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FGFOA 2025 Annual Conference

Register today for 
FGFOA's 2025 Annual Conference

The event will be held June 14-18, 2025 at the Diplomat Beach Resort in Hollywood.

Are your membership dues paid and up-to-date?


Need to renew?  Please do so through the member portal BEFORE registering for the conference.

Allow 24-48 hours for the payment to process before registering for the conference.


Any refund for payments made at the incorrect registration fee will incur a $50 administrative fee.


NEW REGISTRATION PROCEDURE: We have updated our registration procedures, specifically in regards to guests for the Tuesday Night Event. Please follow these instructions:

 

1. Click “Register Myself.”

2. Select your registration fee option.

3. Answer the required questions and SAVE your responses.

4. From the Program section, select your classes and events for each day. This is also where you will pay for the pre-conference seminar, if you wish to register for that.

5. If you are not registering a guest, click “Proceed to Checkout.”

6. If you ARE registering a guest, click “Add a Guest.”

7. Enter the guest’s First Name, Last Name and make sure the City field is correct.

8. Click “Save & Close.”

9. This will take you back to the top of the registration page, where you will see your guest’s name highlighted below an image of a camera.

10. Select the correct guest price: Adult or Child.

11. If you are now done, click “Proceed to Checkout.”

12. If you need to add another guest, click “Add a Guest” again and repeat steps 6 through 10.



When
6/14/2025 - 6/18/2025
Where
The Diplomat Beach Resort 3555 S. Ocean Dr. Hollywood, FL 33019

Program options

Saturday, 14 June 2025

Description
Category
TB 4 hours/BEH 4 hours
Time
8:00 AM - 4:40 PM
8:00 AM
Category
TB 8 hours
Time
8:00 AM - 4:40 PM
8:00 AM

Sunday, 15 June 2025

Description
Time
11:00 AM - 11:45 AM
11:00 AM
Known as the “Queen of Networking,” Alexandra Silva Labarr is a dynamic leader and relationship-builder with an authentic and impactful approach to networking. She inspires professionals to embrace connections as a journey of growth and opportunity. Her energy and impactful wisdom empower individuals to create meaningful, lasting relationships that elevate careers and transform lives. In this session, Alexandra will help you master the Seven Essential Cs of Networking to build and maintain professional relationships, implement strategies to boost collaboration and communication, and utilize networks within and outside your organization to foster collaboration and innovation.
Category
BEH 1 hour
Time
1:00 PM - 2:40 PM
1:00 PM
The session will discuss indicators and risk factors related to a lack of internal controls. Participants will learn about holes in internal controls that may contribute to fraud and how to “plug” them. Guidance will also be provided on maintaining an effective internal control environment when smaller government entities have more limited resources and personnel.
Category
AA 2 hours
Time
3:00 PM - 4:40 PM
3:00 PM
The strategic plan is a useful tool to ensure resources are properly allocated based on the top priorities of a community, and it becomes the foundation for your budget and long-term financial plan. This session will walk you through the strategic planning process, provide examples of integrating the strategic plan into the budget process, and provide insight into developing a multi-year financial plan that supports your strategic plan. The session will also discuss several options to help fund necessary capital projects, including special assessments, impact fees, utility taxes, and other less frequently used revenue sources authorized in Florida.
Category
TB 2 hours
Time
3:00 PM - 4:40 PM
3:00 PM
This hands-on session is designed to help teams strengthen their internal and external connections through purposeful collaboration. Participants will craft impactful 30-second pitches, engage in self-discovery exercises to uncover their unique strengths, and explore strategies to build harmony within their teams and with their stakeholders. By the end of the session, attendees will walk away with actionable tools to enhance communication, foster collaboration, and create meaningful relationships that drive success.
Category
BEH 2 hours
Time
3:00 PM - 4:40 PM
3:00 PM
During this session, participants will learn the fundamentals of debt portfolio management, including debt cycle, limits, legal requirements, the Electronic Municipal Market Access (EMMA), and disclosures.
Category
TB 2 Hours
Time
3:00 PM - 4:40 PM
3:00 PM
Time
5:30 PM - 7:00 PM
5:30 PM

