AI, innovation and practice transformation frame the agenda at premier event for forward-thinking firms
NEW YORK (Sept. 1, 2026) — Artificial intelligence and emerging technologies are accelerating change across the accounting profession, creating new opportunities for firms to rethink how they operate and deliver value. Celebrating its 15th anniversary in 2026, the Digital CPA (DCPA) Conference® will bring together progressive practitioners, technology innovators and accounting firm leaders to explore the strategies, technologies and capabilities positioning their firms for long-term success.
DCPA26, hosted by CPA.com and the American Institute of CPAs (AICPA), will take place Dec. 6-9 at the Gaylord Pacific Resort & Convention Center in San Diego and live online.
This year's theme, "Vision to Velocity," reflects the shift from envisioning transformation to putting it into practice. By bringing together the right strategies, technology and talent, firms can turn ideas into action, accelerate progress, and create lasting value for their clients.
The three-day program will feature more than 40 sessions across audit and assurance, client advisory services (CAS) and business, and an expanded tax track, with more than 60 speakers sharing practical insights firms can apply across their businesses. Attendees will also have opportunities to connect at the resource center, engage with peers through networking events, receptions and roundtable discussions, and meet with more than 60 leading technology companies across tax, audit, CAS and practice management.
Featured keynote speakers will examine the forces transforming the profession and how leaders can build the capabilities needed to thrive amid rapid change. They include:
- Barry Melancon, chairman at Baker Tilly International, and Nitin Mittal, head of Global AI at Deloitte, will explore how firms can harness data and AI-powered transformation to drive competitive advantage, make more proactive strategic decisions and create new value for clients.
- Erik Brynjolfsson, senior fellow at the Stanford University Institute for Human-Centered Artificial Intelligence and director of the Stanford Digital Economy Lab, will examine how AI is reshaping the future of work and why reorganizing work around human and AI capabilities can unlock greater productivity and opportunity.
- Rachel Wilson, head of Wealth Management Data Security and Infrastructure Risk at Morgan Stanley, will explore the evolving cyberthreat landscape and how businesses can protect themselves against increasingly sophisticated attacks.
- Erik Asgeirsson, president and CEO of CPA.com, and leading practice innovators will explore how firms are accelerating transformation, advancing innovation and building AI-enabled capabilities across CAS, audit and tax to drive long-term growth and success.
"The firms that are succeeding today are taking a holistic approach to transformation — bringing together the right people, processes and technology to rethink how work gets done and create greater value for clients," said Asgeirsson. "This year's conference is designed to help firms put AI and emerging technologies into practice, build new capabilities and implement intentional strategies that drive sustainable growth."
Space is limited, and the conference continues to sell out every year. Registration for DCPA26 is now open. Practitioners who register by Sept. 30 can save $100. Group discounts are also available.
An upcoming pre-conference webcast on Sept. 24 at 2pm ET, featuring Pascal Finette, chief heretic and founder at radical, will explore how firms can adapt and stay competitive amid rapid change.
For more information about DCPA26, including the full speaker lineup and access to on-demand sessions, visit www.digitalcpa.com.
Media access: Reporters who would like press credentials to attend the event virtually or in-person can contact Lexie Matinog, Lexie.Matinog@hq.cpa.com.
About CPA.com
CPA.com is the trusted partner in accounting and finance transformation, enabling firms and finance teams to evolve and innovate across audit, tax and advisory services. It delivers leading-edge strategies, resources and technologies to help firms and finance teams of all sizes stay ahead of a rapidly changing marketplace, deliver more value to clients, and position for long-term success. CPA.com is an affiliate of the American Institute of CPAs (AICPA). For more information, visit www.CPA.com.
About AICPA
The American Institute of CPAs (AICPA) is the world's largest member association representing the CPA profession, with a history of serving the public interest since 1887. AICPA members represent many areas of practice, including business and industry, public practice, government, education, and consulting. A founding member of the Association of International Certified Professional Accountants, the AICPA sets ethical standards for the profession, attestation standards, and U.S. auditing standards for private companies, not-for-profit organizations, and federal, state, and local governments. It develops and grades the Uniform CPA Examination, offers specialized credentials, partners across the profession to build future talent, and drives continuing education to advance the vitality, relevance, and quality of the profession.
