
  • Why AI improves visibility and alignment across finance and revenue teams, reducing volatility.
  • Practical ways to apply AI as a support system for disciplined growth and cost reduction.


Presenter:
Eric Steele | Chief Revenue Officer | SIB Fixed Cost Reduction

 

 

MFM Sessions

 

Session 1 | From Buzzword to Build: Creating AI Agents

Presented by CFGI
Pearl Room 3 | Second Floor

Everyone's talking about agentic AI - but what does it actually look like in practice? This hands-on session cuts through the noise and walks you through the fundamentals of building an AI agent: how they reason, when to use them, and how to go from concept to a working prototype. Participants will learn the core principles of agentic AI—how agents reason, plan, and use tools—and when they’re the right solution. They’ll also gain practical experience turning a concept into a functional agent prototype, giving them a clear foundation for building their own.

 

Presenters:

Carina Hira | Partner, Business Transformation | CFGI

David Shebay | Partner, Managed Services Leader | CFGI

 

 

Session 2 | Navigating an M&A Transaction: A Discussion Panel

Presented by Houlihan Lokey
Pearl Room 1 | Second Floor

Mergers and acquisitions (M&A) are pivotal events that can reshape a company’s future. Join Houlihan Lokey panelists as they explore the 2025-2026 resurgence in Media, Sports, and Entertainment M&A, offering finance professionals a practical roadmap from target identification to seamless post-close integration.

Session highlights include:

  • 2025-2026 Media M&A trends and activity
  • Full M&A lifecycle overview
  • Buyside due diligence, valuation, and pre-close best practices
  • Post-close execution for smooth transitions and timely reporting

 

Presenter:

Michael Bett | Director, Transaction Opinion & Advisory | Houlihan Lokey
Michael DeLuke | Senior Advisor, Corporate Valuation Advisory Services | Houlihan Lokey
Brian Marler | Director and Head of Media, Sports & Entertainment Financial & Valuation Advisory | Houlihan Lokey
Autumn Zobrist | Senior Vice President, Global Accounting and Financial Reporting Advisory | Houlihan Lokey

 

 

Session 3 | Back to Basics: Driving Cash Flow Through Credit, AR, and Risk Discipline
Presented by Szabo Associates
Pearl Room 2 | Second Floor

This session brings together a panel of seasoned credit and accounts receivable professionals to revisit the foundational practices that directly influence financial stability, cash flow performance, and risk management across today’s media organizations. Attendees will gain insights into strengthening credit reviews, improving AR effectiveness, identifying red flags earlier, and navigating complex agency/advertiser liability positions and their legal implications. The discussion will also highlight strategies for building more effective partnerships between sales, credit, and AR teams to enhance order-to-cash performance. Participants will leave with practical tools, proven best practices, and a renewed focus on the core processes that reduce exposure, accelerate payments, and support long-term financial success.

 

Moderator:

Randy Neff | President | Szabo Associates, an Altus Receivables Management Company

 

Panelists:

Brandy Earley | Director of Credit and Collections | Sinclair Inc.

Drita Mulla | Director, Global Credit & Risk Management | NBCUniversal

Carmen Reyes | Relationship Manager of Credit and Collections | Hearst Television  

 

3:00 pm – 4:00 pm

Concurrent Thought Leadership Sessions

 

FEI Sessions

 

Session 1 | Tax Credit Purchases: How Buyers Navigate the Market and Capture Value Presented by Crux
Conference Room 1+2 | Third Floor

Transferable tax credits have emerged as a compelling tool for mid-market companies looking to reduce their effective tax rate, but the path from curiosity to completed transaction is filled with decisions that carry real consequences. This session brings together advisors who have guided multiple buyers through the process, whose expertise covers market dynamics and deal structuring; legal, accounting, and tax risk mitigation; and transaction documentation.

 

Drawing on real transaction experience, the presenters will walk through the mechanics of how a credit purchase works, the risk landscape buyers face, and the mitigation strategies — legal, commercial, and structural — that experienced advisors rely on to protect their clients. Attendees will leave with a practical framework for evaluating their options and the right questions to ask before signing anything.