Monday, 16 June 2025

Description
David Rabiner is a partner in Rabiner Resources, a firm specializing in speaking, training, facilitation, and executive coaching, with a focus on leadership and its evolving disciplines. Together with his wife and partner, Susy Wagner, who leads research and program development, they ensure their work stays ahead of the constant changes impacting what leaders need to know. Both David and Susy began their careers in public administration, giving them first-hand experience with the challenges local government managers face.
Category
BEH 1 hour
Time
8:00 AM - 9:40 AM
8:00 AM
This session will include the latest news from the Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) and provide answers to address public confusion about current pronouncements. The discussion will include the new GASB Reporting Model.
Category
AA 1.5 hours
Time
10:00 AM - 11:15 AM
10:00 AM
Leaders are as leaders do. Leadership isn’t about simply knowing the qualities of a great leader; it’s about demonstrating those qualities through your actions. This session will build on David Rabiner’s keynote and is designed for those ready to explore the “how.” Learn how to translate leadership attributes into behaviors that inspire and guide others. You’ll leave with clear insights on what to start, stop, do more and less of, or approach differently.
Category
BEH 1.5 hours
Time
10:00 AM - 11:15 AM
10:00 AM
GFOA Distinguished Budget Presentation Award recipients will share their three pillars of sustainability: financial, organizational, and environmental. They will discuss the relationship between budget and sustainability, and how to create a collaborative culture that supports these pillars.
Category
TB 1.5 hours
Time
10:00 AM - 11:15 AM
10:00 AM
Discover how the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming Microsoft Business Applications into powerful tools for innovation and efficiency. Explore practical, AI-driven use cases that redefine productivity, from automating routine processes to uncovering actionable insights through advanced analytics.
Category
TB 1.5 hours
Time
10:00 AM - 11:15 AM
10:00 AM
The GASB’s pace of standards-setting has slowed down in recent years as it has devoted more resources to supporting, monitoring, and studying the implementation of standards, developing a taxonomy for financial reporting, and conducting research on other topics. Come and learn from GASB’s staff director why this change occurred and what it means for governments that follow generally accepted accounting principles.
Category
AA 2 hours
Time
1:00 PM - 2:40 PM
1:00 PM
In many communities, the Parks and Recreation Department is the primary way the public interacts with local government. Constituents and their families visit parks, join sports teams, learn to swim, and engage in other activities that greatly increase their quality of life. These programs can have some unique or complex finance and budget considerations, requiring finance staff and parks and rec staff to collaborate regularly. In this session, you’ll hear from both finance and parks and recreation professionals about how they have developed more collaborative relationships and how that helps ensure everyone has what they need to operate.
Category
TB 2 hours
Time
1:00 PM - 2:40 PM
1:00 PM
How can using Lean Six Sigma principles lead to more efficient operations? The tone at the top is an important consideration. If leadership embraces the concepts, the rest of the organization will follow. Come and learn about Lean Six Sigma and the culture needed to make it successful. What started in the private sector has made its way to the public sector and it requires a culture of breaking down silos and working as a team.
Category
TB 2 hours
Time
1:00 PM - 2:40 PM
1:00 PM
This session will focus on how forecasting, monitoring, and investing cash flow on a regular basis ensures sufficient funds to pay bills and cover fees while investing surplus to earn higher rates and increase income.
Category
TB 2 hours
Time
1:00 PM - 2:40 PM
1:00 PM
The Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) has best practice recommendations on many subjects. As part of FGFOA’s new initiative to include them in our conference, attend this session to learn about GFOA’s best practices on financial reporting. It will provide highlights from GFOA’s research initiative, Rethinking Financial Reporting, a fact-based examination of the benefits and costs of the current model of financial reporting and how it can be improved.
Category
AA 2 hours
Time
3:00 PM - 4:40 PM
3:00 PM
There are many factors that go into the budget and many whom the budget impacts. Many people want their items in the budget – citizens, elected officials, and staff to name a few. During this session, you’ll learn how others have navigated the politics involved in the budgeting process and about tools you can apply to your own situation.
Category
TB 2 hours
Time
3:00 PM - 4:40 PM
3:00 PM
If you have ever wondered how to engage or motivate your team, or yourself, you don’t want to miss this session! Whether you are the leader or a team member, a cohesive and engaged team is a must. How is this possible, given all the distractions of life? In today’s fast-paced and ever-changing environment, it can feel like you are multi-tasking, juggling, and barely surviving. But as a leader, your focus needs to be on your team. Take an introspective look at your own leadership and the impact you have on others. Everyone can lead in a way that inspires, motivates, and engages others.
Category
BEH 2 hours
Time
3:00 PM - 4:40 PM
3:00 PM
This session explores how Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Robotic Process Automation (RPA) can revolutionize business productivity by streamlining operations and reducing risks. Attendees will gain insights into practical applications of these technologies, illustrated through real-world examples that demonstrate how AI and RPA work together to make processes better, faster, and cheaper. The discussion will also emphasize the importance of aligning these advancements with robust privacy, compliance, and security policies, bridging the gap between business leaders and IT teams.
Category
TB 2 hours
Time
3:00 PM - 4:40 PM
3:00 PM

