The History of Winning Is Everything

In 2001, several consultants to the CPA profession gathered to share information, ideas, and insight.  The “Advisory Board“, as they called themselves, felt strongly that by collaborating and exchanging observations about the profession they could each enhance their own knowledge and the value that they provide to their clients.  They were right.

The meetings were not only collegial, they were extremely innovative – with the group addressing problems and helping one another find solutions.  It was finally expressed that the true value of the group would be sharing these “think tank” sessions with actual practitioners, the end users.  The idea was the start of a whole new direction.

In the conceptualization and design of the first conference, there was much discussion about the name and focus.  The Advisory Board members concluded that they wanted to present material that would spark innovation and creative thinking among the nation’s truly forward-thinking firms -  those that were eager to advance and stay on the cutting edge.  The term “winning firm” referred to those larger, proactive companies, and the idea for the title evolved.

In 2002, The Advisory Board hosted its first Winning Is Everything practice management conference in Naples, Florida.  The concept was to bring in outstanding business speakers, then follow with sessions that immediately applied their message to the CPA firm environment.  It was also a little different than most conferences – the sports theme included hosts in referee shirts, the waitstaff tossing peanuts and crackerjack to the crowd and (of course) beer at “half time”!  The light-hearted nature allowed attendees to relax, enjoy the experience and think outside of the box.

Targeting the top leaders of the larger firms in the US, the group continued to build the event off of this concept, interweaving great outside speakers with its own knowledge. Over the years, however, a strange trend developed.  While practitioners still appreciated the information and take-aways of the conference and applauded the outstanding keynote speakers, many began to site the incredible networking and fellowship among attendees as a primary reason for coming.  Whether a firm was looking for solutions to a particular issue, interested in meeting potential merger candidates, or looking to reconnect with some old friends, it became THE conference to attend. In 2008, the group responded to frequent requests for “more!” by adding a half-day pre-conference session in a small group setting.  This “Super Stars Pre-Conference” has proven to be a beneficial way to share more detailed information and involve more small-group interaction outside of the rush of the conference.

In 2003, The Advisory Board felt that it was important to recognize some of the truly outstanding leaders in the profession, past and present.  The group created The Advisory Board Hall of Fame to celebrate the accomplishments and careers of these individuals, who over the years have ranged from practitioners to industry activists.  An interesting and valuable addition to the conference agenda over the years has been a panel discussion on the state of the profession among Hall of Fame members.

Currently, the conference is held on the Las Vegas Strip in January of each year (prior to the start of busy season).  It moves from location to location, and attendees have enjoyed the Bellagio, Four Seasons, Mandalay Bay, Wynn and Cosmopolitan hotels as a result.

Overview of Prior Keynote Speakers

2002:  Hal Becker, Nancy Austin, Morrie Shechtman

2003: Hyler Bracey, Gen. Walt Boomer, Barry Melancon

2004:  Michael Gerber, Art Bowman, Blaine Lee

2005:  Howard Putnam, Edie Weiner, Bob Bunting

2006:  Rebecca Ryan, Daniel “Rudy” Ruettiger

2007:  Stephen Lundin, David Maister

2008:  Billy Beane, David Maister, Morrie Shechtman

2009:  Pat Williams, Morrie Shechtman, Dan Sullivan

2010:  Joe Theismann, Hal Becker

2011:  Lou Holtz, Chris Gardner

2012:  Tom Flick, Mark King