2023 Financial Leadership Summit

Agenda

THANK YOU TO THE CONFERENCE WIFI SPONSOR
Allianz

Day 1 - Monday, May 22
Day 2 - Tuesday, May 23

Agenda topics, timing and speakers subject to change.
 
 

Sunday, May 21

6:30 pm – 8:30 pm

Opening Reception | Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center
Reception presented by Deloitte, EY, PwC and Xpress Technologies
Evening entertainment presented by Fluence Technologies

Water's Edge + Delta Fountain (Delta | E2)

Ten Year Town

With their unique blend of country, rock, and blues, Ten Year Town has established themselves as a rising force in the Nashville music scene. Their heartfelt lyrics and catchy melodies are sure to have you dancing in your cowboy boots and singing along during the 2023 Financial Leadership Summit opening reception.

 Delta Riverboat

You'll also have the opportunity to enjoy a cruise on a Delta Riverboat and travel down a scenic river that curves through the resort's 4.5-acre Delta Atrium and indoor garden, traveling under bridges, past waterfalls and balconies, and around trees, buildings, and other attractions.

Enjoy drinks with financial leaders from across the country while you admire the Delta Atrium's natural beauty highlighted by a personal tour guide.

 

Day 1 | Monday, May 22

7:00 am – 5:00 pm

Registration
Level 2 | Governor's Registration Desk
 

 

8:30 am – 9:30 am

Welcome & Opening Remarks

Opening Keynote Address
From Crisis To Resiliency: How Boards and Management Are Shifting Their Perspectives And Expectations
Presented by EY
1 CPE credit | Field of Study - Specialized Knowledge
Level 2 | Governor's Ballroom North
The past few years have taught leaders that the next crisis could come at any moment, so it is not surprising that ‘resiliency’ has become a mantra for c-suite and boards these days. Yet resiliency is easier said than done. Organizations carry out day-to-day operations knowing that many issues - from a production flaw to a supply loss to a spreading virus to a public statement - have the potential to disrupt business, affect shareholders and damage brand reputation. When the inevitable crisis hits, companies follow a playbook, but things don’t always go according to plan. Perhaps it is not surprising then, that leaders are increasingly asking, “how are we making sure we are prepared to anticipate and recover quickly and effectively each time?” In other words, move from crisis to ongoing resiliency.

Join us for a discussion, which will cover areas including:

  • How are the board’s questions to management changing when it comes to crisis management? 
  • How is the leadership team incorporating the lessons from recent crises and management efforts?
  • How are dedicated crisis resources being leveraged to enable greater organizational resiliency? 
  • What are practical approaches to align siloed parts of an organization to ensure more effective anticipation and recovery? 

Presenters:
Cigdem Oktem | US Central Region Center for Board Matters Leader | Ernst & Young LLP
Jeffrey Sallet | Jeffrey Sallet Partner, Investigations & Compliance, Forensic & Integrity Services | Ernst & Young LLP

 
 

9:30 am - 10:30 am

Concurrent Sessions

Today’s Must-Have Skills for Tomorrow’s Growth
Presented by BlackLine
1 CPE credit | Field of Study - Personnel/Human Resources (Non-Technical)

Level 2 | Governor's Chambers BC
Amid fierce competition and ongoing disruption, accounting and finance leaders play an increasingly critical role—providing vital consultancy, analysis, planning, and due diligence to ensure sound decision-making. However, just 14% of CFOs are confident they currently have the skills they need within the finance function.

With a growing skills gap and talent acquisition quickly rising to the top of the CFO’s agenda, BlackLine worked with independent research firm Census wide to survey C-level executives and accounting and finance professionals in organizations around the world. Join us as Dominick Fatibene of BlackLine discusses the survey findings, ways to stay ahead of the curve, and how to attract and retain the best talent for your organization.

After this session, you will be able to:

  • Identify technological and other skills accounting and finance professionals need today to ensure growth for tomorrow.
  • Recognize the biggest barriers for recruiting and retaining accounting and finance’s future leaders.
  • Describe what makes companies attractive for talented accounting and finance candidates.

