Connect with us

Technology

FEI Announces 2026 Corporate Financial Reporting Insights (CFRI) Conference: Embrace the Change. Architect the Future

Published

on

45th annual virtual event to feature SEC Chairman Paul S. Atkins, PCAOB Chairman Demetrios Logothetis, FASB Chair Richard R. Jones, and chief accounting officers from leading global companies on AI, disclosure, and the future of financial reporting

MORRISTOWN, N.J., Oct. 22, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Financial Executives International (FEI), the premier association for corporate finance leadership, announces its flagship Corporate Financial Reporting Insights (CFRI) Conference, scheduled for November 10–12, 2026. This virtual event will bring together top regulators and standard setters, chief accounting officers, controllers, and financial leaders to address the regulatory, technology, and market shifts reshaping financial reporting.

Attendees will hear directly from senior leaders at the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB), and Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) alongside accounting and finance executives from companies including Accenture, Microsoft, Procter & Gamble, General Motors, Wells Fargo, and McDonald’s. The program offers up to 21 Continuing Professional Education (CPE) credits across three days of live sessions.

Distinguished Presenters and Key Sessions
Regulatory and Standard-Setting Leadership Sessions:

SEC: Chairman Paul S. Atkins will deliver a keynote on the road ahead for the Commission. Heather Rosenberger, Chief Accountant, Division of Corporation Finance, will discuss the future of public company disclosure in a conversation moderated by Chris Hatto, Vice President, Global Business Solutions and Chief Accounting Officer, General Motors. Kurt Hohl, Chief Accountant, Office of the Chief Accountant, will address accounting judgments and the quality of financial reporting in a conversation moderated by Muneera Carr, Executive Vice President, Chief Accounting Officer and Controller, Wells Fargo.SEC Reporting and Enforcement: Christina Thomas, Deputy Director, Division of Corporation Finance, and Osman Nawaz, Principal Deputy Director, Division of Enforcement, will join Steve Soter, Executive Advisor, SEC Professionals Group, to examine the SEC’s approach to reporting and enforcement.PCAOB: Chairman Demetrios Logothetis will discuss audit oversight in a changing environment with David Fabricant, Executive Vice President and Deputy Controller, American Express.FASB: Chair Richard Jones and Technical Director Jackson Day will preview what’s next in standard setting in a conversation moderated by Lauren Elting, Vice President, Chief Accounting Officer and Corporate Controller, McDonald’s Corporation.

Other Keynote Presentations:

Michelle Meyer, Chief Economist, Mastercard, will provide insights on the global economic outlook.Christian Peo, Vice Chair, Audit and Assurance, KPMG US, will reflect on redesigning work, upskilling talent, and navigating regulator expectations in the age of AI.

Practitioner Insights:

CAO and Controllership Roundtable with Andy Dahl, Senior Vice President, Corporate Controller and Principal Accounting Officer, Edwards Lifesciences; Michael Hardesty, Corporate Vice President, Controller and Chief Accounting Officer, Northrop Grumman; Alice Jolla, Chief Accounting Officer and CVP, Corporate Finance and Services, Microsoft; and Lisa Stark, Chief Accounting Officer and Controller, U.S. Bank.Disaggregation of Income Statement Expenses (DISE) Readiness with Matthew Janzaruk, Senior Vice President, Chief Accounting Officer, Procter & Gamble; Brian Stevens, Senior Vice President, Chief Accounting Officer, Mondelēz International; and Melissa Bird, Vice President, Global Technical Accounting Advisory Services and Policy, Johnson & Johnson, in a session moderated by KPMG.AI and finance transformation sessions, featuring experts from Deloitte, EY, Forvis Mazars, Mandiant, Microsoft, Ramp, and Workiva.Digital assets, including stablecoins and tokenization, with Tamara Schulz, Chief Accounting Officer, Circle, and experts from PwC.

“Financial leaders are absorbing change in regulation, technology, and the markets all at once,” said Andrej Suskavcevic, CAE, President and CEO of FEI and the Financial Education & Research Foundation (FERF). “For 45 years, CFRI has been where they hear directly from regulators, standard setters and each other. This year’s program gives them the clarity to embrace that change and the practical guidance to architect what comes next.”

