TEI's educational programs remain the cream of the crop

Tax Executive, The, Jan-Feb, 2004 by Raymond G. Rossi

Year after year, tax executives report that education and networking, both locally and at the Institute level, remain the primary reasons for belonging to TEI. While the Institute's advocacy efforts are important, the Institute especially shines in providing unmatched value in our technical programs and networking opportunities for in-house tax professionals. This spring's programs demonstrate the depth and breadth of TEI's offerings. Before discussing the Institute-level programs on the horizon, I wish to pay tribute to the outstanding efforts of TEI's chapters and regions.

Whether it's the European Chapter's recent program in Zurich or the Pittsburgh Chapter's joint meeting in early March with two other organizations (which will feature IRS Commissioner Everson) to Region V and VI's upcoming liaison meeting with the Large & Mid-Size Business Division to Region VIII's May conference in Santa Barbara and Region VII's later program on Kiawah Island, the quality of the educational sessions and the consistency of their networking value are undeniable. Equally important in this stubborn economy is that the cost of these programs is without match. A special mention is due the Houston Chapter, which this year is hosting its Sixteenth Annual Tax School--a series of training modules that will attract in total approximately 3,000 participants!

Midyear Conference: A Six-Decade Tradition Continues

Fortunately, TEI at the Institute level complements (and, indeed, benefits from the intra-family competition provided by) the programs offered by our chapters and regions. A perfect case in point is out 54th Midyear Conference, which will convene in Washington on the first day of spring. Among the keynoters for the conference will be Secretary of the Treasury John Snow, Ways and Means Committee Chairman Bill Thomas, and IRS Commissioner Everson. (Secretary Show and Chairman Thomas will be reprising their roles at prior conferences, and the Commissioner will be making his first presentation to a TEI conference.) These high-ranking officials--joined by colleagues from Capitol Hill, the Treasury, and IRS--will provide first-hand reports on everything from FSC/ETI to tax shelters to R&D to budget and trade policy.

Registrants, moreover, will have a rich array of technical sessions to choose from, including special roundtables on emerging corporate management and state and local issues and a series of "LMSB Bonus Sessions" that TEI is cosponsoring with the Large and Mid-Size Business Division. (LMSB's Commissioner, Debbie Nolan, will also address the conference.)

I would be remiss if I did not call attention to three facets of the Midyear Conference: First, the Institute will be unveiling its new website during the March meeting, demonstrating the communications and networking functionalities that will enhance the value of your membership. Among other things, the new site will enable each of TEI's 53 chapters to maintain their own satellite website, and permit members to establish their own ad hoc networking groups.

Second, TEI's Empowering Members Working Group will host a panel discussion, aptly titled "Play or Pay," on why tax executives should become involved in tax advocacy efforts in their company's behalf, through TEI if not otherwise.

Finally, the conference will feature a special performance by monologist Josh Kornbluh whose one-man show, "Love and Taxes," has garnered excellent reviews from coast to coast.

All in all, the conference promises to be outstanding. I hope to see you there.

Running the 21st Century Tax Department: TEI's First Ever Senior Executive Conference

While TEI repeats certain programs each year--from conferences to our just-completed IRS Audits and Appeals Seminar--the Continuing Education Committee is always searching for new ways to serve the members. For example, we continue to hold telephone seminars on breaking developments, delivering up-to-date information on emerging issues without requiring you to leave your office. Our most recent offering, on the Treasury's new capitalization regulations, attracted more than 500 listeners.

A new chapter in TEI's outreach effort is a two-day plus conference designed to meet the special needs of senior tax executives. On May 13-15, senior tax executives from around the country will join with top practitioners and other experts in Scottsdale to discuss the most pressing tax management, policy, and administration issues confronting business taxpayers. The program will feature roundtable discussions, technical sessions, and both formal and recreational networking opportunities. Among the topics to be addressed are the following:

* Post-Enron Tax Planning Risk Assessment in the Current Environment

* Interaction with the Board and the Audit Committee and Section 404 Reviews

* Tax and Financial Statement Disclosures

* IRS Compliance Reengineering

* Staffing the 21st Century Tax Department

* Performance Measures & Productivity Metrics

The full program for the conference has been posted on TEI's website, and I urge you to review it carefully. If you do, you will sec further proof that TEI is without equal in the education field. Indeed, unlike similar programs offered by others, in planning this conference the Institute was not constrained in the range of speakers: We have secured the participation of the best and brightest from numerous firms as well as the government.