 

Presenters:

Kelsey Latham | Senior Tax Manager - Washington National Tax | KPMG

Brandon Schneider | Principal | Crux

 

 

Session 2 | Managing Healthcare Cost Volatility

Presented by Brown & Brown
Conference Room 16+17 | Third Floor

Discover how leading employers are using advanced analytics to decode healthcare cost drivers and build strategies that outperform market trends. This session walks through how to isolate the true sources of medical trend, pharmacy spend, and high-cost claimant activity — and how to model plan volatility, test assumption sensitivity, and quantify downside risk exposure. Attendees will gain a practical view of today's medical and pharmacy landscape, including surging stop-loss claims, million-dollar claimant trends, and the shifting carrier and PBM marketplace across traditional, TPA, tiered, and alternative models. The session also features real-world case studies — from geo-analytics-driven utilization strategies to targeted MSK interventions — showing how detailed claims data translates into measurable cost containment and workforce outcomes.

 

Presenter:

Aaron Burkhard, FSA, MAAA | Senior Principal, Specialty & Actuarial Leader | Brown & Brown

 

 

Session 3 | Managing Retirement Plan Risk

Presented by Cerity Partners
Conference Room 20+21 | Third Floor

As part of our commitment to equipping senior leadership with strategies that deliver compliant, competitive, and cost-efficient retirement plans, this session introduces a comprehensive framework to strengthen fiduciary governance, minimize litigation and regulatory exposure, and improve workforce financial outcomes. By applying institutional investment and pricing standards and ensuring full transparency of total plan costs, our approach not only meets regulatory requirements but also enhances employee engagement, supports talent retention, and drives measurable long-term value for the organization and its stakeholders.

 

Attendees of this session will:

 

  • Learn how to position your plan as a tool for attracting and retaining top talent while controlling costs.
  • Gain actionable insights into strengthening oversight, reducing litigation risk, and meeting ERISA and regulatory standards.
  • Discover how applying institutional investment and pricing standards can optimize plan costs and improve ROI.
  • Understand emerging compliance challenges and proactive strategies to safeguard the organization.
  • Explore methods to improve employee financial wellness and retirement readiness, aligning with organizational goals.

 

Presenters:

Mike Cohen | Principal | Cerity Partners

Tim McNally | Senior Principal | Cerity Partners

Philip Steele | Partner | Cerity Partners

 

 

MFM Sessions

 

Session 1 | Fraud in the Media Industry
Presented by Borges Law
Pearl Room 2 | Second Floor

Fraud impacts the commercial trade credit industry. This presentation will provide indicators and features to detect and prevent fraudsters from stealing your services and leaving you without payment. This breakout will be led by legendary media industry legal expert Wanda Borges and payment processing guru Matt Fluegge of United TranzActions. It’s a “can’t miss” session for anyone interested in curbing fraud and increasing profitability.

 

  • Identify common fraud indicators and behavioral patterns affecting the commercial trade credit industry in order to recognize potential fraud risks before services are rendered.
  • Apply practical fraud detection and prevention strategies to reduce exposure to non‑payment, protect services, and improve overall profitability.

 

Presenters:

Wanda Borges | Principal | Borges & Associates

Matt Fluegge | VP, Sales & Strategic Partnerships | United TranzActions

 

 

Session 2 | Mastering Risk Balance 

Presented by Lockton Companies
Pearl Room 3 | Second Floor

Striking the right balance between retention, limits, and pricing on your insurance program is at the heart of effective risk management. This session highlights buying decisions based on your organization’s risk tolerance, market conditions, and financial implications. We will discuss various insurance program structures for transferring risk and the analytical tools available to safeguard assets and protect your organization.

 

Presenter:

Jenna Kirkpatrick Howard | SVP | Lockton Companies

 

 

Session 3 | Betting on the Game: How Technology and Wagering Shape Modern Sports Media

Presented by RSM
Pearl Room 1 | Second Floor

As wagering becomes embedded in the live viewing experience, it’s transforming how content is distributed, monetized, and valued across the ecosystem. This session explores how the sports industry is leveraging technology and legalized sports betting to reshape the future of sports media. Our experts will examine how bet-driven engagement is redefining distribution models, accelerating direct-to-consumer strategies, and unlocking new interactive viewing experiences. The presentation also covers how advertising is evolving through dynamic, data-driven formats and real-time integrations—while underscoring responsible growth—and assesses how these shifts are reframing live sports economics, moving beyond traditional ratings toward engagement-based value and data monetization frameworks.

