Hosted by

Universal Accounting Center

Agenda:

SUNDAY, May 3

VIP Dinner at Hotel

Karaoke Night
- Sponsored by double

6:30 - 8:30 PM

9:00 - 11:00 PM

(for VIP's and Premier Ticket holders only)

For All Attendees

MONDAY, May 4

Registration & Networking

8:00 - 9:00 AM

Morning Speakers

Jaime Rodriguez

Brian Mayoral

Eric Green

The Currency of Success

Scaling Smarter: Unlocking 30% Hidden Profit in Your Firm Without More Hours

How to Make $$$ Saving People

Afternoon Speakers

Marit Burmood

Luke Kiely

Beyond the Numbers: Generational Strategy for Scalable Accounting Services

The Real Risk Equation: Protecting Your Firm in the Age of AI, Cyber Threats & Regulation

Afternoon Panel

Marketing That Moves the Needle for Accounting Firms

Panelists:

Heidi Ryder, Charlene Ignacio, Michelle Weinstein, James Donovan

Evening: Awards Gala

(for all attendees, sponsors, speakers and staff)

TUESDAY, May 5

Arrival, Check-in & Networking

8:00 - 9:00 AM

Morning Speakers

Orumé Hays

Adam Lean

David Cristello

Strategy, Talent, Tech: Transforming Your Firm

How to Become a CFO to Small Businesses

90 Day Workflow Reset: The Framework for Eliminating Chaos by Focusing on Less

Afternoon Speakers

Wendy Lloyd Curley

Sean Duncan

Sharrin Fuller

Rock & Roll and Networking

Choosing the Right Client

Scaling Down to Scale Up: Why Fewer People and Smarter Systems Make a Stronger Firm

Afternoon Panel

How AI Is Reshaping the Accounting Firm of Tomorrow

Panelists:

David Leary, Erik Humphrey, Preston Cardwell, Priyanka Dang

Evening: Casino Night

(for VIP's, Premier Ticket Holders, Speakers and Sponsors - Standard ticket holders are on your own for the evening)

WEDNESDAY, May 6

Arrival, Check-in & Networking

8:00 - 9:00 AM

Morning Speakers

Andrea Bell

Christine Hollinden

Roger Knecht

The Implementation Gap: Simple Systems to Build a Profitable Practice (Using MAP)

From Commodity to Category Leader: How Accounting Firms Build or Buy a Niche

From Compliance to Community

Afternoon Panel

Out of the Box: Rule Breakers & Game Changers

Panelists:

Veronica Wasek, Tyler Otto, Laura Shepherd, Kate Johnson

Conference Concludes at 2:30 PM

GC2026 FAQ’s

When should I fly in and/or arrive?

Standard Ticket Holders – Registration begins at 8am on Monday, 5/4.  We recommend flying into SLC (Salt Lake City International) Airport sometime on Sunday, 5/3 so you are ready to go first thing Monday morning.  The conference concludes at 2:30pm on Wednesday, 5/6. So, you should be safe to book outbound flights anytime 5pm or later on 5/6.

Premier Ticket Holders – You are invited to a special VIP Dinner at the hotel on Sunday, 5/3 at 6:30pm.  So, you will want to arrive at the hotel before that to join us for dinner.

VIP Ticket Holders – Your PreCon activities begin at noon on 5/2.  All VIP’s should be in the lobby of the Hilton at Noon.  You can fly in on Friday, or catch a super early flight on Saturday morning.  You’ll be receiving an email with details on what to plan for and pack.

When should I fly out?

The conference concludes at 2:30pm on Wednesday, 5/6. So, you should be safe to book outbound flights anytime 5pm or later on 5/6.

What is the attire for the conference?

Conference – For the main conference, Business Casual is what most people wear.  Ballrooms are often on the colder side, so bring a sweater or jacket if you get cold.

Awards Gala – On Monday evening, all attendees, sponsors, speakers and staff are invited to our Gala.  This is a Formal event.  Women often wear formal gowns, cocktail dresses, or less formal dresses.  Dress slacks are also fine.  Men often wear a suit or dinner jacket.  But, all are welcome to come as you wish.  No official dress code is required.

