PEAK 2025 brought together Colorado accounting and finance professionals for two energizing days of learning, networking, and collaboration—and it wouldn’t have been possible without the speakers who showed up ready to share real insight (and real-world tools people can actually use on Monday).

From leadership and talent strategy to tax, technology, cybersecurity, and practice growth, PEAK delivered something for everyone—and we’re grateful to every presenter who helped make our inaugural summit such a success.

PEAK by the Numbers

• Overall conference rating: 4.71/ 5
• Speaker rating: 4.76/5
• Total attendees: 189
• Sessions delivered: 37

Thank You to Our Speakers

We’re excited to spotlight the sessions that earned the highest ratings from attendees—clear favorites that delivered practical insight, fresh perspective, and real takeaways (the kind you actually use on Monday).

Top-Rated Sessions:

Tax Year in Review Preview with Rob Burton
A timely, no-nonsense look at what’s coming next for tax professionals—smart, practical, and right on target.

Fire Starter / Fire Fighter: Combating Burnout and Finding Career Satisfaction with Douglas Slaybaugh
A candid, energizing session on navigating burnout and reconnecting with purpose in a demanding profession.

What Is a SOC 1 and SOC 2 Attestation Report—and How Should Auditors and Other Relying Parties Use Them? with Blaise Wabo
A clear, approachable breakdown of SOC reports that made a complex topic actually make sense.

In the Crosshairs: Accountant Liability Issues with J. Bradley Sargent
A sharp look at today’s liability landscape—what’s changed, what to watch for, and how to protect yourself and your firm.

A Fireside Chat with Terrell Davis, facilitated by Diego Baca
An unforgettable conversation on leadership, resilience, and performance—on the field and in the profession.

These sessions set the bar high and reminded us what resonates most: relevant content, strong speakers, and ideas that stick.

Speaker Roll Call (by session)

To every speaker who prepared, traveled, led a panel, ran a demo, delivered a keynote, and sparked meaningful conversations—thank you. Your time, expertise, and generosity are what made PEAK feel like more than a conference.

Keynotes & General Sessions

• Terrell Davis — Keynote Session: A Fireside Chat with Super Bowl MVP Terrell Davis
• Amy Vetter — Keynote Session: Connected Leadership
• Randy Johnston — General Session: K2 Tech Update
• Kendale King — Bridging the Generational Divide: Redefining Recruitment and Retention
• Rich Wobbekind — General Session: Economic Update

Technology, AI, Data & Innovation

• Ali Vance, James Miller, Guy Bickel — Data Analytics: Data Mapping and Data Warehouses
• Teresa Plaugher — Using ChatGPT/AI to Create Bots
• Randy Johnston — Client Accounting Services for CPA Firms: Strategies for Growth and Success
• Caleb Christensen — Building a Future-Ready Accounting Function
• Ben Hunter, Todd Cooper, Beau Bridges, Jim Gilbert, Matt Anderson, Michael Pynch — Technology Strategy and Innovation Panel

Cybersecurity, Risk & Compliance

• Mike Ellerhorst, Blaise Wabo, Jim Gilbert, Lekshmy Sankar — Cybersecurity and Compliance Panel
• Ron Klein — Risk Management Practices to Protect Your Firm, Your Clients, and Yourself
• Blaise Wabo — What is a SOC 1 and SOC 2 Attestation Report and How Should Financial Statement Auditors and Other Relying Parties Use the Reports?

Leadership, Culture, Talent & Career Growth

• Rebecca Himango — Performance Management: Creating a Culture of Progress
• Sarah Flischel — Leveraging Your Personality Type to Accelerate Career Growth and Find Your Perfect Role
• Alexandria Romero — Emerging Leadership for EPIC (Emerging Professionals Initiative Committee) and Exploring the 10 Types of Leadership: Styles and Strategies for Success
• Sean Manning — Leading the Firm of the Future – Strategies for Progressive Leadership
• Roman Villard — Building Magnetic Teams: Strategies to Attract & Retain Talent
• David Barnett — Remote and Hybrid Work Are Here to Stay: What We Have Learned Over the Last 5 Years

Practice Growth, Client Service & Communication

• Douglas Slaybaugh — Building the Ideal Practice: Attracting Clients That Transform Your Accounting Experience
• Jim Lindell — Is Your Business Wobbling? and The Art of Financial Storytelling
• Amy Vetter — Becoming a Cherished Advisor
• Melissa Armstrong — Growing Your Network Online: Turning Scrolls Into Relationships

Tax, Planning & Technical Accounting

• Hab Barton — Lifetime Tax Minimization: Missed Opportunities in Investment and Financial Planning
• Allen Gregory — Unpacking OBBBA for Businesses: Key Tax Considerations
• Rob Burton — Tax Year in Review Preview
• Judy Vorndran — State and Local Tax 101 (Early Riser Tax)
• Courtney Bine, Jamie Roth — Estate Planning Essentials: Helping Clients Prepare for the Inevitable
• Kaycee Dolan, Nicole Nelson — Technical Accounting and SEC Update

Ethics & Early Riser Sessions

• J. Bradley Sargent — Extra Early Riser Ethics: In the Crosshairs — Accountant Liability Issues
• David Haller — Early Riser Ethics: Professional Judgment & Decisions—Making It Fun & Effective
• Dana Shibley — Early Riser Demo: Verifyle

Well-Being & Sustainability

• Douglas Slaybaugh — Fire Starter/Fire Fighter: Combating Burnout and Finding Career Satisfaction

Thank You to Our Volunteers

PEAK doesn’t run on caffeine alone (though we tried). We extend our sincere appreciation to the COCPA members whose time, insight, and leadership made the planning and execution of PEAK a success.

If you’re interested in helping plan the 2026 PEAK Summit, please contact Lindsay Moore at lindsay@cocpa.org.

What’s Next

We’re already looking ahead to PEAK 2026 - building on what worked, improving what we learned, and bringing back the best parts of the summit (including the energy).

Want to stay in the loop? Keep an eye out for our save-the-date and speaker/volunteer opportunities.