 

Presenters:

Justin Krieger | Technology, Media & Telecom Industry Co-Leader – Canada | RSM US

Matt Twomey | Leader, Sports Industry Team | RSM US

 

4:00 pm – 5:00 pm

General Session

Digital Assets Go Mainstream: Stablecoins, Tokenization, and U.S. Regulation
Presented by: KPMG
Grand Ballroom | Third Floor
Blockchain is moving from the periphery of finance into core market infrastructure, reshaping how organizations manage and transfer value. Join KPMG’s Greg Genega for this general session to explore a practical view of where digital assets are delivering value today and where adoption is accelerating. We will also double-click into payment stablecoins and their role as emerging payment rails, the tokenization of money market funds, bank deposits, and securities, and share recent regulatory developments including recently passed and proposed legislation, as well as the latest guidance from U.S. regulatory bodies.

Presenter:
Greg Genega | Senior Advisor, Digital Assets | KPMG, LLP

 

5:00 pm – 6:30 pm

Networking Reception in the Innovation Expo Hall
Expo Hall | Third Floor

 
 

9:00 pm – 10:30 pm

Financial Leaders Forum - Attendee Appreciation Networking & Nightcaps
Sponsored by Ledgent
Grand Ballroom Foyer | Third Floor
Unwind, Connect, and Raise a Glass to Success! After a full day of insights and learning, join us in the evening for networking and nightcaps, sponsored by Ledgent. This is your chance to decompress and continue the day's conversations in a more relaxed setting. Enjoy complimentary cocktails while networking with fellow finance professionals in an informal atmosphere where the best ideas often emerge. Whether you're looking to deepen connections made during the day, discuss key takeaways from sessions, or simply enjoy good company over a well-deserved drink, this evening gathering is the perfect blend of appreciation and opportunity. It's where business relationships become lasting professional friendships — one toast at a time.

 
 
Back To Top
 

Day 2 | Tuesday, May 19

FEI and MFM attendees can attend concurrent sessions across both associations. A few Roundtable sessions are reserved for MFM members only — these are clearly marked in the program.

 

7:00 am - 3:00 pm

Registration Desk Open
Registration Desk | Third Floor

 
 

7:30 am – 8:30 am

Networking Breakfast in the Innovation Expo Hall
Expo Hall | Third Floor
Start Day 2 with a fresh breakfast and even fresher connections. Take this opportunity to reconnect with fellow attendees, exchange new insights from Day 1, and continue the conversations that sparked your curiosity. Explore innovative solutions from leading sponsors and exhibitors, plus discover technologies that can further elevate your organization. It’s a relaxed, energizing way to refocus, recharge, and get ready for another day of ideas and inspiration.

 
 

7:30 am – 8:30 am

MFM Member-Only Topic-Specific Sessions

 

CFO Breakfast Roundtable (Invitation Only)
Conference Room 3+4 | Third Floor

 

8:30 am – 9:30 am

General Session
Artificial Intelligence (AI) Governance Leading Practices
Presented by Deloitte
Grand Ballroom | Third Floor
AI is reshaping how organizations operate, make decisions, communicate, and drive enterprise value. Business functions that embrace AI as a collaborator can enhance human capabilities and unlock untapped potential for growth, resilience, and innovation. Join Deloitte’s Casey Kacirek to explore high-impact applications of AI across business functions. She will also double-click into Generative AI and Agentic AI use cases for finance, accounting, internal audit, and share leading practices for AI governance.

 

Presenter:

Casey Kacirek | Audit & Assurance Managing Director | Deloitte & Touche LLP

 

9:30 am – 10:30 am

Concurrent Thought Leadership Sessions

 

FEI Sessions

 

Session 1 | Regulatory Readiness: Governing AI, Data, and Risk in a New Compliance Era

Presented by DFIN
Conference Room 1+2 | Third Floor

The 2025 regulatory compliance landscape presents a highly dynamic and volatile environment, driven by rapid technological advancements, shifting policy priorities, and evolving societal expectations. Organizations will be required to navigate increasingly complex regulatory frameworks that emphasize the need to document, audit, and govern AI algorithms with a strong focus on transparency, fairness, and accountability. At the same time, regulators are intensifying their scrutiny of data protection, cyber incident response, third-party risk management, and operational continuity—demanding robust governance structures, rigorous controls on information security, and timely reporting mechanisms to ensure resilience against market disruptions.

 

Attendees who join this session will walk away:

 

  • Understanding practical strategies for documenting, auditing, and governing AI systems to meet expectations for transparency, fairness, and accountability;
  • Gaining insight into heightened regulatory scrutiny around cybersecurity, incident response, and third-party risk; and
  • Identifying best practices for strengthening governance structures, internal controls, and reporting processes.

