challenging economy and fast-changing marketplace, the accounting industry faces significant change in the way it promotes products and services. To address this challenge, the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy, Inc. (NASBA) is featuring marketing sessions and special breakfast presentations on social media and business development at its National CPE Expo on September 21-23, 2009 at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center in San Antonio, Texas.

“Our robust offering in the marketing, social media and business development areas reflects our commitment to delivering the most timely, relevant programming possible to CPAs and other financial professionals attending the National CPE Expo,” said David Costello, CEO and President of NASBA.

Marketing sessions include: (1) “Developing Your Firm’s Marketing Function,” (2) “Retention Marketing: Mining Gold in Your Own Backyard,” (3) “Packaging Your Small Business Services” and (4) “Developing Your Firm’s Marketing Plan.” All of these sessions are presented by ConvergenceCoaching, which is registered with NASBA as a sponsor of continuing professional education on the National Registry of CPE Sponsors.

The first, entitled “How Social Media Can Impact Your Business” on Monday, September 21, 7:00 – 8:30am, and presented by Jim Schwab, VP Social Media Consultant of Techrigy, discusses social media’s growing impact on the business community, how accounting firms can leverage it to grow their business and best practices for employing and engaging social networks. LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook and other platforms are also covered.

The second, entitled “Why Do Some Firms Flourish While Others Languish?” on Tuesday, September 22, 7:00 – 8:30am, and presented by Greg LaFollette, Senior Manager of Tax and Technology Consulting, Eide Bailly, LLP, focuses on predictions based on the convergence of three major drivers: technology, demographics and legislation. Attendees will see why, in concert, these seemingly unrelated forces are resulting in a bonanza for CPAs.

For the latest event information and to register, please visit www.nationalcpeexpo.com or call Jill Gordon, Tradeshow Manager at 615-312-3803. For sponsorship and exhibition opportunities, please contact Kathryn Rooks, Marketing/Media Specialist at 615-312-3791.

The National CPE Expo is designed for CPAs and financial professionals across all levels, job functions and organization types, including partners, CEOs, CFOs, controllers, accountants, auditors and consultants. The program features over 60 CPE sessions, led by 23 top learning providers from the National Registry of CPE Sponsors, covering the most important technical, business and regulatory issues facing CPAs and financial professionals. The Expo also features a Keynote Luncheon, Accounting Industry Town Hall Meeting, networking receptions and exhibits. Attendees can earn up to 22 CPE credits (including the option for 4 post-event self study credits). More info is available at www.nationalcpeexpo.com.

Founded in 1908, NASBA’s mission is to enhance the effectiveness of state boards of accountancy in meeting their regulatory responsibilities. The Association promotes the exchange of information among the accountancy boards, serving the needs of the 55 US jurisdictions. NASBA’s headquarters are located in Nashville, TN. More info is available at www.nasba.org.