Presenters:
Dominick Fatibene | Senior Manager of Solutions Strategy & Marketing | BlackLine
Maggie Schroeder | CPA, Solutions Consultant | BlackLine

 

A CFO’s Guide to Process Mining: Uncovering Untapped ROI and Boosting Bottom-Line Results
Presented by IBM
1 CPE credit | Field of Study - Finance (Technical)

Level 2 | Governor's Chambers D
Join Tom Ivory, Senior Partner, Global Automation Leader, and Michael Hinds, Americas Business Automation Senior Leader, to hear how financial leaders can leverage process mining to drive operational efficiency, cost savings, and increased profitability by identifying process inefficiencies and bottlenecks that are costing your organization money. The session will expand on how process mining is the gateway to unlocking your financial goals through:

  • Gaining a comprehensive understanding of your organization's processes and identify inefficiencies that are impacting your bottom line.
  • Virtually tinker with change initiatives to see the impact on KPIs & create downstream effects.
  • Continuously monitor and measure process performance against business goals and simulate process enhancements to achieve continuous improvement.

Presenters:
Michael Hinds | Americas Business Automation Senior Leader | IBM
Tom Ivory | Senior Partner, Global Automation Leader | IBM

 

Strategizing and Prioritizing ERM: A CFO’s Journey
Presented by OptimEyes
1 CPE credit | Field of Study - Finance (Technical)
Level 2 | Governor's Chambers E
Join industry experts from OptimEyes.AI as they discuss their AI/ML-powered Integrated Risk Visualization and Decision-Making platform that quantifies the impact of enterprise risk on an organization’s goals and objectives, including revenue, margins, and return on investment.

The session will include many examples of risk analytics designed to provide CFOs with decision-making tools, including:

  • Aggregation and quantification of risk exposure at the enterprise level.
  • Utilization of risk models for multiple use cases and industries (including ESG and third-party supplier risk).
  • Effective use of risk scenario planning as a critical component of corporate business strategy.
  • Risk modeling that drives a reduction of financial risk exposure through risk mitigation decision-making.

Presenters:
Andrew Beagley | Chief Risk Officer | OptimEyes AI
Chandra McCormack | Advisory Board Member | OptimEyes AI
Ed Merritt | CFO | OptimEyes AI
AJ Sarkar | Founder & CEO | OptimEyes AI

 
 

10:30 am - 11:00 am

Networking Break in Exhibit Hall
Level 0 | Ryman Exhibit Hall B1+2
 

 

11:00 am - 12:00 pm

Concurrent Sessions (Repeat of 9:30 AM Sessions)

Today’s Must-Have Skills for Tomorrow’s Growth
Presented by BlackLine
1 CPE credit | Field of Study - Personnel/Human Resources (Non-Technical)
Level 2 | Governor's Chambers BC
Amid fierce competition and ongoing disruption, accounting and finance leaders play an increasingly critical role—providing vital consultancy, analysis, planning, and due diligence to ensure sound decision-making. However, just 14% of CFOs are confident they currently have the skills they need within the finance function.

With a growing skills gap and talent acquisition quickly rising to the top of the CFO’s agenda, BlackLine worked with independent research firm Census wide to survey C-level executives and accounting and finance professionals in organizations around the world. Join us as Dominick Fatibene of BlackLine discusses the survey findings, ways to stay ahead of the curve, and how to attract and retain the best talent for your organization.

After this session, you will be able to:

  • Identify technological and other skills accounting and finance professionals need today to ensure growth for tomorrow.
  • Recognize the biggest barriers for recruiting and retaining accounting and finance’s future leaders.
  • Describe what makes companies attractive for talented accounting and finance candidates.

Presenters:
Dominick Fatibene | Senior Manager of Solutions Strategy & Marketing | BlackLine
Maggie Schroeder | CPA, Solutions Consultant | BlackLine

 

A CFO’s Guide to Process Mining: Uncovering Untapped ROI and Boosting Bottom-Line Results
Presented by IBM
1 CPE credit | Field of Study - Finance (Technical)
Level 2 | Governor's Chambers D
Join Tom Ivory, Senior Partner, Global Automation Leader, and Michael Hinds, Americas Business Automation Senior Leader, to hear how financial leaders can leverage process mining to drive operational efficiency, cost savings, and increased profitability by identifying process inefficiencies and bottlenecks that are costing your organization money. The session will expand on how process mining is the gateway to unlocking your financial goals through:

  • Gaining a comprehensive understanding of your organization's processes and identify inefficiencies that are impacting your bottom line.
  • Virtually tinker with change initiatives to see the impact on KPIs & create downstream effects.
  • Continuously monitor and measure process performance against business goals and simulate process enhancements to achieve continuous improvement.