 

Presenter:

Donna Garabo | Product Development | DFIN

Dr. Emily McIntosh | Senior Manager, Forensics | Ernst & Young LLP

 

 

Session 2 | From Volatility to Visibility: How CFOs are Reclaiming the Healthcare Budget with ICHRA

Presented by Ambetter Health / Take Command
Conference Room 16+17 | Third Floor

For decades, the employer-sponsored healthcare model has been defined by a "death spiral" of unpredictable annual renewals, rising premiums, and a lack of transparency that erodes EBITDA. While HR traditionally managed the second-highest line item in the P&L, the financial fallout of a "bad claim year" often lands squarely on the CFO's desk. However, a fundamental shift is occurring. Forward-thinking finance leaders are abandoning the traditional group plan in favor of a more modern benefits solution, the Individual Coverage Health Reimbursement Arrangements (ICHRA).

 

This panel explores how the ICHRA model—which replaces the "one-size-fits-all" group plan with a flexible, defined contribution allowance—is transforming healthcare from a volatile variable into a fixed, predictable line item. We will dive into real-world case studies where organizations have realized savings of 20% to 40% while simultaneously increasing employee choice. Attendees will learn how to decouple corporate financial risk from the health events of employees and instead leverage the stability of the broader individual marketplace. Join us to discover how shifting the healthcare paradigm can protect your bottom line, satisfy a diverse workforce, and turn a legacy cost center into a strategic asset for growth.

 

Panelists:

Lauren Niebruegge | Chief Financial Officer | Ambetter Health

Wayne Scott | CFO | Take Command

 

 

Session 3 | The Mid-Year Resilience Audit: Aligning Human Capital with Q3/Q4 Performance Goals

Presented by Randstad
Conference Room 20+21 | Third Floor

Learn about new developments impacting the F&A landscape and how shifting market dynamics and evolving workforce expectations are forcing financial executives to constantly adapt. This session will provide an update on the latest findings, offering insights into the areas of opportunity and challenges for leaders in the second half of the year.

As finance leaders move through the mid-year pivot point, the transition from defensive talent retention to the strategic reallocation of human capital has become a primary driver of organizational resilience. By auditing the "Optimism Paradox"—the gap between executive confidence and actual operational readiness—CFOs can uncover new ways to reduce volatility and secure the "Resilience Dividend." What was once viewed as a human capital hurdle is now a strategic lever to eliminate operational drag and focus on impactful initiatives like AI integration and global talent mobility.

 

Moderator:

Jill Eubank | CFO | Proscore Technologies

 

Panelists:

Kathy Beavers | Regional VP, Consulting | Tatum by Randstad

David Breedlove | Executive Vice President, Professional Talent Solutions | Randstad

Renee Keller | Controller | Endura Advisory Group

Nicholas Koutouras | VP, Product Management | Q2

 

 

MFM Sessions

 

Session 1 | Accounting for AI implementations

Presented by CohnReznick
Pearl Room 1 | Second Floor

Explore the nuances of accounting for AI solution implementation in this practical session. We’ll break down what qualifies as research and development expenses versus capitalizable costs, clarify internal-use software under ASC 360 (including how to distinguish preliminary project stages from capitalizable work), and examine ASC 985 for external-use software—particularly when AI solutions qualify and how to determine technological feasibility.

 

Attendees will leave the session with an understanding of:

  • how to evaluate AI solutions from an accounting perspective;
  • key distinctions under ASC 360 (internal-use software) and ASC 985 (external-use software);
  • which AI costs qualify as expenses versus capitalizable assets; and
  • tax strategies for AI projects, including R&D tax credits.

 

Presenter:

Brad Hausman | Partner | CohnReznick LLP

 

 

Session 2 | Overcome a Fragmented Applications Landscape with an AI-Powered World-Class Finance Platform

Presented by Oracle
Pearl Room 2 | Second Floor

Media companies face highly specialized needs that require unique industry-specific solutions. As a result, their application landscape often becomes fragmented, making business management challenging. But what if you had an applications platform that could fully automate core processes—including accounting—while providing comprehensive insights into business from multiple perspectives? Join this session to discover how Oracle Cloud Applications overcome these challenges, helping you streamline operations and gain greater visibility across your media organization.

 

During this session, attendees will learn:

  • Central management, governance, and harmonization of titles and associated attribution with other title-oriented systems.
  • Seamless completion of transaction flows initiated in external, media-specific applications like Rights & Royalties and Ad Sales.
  • Leveraging “thin ledgers” for title accounting while enabling profitability analysis across diverse title-related attributes.
  • Optimization and streamlining of processes across key business functions—Finance, HCM, CX, and SCM—using AI-powered Fusion Cloud Applications.

