Learn, Lead & Toast: Q4 CPE Half-Day Event

Who Should Attend

• Controllers, directors of finance, FP&A leaders, accounting managers, senior analysts
• Professionals involved in reporting, forecasting, KPI design, or executive communications

Program Description
Join Vaco and Highspring for a half-day, 4-CPE training designed for finance leaders preparing for 2026. This interactive program equips you with KPI design frameworks, executive-ready storytelling skills, and the economic outlook you need to turn data into decisions and communicate performance with confidence.

Learning Objectives

• Design decision-ready KPIs for 2026 by applying governance principles, integrating data sources, and using modular frameworks to improve strategic clarity.
• Align KPIs with organizational priorities and develop executive storytelling techniques that influence decision-making and build board-level confidence.
• Analyze current economic trends and policy impacts to anticipate risks and opportunities affecting corporate strategy, investment decisions, and financial planning.
• Apply cross-functional insights from expert discussion to strengthen KPI systems, improve alignment across Finance, HR, and Operations, and drive measurable RO

Full Agenda

• 12:00–12:30 | Lunch & Welcome
• 12:30–1:20 | Session 1 | Jason Dods
  Designing the Right KPIs for 2026: From Data Chaos to Decision-Ready Insights
  Learn how to transform fragmented, siloed data into reliable KPIs using governance, integration, and modular design principles that drive strategic decisions.
• Break
• 1:30–2:20 | Session 2 | Melanie Quandt ​
  KPI Design & Board-Ready Performance Storytelling: How to Align, Influence, and Drive ROI in a Shifting Landscape
  Learn how to align KPIs with strategic goals, prioritize effectively, and craft compelling narratives that influence executives and boards.
  
• Break
• 2:30–3:20 | Session 3 | Tom Jalics, CFA ​
  U.S. Economic Outlook: Navigating the Storm
  Gain insights into current economic conditions, labor trends, and consumer resilience as the U.S. navigates slowing growth and policy uncertainty.
  
• Break
• 3:30 – 4:20 | Session 4 | Speaker Panel
  Panel Discussion: Align, Influence, and Drive ROI
  Engage with experts in a CFO-friendly conversation on strategy, transformation, and KPI systems thinking, with live Q&A.
  
• 4:30 | Networking Happy Hour​
  

Following the CPE Event

• Enjoy a happy hour immediately following from 4:30–6pm EST at Vaco’s office next door (9987 Carver Rd., Suite 440)

CPE Information:

Prerequisites: N/A | Advanced Preparation: No | Knowledge Level: Advanced | CPE Field of Study: Business Management & Organization | Event Location: The Landings Office Building | Delivery Method: Group Live | Refund Policy: N/AFor more information regarding administrative policies such as complaint and refund, please contact our Global Headquarters at 615-324-8226. Highspring is registered with the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) as a sponsor of continuing professional education on the National Registry of CPE Sponsors. State 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