July 15, 2026 CPE Seminar and Luncheon Schedule:

LOCATION: Courtyard Marriott (I-77/Rockside) – 5051 West Creek Road, Independence, OH, 44131

Click here for directions

Attendance of all time slots is NOT required. Please join us for any presentations your schedule permits that day – or just for lunch and networking. (Registration required) – Up to 3 CPE credits total.

9:15a – Optional Pre-Session Coffee, Bialy’s Bagel Breakfast and Networking

10:00 – 10:50a –  ESOPs as a Succession Planning Option – What Do CPAs Really Need to Know to Evaluate vs. Private Equity (1 CPE credit) – Many times business owners and their trusted advisors default to a third-party sale, typically to PE or Strategic buyers, if an internal transfer to family members isn’t an option. But what about an ESOP? This session will explore the history of ESOPs, why Congress established ESOPs and continues to support them, tax advantages available to both sellers and the company in an ESOP transaction, and the benefits that can accrue to all stakeholders. We will explore common misperceptions and highlight when ESOPs can be a good choice – including the trade-offs a seller and their advisors should consider. Presented by Shawn Ely (Managing Director) of Lazear Capital

10:55 – 11:45p– Cash Recovery and Tariff Risk Update: CAPE Refund Progress, Section 122 Decision, Section 301 Outlook (1 CPE credit) – This session provides a practical, up-to-the-minute roadmap for importers navigating the current “refund + replacement tariff” environment. We begin with where CAPE refunds stand today- what CBP has rolled out inside ACE for requesting refunds, what information importers must have in place (including refund/ACH setup), and how the CAPE claim workflow is intended to move from submission to a consolidated refund. 

     Next, we translate the legal landscape into operational realities by reviewing the Court of International Trade’s May 7, 2026 decision holding the Section 122 global surcharge unlawful, while emphasizing the decision’s limited, plaintiff-specific relief and the uncertainty created by ongoing appellate activity (including efforts that allow continued collection while appeals proceed).

     Finally, we look forward: multiple analyses and industry commentary indicate the administration’s pivot toward Section 301 actions as the next durable tool – particularly as Section 122’s temporary nature (and sunset pressure) drives planning risk for contract pricing, sourcing, and landed-cost forecasting. Attendees will leave with a clear “do-now” checklist to protect refund rights, improve cash forecasting, and build tariff contingency language into purchasing and customer agreements as the Section 301 horizon comes into view.   Presented by Damon Piatek (President/CEO) of Piatek Customs & Logistics.

11:50 – 12:40p– Discovering and Improving Savings from the IC-DISC Export Incentive (1 CPE credit) – Learn about some of the most overlooked eligibility scenarios for this permanent tax incentive. Featured will be real-world examples of industries and scenarios that can qualify for the incentive despite no manufacturing – and no exporting! Also covered will be additional methods to maximize IC-DISC savings. While allowable and intended, these methods are largely unknown to taxpayers and many CPAs. Presented by Amit Mathur, CPA (Partner/Co-Founder) of Quantitax IC-DISC Services.

12:40p – Lunch (the Original Slyman’s Restaurant Downtown!) Raffle Prizes and Networking. Desserts by Michael Angelo’s!