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Conference Pricing

Early Bird Deadline: October 1, 2022

Members (On-Site): $500 per person ($450 Early Bird)
Members  (Virtual Via Zoom): $175
Non-Members (On-Site): $700 per person ($650 Early Bird)
Non-Members (Virtual Via Zoom): $325

 

Virtual Pricing Includes:

Full engagement in two-day program, including Q&A
Access to video recordings of presentations post-conference
Access to all conference resources

 

On-Site Pricing Includes:

Full engagement in two-day program, including Q&A
Networking/Fellowship with attendees & presenters
Access to video recordings of presentations post-conference
Three night’s lodging at the adjacent Hilton Garden Inn
7 meals & refreshments
Access to all conference resources

Program Overview

  Download Program Schedule

PROACTIVE FINANCIAL LEADERSHIP DURING SEASONS OF TUMULT

Presenter: Jeff Spear | Founder, CFO Colleague (FL)
Overview: The CFO is much more than an institutional financial manager — especially during these trying days of shifting markets and uncertainty. This presents a compelling call for astute financial leadership, unique to this season of turbulence in higher education. What does this mean for the CFO’s role and their counsel to the president, board, and institutional leadership team? How should a proactive CFO assist his or her colleagues as they guide the “ship” through turbulent waters? This has been the case for some time but has been magnified during the last two + and warning signs to avoid years. 

  • Knowing how to wisely oversee the institution’s financial vitality — numbers to watch and warning signs to avoid 
  • Giving wise financial counsel to the president, board, and executive team — how and when 
  • Taking financial steps to keep your institution’s mission vital in the face of difficult times 

STRATEGIC PLANNING & BUSINESS MODEL IMPLICATIONS

Presenter: Matt Kelly | CFO, ABHE (FL)
Overview: Many executive teams are planning for likely budget cuts for the Fall. All leaders are on high alert as we emerge from the years of pandemic operations. Beyond vital data and prudent decisions, a wise CFO is carefully monitoring the impact of decisions on strategic planning and the institutional business model. Consider:

  • Reviewing the assumptions within a sustainable business model
  • Identifying key risk points in your business model in order to maintain institutional viability
  • Managing risk within the financial organization — what tools do we possess?
  • Measuring risk levels commensurate with decisions and assumptions — the what if’s

LEADING WITH FINANCIAL KPI’S & DASHBOARD  DEVELOPMENT

Presenter: Jan Haas | Senior Partner, CFO Colleague (PA)
Overview: What is the art and science of compiling the relevant financial data (Key Performance Indicators) into a meaningful financial dashboard? How do you move from historical data (lagging indicators) to projections (leading indicators)? Why is timing of the essence? Give your president and leadership team the right information in a clear and timely manner. 

  • Defining the right KPI’s — what’s important and why
  • Developing the process for timely data collection
  • Establishing meaningful dashboards for financial oversight and strategic decisions
  • Keeping your finger on the financial pulse of the academic enterprise

30 BENCHMARKS FOR THE RESOURCED CONSTRAINED

Presenters: Jeff Spear & Jan Haas | CFO Colleague
Overview: No one at the institution should have a better understanding of key financial ratios and relevant indices than the CFO. What are reasonable and wise benchmarks you can use to keep your institution out of financial danger? Sharpen your grasp of these issues with two veteran CFOs gleaned from financial assessment of over 140 institutions, including . . .

  • Measuring academic efficiency
  • Gauging the stewardship of donations
  • Connecting compensation to revenues
  • Showing evidence for care of physical plant

VITAL STEPS SMART CFO’S TAKE TO PREPARE FOR THEIR AUDIT

Presenter: Dan Campbell | Partner, CapinCrouse (SC)
Overview: Accredited institutions are required to secure an annual, independent, financial audit. Prudent financial leaders know what auditors expect and get their materials and financial house in order. What are the right steps to prepare both the team and information? Learn from an expert who’s processed many audit reports, observing those who are well-prepared . . . and not. 

  • Understanding the basic structure and nature of a sound audit 
  • Collecting and preparing the information auditors need 
  • Preparing for the auditor’s questions — knowing what to expect 
  • Lessons learned from audit preparations 

PROTECTING YOUR RELIGIOUS LIBERTY IN YOUR EMPLOYEE POLICIES & HIRING PRACTICES

Presenter: Mark Griffin | CEO, In His Name HR, (PA)
Overview: For many ABHE institutions, HR oversight is part of the CFO’s purview. Their guidance in employee policies and hiring practices can make all the difference in protecting the religious liberty of the institution. Consider insights from this survey of the current HR waterfront and make sure your HR policies and practices will stand the test of legal scrutiny — now more than ever. 

  • Surveying the current HR compliance and litigation waterfront
  • Knowing what policies should be reviewed for religious liberty protection
  • Training the leadership team for prudent hiring practices
  • Preparing for challenges to your religious liberty freedoms

NEW WORLD DISORDER: MAKING SENSE & STAYING SAFE IN THE CRAZY WORLD OF COMPLIANCE

Presenter: Dave Moja | CEO, Moja & Company CPA, ABHE Senior Fellow, (GA)
Overview: The tales of financial weal and woe are growing as we come out of the pandemic. Now is a great time to take a fresh look at what will be expected from the regulators — from pandemic funding, student loans, tax regulations, new audit standards, and more. How significant are your liabilities? What should we know and learn from what’s happening to others? Walk through this crazy world of the compliance landscape with a regulations expert.

