2026 RKL Annual Update
Hershey Lodge and Convention Center
325 University Drive, Hershey, PA 17033
Thursday, December 17, 2026 
7:15 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.

Register today for one of the region’s most anticipated CPE events, featuring timely guidance from RKL professionals on tax developments, forward-looking financial planning, workforce strategy, retirement plan oversight, and the economic trends shaping the year ahead. Gain practical insights to help you manage risk, uncover opportunities, and make more confident decisions for your business. 

Morning Tax Update

7:15 - 8 a.m. – Registration, networking, and breakfast

8 - 8:20 a.m. – RKL welcome, Michael De Stefano, Partner & CEO

8:20 - 9:10 a.m. – Business Tax Update, presented by Jonathan Clark, Tax Partner, and Tamera Grodzinski, Tax Senior Manager (1 Taxation CPE credit)

9:10 - 9:35 a.m. – SALT Update, presented by Matt Piatt, Tax Practice Leader (.5 Taxation CPE credit)

9:35 - 10 a.m. – Individual Tax Update, presented by Joel Harnly, Tax Partner (.5 Taxation CPE credit)

10 - 10:30 a.m. – Break

10:30 - 11:45 a.m. – Top Tax Trends Panel Discussion, moderated by Jeff Horst, Tax Partner (1.5 Tax CPE credits)

Panelists include:
Kirsten Deeds, International Tax Partner
Mike Eby, Tax Partner 
Matt Piatt, Tax Practice Leader
Ruthann Woll, Tax Partner

The 2027 filing season will bring important changes and new planning opportunities for individuals and businesses. Join the RKL Tax team for a timely and practical discussion of what to expect when preparing 2026 tax returns and how you can begin planning now. Our Tax team will explain higher standard deductions and updated tax brackets, deductions for qualified tips and overtime pay, qualifying vehicle loan interest, additional benefits for taxpayers age 65 and older, and changes to the state and local tax deduction limit. The session will also address the increased estate and gift tax exemption, expanded digital asset reporting, the expiration of certain clean energy incentives, and differences between federal and state tax rules.

For businesses, the RKL Tax team will cover key incentives and requirements involving bonus depreciation, domestic research expenses, the qualified business income deduction, business interest expense, employer-provided childcare, and paid family and medical leave. Presenters will focus on what these developments mean in practice and offer guidance to help attendees identify opportunities, avoid common filing issues, and make informed planning decisions.

A featured panel discussion will explore the top tax trends shaping the year ahead and share practical ways to stay one step ahead. Through real-world examples, RKL professionals will demonstrate how recent changes may affect individuals, families, business owners, and employers while highlighting strategies that can support effective tax planning and preparation for the 2027 filing season. Attendees of the morning sessions will be able to:

• Recognize recent changes to individual and business tax laws, including permanent provisions introduced by the One Big Beautiful Bill Act

• Explore practical ways to reduce the effect of new tax rules on personal and business finances

• Identify important business tax issues that could affect year-end planning

• Understand the latest estate and trust tax developments and their impact on wealth transfer planning and tax preparation for high-net-worth families and business owners

• Analyze how recent legislation may change tax filing, compliance and reporting requirements for individuals and businesses

• Address common questions about recent tax law changes and understand their practical implications for taxpayers and advisors

• Discuss upcoming international tax changes affecting multinational companies and cross-border transactions

• Evaluate year-end tax planning strategies at the local, state, federal and international levels
  

11:45 a.m. - 12:55 p.m. –  Lunch

Afternoon Business Planning Update

1 - 1:50 p.m. – Beyond the System of Record: Turning ERP Data into Forward-Looking Insight, presented by Melissa Harrell Frey, Manager, EPM, RKL eSolutions (1 Finance CPE credit)

ERP systems capture reliable transaction and operating data, but finance and leadership teams need more than historical reporting to keep pace with changing business conditions. This session explores how organizations can extend the value of their ERP by connecting financial and operational data with enterprise performance management capabilities. Attendees will learn how driver-based planning, rolling forecasts, scenario analysis, automation, and AI-assisted analysis can reduce spreadsheet reliance and support faster, more informed decisions. Through practical examples, the session will highlight how leaders can turn trusted data into forward-looking insight while maintaining strong data governance, business context, and professional judgment. Attendees of this session will be able to:

• Describe how rolling forecasts, governed assumptions, and scenario analysis can improve planning responsiveness and cross-functional alignment

• Apply a structured process for translating an operational change into financial impact and potential management action
• Recognize appropriate uses and limitations of automation and AI-enabled tools in financial planning and analysis

1:50 - 2:20 p.m. –  Workforce 2027: Managing Costs, Capacity, and Change, presented by Stephane Smith, Partner, and Stefanie Deiter-Printz, Workforce Strategies Senior Consultant, RKL Virtual Management Solutions (0.5 Personnel/HR CPE credits)

As workforce pressures continue to affect growth, margins, and execution, CFOs and finance executives are taking a more active role in workforce strategy. Key issues for 2027 include labor cost management, AI-driven productivity, workforce planning, retention risk, reskilling, and the use of workforce analytics to support better operating decisions. This topic explores how finance leaders can partner across the business to build a workforce model that is cost-effective, resilient, and aligned with long-term strategy. Attendees of this session will be able to:

• Evaluate how labor costs, workforce capacity, turnover, and skills gaps affect organizational risk and financial performance

• Identify opportunities to use artificial intelligence, reskilling initiatives, and workforce analytics to improve productivity and support decision-making

• Apply an integrated workforce strategy framework to align cross-functional planning with organizational and financial goals

2:20 - 2:30 p.m. –  Break

2:30 - 3:20 p.m. –  From Fiduciary Duty to Plan Success: Practical Guidance for Today’s Employers, presented by Deborah Lander, Director, RKL Private Wealth and Joanne Szupka, Audit Partner, RKL (1 Specialized Knowledge CPE credit)

Build the confidence to make informed retirement plan decisions, reduce fiduciary risk, and strengthen plan oversight. This session clarifies fiduciary responsibilities, explores the benefits of Pooled Employer Plans, and provides practical guidance for navigating qualified plan regulations, supporting compliance, and improving participant outcomes. Attendees of this session will be able to:

• Determine who is a fiduciary and their key roles 
  

• Describe the benefits of Pooled Employer Plans

• Recognize key regulations and the importance of employee education

• Identify and implement Plan Sponsor best practices

3:20 - 4:10 p.m. –  The Economy in Focus and Planning for What’s Ahead,  presented by Brandon Adams, Partner and Chief Investment Officer and Emily Detz, Senior Portfolio Manager, RKL Private Wealth (1 Economics CPE credit)

Join the RKL Private Wealth team for a timely discussion of the economic forces defining this year and shaping what comes next, including inflation, interest rates, trade policy, geopolitical risks, labor markets, and artificial intelligence. Gain practical insight into the trends influencing business decisions, financial markets, and the broader economic outlook. Attendees of this session will be able to:

• Describe current conditions and trends in inflation, interest rates, employment, and economic growth

• Identify major sources of economic uncertainty and their potential effect on businesses and financial markets

• Evaluate how artificial intelligence, trade policy, and geopolitical developments may affect business planning and economic decision-making

4:10 - 4:15 p.m. – Closing remarks

4:15 - 5:30 p.m. – Reception

Questions? Email info@rklcpa.com

Investment advisory services offered through RKL Wealth Management LLC. Consulting and tax services offered through RKL LLP. RKL Wealth Management LLC is a subsidiary of RKL LLP.

CPE INFORMATION

• CPE: Earn up to seven hours of CPE credits in the fields of Taxation (3.5), Finance (1), Personnel/HR (.5), Specialized Knowledge (1), Economics (1)
• Cancellations: Cancellations are requested by December 6, 2026.
• Refunds: No refunds will be issued, including for "no-shows" since there is no cost to attend.
• Prerequisites: None | Advanced Preparation: None | Program Level: Basic | Delivery Method: Group-Live 

For information regarding our complaint policy, contact RKL’s People Operations department at 717.394.5666. RKL 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 the 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.learningmarket.org.