 

Presenters:

David Chaimson | Sr. Director, Solution Engineering – Oracle Cloud Applications | Oracle
Michael Gobbo | Executive Director - Oracle Solutions for the Office of the CFO | Oracle
Josh Kamenecka | Group VP Solution Engineering | Oracle

 

 

Session 3 | Washington Legal and Policy Issues for Media Companies

Presented by WBK Law and NAB
Pearl Room 3 | Second Floor

Over a year into the current administration, Washington has seen significant changes impacting media companies. This session will cover developing legal and regulatory issues, including potential shifts in media ownership rules, reviews of DEI practices, ATSC 3.0 rollout, reinterpretations of political broadcasting rules, foreign ownership scrutiny, and more. Bring your questions to assess how these regulatory shifts might affect your bottom line.

 

Attendees will leave this session with an understanding of the regulatory changes in Washington and their potential effects on operations and obligations for broadcasters, cable companies, and other media entities.

 

Presenters:

Erin Dozier | SVP and Deputy General Counsel | National Association of Broadcasters

David Oxenford | Partner | Wilkinson Barker Knauer LLP  

 

10:30 am – 11:00 am

Networking and Refreshment Break in the Innovation Expo Hall 
Expo Hall | Third Floor

 
 

11:00 am – 12:00 pm

Concurrent Thought Leadership Sessions

 

FEI Sessions

 

Session 1 | From Automation to Autonomy: How AI Agents are Redefining Accounts Payable

Presented by Medius
Conference Room 1+2 | Third Floor

As finance organizations face increasing complexity, cost pressure, and risk, Accounts Payable is emerging as a strategic lever—not just a back-office function. This executive-level session examines how intelligent, agent-driven AI is enabling AP teams to move beyond efficiency gains toward autonomous, insight-driven operations that improve control, resilience, and decision-making. Rather than focusing on technology hype, this discussion highlights how leading organizations are applying AI today to orchestrate AP and payments processes, proactively manage risk, and improve supplier engagement—while delivering measurable business outcomes.

 

Attendees will gain a clear view of what autonomy in AP means, where it delivers the most value, and how to approach adoption with confidence.

 

  • How AI-driven AP enables greater financial control, resilience, and scalability.
  • Where AI agents deliver the most strategic impact across invoice processing, risk, and supplier management.
  • What executives should consider when investing in AI-enabled AP, from governance to value realization.

 

Presenters:

Don Holm | Global Vice President Value Consulting | Medius
Kaleb Northrup | Senior Presales Solutions Consultant | Medius

 

 

Session 2 | How to Negotiate Best-In-Class Contracts With UPS & FedEx

Presented by AFMS
Conference Room 16+17 | Third Floor

2026 marks a critical inflection point for the U.S. parcel market. While volumes continue to rise, escalating cost structures, intensifying competition, and rapid delivery-network changes are placing unprecedented pressure on large shippers. The traditional playbook— relying on base rates and headline discounts — is no longer valid.

 

This session will equip key stakeholders with the insight and tools needed to navigate this new reality. Attendees will gain a clear understanding of today’s structural shifts and learn how to implement a disciplined, data-driven approach to protect margins, reduce risk, and build lasting competitive advantage through smarter parcel management.

 

Presenter:

Mike Erickson | President | AFMS


 

Session 3 | From Reporting to Leading: How AI Is Elevating Mid-Market Finance Leadership
Presented by Maximor
Conference Room 20+21 | Third Floor

Mid-market finance leaders often find themselves buried in operational tasks — manual reconciliations, fragmented data pulls, and reactive reporting — leaving little bandwidth for the strategic work that actually drives business value. This session examines how AI-powered automation is eliminating that operational drag, giving finance teams real-time visibility and the contextual depth needed to shift from explaining the past to shaping the future.

 

Through a real-world case study, attendees will hear directly from a mid-market finance leader about the journey from disconnected, manual processes to an AI-driven finance function — including the measurable outcomes achieved and the hard-won lessons along the way. Attendees will leave with a practical framework for identifying where AI can have the greatest impact in their own organizations and how to build the internal case for change.

