AFWA 2026 SUMMER SEMINAR

June 15, 2026

The Chattanooga Marriott

8 Hours CPE Credit

Schedule:

7:30 am - 8:00 am   Morning Registration & Continental Breakfast

8:00 am - 9:40 am   Program 1  (2 hours CPE)

Tax Impact of OBBA: Key Federal Tax Changes for Businesses and Individuals

Field of Study: Taxes - Technical
Learning Objective: Now that we have experienced the federal tax provisions enacted under One Big Beautiful Bill Act, this overview provides practical planning and compliance considerations for taxpayers and advisors. Various business tax changes are discussed, along with individual tax changes affecting deductions, credits, SALT, and more.

presented by Emily Aziz, CPA, Tax Partner with Crowe LLP

10:00 am - 11:40 am   Program 2A&B  (2 hours CPE) 

2A - A Human Approach to AI in the Workplace

Field of Study: Information Technology- Technical
Learning Objective: AI is transforming the workplace, but success depends on how leaders guide its adoption. Understand AI’s impact on productivity gains, evolving job roles and industry-specific applications.

2B - The Talent Edge- Leading & Retaining Your Best and Brightest

Field of Study: Personnel / Human Resources
Learning Objective: Effective leadership and strong retention strategies are essential to maintaining high performing and engaged teams. Learn how transparent communication, recognition, and people-first leadership can increase loyalty, reduce burnout, and build a resilient workforce. Learn strategies to drive long-term organizational success.

presented by Bethany Chaffin, Practice Director for Finance & Accounting with Robert Half

11:40 am - 12:40 pm Lunch Included on-site

12:40 pm - 2:20 pm   Program 3  (2 hours CPE)

Tariffs: Myths, Realities, & the Economic Outlook

Field of Study: Economics - Technical
Learning Objective: Session covers some of the myths realities relating to tariffs, as well as their impact on individuals and businesses. Also included is an update on our most recent economic outlook.

presented by Howard Wall, Ph.D, Director & Chief Economist with Center for Regional Economic Research

2:20 pm - 2:40 pm   Refreshment Break

2:40 pm - 4:20 pm   Program 4  (2 hours CPE) 

Estate Planning Strategies for Today

Field of Study: Taxes – Technical
Learning Objective: This session provides a primer on estate planning and gift and estate tax, including planning strategies and the impact of OBBBA.

REGISTRATION FEES:

AFWA Members - $100 for Full Day (8 hours CPE) / $100 for Half Day (4 hours CPE)

Non-Members - $200 for Full Day (8 hours CPE) / $150 for Half Day (4 hours CPE)

Discounts for companies with more than 5 attendees*:

- $20 per person discount for Full Day / $10 per person for Half Day

Discounts for companies with more than 10 attendees*:

- $20 per person discount for Full Day PLUS one free registration.

* Multi-discount applies to non-member rates only.

Speaker Information:

Emily Aziz, CPA, is a tax partner in the Knoxville office of Crowe, LLP. She has over 20 years tax experience, including compliance and consulting, financial reporting under ASC740, mergers and acquisitions. She earned her Master of Accountancy, Tax concentration, from University of TN, and her BBA from University of Alabama Huntsville.

Bethany Chaffin is Practice Director for the Robert Half accounting and finance contract team, focusing on consulting and contract talent solutions. She has over 17 years experience helping both companies and candidates in the greater Chattanooga and North Georgia hiring market.

Howard Wall is the Director and Chief Economist for the Center for Regional Economic Research at UTC and is a professor in the Dept. of Finance and Economics. He previously spent 12 years at the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis , where he was a vice-president and regional economics advisor. He received his MA and Ph.D. from State University of New York at Buffalo, and his BA in economics from State University of NY in Binghamton.

Nick Nester advises high net worth individuals and private wealth clients on estate, tax, and wealth planning matters. He regularly assists with sophisticated estate and tax planning, including drafting wills, trusts, and powers of attorney, and guiding clients through complex planning decisions with clarity, care, and a long-term perspective. Nick also works closely with clients on customized planning strategies designed to preserve and transfer wealth efficiently. In addition, he assists with estate and trust administration, including probate and fiduciary matters, helping clients navigate tax filings and related issues during what are often challenging transitions.

Shelton Swafford Chambers, CPA, serves as a trusted advisor for high net worth clients and family-owned businesses with over 10 years of experience and dual law and accounting degrees. Shelton advises clients in all areas of estate and tax planning, including dynasty trusts, charitable trusts, and family governance structures. Clients turn to Shelton as a reliable resource and guide for a wide range of matters, including helping families navigate multigenerational wealth preservation, general consulting for closely held business owners, trust planning and administration, estate planning and gifting techniques for high net worth families, charitable planning and governance, and federal estate and gift tax returns. Shelton also routinely works with family businesses on succession planning, helping them navigate the dynamics and tensions that may arise between active and non-active business owners and across generations.

AFWA is registered with the National Association of State Board of Accountancy (NASBA) as a sponsor of Continuing Professional Education (CPE) on the National Registry of CPE Sponsors. State Boards of Accountancy have final authority in the acceptance of individual courses of CPE credit. Complaints regarding registered sponsors may be submitted to the National Registry of Sponsors through its website: www.learningmarket.org.

GROUP RATES AVAILABLE AS LISTED ABOVE -  CLICK REGISTER NOW!

RSVP & Payment Deadline:  June 9, 2026

Tickets

$100.00 Member Rate Full Day - 8 hours CPE

$100.00 Member Rate Half Day - 4 hours CPE

$200.00 Non-Member Rate Full Day - 8 hours CPE

$150.00 Non-Member Rate Half Day - 4 hours CPE