Two Days. Real Insights. Meaningful Connections.
Join us for a high-impact, two-day event crafted specifically for busy professionals in the Permian Basin. Gain practical knowledge from expert speakers who deliver actionable strategies you can apply immediately. Beyond the sessions, this EXPO is your opportunity to connect—network with peers, industry leaders, and solution providers who understand your daily challenges.
Stay informed, build valuable relationships, and elevate your career—all while earning up to 16 CPE credits.
📅 Date: October 29 & 30, 2025
🕒 Time: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM (both days)
📍 Location: First Basin Credit Union Community Room
First-floor, northwest entrance - 7100 E. TX HWY 191
Who Should Attend
CPAs and the professionals who support them in the Permian Basin region.
Note: Non-CPAs working directly under a CPA member are eligible to register at the member rate. For assistance, contact membership@tx.cpa.
Key Topics
Wellness & Productivity
- Mental health strategies for professionals
- Time management techniques for peak performance
Tax & Compliance Updates
- Federal tax update (including the Big Beautiful Bill)
- IRS resolution strategies
- SALT considerations
- Industrial tax consulting & credits
- Investment tax efficiencies
Business & Finance Insights
- Economic trends and forecasts
- Business value management
- Estate planning essentials
- Cash flow modeling
Energy & Industry Focus
- Deal flow in the energy sector
- Oil & gas economy trends
- Lessons from major oil mergers
Agenda, Speakers and Session Details
CPE EXPO Day 1 Schedule
-
8:30 - 9:20 a.m. - Boosting Success, Banishing Stress, and Mastering Work/Life Bliss
Speaker: Stephanie Buduhan, CPA | SPEAKER BIO
Overview: By celebrating your success and avoiding stress, you can enhance your productivity and work/life balance. Health is the key to financial and professional success. Participants of this course will also learn effective ways to cope with workplace stress by describing stress triggers and coping mechanisms.
Major Topics: Stress management
Learning Objectives:
-Identify your stress signals
-Use the 4 A's of stress management
-Focus on healthy eating, sleeping, and movement
-Celebrate your successes
Field of Study: Personal Development – Non-Technical
Level of Knowledge: Basic
Prerequisites: None
Advanced Preparation: None
-
9:20-10:10 a.m. - Preparing Business Owners for Exit - A Combined Effort of CPAs, Wealth Advisors and Business Brokers
Speaker: Chris Lucas | SPEAKER BIO
Overview: Long term planning is the Achilles heel of SMB owners. By working cooperatively with wealth advisors and business brokers, CPAs can dramatically improve the fortunes of their SMB clients and create new revenue streams for their practices. This course provides a summary overview of how CPAs can do this.
Major Topics: Exit planning CPA practice diversification opportunities
Learning Objectives:
- Define exit planning and its significance to SMB business owners
- Identify the complementary roles played by CPAs, wealth advisors and business brokers in the exit planning process
- Review the CPA's central role in the exit planning process
Field of Study: Specialized Knowledge – Technical
Level of Knowledge: Basic
Prerequisites: None
Advanced Preparation: None -
10:20-11:10 a.m. - Estate Planning with Willie Nelson: What an Immortal Can Teach Us About Living and Dying
Speaker: Isreal Miller, CPA, J.D., LL.M. | SPEAKER BIO
Overview: This will be an introduction to estate planning in Texas. It will begin with a review of intestacy law in Texas, a review of basic estate planning documents, and finish with planning opportunities to minimize estate and gift tax.
Major Topics: Fundamentals of Estate Planning: Benefits of Estate Planning: Understanding why it is important and the advantages of having a plan. Wills and Trusts: Learning about the basic structures and purposes of wills and various types of trusts. Federal Estate Taxation: Identifying the key components and rules of federal estate taxation. Marital Property and Community Property: Understanding how marital property is treated in Texas. Property Inventory: Learning how to properly inventory a client's assets. Practical Strategies and Techniques: Avoiding Probate: Exploring methods to avoid the probate process. Minimizing Taxes: Identifying strategies to minimize gift and estate taxes. Protecting Business Assets: Learning how to protect business assets in an estate plan. Handling Complex Situations: Understanding how to plan for situations involving second marriages, children, or disinheritance. Beneficiary Designations: Learning how to properly name primary, contingent, and residuary beneficiaries. Powers of Appointment and Ascertainable Standards: Understanding how these tools can be used to implement client wishes in a tax-efficient way. Texas Specifics: Texas Probate Laws: Familiarizing oneself with the specific laws and procedures for probate in Texas. Community Property Planning: Understanding the unique considerations and strategies for estate planning in a community property state like Texas. Texas Inheritance Laws: Understanding the rules for inheritance when a person dies without a will.