Presenters:
Michael Hinds | Americas Business Automation Senior Leader | IBM
Tom Ivory | Senior Partner, Global Automation Leader | IBM

 

Strategizing and Prioritizing ERM: A CFO’s Journey
Presented by OptimEyes
1 CPE credit | Field of Study - Finance (Technical
Level 2 | Governor's Chambers E
Join industry experts from OptimEyes.AI as they discuss their AI/ML-powered Integrated Risk Visualization and Decision-Making platform that quantifies the impact of enterprise risk on an organization’s goals and objectives, including revenue, margins, and return on investment.

The session will include many examples of risk analytics designed to provide CFOs with decision-making tools, including:

  • Aggregation and quantification of risk exposure at the enterprise level.
  • Utilization of risk models for multiple use cases and industries (including ESG and third-party supplier risk).
  • Effective use of risk scenario planning as a critical component of corporate business strategy.
  • Risk modeling that drives a reduction of financial risk exposure through risk mitigation decision-making.

Presenters:
Andrew Beagley | Chief Risk Officer | OptimEyes AI
Chandra McCormack | Advisory Board Member | OptimEyes AI
Ed Merritt | CFO | OptimEyes AI
AJ Sarkar | Founder & CEO | OptimEyes AI

 
 

12:00 pm - 1:00 pm

General Session
Drive Cost Savings with Commercial Real Estate Negotiating Tactics
Presented by Keyser Commercial Real Estate
1 CPE credit | Field of Study - Specialized Knowledge (Technical)

Level 2 | Governor's Ballroom North
Business is facing significant financial headwinds today. Whether it’s rising wages, increased borrowing costs, or declining revenues, the current environment is not for the faint of heart.  With commercial real estate leases as a top expense for most businesses, please join Jonathan Keyser and Brian Uretzky as they provide strategies and negotiating tactics to help CFO’s maximize costs savings in today’s environment.

Presenters:
Jonathan Keyser | Founder | Keyser Commercial Real Estate
Brian Uretzky | Capital Markets Practice Leader | Keyser Commercial Real Estate

 
 

1:00 pm – 2:00 pm

Networking Luncheon in Exhibit Hall
Level 0 | Ryman Exhibit Hall B1+2
 

 

2:00 pm - 3:00 pm

Concurrent Sessions

Navigating Data-Driven Decisions in the Age of Disruption
Presented by IBM
1 CPE credit | Field of Study - Information Technology (Technical)
Level 2 | Governor's Chambers D
The 2020s have quickly been established as the age of the unexpected. Enterprises find themselves needing to navigate unpredictable external forces, that are largely out of their control. These include labor disruptions, supply chain shortages, rising inflation, and increased regulation.

To navigate this constantly disrupted world, you need more data, more collaboration, and more assurances that you can act at the speed of business without risk. Augmenting human intelligence so that your employees can spend less time manually aggregating data, and more time on analysis and higher-value work is key.

Join industry experts as we explore how you can connect all your analytical content and business intelligence data sources into one centralized platform to drive faster data-driven decisions and insights. Let us help equip you with essential steps and revolutionary tools to help you lead your enterprise through disruption.

At the end of this session, financial executives should walk away with an understanding of:

  • Unlocking the Power of xP&A: Discover how leading companies are leveraging robust tools like IBM Planning Analytics to drive certainty and profitability through expanded planning and analysis that goes beyond traditional financial planning.
  • Say Goodbye to Outdated Solutions: Tired of wrestling with Excel or other clunky, outdated planning tools? It’s time to embrace the future. Learn how you can seamlessly migrate to a powerful, AI-infused platform and start reaping the benefits today.
  • AI-infused Modeling Tools will Revolutionize Your Financial Planning and Reporting and take your financial planning to new heights, unlocking unprecedented insights into your performance. From forecasting to ESG reporting, flexible what-if modeling, forecasting, and budgeting capabilities expand your planning horizons and help you unleash the full potential of your data.

