info@ncpacafoundation.org|12 Chapters · Philippines · USA · Canada
39th Annual Convention · Sept 4–6, 2026 · Chicago
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NCPACA Foundation
Est. 1984 · Philippines · USA · Canada

Events & Conventions

39th Annual Professional Convention

September 4–6, 2026 · Hyatt Regency Chicago, Illinois

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Online Registration

Reserve your seat and pay securely online ahead of the convention.

QR Check-In

Your ticket QR code is emailed after registering — just scan it at the door.

Group Rates

Discounts available for chapter delegations of 5 or more attendees.

39th Annual Convention

Schedule of Activities

September 4–6, 2026 · Hyatt Regency Chicago, Illinois · Theme: Honoring Our Legacy, Empowering Our Future

8:30–12:00 PM
Chicago Free Walking Tour
Maribel Tamoria · Hotel Lobby
12:00–5:00 PM
Registration
Crystal Foyer · West Tower, Lobby Level
1:00–2:30 PM
NCPACA Past President's Meeting
Essie Claveria · Dusable Room, West Tower 3rd Floor
2:40–4:15 PM
NCPACA Executive Meeting
Czar Lopez · Dusable Room, West Tower 3rd Floor
4:30–5:30 PM
NCPACA Board of Councilors' Meeting
Aileen Damaso · Dusable Room, West Tower 3rd Floor
1:00–5:00 PM
Chapters' Talent Night Rehearsal
New York & Seattle (1:00–2:15) · New Jersey & Los Angeles (2:15–3:30) · Houston & Toronto (3:30–4:15) · Acapulco/Toronto Rooms
6:00–11:00 PM
Talent Night & Welcome Dinner
Theme: Spotlight — The Sound and Soul of the Decades · Crystal Ballroom, West Tower Lobby Level
6:30–7:45 AM
Breakfast
Crystal Ballroom
7:45–8:45 AM
Parade of Colors & Chapter Group Photos
Crystal Foyer / Crystal Terrace
8:45–9:00 AM
Invocation, Welcome Remarks & Convention Messages
Essie Claveria · Czar Lopez, NCPACA President · Stella Santos
9:00–9:50 AM
The Future of the CPA Profession: What Comes Next?
Geoffrey Brown, Illinois CPA Society President & CEO
10:00–10:50 AM
Hire the Agent: Building AI Systems for the Toughest Hours in Accounting
Francis Miranda, Tagline 360 CEO
11:00–11:50 AM
AICPA & National Commission on Diversity: Program Updates
Okorie Ramsey, AICPA Past Chairman
12:00–1:00 PM
Lunch
1:00–1:50 PM
Finding Signal in the AI Noise
Jody Jankovsky, Blackline IT Founder & CEO
2:00–2:50 PM
Digging Deeper: Overlooked Tax Provisions of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act
Dan Arnell Belarmino, IRS Senior Stakeholder Liaison
3:00–3:50 PM
Auditing the Algorithm: Ethics & Compliance in the Age of AI
Julie DeMuth Mellendorf, Crowe Studio
4:00–4:50 PM
Never the Final Chapter
Anna Gomez, Inspired Thinking Group Americas CFO
5:00–5:50 PM
Generational Differences in the Workplace
Adam San Juan, RWS Group
8:00–11:30 PM
Karaoke Night
Raffy Tañada, PCPA of Greater Chicago VP
Concurrent · Youth Program — Dusable Room
8:00–8:50 AM
Registration
8:50–9:00 AM
Welcome Remarks & Convention Messages
Leilani Rodrigo, NCPACA Treasurer & 2026 Convention Chair · Abigail Unada
9:00–9:50 AM
Accounting: One Degree, Infinite Doors
Anna Gomez
10:00–10:50 AM
Start Young, Invest Smart
Adam San Juan
11:00–11:50 AM
Panel: Careers in Public Accounting
Joan Nicolas · Nora Galleros · Vee Cristobal
12:00–1:00 PM
Lunch
1:00–1:50 PM
Panel: Careers in Industry
Anna Gomez · Girlie O'Donoghue · Charlene Rhinehart
2:00–2:50 PM
Building Your LinkedIn Profile & Resume
Charlene Rhinehart
3:00–3:50 PM
From Student Leader to Young Professional
Yssabelle Callanga
3:50–4:00 PM
Closing Remarks & Photo Session
Stella Santos
6:30–7:45 AM
Breakfast
Crystal Ballroom
8:00–9:40 AM
Protect. Preserve. Pass On: Smart Estate & Trust Strategies
Violeta D. Cristobal, Cristobal & Co. CPAs
10:00–10:50 AM
Protecting Wealth and Investments in the Philippines
Rhodora "Iry" Icaranom, RGI Accounting & Audit
11:00–11:50 AM
A Career Less Travelled… Internal Auditing
Arvin Floresca, Claritev VP Internal Audit
12:00–1:00 PM
Lunch
12:30–12:50 PM
Presentation of New NCPACA Councilors
Aileen Damaso
1:00–1:30 PM
Fireside Chat: The Future of the Philippine Accountancy Profession
Dr. Gladeys Jill Santos · Lope Bato Jr. · Dr. Ferdinand Rodriguez
1:30–2:20 PM
H-1B Visa: Process Walkthrough, Tips & Tricks
Andrew J.M. Lena, Arrive Immigration Services
2:20–2:25 PM
Closing Remarks
Richard Gustilo
2:30–4:30 PM
General Membership Meeting
7:00 PM–12:00 AM
The President's Gala Night
Theme: Black & White — Timeless in Every Decade · Formal attire · Crystal Ballroom
Before You Arrive

Know Before You Go

Everything you need before Convention weekend — transit, attire, packing, and hotel details.

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Arrival & Transit

From O'Hare: CTA Blue Line, $5 or less, ~40–45 min, runs 24/7. From Midway: CTA Orange Line, $2.50 or less, ~20–25 min (no overnight service). Rideshare to downtown: O'Hare $35–50, Midway $25–40.

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What to Wear

Daytime sessions: business casual, plus a light layer for air-conditioned rooms. Talent Night: festive and polished. President's Gala Night: formal black-and-white attire.

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Pack Smart

Photo ID + registration confirmation, hotel & travel confirmations, black-and-white gala attire, business cards or LinkedIn QR code, chargers, comfortable walking shoes, reusable water bottle.

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At the Hotel

Hyatt Regency Chicago, 151 E. Wacker Drive. Follow NCPACA signage or ask the front desk for registration and meeting rooms. Guests must be 21+ to check in. Free WiFi, dining, and a 24-hour fitness center are included. Valet parking from $57 (0–3 hrs) to $102 (6–24 hrs); rates may change.

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Chicago Weather

Early September typically runs a high of 79°F and a low of 61°F. Pack a light layer and an umbrella, and check the forecast the week of the Convention.

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Questions

Reach the team any time at info@ncpacafoundation.org.

Archive

Past Conventions

Photo galleries and recaps from previous years, coming soon.

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