IMA Ohio Finance & Accounting Summit 2026

IMA Ohio Council 1st Annual Summit: Early Bird Pricing $200 through January 26, 2026 ($225 thereafter), $25 Student. Hope to see you there!

About this Event

IMA Ohio Finance & Accounting Summit 2026

Join us at the IMA Ohio Finance & Accounting Summit 2026, hosted at the Quest Conference Center – Polaris. This full-day, in-person event brings together finance and accounting professionals for expert-led sessions, practical insights, and meaningful networking opportunities. It’s the perfect chance to expand your knowledge, connect with peers, and stay current in a rapidly evolving profession.

The first 75 registrants will receive a copy of Alan Mallory’s Book “Summits of Self”!

To make your visit easier, IMA members have access to exclusive discounted hotel rates at nearby Polaris-area hotels. Room blocks are limited, so early reservations are encouraged.

• Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton Columbus–Polaris
  Rate: $129 per night
  Deadline: January 29, 2026
  Conveniently located on Pulsar Place with modern amenities and complimentary breakfast.
• Fairfield by Marriott Inn & Suites Columbus Polaris
  Rate: $109 per night
  Deadline: January 27, 2026
  Located on Worthington Road, offering easy access to the conference center, breakfast included.

Secure your room early and get ready for a valuable day of professional learning and growth! Reserve using the “IMA Ohio Conference” group rate link.

Agenda


🕑: 07:00 AM - 08:00 AM
Breakfast/Networking

🕑: 08:00 AM - 08:05 AM
Welcome Chair of Summit
Host: J. Stephen McNally, CMA, CPA

🕑: 08:05 AM - 09:00 AM
Artificial Intelligence
Host: Mike DePrisco, IMA CEO

🕑: 09:00 AM - 10:00 AM
Cyber Security
Host: John Iannarelli, ESQ, CSP FBI Special Agent (Ret.)

Info: By attending this session, participants will:

Understand the cyber vulnerabilities to your business.

Learn how to avoid becoming a victim of cybercrime.

Know what to do if a cybercriminal attacks.

This presentation references FBI John’s books Disorderly Conduct and WTF: Why Teens Fail and What to Fix, a guide to being safe on the Internet and elsewhere.

🕑: 10:00 AM - 10:15 AM
Morning Break

🕑: 10:15 AM - 11:15 AM
Strategic Planning in an Era of High Economic Uncertainty
Host: Gaby Lahoud, Chair ORC

🕑: 11:15 AM - 12:15 PM
Economic Development Incentives Demystified: Every Finance Leader Should Know
Host: Toby Rittner, President & CEO CDFA

Info: By attending this session, participants will be able to:

- Identify key economic development finance programs and incentives available to Ohio businesses across local, state, and federal levels.

- Evaluate which development tools and partnerships best align with their organization’s growth strategies and financial goals.

- Apply practical steps for engaging with economic development organizations and leveraging available resources to maximize business impact.

🕑: 12:15 PM - 01:10 PM
Lunch and IMA Update
Host: Mike DePrisco, IMA CEO

🕑: 01:10 PM - 02:40 PM
Crucial Communication Team Building Secrets Every Confident Leader Should Know
Host: Kristie Stocker

Info: Leadership

🕑: 02:40 PM - 03:00 PM
Afternoon Break

🕑: 03:00 PM - 04:00 PM
Leadership & Ethics: Lessons from the FBI
Host: John Iannarelli, ESQ, CSP FBI Special Agent (Ret.)

Info: By attending this session, participants will:

Learn how to identify the traits that promote leadership and ethics.

Hear effective strategies for expanding leadership capabilities.

Learn how to leverage employee skills to enhance success.

This presentation references FBI John’s latest book, Disorderly Conduct.

🕑: 04:00 PM - 05:00 PM
'Reaching New Heights
Host: Alan Mallory, Writer and Adventurer

Info: By attending this session, participants will learn:

- Developing an adaptive and growth-oriented mindset

- Empowering team members to confidently make informed decisions

- Practical tools to stay agile and integrate lessons learned quickly

- Managing focus under pressure and through incremental goals

- Techniques to build resilience and persevere through adversity

- Fostering psychological well-being to sustain long-term performance

- How to develop trust, respect, and strong cohesion within teams

- Effective risk management for anticipating and responding to challenges

🕑: 05:00 PM
Closing Remarks/Social Hour/Networking

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