Learning Objectives: This course will cover the basics of Texas intestacy law, wills, trusts, and tax-saving strategies. The course will also delve into the specifics of community property, covering topics such as marital property treatment, property inventory, and beneficiary designations. Additionally, the course will cover topics such as avoiding probate, minimizing gift and estate taxes, and protecting a client's business assets.
Field of Study: Taxes – Technical
Level of Knowledge: Basic
Prerequisites: None
Advanced Preparation: None -
11:15 a.m.-12:05 p.m. - Strategies For Excellence Without the Burnout
Speaker: Chris Lee | SPEAKER BIO
Overview: The business world is moving faster than ever, and with the surge of AI, shows no signs of slowing down. People and businesses who don't evolve will burnt out and get left behind. This session aims to help you navigate the rapidly changing world, and even thrive, with AI solutions.Major Topics:- What are timeless productivity principles that transcend the AI revolution- Best practices for chatting with language models- The waves of AI that have been unfolding- The one strategy for keeping up with the rapid AI evolution- Some example business process innovationsLearning Objectives:- Review the timeless productivity principles that transcend the AI revolution- Learn what's happening with AI beyond ChatGPT- See example process automations that position your business to thrive, not just surviveField of Study: Information Technology – TechnicalLevel of Knowledge: All levelsPrerequisites: NoneAdvanced Preparation: None -
1:05 - 1:55 p.m. - Trends in Private Equity Investing in the Traditional and Energy Transition Arenas
Speaker: Michael Collier, CPA | SPEAKER BIO
Overview: Mike will share the results of original research he has done with respect to private equity deal volume in the energy arena, comparing trends in the traditional v. energy transition deal space, and in private equity vs corporate deal making over the last six years. He will offer his point of view on recent tax policy change and how that will impact capital formation in energy broadly and what it portends for traditional oil and gas.Major Topics: New vs established private equity firms, velocity in deal volume as it relates to corporate vs private equity deals, recent changed in deal mix among energy private equity investors, and implications of new tax policy on capital formation and investment in energy infrastructure.Learning Objectives: Offer a broad perspective on energy deal trends and translate that into expectations as to capital formation in the Permian RegionField of Study: Specialized Knowledge – TechnicalLevel of Knowledge: BasicPrerequisites: NoneAdvanced Preparation: None -
1:55-2:45 p.m. - Cash Flow Planning
Speaker: Stephen Carter | SPEAKER BIO
Overview: An entry level discussion on cash flow planning as it relates to individuals, business, and investments.Major Topics: Cash Flow needs for investing in PE Cash Flow needs for preparing for retirement Cash Flow planning for individuals and or businesses Cash Flow planning for the illiquid estate Budgeting, forecasting, liquidity management, scenario planning, stress testing, Monte Carlo simulations, Timing of income/expense,(ways to bridge the gap), vendor negotiations(management of AR/AP), financing options, post deal liquidity planning for the seller,Learning Objectives: Fundamental understanding of cash flow planning across different areas.Field of Study: Finance – TechnicalLevel of Knowledge: All LevelsPrerequisites: NoneAdvanced Preparation: None -
2:55-3:45 p.m. - Sales and Use Tax Impacts on Transactions
Speaker: Rachel Chinukwe, CPA | SPEAKER BIO
Overview: Participants will gain an understanding of sales and use tax fundamentals. The course will also discuss the high-level implications that sales tax can have on a transaction if a company does not have good processes around sales and use tax.Major Topics: sales and use taxLearning Objectives: Understand different types of sales tax nexus Gain an understanding of the different type of sales and use tax certificates Sales tax implications in due diligenceField of Study: Taxes – TechnicalLevel of Knowledge: BasicPrerequisites: NoneAdvanced Preparation: None -
3:45-4:35 p.m. - Oil and Gas Merger Panel
Moderator: John Michael Jaramillo, CPA | BIO
Panelists: Oscar Aguilar, Damon Button, Michael Collier, Kirk Edwards and Jimmy Hudson
Overview: This panel brings together seasoned leaders in energy finance and accounting to examine key financial and tax lessons from recent high-profile mergers in the oil and gas industry. Featuring partners from leading advisory firms, CFOs of private equity-backed companies, and experts in upstream operations and strategic consulting, the discussion will draw on decades of experience in M&A strategy, regulatory compliance, and capital management. Panelists will share practical insights into deal structuring, integration challenges, and post-transaction planning, equipping attendees with actionable knowledge for future merger and acquisition activity.