Casino Night – VIP’s, Premier Ticket holders, Speakers and Sponsors are invited to the Casino Night on Tuesday Night.  Come gamble on OUR dime…not yours, and play for tickets that we will use to draw for prizes at the end of the night.  Dress is evening attire…generally dressier than what you’re wearing at the conference.  But, again…come as you wish.

Who qualifies for the Awards at the Gala?

Any accounting professionals who complete the awards application have the chance to qualify for awards.  All attendees will receive an application via email in late March.  Sponsors and Speakers who are also practitioners in the Accounting field are also welcome to apply.

What if I can’t come…is there a refund/transfer policy?

A paid in full registration is refundable, less a nominal $50 admin fee until 1/31/26. From 2/1/26 – 4/15/26, registrations may be transferred to another person with an admin fee of $100. If you would like to transfer your ticket to another attendee, send an email request to [email protected].

GROWCON 2026
EARN UP TO 1

THE Conference
EXCLUSIVELY for OWNERS
of Bookkeeping, Tax &
Accounting Companies

Salt Lake City, Utah | May 4 - 6, 2026

EARN UP TO 1

What is GrowCon?

GrowCon is a conference designed for OWNERS just like you to grow and take your business to the next level!

  • Guiding owners through the minutia and busy work of running a business.
  • Providing a network to owners so they can strategize, grow and find partnerships.
  • Helping owners hire, manage, and organize a successful business.
  • Teaching Owners how to scale their business so it runs without them, providing a true exit strategy.

GrowCon is an invaluable resource for Owners of Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Tax businesses to connect with the right people, companies, tools, technologies, & resources while delivering powerful presentations and providing the latest and greatest trade secrets to MOVE and GROW your business to success and beyond!

Why Attend GrowCon?

  • Learn the Turnkey Process to Grow Your Business
  • Business Strategies You Can Immediately Implement
  • Nurture Business Relationships
  • Create Powerful Collaborations
  • Networking Across the Industry

  • Revitalization & Time to Decompress
  • Opportunity to Learn and Grow
  • A Chance to Hob Knob with Experts
  • To Find Who is Who in the Industry
  • A Chance to Promote Yourself
  • Build Actionable Goals
  • To Improve Systems & Productivity
  • To Further Your Power Play Mindset
  • To EARN MORE MONEY!
  • Focused Time to Work ON Your Business
  • A Chance to Add Valuable New Services
  • Learn the latest Marketing Ideas
  • Tech Stack Recommendations and Resources
GrowCon Purchase Options

(Collaborate with attendees, speakers and exhibitors)

Standard Ticket

$997

Premier Ticket

$1297

VIP Ticket

$1897

• SOLD OUT •

(Collaborate with attendees, speakers and exhibitors)

Virtual Ticket

$297

Standard Ticket

$997

VIP Ticket

$1497

• SOLD OUT •

• SOLD OUT •

GC26 Pricing

VIP includes the following PreCon and Conference Activities:

Saturday, May 3 (starting at noon)

  • Lunch at the exquisite Bridal Veil Falls in Provo Canyon
  • Adventure at Labyrinth Reality Games
  • Dinner at Rodizio

Sunday, May 4

  • Scavenger Hunt around downtown Provo
  • Dinner and Fireside Chat with amazing guest Speaker

Tuesday, May 6

  • Casino Night with the Speakers and Staff at UAC

Testimonials

What is Your Biggest Takeaway from GrowCon?

What brought you to GrowCon this year?

What is the Best Part of GrowCon?

What have you learned at GrowCon so far?

What is the first thing you will apply in your business?

How does GrowCon expand your vision of your business?

Panelists

MARKETING PANEL

GC26 PANELIST Heidi Ryder
GC26 PANELIST Heidi Ryder

Heidi Ryder

keepful
Owner

Heidi Ryder is an entrepreneur and mother who began her bookkeeping business in 2017. She is the owner of her bookkeeping firm and now also owns keepful, the marketing automation platform created to help bookkeepers, accountants, and tax professionals organize their leads, automate follow-up, and build stronger client relationships while reclaiming their time.