Presenters:
Heather Cole | Executive Coach/Business Analytics Advisor | Lodestar Solutions
Bill Primerano | Principal WW Data & AI Technical Specialist | IBM

 

ESG Reporting and Talent Planning: It’s hard. It’s different. It’s here to stay.
Presented by Robert Half/Protiviti
1 CPE credit | Field of Study - Accounting (Technical)
Level 2 | Governor's Chambers BC
Whether you’re a public or private entity, sustainability is no longer voluntary, and companies must act. But many organizations are finding it difficult to tackle ESG strategies and reporting issues. Join a panel of experts as they discuss ways CFOs and finance leaders are strengthening their ESG strategy, operations and reporting activities as well as addressing staffing challenges related to their data-driven needs.

Moderator:
Paul McDonald | Senior Executive Director | Robert Half

Presenters:
Tim Hird | Executive Vice President, Enterprise Optimization | Robert Half
Casey Troy | Associate Director | Protiviti
Chris Wright | Managing Director | Protiviti

 

The Ever-Evolving Role of the CFO
Presented by Siegfried
1 CPE credit | Field of Study - Personnel/Human Resources (Non-Technical)
Level 2 | Governor's Chambers E
How has the role of the CFO changed over time? What skills do companies look for when deciding on their next CFO? Yes, your job will still involve closing the books, controlling costs, and managing investors. But what are the additional expectations of the modern-day CFO? Our panelists will answer these and other questions as we take a deeper dive into the ever-evolving role of the CFO.

Moderators:
Rafal Blawat | Director | Siegfried
Tiffany Watts | Managing Director | Siegfried

Panelists:
Barbara Gutierrez | CFO | InnovAge
Elizabeth Salomon | Founder, Partner, & Advisor | Highland Square Advisors, LLC
Troy Schroeder | CFO | Haselden Construction

 
 

3:00 pm - 4:00 pm

General Session
The Outlook for the U.S. Economy
Presented by Allianz
1 CPE credit | Field of Study - Economics (Technical)
Level 2 | Governor's Ballroom North
The U.S. economy still has some steam left in it, with the labor market remaining as the last bastion of strength. Most other measures are showing a definitive decay. The Federal Reserve has been the main cause. First it created inflation by leaving too much easy money in place for too long. Then it waited far too long to attack that inflation, and by the time it did start tightening, the Fed was hopelessly behind the curve. As a result the Fed had to be highly aggressive in raising rates to slay inflation, and it will likely strangle the economy in the process. The destruction is clearly showing up in the housing market, manufacturing, consumption, the labor market, and now the banking sector. A recession starting in the middle of 2023 is quite likely.

Presenter:
Dan North | Senior Economist | Allianz Trade North America

 
 

4:00 pm – 4:30 pm

Networking Break in Exhibit Hall

Level 0 | Ryman Exhibit Hall B1+2
 
 

4:30 pm - 5:30 pm

General Session
Transforming the Talent Experience Through the Future of Work
Presented by Deloitte
1 CPE credit | Field of Study - Business Management & Organization (Non-Technical)
Level 2 | Governor's Ballroom North
Evolving strategic business imperatives, social trends, and other disrupters are driving a seismic shift in the way companies operate and deliver the talent experience to their professionals. Learn from Earl Stone, Chief Talent Officer, Audit & Assurance, as he shares how Deloitte is fundamentally transforming their work, workforce, and workplace to maximize value and impact. This ongoing journey can be critical to your company’s success as you navigate macro forces that impact the needs and expectations of your people, clients, and the capital markets. Walk away with strategies that can allow you to spring into action and make your vision a reality.