 

Presenter:

Ramnandan (Ram) Krishnamurthy | CEO |  Maximor AI

 

 

MFM Sessions

 

Session 1 | Becoming the De Facto Chief Compliance Officer in an AI World with Ever-Evolving Regulation

Presented by Cadex
Pearl Room 2 | Second Floor

Does your company have a dedicated compliance leader – or is that a hat you wear? For CFOs, controllers, and other financial and operational leaders, navigating compliance in an ever-shifting AI landscape is no longer a peripheral concern – it directly impacts financial integrity, risk exposure, and enterprise value.

 

This session will help you learn to build flexible compliance frameworks that prioritize transparency and data protection and foster collaboration between legal, technical, and executive teams, while enabling responsible innovation. In this context, effective AI compliance is not a constraint – it is a strategic enabler of trust, financial resilience, and long-term growth.

Presenters:
Seth Carter, Ph.D | Chief Digital Officer | Cadex Solutions
Andy Balthaser | Chief Compliance Officer | Cadex Solutions

 

 

Session 2 | Let’s Make a Deal – or Not
Presented by Bond & Pecaro
Pearl Room 1 | Second Floor

Join our expert panel for an up-to-date discussion of transaction values, dealmaking, and the FCC’s current outlook on market concentration. We will be focusing on what might come in the year ahead with deals and deal volumes and look back to the last relaxation of ownership rules in 1996. The panel will try to answer the question of whether we are on the cusp of another wave of ownership concentration and what it might look like this time. Also, with both a broker and communications attorney on the panel, we will examine what makes for a smooth transaction process and the problems and pitfalls that cause deals to fall apart.

Moderator/Panelist:
Tim Pecaro | Principal | Bond & Pecaro, Inc.

 

Panelists:

Robert “Bob” Heymann | Broker, Managing Director | Media Services Group

Seth Williams | Attorney, Co-Managing Member | Fletcher, Heald & Hildreth

 

 

Session 3 | Local Without Limits: Measuring the Future of Reach

Presented by Nielsen
Pearl Room 3 | Second Floor

Participants will evaluate how Nielsen’s 2026 methodology enhancements—including the transition to a one-minute qualifier and the integration of cross-platform viewing trends—collectively improve the stability and precision of audience data used to value local station inventory.

  • Identify Cross-Platform Consumption Patterns: Evaluate shifts in the local media landscape, including the growing share of broadcast viewing occurring on connected devices and the incremental audience reach provided by integrating local digital and OTT feeds into traditional linear schedules.
  • Recapture Short-Duration Tuning: Evaluate how transitioning from a five-minute to a one-minute qualifier improves audience measurement by capturing short-duration viewing events that previously went uncounted, which currently account for nearly 24% of all TV viewing minutes.

 

Presenter:

Mike Weinisch | Vice President | Local Insights, Nielsen  

 

12:00 pm – 1:30 pm

Networking Luncheon in the Innovation Expo Hall  
Expo Hall | Third Floor

 
 

1:30 pm – 2:30 pm

Concurrent Thought Leadership Sessions

 

FEI Sessions

 

Session 1 | The Road to IPO Readiness: Lessons from PagerDuty
Presented by Everest
Conference Room 1+2 | Third Floor
Taking a startup public is non-trivial. When Jeff Alley joined PagerDuty, he didn’t realize that he was stepping into an IPO journey. Once the goal became clear, every decision centered on one objective: build the financial foundation necessary to withstand public-market scrutiny.

In this candid session, you’ll get an inside look at what it truly takes to move from confidential filings to ringing the NASDAQ bell—while operating with an accounting team of just three. We’ll walk through the rapid system implementations required to create a control-based environment, how we strengthened revenue recognition practices under pressure, and what separates a prepared organization from one scrambling at the last minute. You’ll also hear what actually earns respect from SOX auditors, and where today’s technology would have dramatically changed Jeff’s team’s approach.

Attendees will:

  • Gain firsthand insight into IPO preparation within a lean accounting team.
  • Understand the systems and controls required to operate in a public environment.
  • Learn what makes auditors confident in your processes.
  • Walk away with five practical, actionable ways tech can accelerate IPO readiness.

 

Presenter:
Jeff Alley | Head of the Quote to Cash Product | Everest (former Global Revenue Controller at PagerDuty)

 

 

Session 2 | Middle Market M&A Update and Playbook
Presented by PwC
Conference Room 16+17 | Third Floor

In today’s dynamic private market, mergers and acquisitions (M&A) present both significant opportunities and complex challenges for middle market company leaders. Join PwC specialists for a comprehensive discussion on deal activity so far this year and key opportunities and challenges for middle market companies as they conduct due diligence on potential acquisitions.