Heidi Ryder

keepful
Owner

GC26 PANELIST Charlene Ignacio
GC26 PANELIST Charlene Ignacio

Charlene Ignacio

FORNIX
CEO, Black Belt Lean Six Sigma Certified, Speaker, Coach, Author

Multi-industry CEO | Award-Winning Entrepreneur | Business Growth Expert | Speaker
Featured in CIO Women Magazine’s Top 10 Most Inspiring Women LeadersRecognized as a Top Woman Entrepreneur to WatchSpeaker and thought leader in business, marketing, and M&A growthLeads a global team of 50+ professionals Advocate for women in business and leadership, empowering entrepreneurs to scale and succeed.

Charlene Ignacio

FORNIX
CEO, Black Belt Lean Six Sigma Certified, Speaker, Coach, Author

GC26 PANELIST Michelle Weinstein
GC26 PANELIST Michelle Weinstein

Michelle Weinstein

The Abundant Accountant
Founder

Michelle Weinstein is a seasoned entrepreneur, sales strategist, and founder of The Abundant Accountant. She helps accounting, tax, fractional CFO, and bookkeeping firm owners own their value and confidently sell high-level services without pressure or burnout. Her clients have collectively added over $28 million in additional revenue to their firms, all without working more hours, chasing more clients, or doing anything they didn’t want to do.

Michelle Weinstein

The Abundant Accountant
Founder

GC26 PANELIST James Donovan
GC26 PANELIST James Donovan

James Donovan

Accounting Leads Now
Owner

James Donovan is the founder of Accounting Leads Now, a growth consultancy helping accounting firms generate consistent leads and sales opportunities through modern digital strategy and appointment-setting systems. He is the author of Booked Solid and host of the podcast CFO Chronicles, where he spotlights the growth journeys of today’s top financial leaders. James specializes in helping firms move beyond word-of-mouth and build scalable, repeatable pipelines.

James Donovan

Accounting Leads Now
Owner

AI PANEL

GC26 PANELIST David Leary
GC26 PANELIST David Leary

David Leary

Earmark
COO

David Leary is an innovative and influential force in the small business accounting world. With over 22 years of QuickBooks experience, David has provided many small businesses, accountants, and developers with technical tools, deep industry knowledge, strategy, and solutions. His business sense, vast technical knowledge, and domain expertise have helped bridge the gap between developers, small business owners, and accountants. His unique style and impressive network have influenced and helped shape the new generation of accounting professionals.

David Leary

Earmark
COO

GC26 PANELIST Erik Humphrey
GC26 PANELIST Erik Humphrey

Erik Humphrey

Humphrey Accounting and Tax LLC
CPA, EA

Erik Humphrey, CPA, EA, is the owner of Humphrey Accounting and Tax LLC with several years of experience in tax and accounting. He began his accounting career working in his family’s tax preparation business, where he learned the importance of integrity, trust, and client-focused service from his father, Les, and his Uncle Mark. Erik later served as a Tax Manager at a mid-sized accounting firm, managing complex tax matters for a diverse client base before starting his own firm in 2024. A U.S. Marine Corps veteran and former steelworker, he earned his accounting degree from Western Governors University while working full-time.

Erik Humphrey

Humphrey Accounting and Tax LLC
CPA, EA

GC26 PANELIST Preston Cardwell
GC26 PANELIST Preston Cardwell

Preston Cardwell

Memorial Ridge
CPA, Founder, Memorial Ridge & The AI Accountant newsletter

Preston is a CPA with over a decade in consulting, including six years in tax at PwC where he also became a leading internal expert on automation. He channeled that into founding Memorial Ridge, where he helps accounting firms adopt AI and automation.

He also writes The AI Accountant, a free weekly newsletter about AI and tech for accountants.

Preston Cardwell

Memorial Ridge
CPA, Founder, Memorial Ridge & The AI Accountant newsletter

GC26 PANELIST Priyanka Dang
GC26 PANELIST Priyanka Dang

Priyanka Dang

Finovalence
Founder

Priyanka Dang is a Chartered Accountant and entrepreneurial leader with over 18 years of experience in accounting, taxation, and compliance advisory. Her career spans Big Four firms – Deloitte and Ernst & Young, along with extensive experience in the banking sector, giving her a strong blend of technical depth and hands-on operational insight.

Today, Priyanka leads and scales a growing accounting firm, Finovalence, delivering end-to-end finance solutions, including bookkeeping, tax, and regulatory compliance, to clients across the US, Canada and Europe. She has built and mentored a high-performing team of accountants focused on quality, accountability, and long-term client partnerships. Her work centers on helping startups, SMBs, and growth-stage companies streamline financial operations, stay compliant, and make confident business decisions. She strongly believes in automation and modern tooling, applying AI and automation to simplify workflows, elevate accuracy, and enable productivity.