Presenter:
Earl Stone | Chief Talent Officer, Audit and Assurance | Deloitte & Touche LLP

 
 

5:30 pm – 7:30 pm

Networking Reception in Exhibit Hall

Level 0 | Ryman Exhibit Hall B1+2
 
 

Day 2 | Tuesday, May 23

7:00 am – 12:00 pm

Registration
Level 2 | Governor's Registration Desk
 

 

7:30 am - 8:30 am

Breakfast Session

"Reverse Search" - How to Find Your Fit in the Board Landscape
1 CPE credit | Field of Study - Specialized Knowledge
Level 2 | Governor's Ballroom C
It’s no secret that the majority of board seats are filled through networking—not by traditional recruiting. Learn how to reverse your board search strategy to position yourself as a top leader and tap into the right networks to land your ideal board opportunity. This dynamic session will tackle how to appropriately market your talent, skills, and achievements to engage the right audience and attract the best opportunities.

Presenter:
Coco Brown | Founder and CEO | The Athena Alliance

 
 

8:30 am – 9:30 am

Welcome Back Remarks

Morning Keynote Address
The Modern Boardroom
1 CPE credit | Field of Study - Specialized Knowledge
Level 2 | Governor's Ballroom North
When you think about your career path, does it take you to the boardroom? Join Coco Brown, Founder and CEO of The Athena Alliance, as she shares the ins and outs of the modern boardroom - myths about being on a Board of Directors; benefits of a Board position and how to prepare; and advice on leveraging your network as a means to a Board seat.

Getting a board position is a great way to gain visibility, credibility, and experience. Do you understand the landscape and know where you fit? There are several types of Boards, and Board culture, roles, and responsibilities all play a key factor.

Presenter:
Coco Brown | Founder and CEO | The Athena Alliance

 
 

9:30 am – 10:30 am

Concurrent Sessions (Repeat of 2:00 PM Sessions on Day 1)

Navigating Data-Driven Decisions in the Age of Disruption
Presented by IBM
1 CPE credit | Field of Study - Information Technology (Technical)
Level 2 | Governor's Chambers D
The 2020s have quickly been established as the age of the unexpected. Enterprises find themselves needing to navigate unpredictable external forces, that are largely out of their control. These include labor disruptions, supply chain shortages, rising inflation, and increased regulation.

To navigate this constantly disrupted world, you need more data, more collaboration, and more assurances that you can act at the speed of business without risk. Augmenting human intelligence so that your employees can spend less time manually aggregating data, and more time on analysis and higher-value work is key.

Join industry experts as we explore how you can connect all your analytical content and business intelligence data sources into one centralized platform to drive faster data-driven decisions and insights. Let us help equip you with essential steps and revolutionary tools to help you lead your enterprise through disruption.

At the end of this session, financial executives should walk away with an understanding of:

  • Unlocking the Power of xP&A: Discover how leading companies are leveraging robust tools like IBM Planning Analytics to drive certainty and profitability through expanded planning and analysis that goes beyond traditional financial planning.
  • Say Goodbye to Outdated Solutions: Tired of wrestling with Excel or other clunky, outdated planning tools? It’s time to embrace the future. Learn how you can seamlessly migrate to a powerful, AI-infused platform and start reaping the benefits today.
  • AI-infused Modeling Tools will Revolutionize Your Financial Planning and Reporting and take your financial planning to new heights, unlocking unprecedented insights into your performance. From forecasting to ESG reporting, flexible what-if modeling, forecasting, and budgeting capabilities expand your planning horizons and help you unleash the full potential of your data.

Presenters:
Heather Cole | Executive Coach/Business Analytics Advisor | Lodestar Solutions
Bill Primerano | Principal WW Data & AI Technical Specialist | IBM

 

ESG Reporting and Talent Planning: It’s hard. It’s different. It’s here to stay.
Presented by Robert Half/Protiviti
1 CPE credit | Field of Study - Accounting (Technical)
Level 2 | Governor's Chambers BC
Whether you’re a public or private entity, sustainability is no longer voluntary, and companies must act. But many organizations are finding it difficult to tackle ESG strategies and reporting issues. Join a panel of experts as they discuss ways CFOs and finance leaders are strengthening their ESG strategy, operations and reporting activities as well as addressing staffing challenges related to their data-driven needs.