Tuesday, 17 June 2025

Description
Federal and state grants are critical funding sources for many governments and special districts, but they also come with many different compliance requirements that often change every year. This session will provide a single audit specialist’s best tips on what finance officers and grant managers can do to prepare in advance for their required annual single audits over federal and state grants, including what reports should be maintained, how to track the accounting of grant expenditures, and how to calculate deferred revenue. Learn what your auditors will be looking for so you can pass your single audit easily and efficiently.
Category
AA 2 hours
Time
8:00 AM - 9:40 AM
8:00 AM
This session will discuss the current economic state, including how to understand contributing factors, identify economic indicators, and use those indicators in municipal budgeting and financial planning.
Category
TB 2 hours
Time
8:00 AM - 9:40 AM
8:00 AM
Everyone has heard inspirational stories about the important roles mentors have played in the lives of successful leaders. This session will discuss the importance of paying this gift forward to grow future leaders.
Category
BEH 2 hours
Time
8:00 AM - 9:40 AM
8:00 AM
How will you be able to complete all of the capital projects for your entity? Not every local government has the option to use “pay as you go” financing. This session will discuss other available options so you can make the best recommendations for your agency.
Category
TB 2 hours
Time
8:00 AM - 9:40 AM
8:00 AM
This session will discuss common audit findings at various local government entities related to financial reporting, internal controls, and compliance, as well as best practices for addressing these issues.
Category
AA 1.5 hours
Time
10:00 AM - 11:15 AM
10:00 AM
There are many different types of investments, and each has a thought process and strategy behind it. This session will discuss the allowable investments in portfolios and investment considerations for operating long-term portfolios. Our panel of practitioners will discuss how they navigate these considerations in their own local government portfolios.
Category
TB 1.5 hours
Time
10:00 AM - 11:15 AM
10:00 AM
An essential trait of effective leaders is that they are trusted by the people they lead and the community in which they serve. A panel of past FGFOA Presidents will discuss their own perspectives on gaining (or losing) and keeping trust and will provide guidance for attendees on how they can gain and build the trust of others.
Category
BEH 1.5 hours
Time
10:00 AM - 11:15 AM
10:00 AM
This session will discuss some of the latest cybersecurity threats, the types of damage they inflict, and how to report a cyber incident. You’ll also receive a local perspective on the threats to critical infrastructure and learn about the resources available from Cyber Florida to help municipalities address the growing threats from cybercriminals, both domestic and state-sponsored.
Category
TB 1.5 hours
Time
10:00 AM - 11:15 AM
10:00 AM
Time
11:30 AM - 1:15 PM
11:30 AM
Receive an update from the Florida Auditor General’s Office and Department of Financial Services on current issues pertaining to local governments.
Category
AA 2 hours
Time
1:30 PM - 3:10 PM
1:30 PM
This session will explain the process of establishing a contract with a government agency, discuss procurement process efficiency challenges, and offer creative solutions for mitigating those challenges. It will also discuss topics that impact procurement cycle times, such as staffing capacity, purchasing thresholds, legislative review, and engagement with users.
Category
TB 2 hours
Time
1:30 PM - 3:10 PM
1:30 PM
The importance of the symbiotic relationship between our elected officials and city, county, and state administrations cannot be understated. Difficulties often arise when different and/or conflicting perspectives are not carefully considered. This session will present some helpful strategies for avoiding these collisions and the damage they cause.
Category
BEH 2 hours
Time
1:30 PM - 3:10 PM
1:30 PM
Learn what governmental entities can do to reduce the risk of becoming victims of a cyberattack, and what your next steps should be if you experience a cyber incident.
Category
TB 2 hours
Time
1:30 PM - 3:10 PM
1:30 PM
Have you ever wondered why your annual financial statement audit takes so long and why your auditors ask so many questions? Would you like to make the whole process easier and faster? In this session, you'll gain insight into what your auditors think and why they must dig so deep into your processes and records. You'll also walk away with tips and recommendations on some specific types of internal controls that you can implement now to dramatically reduce the time and effort required for future audits.
Category
AA 1.5 hours
Time
3:30 PM - 4:45 PM
3:30 PM
Do you have steps in place and a grants policy to follow that make grant application and acceptance a win/win situation? Policies and procedures are necessary to help an organization receive all the benefits of a grant, avoid risks and findings, and stay in compliance. This session will explain GFOA’s best practices on the subject.
Category
TB 1.5 hours
Time
3:30 PM - 4:45 PM
3:30 PM
A panel of female leaders will discuss their own journeys, including the necessary skills and balancing acts, struggles, and successes. They’ll also share how to inspire and support other women and the next generation to do great things.
Category
BEH 1.5 hours
Time
3:30 PM - 4:45 PM
3:30 PM
Have you heard the updates in ratings philosophies and processes yet? This session will focus on the updates, what agencies look for, the challenges with bond issuance, and changing internal procedures.
Category
TB 1.5 hours
Time
3:30 PM - 4:45 PM
3:30 PM
Join us for a night of fun at Pinstripes! Enjoy dinner, drinks, and lots of games, including bowling, bocce, air hockey, darts, ping pong, and cornhole. This event is included with regular registration, and guest tickets may also be purchased. A name badge is required to attend this event, so all guests must be registered for the Tuesday event.
Time
6:30 PM - 10:00 PM
6:30 PM