Major Topics: Strategic Drivers of Mergers Industry consolidation trends Market forces and shareholder value Financial Impacts and Deal Structuring Valuation challenges Capital allocation and financial reporting Tax Considerations Due diligence and legacy liabilities Structuring for tax efficiency International and regulatory tax issues Post-Merger Integration Operational and cultural alignment Systems, processes, and talent management Key Lessons and Best Practices Real-world insights from CFOs and tax managers Practical takeaways for future M&A activity
Learning Objectives: Learning Objectives By the end of this session, participants will be able to: Identify key financial and tax considerations in large-scale oil and gas mergers. Evaluate the strategic drivers behind recent mergers in the energy sector. Analyze post-merger integration challenges from a financial and tax perspective. Apply lessons learned to future merger and acquisition (M&A) planning and execution.
Field of Study: Specialized Knowledge – Technical
Level of Knowledge: Basic
Prerequisites: None
Advanced Preparation: None
CPE EXPO Day 2 Schedule
-
8:30-9:20 a.m. - Permian Basin Economic Update
Speaker: Casey Yates | SPEAKER BIO
Overview: This session will provide an overview of Permian Strategic Partnership(PSP), highlighting its core focus areas and the extent of its investment in the community. Key initiatives will be discussed in detail, along with an introduction to several community partners. The session will also explore how PSP has strategically leveraged its investments in collaboration with local organizations and state and federal funding sources.Major Topics: Economic Update for the Permian Basin
Learning Objectives: Attendees will get an economic update from the Permian Basin region, and what is happening in their community.
Field of Study: Economic – TechnicalLevel of Knowledge: UpdatePrerequisites: NoneAdvanced Preparation: None -
9:20-10:10 a.m. - Why SMAs and Direct Indexing May Be Right for Your Clients and Practice / MoneyGuide Planning Tool
Speaker(s): Tina Mobley, CPA, CFP (BIO) and Austin Cave, CIMA®, CSRICTM (BIO)
Overview: We will discuss several ways an advisor can help their client manage taxes across their non-qualified investments. We will cover exactly is a Unified Managed Account is and how it can benefit your clients for a tax perspective. We will also explore Separately Managed Accounts, how they differ from various other investment vehicles, also how Direct Indexing can be used as another tax-management tool in the Unified Managed Account. In addition, we will present MoneyGuide, a tool that allows for not only retirement planning but also for life event planning.Major Topics:-Tax overlay-UMA basics-SMA product structure-Direct Indexing: how it works and benefits to the client MoneyGuide-a walk through the tool using information for Mr & Mrs Client.Learning Objectives: To understand the benefits of the UMA (Unified Managed Account) structure including the benefits of tax overlay for your clients. We will also cover the SMA (Separately Managed Account) product structure, the fundamentals of direct indexing and how these can both be used as the building blocks of a UMA account. To gain an understanding of how MoneyGuide can look at all aspect of a client's life to help plan for wants, needs and wishes.Field of Study: Taxes – TechnicalLevel of Knowledge: BasicPrerequisites: NoneAdvanced Preparation: None -
10:20-11:10 a.m. - Property Tax in the Permian Basin and How to Capitalize on Tax Savings Opportunities
Speaker: Stephen Shaw | SPEAKER BIO
Overview: The purpose of this webinar is to educate CPAs and property owners on how to protect their rights by filing a timely, no-risk protest. We will explain what the protest must contain, how to prepare and file it, with whom to file it, what to request when filing, and the benefits and costs of filing a protest. We will also share how the process works and what the next steps are that take place after a protest is filed.
Major Topics: Rendition and exemption application preparation What to consider when reviewing a Notice of Appraised Value and how and when to respond What are the requirements for a protest to be valid, and why is there no risk with filing one How to prepare and present at an ARB Hearing, and the next steps after an ARB decision
Learning Objectives: Learn how to respond effectively to Notices of Appraised Value and stay ahead of key deadlines. Protest Process: have an understanding of the filing requirements, steps, and the benefits of a no-risk protest. Appraisal Review Boards (ARBs) - Learn how ARBs operate, timelines to expect, and next steps after a protest decision is issued. Client Strategies - apply practical approaches to protect property rights, reduce valuations, and manage property tax exposure.