Moderator:
Paul McDonald | Senior Executive Director | Robert Half

Presenters:
Tim Hird | Executive Vice President, Enterprise Optimization | Robert Half
Casey Troy | Associate Director | Protiviti
Chris Wright | Managing Director | Protiviti

 

The Ever-Evolving Role of the CFO
Presented by Siegfried
1 CPE credit | Field of Study - Personnel/Human Resources (Non-Technical)
Level 2 | Governor's Chambers E
How has the role of the CFO changed over time? What skills do companies look for when deciding on their next CFO? Yes, your job will still involve closing the books, controlling costs, and managing investors. But what are the additional expectations of the modern-day CFO? Our panelists will answer these and other questions as we take a deeper dive into the ever-evolving role of the CFO.

Moderators:
Rafal Blawat | Director | Siegfried
Tiffany Watts | Managing Director | Siegfried

Panelists:
Barbara Gutierrez | CFO | InnovAge
Elizabeth Salomon | Founder, Partner, & Advisor | Highland Square Advisors, LLC
Troy Schroeder | CFO | Haselden Construction

 
 

10:30 am – 11:00 am

Networking Break in Exhibit Hall

Level 0 | Ryman Exhibit Hall B1+2
 
 

11:00 am - 12:00 pm

General Session
Conversation with the COO: Patrick Chaffin, Ryman Hospitality
1 CPE credit | Field of Study - Specialized Knowledge (Technical)
Level 2 | Governor's Ballroom North
Join Patrick Chaffin, EVP and Chief Operating Officer at Ryman Hospitality, and Mark Myers, Coach, Trainer, and Facilitator at Career Connection Partners, in a fireside chat as they explore the dynamic relationship between the roles of a Chief Operations Officer and Chief Financial Officer. Discover how these high-level executives collaborate to drive financial performance, optimize business processes, and ensure operational excellence.

During this session, Chaffin will share his career journey, highlighting his transition from finance and accounting to operations. He will discuss the correlation between finance, accounting, and operations, emphasizing the importance of accounting as the language of business. Participants will also get a comprehensive overview of Ryman Hospitality Properties (RHP) and its unique blend of the hospitality and entertainment industries, with a focus on the partnership with Marriott and the success of Gaylord Hotels.

Chaffin will address the challenges faced by Gaylord Opryland during natural disasters and the pandemic, offering valuable insights into crisis management and resilience. The fireside chat will delve into RHP's financial performance in the hospitality industry, exploring key performance indicators (KPIs) and the complexities of valuation within the industry. Participants will gain valuable knowledge on the role of innovation in adapting to changing customer behavior, navigating uncertainties, and managing supply chain challenges.

Additionally, talent management will be discussed, covering topics such as attracting and retaining talent, fostering inclusivity and diversity through RHP's OPEN initiative, and the impact of the pandemic on the workforce. Chaffin will also share his personal goals and achievements, offering advice to aspiring operations professionals.

This conference session promises to be an informative and enjoyable experience for participants seeking valuable insights into the intersection of finance and operations and the role of a COO in driving organizational success.

Presenters:
Patrick Chaffin | EVP and Chief Operating Officer | Ryman Hospitality
Mark Myers | Coach, Trainer, and Facilitator | Career Connection Partners

 
 

12:00 pm – 1:00 pm

Closing Keynote
Financial Innovation: Building Trust and Delivering Sustainable Outcomes with Emerging Technology
Presented by PwC
1 CPE credit | Field of Study - Information Technology (Technical)
Level 2 | Governor's Ballroom North
In this session attendees will learn how investing in new technologies can help you earn and maintain trust with customers and stakeholders. During the session our industry expert discuss how:

  • technologies such as artificial intelligence/machine learning, data analytics, and cloud powered solutions are delivering value, decreasing risk and cost, and increasing quality of life for financial executives;
  • design-based innovation can accelerate digital transformation in finance to keep you competitive and ahead of the curve; and
  • digital reskilling and upskilling of the workforce is both necessary and possible using a positive and robust change management program.

Presenter:
Tim Persons | Principal, Digital Assurance & Transparency | PwC

 
 

1:00 pm – 2:00 pm

Networking Luncheon in Exhibit Hall

Level 0 | Ryman Exhibit Hall B1+2
 
 
 

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