Melissa Burgum, Chief Accounting Officer and Corporate Controller at Accenture, and the 2026 CFRI Conference Chair, added: “From the SEC’s evolving approach to disclosure to real-world uses of AI in the close and the audit, this year’s CFRI is built around the decisions controllers and chief accounting officers are making right now. Attendees will leave with insights they can put to work the next day.”

Agenda and Registration Details
The complete 2026 CFRI agenda is available at cfri.financialexecutives.org/agenda. Registration includes a CPE-accredited replay of the conference (December 1–3, 2026) and on-demand, non-CPE access for one year after the live event. FEI Members receive exclusive pricing. An Unlimited Company Registration option is available for $9,995, offering company-wide professional development.

Attend the Conference: Secure your place by registering at bit.ly/CFRI2026.

Join the Conversation: Follow #FEICFRI2026 on X.

FEI’s CFRI Conference is made possible through the support of FERF, and event sponsors Crux, Deloitte, Equity Methods, EY, Forvis Mazars, KPMG, Microsoft, Pro Groups, PwC, Ramp, and Workiva.

Media Access
Accredited journalists and industry media are invited to register for complimentary access to live sessions, expert speaker briefings, and Q&A opportunities. To request access, contact Liliana DeVita using the information below.

About FEI

Financial Executives International (FEI) is the leading association and advocate for the views of corporate financial management. Its Members hold policy-making positions as chief financial officers, chief accounting officers, controllers, treasurers, and tax executives at companies in every major industry. FEI enhances Member professional development through peer networking, career management services, conferences, research, and publications. Members participate in the activities of local Chapters in the U.S. FEI is located in Morristown, NJ. Visit www.financialexecutives.org for more information.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/fei-announces-2026-corporate-financial-reporting-insights-cfri-conference-embrace-the-change-architect-the-future-302917256.html

SOURCE Financial Executives International (FEI)

Continue Reading

Technology

STEPHEN A. SMITH ADDRESSES WHITE HOUSE DINNER ATTENDANCE, REAFFIRMS COMMITMENT TO HBCUs AND PROTECTING CORPORATE INVESTMENT IN BLACK EDUCATION

Published

on

By

NEW YORK, Oct. 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Stephen A. Smith, media mogul, New York Times bestselling author, and proud 1991 graduate of Winston-Salem State University, is addressing the public discussion surrounding his decision to attend a White House dinner with President Donald Trump, emphasizing his commitment to the long-term financial stability of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).

For Smith, the decision was rooted in a commitment to institutions that have educated generations of Black leaders, professionals, entrepreneurs, and public servants.

“I will always advocate for HBCUs and the students whose futures depend on them,” Smith said. “My reason for attending the White House dinner was to discuss the challenges these institutions face in securing long-term funding and to make the case that corporate America must continue to invest in them.”

Smith acknowledged federal support through the FUTURE Act while expressing concern that political tensions surrounding diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) could discourage private companies from supporting HBCUs. He maintains that these institutions deserve sustained corporate partnerships, philanthropic contributions, and public investment.

“If we truly believe in free-market capitalism, businesses should be able to support educational institutions and charitable causes without fear of criticism or repercussions,” Smith said. “HBCUs have made extraordinary contributions to this country. They deserve sustained public and private investment.”

Ashley Christopher, Esq., Founder and CEO of the HBCU Week Foundation, recognized Smith’s advocacy and decision to engage with the administration.

“Stephen A. Smith has been a powerful advocate for HBCUs, using his platform and influence to shine a national spotlight on our institutions,” expressed Christopher, “His continued support of HBCU Week helps advance our mission of connecting students with life-changing educational opportunities, and we are proud to have him as our ambassador.”

Since Smith became an HBCU Week Ambassador in 2019, the initiative has facilitated more than 15,000 on-the-spot college acceptances and raised and awarded more than $150 million in scholarships, according to the HBCU Week Foundation.

As public discussion continues, Smith is emphasizing the importance of ensuring HBCUs have the resources and partnerships needed to educate future generations and expand opportunities for students.