 

Topics include:

  • M&A Market Overview: Get the latest data and trends shaping the current deals landscape. Hear insights on market dynamics affecting mid-market and private equity transactions.
  • Quality of Earnings & Working Capital: Learn what a quality of earnings and net working capital analysis entails. Understand how these assessments uncover hidden risks during due diligence.
  • Critical Due Diligence Red Flags: Discover the key financial and operational risks that frequently surface during M&A transactions. Learn what to watch for to protect deal value.
  • Deal Structure Trends: Explore current approaches to valuation gaps, earn-outs, and closing mechanisms. Understand how these tools help bridge buyer-seller expectations.
  • M&A Readiness for Growth-Stage Companies: Learn how to build an internal framework that prepares your company for a transaction. Gain practical steps to strengthen financials and operations proactively.

 

Presenters:

Michael Drubin | Deals Partner | PwC

Adam Gain | Financial Due Diligence Partner | PwC

 

 

Session 3 | Build Your Inner Circle Before You Need It: Why Finance Leaders Need Trusted Peer Networks in the AI Economy
Presented by Heatherized, Inc.
Conference Room 20+21 | Third Floor

In the AI economy, finance leaders are being asked to make faster decisions under greater uncertainty while carrying expanding expectations across strategy, technology, talent, and risk. Yet many are navigating that pressure more alone than they should. The challenge is not simply keeping up with AI. It is having the confidence, perspective, and trusted relationships to lead well when the stakes are high and the path forward is not always clear.

 

This session explores why the strongest finance leaders do not rely on information alone. They build intentional peer networks that sharpen judgment, expand perspective, and create a trusted space to test ideas, pressure-test decisions, and navigate change with greater confidence. Attendees will learn how to move beyond transactional networking and build a true inner circle, one that strengthens leadership, accelerates learning, and provides real value in the moments that matter most.

 

Participants will leave with a practical framework for building a high-value peer network in today’s fast-moving environment, including who belongs in that circle, how to cultivate trust and mutual value, and why the right relationships may be one of the most important leadership advantages in the age of AI.

 

Presenter:

Heather Cole | Executive Coach and Strategic Advisor at the Intersection of AI, Technology, and Finance | Heatherized, Inc.

 

 

MFM Sessions

 

Session 1 | From Flintstones to Jetsons: Real-World Lessons for Navigating Your Technology Transformation Journey
Presented by Apps Associates
Pearl Room 2 | Second Floor

Every organization has a Bedrock moment — that point when you look around and realize your systems, processes, and technology belong in the Stone Age while the rest of the world is flying around in spaceships. The good news? The journey from Flintstones to Jetsons is possible. The bad news? It’s rarely as smooth as George Jetson’s commute.

 

In this closing breakout session, Apps Associates pulls back the curtain on what enterprise technology transformation really looks like — the wins, the hard pivots, the rescues, and the decisions that made all the difference. Whether your organization is still running on legacy systems, mid-migration to cloud ERP, or trying to figure out where AI fits into a landscape that’s moving faster than your roadmap, this session meets you where you are.  

 

Drawing on real-world advisory experience across media, telecom, banking, healthcare, and manufacturing, our speaker delivers the candid, experience-driven conversation that turns two days of conference learning into a clear path forward — no vendor pitch, no theory, just hard-won perspective from the front lines.

 

Presenter:

Reshma Gada |  Financial Solution Architect & Practice Director | Apps Associates

 

 

Session 2 | Speed Mentoring for Emerging Leaders
Presented by Bonneville International Corporation
Pearl Room 3 | Second Floor

Perfect for newcomers to the media and entertainment industry of MFM, this session offers a chance to connect with experienced leaders from various organizations. Come ready for open discussion, new friendships, and even potential mentorship opportunities.

 

  • Network with peers—both new and experienced members
  • Learn from trusted industry leaders
  • Expand your professional connections

 

Moderators:

Carrie Heffernan | Corporate Controller | Bonneville International Corporation

Ryan Laninga | Director, Finance – Denver | Bonneville International Corporation

 

 

Session 3 | From Insertion Orders to Cash: How Samsung Ads Uses Automation to Scale Collections and Accelerate Payments
Presented by Sidetrade
Pearl Room 1 | Second Floor
Media finance teams manage high invoice volumes, agency-driven payment behavior, and billing tied to campaign delivery. In that environment, cash performance often depends on how consistently collections are executed across the portfolio. This session shows how Samsung Ads moved from inconsistent follow-up to a structured, automation-driven execution model. Using Sidetrade’s O2C Intelligence Platform, actions are prioritized and triggered across the full receivables portfolio, ensuring invoices are worked at the right time.