Recognized for her entrepreneurial journey from a solo founder to building a 20+ member firm, Priyanka was featured by Women Entrepreneurs Review for her leadership and growth story.

Beyond work, she is an avid traveler who enjoys planning immersive journeys, connecting with new people, and exploring local cuisines.

Priyanka Dang

Finovalence
Founder

OUT OF THE BOX PANEL

GC26 PANELIST Tyler Otto
GC26 PANELIST Tyler Otto

Tyler Otto

Specialized Accounting
President and Owner

Tyler Otto is the president and owner of Specialized Accounting, a thriving seven-figure remote firm dedicated to the hospitality industry. Before joining forces with his wife Karen at her solo practice, Tyler honed his finance chops with leadership roles at Vail Resorts and Imprint Hospitality. Known for his energy and approachability, Tyler is passionate about collaboration with fellow professionals and welcoming new accountants to the field. He’s presented at major accounting, tech, and hospitality conferences and recently launched Firm Foundation, a step-by-step course turning firm-building from daunting into doable. Whether behind a microphone or trading insights on podcasts, Tyler brings both expertise and a dash of fun to any discussion.

Tyler Otto

Specialized Accounting
President and Owner

GC26 PANELIST Veronica Wasek
GC26 PANELIST Veronica Wasek

Veronica Wasek

5MB Academy
Unstoppable Introvert

Veronica Wasek, the Unstoppable Introvert, is an accomplished entrepreneur, accountant, educator and mentor who helps bookkeepers and accounting firm owners build profitable businesses that support the life they truly want. She started her firm from scratch and ran it for 15 years before selling it to her key employees.

As an introvert, she understands what it is like to struggle with fear, self-doubt, and the pressure to do everything perfectly, and she is passionate about helping others break through those barriers.

Veronica teaches through her YouTube channel, 5MB Academy, and a thriving community of bookkeepers and firm owners.

She is living the life of her dreams on a beautiful Texas farm with her husband, Eric, and enjoys singing, dancing, and exploring lettering art.

Veronica Wasek

5MB Academy
Unstoppable Introvert

GC26 PANELIST Laura Shepherd
GC26 PANELIST Laura Shepherd

Laura Shepherd

Momentum BK/My Top Bookkeeper
Owner/Founder

Laura A. Shepherd is the founder and owner of Momentum BK, My Top Bookkeeper LLC, and MTB Management LLC. With over 20 years of experience in bookkeeping and accounting, Laura is on a mission to elevate industry standards, protect small business owners, and strengthen trust in the financial profession.

In January 2023, she launched the Momentum BK Accounting Model, helping business owners and service providers work together effectively to produce accurate, IRS-compliant results. Laura is passionate about educating entrepreneurs, promoting responsible financial practices, and empowering bookkeepers with the tools and knowledge needed to support small business success.

When she’s not transforming the accounting world, Laura enjoys baking, making jewelry, learning guitar, studying Italian, and spending time with her growing family.

Laura Shepherd

Momentum BK/My Top Bookkeeper
Owner/Founder

GC26 PANELIST Kate Johnson
GC26 PANELIST Kate Johnson

Kate Johnson

Heritage Business Services LLC
Owner

Kate Josephine Johnson owns Heritage Business Services, LLC, a virtual bookkeeping firm specializing in FreshBooks and serving small business clients all over the world. She can also be found helping other accounting professionals build a virtual accounting career they love inside her Bookkeeping Side Hustle Community.

She is a very proud Texan, Baylor Bear, and Navy wife. Her hair fits her personality. She is a morning person. Big time. She gets more done before 7:00 am than some people get done all day long!

As far as credentials go, she holds an MBA from the Yale School of Management and a BA in Economics from Baylor University. She worked in corporate finance before opting to become a stay-at-home-mom for several years after her first child was born.