  • Grasping the government expectations emerging from pandemic funding
  • Keeping up to date on changing federal and state tax regulations
  • Understanding and preparing for new auditing standards
  • Seizing opportunities within the regulation’s wilderness

EFFECTIVE MANAGEMENT OF INSTITUTIONAL RISK: THE 3 LEVERS

Presenter: Scott Fera | Corporate Attorney, Brotherhood Mutual (IN)
Overview: It’s old news that our culture is increasingly litigious. Institutions of biblical higher education are no exception. The role of the CFO in legal risk management is vital and every challenge includes balancing the right approach from a legal, financial, and reputational standpoint. Learn from a senior legal counsel what you should know and how to manage this key area of responsibility.

  • Knowing the types and nature of institutional legal risks — an inventory of the Big Rocks
  • Preparing in advance for legal challenges — when to refer out to counsel, how to select counsel
  • Learning lessons from current legal battles 
  • Using legal counsel wisely and for the right price 

Conference Faculty

Dan Campbell

DAN CAMPBELL

Partner
CapinCrouse

Scott Fera

SCOTT FERA

Corporate Attorney
Brotherhood Mutual

Mark Griffin

MARK GRIFFIN

CEO
In His Name HR

Jan Haas

JAN HAAS

Partner
CFO Colleague

Matt Kelly

MATT KELLY

CFO
ABHE

Dave Moja

DAVE MOJA

CEO
Moja & Company

Jeff Spear

JEFF SPEAR

CEO
CFO Colleague

Frequently Asked Questions

Is lodging included in the registration fee?

YES, for on-site attendees3 nights, including arrival the evening before the conference begins.

Can I request for additional hotel nights?

YES The ABHE group rate is $110/night.  You can qualify for our group rate three days prior and three days post conference.  You can request and pay for your additional hotel nights during the registration process.  All reservations must be made and managed by the ABHE office as it is part of a group reservation.  This includes changes to existing reservations.  Email conferences@abhe.org with any questions or updates to existing reservations.

Is airport shuttle service available?

YES! Complimentary shuttle service is available from the Orlando International Airport (MCO). To request the complimentary shuttle to the Hilton Garden Inn:

  • Call the hotel for shuttle pickup – 407-240-3725
  • Take airport elevator to level 1 – ground transportation
  • Go through the sliding doors
  • Stand at either A4 (A Side) or B4 (B Side) for pickup
Where is the hotel located in relation to the ABHE Conference Center?

The Hilton Garden Inn is directly across the street from the ABHE Weber Center (located in the Citadel I Building – Suite 130).

Are meals included in the registration fee?
YES for on-site attendees, including 7 meals and all snacks/beverages.
Are scholarships available?

YES for on-site attendees – limited scholarships are available.  Please email your request to conferences@abhe.org with an explanation of your financial need.

What is your Cancellation Policy?

In the event of either virtual or on-site registration cancellation, fees paid in advance are refundable – less a $50.00 service charge per person, provided written notice is received by ABHE no later than three weeks prior to the event. No refunds will be granted after that date. E-mail notification will suffice. Please e-mail conferences@abhe.org to request a refund. There are no refunds provided for no-shows.

How do I CANCEL a person on my registration?
You may log back into your registration form at any time with your confirmation number to make any cancellations, or contact conferences@abhe.org to have your registration cancelled.

Executive Leadership Training Logo

Growing institutions are led by growing leaders. Consider engaging in the Executive Training Program specifically designed for CFOs in ABHE. Delivered over two years including over 36 workshop presentations in seven areas of leadership competency and capacity. You can review the certification program details HERE. Enroll in the program today!

Questions regarding the certification program can be directed to David Medders, Executive Vice President.

Hilton Garden InnFor those attending the Conference On-Site, the ABHE staff will make a hotel reservation for you. Please indicate your room type/preference when you register for the conference.The Hilton Garden Inn is located 1 mile from the Orlando International Airport.  

Hilton Garden Inn – Orlando Airport 
7300 Augusta National Drive
Orlando, FL 32822 
(407) 240-3725     

 

Complimentary shuttle service is available from the Orlando International Airport (MCO) to the Hilton Garden Inn. To request complimentary shuttle service:

  • Call the hotel for shuttle pickup – (407) 240-3725     
  • Take airport elevator to level 1 – ground transportation
  • Go through the sliding doors
  • Stand at either A4 (A Side) or B4 (B Side) for pickup

Conference Staff

David MeddersDavid Medders
Executive Vice President
david.medders@abhe.org

 

 

Carol Dibble

Carol Dibble
Director of Communications & Events
carol.dibble@abhe.org

 

 

Darby Blanchard
Darby Blanchard
Digital & Administrative Services Coordinator
darby.blanchard@abhe.org