CLICK HERE to watch Smith’s full response to his White House visit.

MEDIA CONTACT:

media@mrsasinc.com

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/stephen-a-smith-addresses-white-house-dinner-attendance-reaffirms-commitment-to-hbcus-and-protecting-corporate-investment-in-black-education-302918547.html

SOURCE Straight Shooter Media

Continue Reading

Technology

Advantex Announces Completion of Financing and Extension of Maturity Date of Previously Issued Debentures

Published

on

By

TORONTO, Oct. 23, 2026 /CNW/ — Advantex Marketing International Inc. (CSE: ADX) (“Advantex”), a leader in the merchant cash advance and loyalty marketing products for merchants, today announced the completion of a $250,000 secured debt financing. Advantex issued a $250,000 non-convertible debenture which bears an interest rate at 12% per annum and matures December 15, 2027. The proceeds raised from this issuance of the Debenture will be used for working capital purposes.

Advantex has also extended the maturity of its existing $700,000 in 12% secured debentures from October 10, 2026 to December 15, 2027.

About Advantex Marketing International Inc.

Advantex provides working capital to merchants. Advantex also provides specialized marketing programs that enable members of Aeroplan to earn Aeroplan points at participating merchants.

Advantex shares trade on the Canadian Securities Exchange under the symbol ADX. For more information go to Advantex’s profile on www.sedar.com

Forward-Looking Information

This news release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of applicable securities laws relating to the future business and operations of Advantex. Actual results and developments may differ materially from those contemplated by these statements. The business and operations of Advantex described herein is dependent on a number of factors and is subject to a number of risks and uncertainties. Factors that could cause actual results to differ material include, but are not limited to, changes in Advantex’s economic and competitive conditions including but not limited to the industry sectors in which Advantex operates.

The statements in this news release are made of the date of this release. Forward-looking statements are made based on management’s beliefs, estimates and opinions on the date the statements are made and Advantex undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking statements if these beliefs, estimates and opinions or other circumstances should change, except as required by applicable law.

SOURCE Advantex Marketing International Inc.

Continue Reading

Technology

Club Offers for Travel Enthusiasts in Canada

Published

on

By

TORONTO, Oct 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Travelzoo® (NASDAQ: TZOO), the club for travel enthusiasts, announces three of many new Club Offers for Club Members in Canada.

Rigorously vetted and negotiated for us travel enthusiasts:

$799—COSTA RICA WEEK WITH FLIGHTS & CAR
We think fall is an ideal time to visit Costa Rica; the scenery is lush and the crowds are gone. Drive between volcanic Arenal and the idyllic beaches of Tamarindo on this seven-night trip. Since it’s not as busy, we were able to negotiate a price that saves members up to $648 on departures through mid-December.

$899—BARCELONA: 5 NIGHTS WITH FLIGHTS
Explore Barcelona’s world-class museums and architectural masterpieces in the quieter winter months to pack more into your trip. You won’t waste hours in lines and can access top restaurants that are fully booked in summer. We save $300 on travel this January and February, when temperatures are still spring-like. Roundtrip flights from Toronto, hotel and daily breakfast are included.

$999—ST. KITTS GETAWAY FOR 2, REG. $2083
Most visitors to St. Kitts book months in advance, but when we pointed out that travel enthusiasts are more spontaneous, this resort gave us a terrific rate for stays this November and December. Spend four nights in Frigate Bay and get an upgraded Oceanview room, too.

Are you a travel enthusiast? Join the club today: https://travelzoo.com

Who are we?
We, Travelzoo®, are the club for travel enthusiasts. We reach 30 million travellers. Club Members receive Club Offers negotiated and rigorously vetted by our deal experts around the globe. Our relationships with thousands of top travel companies give us access to irresistible deals. Our club and its benefits are built around the lifestyle of a modern travel enthusiast.

Media Contact: 
Amanda Ieraci – Toronto
+1 437 866 8540
aieraci@travelzoo.com

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/club-offers-for-travel-enthusiasts-in-canada-302918543.html

SOURCE Travelzoo

Continue Reading

Trending