Over six months, execution rates increased from the mid-30 percent range to more than 80 percent, while average payment delays improved from more than 50 days late to ahead of terms. DSO remained stable despite increased activity and volume. The impact was not more effort, it was better orchestration of actions, combining automation at scale with focused intervention on agency escalations, disputes, and high-value accounts. The session will focus on how to move forward in applying AI in a practical way within media O2C. Not as a concept, but as a system that drives daily execution, improves payment timing, and delivers more predictable cash outcomes.

  • How AI and automation improve collections timing across agency-driven portfolios
  • What drives execution rates from 30 percent to 80 percent
  • How to reduce payment delays without increasing friction
  • How to connect day-to-day activity to measurable cash outcomes
 

Presenters:
Scott Jenkins | Sr. Director - Finance | Samsung Ads
Bill North | SVP Sales North America | Sidetrade

 
 

2:30 pm – 3:30 pm

General Session
Risk, Speed, and Safety: The Iron Triangle of AI
Grand Ballroom | Third Floor
In Formula 1, we don't win by ignoring the brakes; we win because we trust them. In the race for AI integration, robust risk management isn't a speed limiter—it's the telemetry and stopping power that allows an enterprise to take the corners of innovation at 200 mph without flying off the track. Join "Google Guy", Toby Scales, for the latest insights on AI risk management and frontier safety. He'll cover the agentic enterprise, AI applications in cyber defense, and a comprehensive overview of AI's role in today's threat landscape.

Presenter:
Toby Scales | Media & Entertainment - Office of the CISO | Google

 
 

3:30 pm – 4:30 pm

MFM Member-Only Topic-Specific Sessions


Television Network Roundtable
Conference Room 3+4 | Third Floor

Audit and Compliance Network Roundtable
Conference Room 14 | Third Floor

Consumer Finance and Operations (CFON) Network Roundtable
Pearl Room 3 | Second Floor

 
 

3:30 pm – 5:30 pm

Closing Celebratory Reception
Grand Ballroom Foyer | Third Floor
Days of sessions, conversations, and connections deserve a proper sendoff. Join your peers one last time for drinks, bites, and one last chance to trade cards, swap notes, and say goodbye until next year.

 
 
Back To Top
 

Wednesday, May 20

8:00 am – 10:00 am

TotalCapitalManagement.ai: Your Sustainable Competitive Advantage for Thriving in the Intelligence Age

 

Separate Registration Required ($295) During Conference Registration Process

 

Research reveals a troubling three-headed problem facing the global business community: 96% of stocks are dead weight, AI fails at 96% of jobs, and GenAI is atrophying human critical thinking skills.

 

The good news is that this interactive, transformative session offers a three-headed solution to overcome these challenges, helping you future-proof your organization and lead with confidence in the Intelligence Age.

 

By attending, you'll commit to breaking away from conventional wisdom and learn how to govern, lead, and manage in ways specifically tailored for thriving in the Intelligence Age. This session will equip you with a sustainable competitive advantage through the Total Capital Management (TCM) philosophy — a system that's easy to appreciate and one all companies should embrace.

 

What Attendees Are Saying About Mark's 2025 Total Capital Management Conference Workshop:

  • "Fantastic! Thank you for leading us through such a powerful discussion."
  • "I'm glad I invested the time to learn from Mark - anyone who does, will be too."
  • "Mark is a great leader and has developed a great system and philosophy of Total Capital Management (TCM). TCM is easy to appreciate and a philosophy all companies should embrace."

 

Presenter:

Mark Sickles | CEO | SuperOrg, Inc.

 

8:00 am – 10:00 am

Accounting, Finance and Operations Roundtable


Separate, Complimentary Regsitration Required During Conference Registration Process

This interactive roundtable brings together financial executives to discuss the latest developments in accounting standards and regulatory guidance. Participants will explore recent and upcoming regulations impacting financial reporting, compliance, and disclosure, with a focus on real-world application across diverse industries. The roundtable is designed to encourage open dialogue and peer exchange, allowing attendees to share challenges, best practices, and practical approaches to implementation. Ideal for CFOs, controllers, and all levels of finance leaders seeking timely insights and cross-industry perspectives on today’s evolving accounting landscape.