Wednesday, 18 June 2025

Description
Learn about the constitutional offices of clerks, sheriffs, property appraisers, tax collectosr, and supervisors of elections. How do these operations integrate with financial statements? Are there opportunities for better interactions while remaining independent? What is their independence and responsibility in regard to audits?
Category
AA 1.5 hours
Time
9:15 AM - 10:30 AM
9:15 AM
This session will provide an overview of the 2025 Legislative Session, including a review of the bills that passed and failed and a discussion of their implications for local governments.
Category
TB 1.5 hours
Time
9:15 AM - 10:30 AM
9:15 AM
This session will provide an overview of various procurement methods, including requests for quotes (RFQs) and proposals (RFPs), sole/single source, piggybacks, and co-operatives. Discussion will include considerations for utilities and construction services, and how to determine the appropriate strategy. The session will also provide insight into documenting the procurement method to enforce compliance with Florida Statutes and agency policies while ensuring that financial planning and budgets are adhered to.
Category
TB 1.5 hours
Time
9:15 AM - 10:30 AM
9:15 AM
This session will provide an overview of the Truth in Millage (TRIM) process, including the timeline, coordination of meetings and ads, and rates. It will also discuss how to ensure a smooth TRIM season while working with the property appraiser’s office.
Category
TB 1 hour
Time
11:00 AM - 11:50 AM
11:00 AM
Do you know the various approaches to determining the appropriate level of financial reserves for your financial policy? Do you know GFOA’s current best practices and guidance on reserves and the thoughts behind them? Why is GFOA changing its thought pattern, and to what and when? How will all of these changes affect local governments and their bond ratings? This session will focus on these questions and more!
Category
TB 1 hour
Time
11:00 AM - 11:50 AM
11:00 AM
Did you know that the Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) has made changes to how continuing professional education (CPE) for CPA license-holders must be reported? This session will review the new requirements and provide a few tips and tricks for reporting.
Category
TB 1 hour
Time
11:00 AM - 11:50 AM
11:00 AM
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