Kate Johnson

Heritage Business Services LLC
Owner

MONDAY, 5/5

Speaker - Roger Knecht
- President, Universal Accounting

Speaker - Dawn Brolin
- From Bean Counter to Dream Launcher: Charting New Adventures in Accounting

Speaker - Jon Lakefish
- Adapt Today With AI: Practical Tools for Immediate Impact

Speaker - Rhamy Alejeal
- From Processes to People: The Key Shift for Sustainable Business Growth

Speaker - James Donovan
- Local Market Domination: The Ultimate Guide to Winning Clients with Google Local Service Ads

Speaker - Nicole McMillan
- Hiring and Retaining the Best Talent

Expert Panel - Gaynor Meilke, Reza Hooda, Michel Valbrun, Jeremy Estey
- Unlocking Growth Through Effective Marketing

Awards Gala and Dinner

TUESDAY, 5/6

Speaker - Debra Kilsheimer
- The Price is Right! Negotiating Your Worth with Confidence

Speaker - Mike Milan
- Clearing the Noise to Close More Sales

Speaker - Geni Whitehouse
- Accounting Beyond the Numbers

Speaker - Brittany Malidore
- Intentional Client Conversations: Exceeding Expectations without Breaking Your Boundaries

Speaker - Reza Hooda
- Win higher paying clients WITHOUT relying on referrals!

Speaker - Dr. Patience Rose
- From Struggles to Success: Dr. Rose’s Blueprint for Breaking Barriers & Building Legacy in Accounting

Expert Panel - Hannah Bjornn, Tony Proctor, Jon Lakefish
- AI and Automation Reshaping the Accounting Landscape

VIP Party - Casino Night (for VIP's and Speakers)

WEDNESDAY, 5/7

Speaker - Dr. Jackie Meyer
- Future-proofing your firm: advisory tools, tech, and pricing you need to know

Speaker - Michelle Mitchell
- Letting Go to Grow: Mastering Delegation for Sustainable Success

Speaker - Roger Knecht
- Secrets to Building the Premier Accounting Firm in Your Area

Expert Panel - Jaime Rodriguez, Kim Fader, Roger Knecht
- Building a High-Performance Accounting Firm with Systems and Innovation

2026 GROWCON SPONSORS

Premium Sponsors

UAC logo
Bookkeepers com Logo
Insightful Accountant Stacked Logo 500x140

Premium Sponsors

UAC logo
PP People Processes
Be Insightful Insightful Accountant Combo Logo

Elevated Sponsors

DBA Logo
Double Logo
keepful logo
Accounting Leads Now
Tech Guru Logo
The CFO Project Logo
TRN logo
earmark logo black 1000w
Sell Up Logo Black Red
ComplyWiseOnline Logo COL
Onpay Logo Blue Tagline
People Processes Logo horizontal
Royalwise full logo blue
Tax Maverick Logo Vertical (11)
Fornix
The Firm Foundation Logo 1
Magnetic logo brand color
WCPE logo color gradient
Veritax Logo 400pX256p
Zamp logo teal 400px
AccountGroove LogoColor TextBlack (1)
solvo logo

Splash Sponsors

Dupont Advisory Logo
Abundant Accountant Logo with website
Clear Path to Cash Advisor black
Daily Driver Consulting FF 01
Dupont Advisory Logo
Earmark Logo
Amber Sky Marketing Logo

HOST HOTEL

GrowCon will be held at the
Hilton Salt Lake City Center
255 W Temple St
Salt Lake City, UT 84101

Book your room at the discounted rate of $214 per night (includes breakfast).

Book now as rooms will sell out.
Book by 4/10/26, while rooms last.

• EXPIRED •

Hilton
Hilton
  • Rooms are discounted to $189 per night
  • Available to book until April 7, 2025 or until it sells out.
  • Right across the street from the venue, Utah Valley Convention Center
  • Includes Breakfast at the Slate Restaurant inside the Provo Marriott

RESERVE YOUR ROOM BEFORE IT’S SOLD OUT!

HOST HOTEL

  • Rooms are discounted to $189 per night
  • Available to book until April 7, 2025 or until it sells out.
  • Right across the street from the venue, Utah Valley Convention Center
  • Includes Breakfast at the Slate Restaurant inside the Provo Marriott

• EXPIRED •

Questions: 

or email:

Copyright © 2025, GrowCon 2025 is a trademark of Universal Accounting School

Questions: 

or email:

Copyright © 2026, GrowCon 2026 is a trademark of Universal Accounting School