Field of Study: Taxes – Technical
Level of Knowledge: Basic
Prerequisites: A desire to pay no more in property tax than is legally required by the Texas Property Tax Code.
Advanced Preparation: None
-
11:15 a.m.-12:05 p.m. - Navigating a Resource Challenged IRS
Speaker: Jeffrey Glassman, J.D., LL.M. | SPEAKER BIO
Overview: Dealing with the IRS has been difficult for many years, but the past several months have been far more challenging. This presentation will provide some strategies and considerations relevant for navigating the new IRS landscape. This presentation will also discuss areas where the IRS is deploying their reduced resources.Major Topics: Amended returns IRS Examinations Key Areas of IRS Focus
Learning Objectives: After this presentation, the audience should be better positioned to advise their clients on how to navigate a leaner IRS. The audience should also better understand certain areas of heightened IRS enforcement.
Field of Study: Taxes – TechnicalLevel of Knowledge: IntermediatePrerequisites: Basic understanding of IRS procedure will be helpful but unnecessary.Advanced Preparation: None -
1:05-2:45 p.m. - H.R. 1 The Final Budget Reconciliation Bill
Speakers: Jon Karp, CPA, PFS (BIO) and Kristen Sayegh, CPA (BIO)
Overview: Review of H.R. 1 and how it will impact the filing season. Reviewing the provisions contained in the legislation that will be pertinent for both the individual and business returns for 2025 and looking in to 2026.Major Topics: H.R. 1 Business and Individual tax legislation.Learning Objectives: Upon completion of the seminar should have an understanding of what is contained in H.R. 1.Field of Study: Taxes – TechnicalLevel of Knowledge: BasicPrerequisites: NoneAdvanced Preparation: None -
2:55-3:45 p.m. - Public Speaking
Speaker: Kim Knox Lewis, CPA | SPEAKER BIO
Session Description: Polish your presentation skills with tips for success. Even introverts must sometimes speak at company meetings or present with confidence to clients. Participants are qualified to join the Chapter's Speakers Bureau.Course Objectives: Identify ways to assess your audience; recognize the importance of practice and preparation; identify some tips and hints based on real-life experience.Major Topics: Public speakingField of Study: Personal Development – Non-TechnicalLevel of Knowledge: BasicPrerequisites: None -
3:45-4:35 p.m. - Captive Insurance- How Business Owners Can Protect Their Business, Decrease Taxes and Build Wealth
Speaker: Ken Huffman, CPA | SPEAKER BIO
Overview: Captive Insurance is a powerful business strategy that protects a business, decrease taxes and builds wealth. This webinar will provide an overview of captive insurance including: who is eligible; types of policies; how captives integrate with traditional insurance; how to create insurance and warranty programs; structure and formation process; how captives can decrease taxes; costs/benefits; how captives build wealth/ improve cash flow; and case studies of captive insurance companies.Major Topics: Captive InsuranceLearning Objectives: Participants who successfully complete this course will be able to:-Identify what companies would benefit from having a captive insurance company-Understand the structure and benefits of captive insurance companies-Understand the types of captive insurance policies that are available and how captive policies integrate with their traditional insurance-Understand the cost/benefits and how taxes work within captivesField of Study: Specialized Knowledge – TechnicalLevel of Knowledge: All levelsPrerequisites: NoneAdvanced Preparation: None
Registration Requirements: Pre-registration is required for this event. To register, please visit our website at tx.cpa/permian or contact our office at 800.428.0272. Participant credit is given based on actual attendance time. Participant credit is given based on actual attendance time. For live events, late arrivals and/or early departures will be captured manually and notated on the physical sign in sheet or will be captured by the attendance monitoring application. For webinars, late arrivals and/or early departures will be captured by the submission of participant codes within the attendance monitoring application within the webinar broadcasting application.
Refunds and Cancellations: Cancellations must be made 3 business days prior to the event. No refund will be given after the materials have been distributed.
The Texas Society of CPAs is registered with the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) as a sponsor of Continuing Professional Education (CPE) on the National Registry of CPE Sponsors. Boards of Accountancy have final authority on the acceptance of individual courses for CPE credit. Complaints regarding registered sponsors may be submitted to the National Registry of CPE Sponsors through its website: www.nasbaregistry.org.