This session will cover valuation standards for reports, writing the affirmative and rebuttal reports, and best practices for report writing
Learning Objectives:

1. Recall the different types of reports allowed as industry standards
2. Distinguish a well-written, quality report from one that is not written properly
3. Recognize what makes a convincing rebuttal report
4. Recall the best practices in assuring a quality report

This preconference workshop is limited to 60 participants.

In this interactive simulation, you will participate in a realistic regulatory crisis scenario. Working in teams, you will compete against each other to conduct the best investigation under time-pressure. Experience the activities that a company's investigation team would undertake using the latest tools and resources available including:
• Reviewing emails, mobile phone data and documents;
• Asking suspects questions in video interviews;
•Performing data analytics and corporate intelligence analysis; and
•Responding to anonymous tip-offs and further information alerts.
Use your unique skills and information you uncover within your teams to unravel the issues and pinpoint relevant evidence to identify the wrong-doing and potential suspects.
Once the game is over, we announce the winners and provide a tailored debrief which covers the potential scope and approach of an investigation, and the consequences of mishandling particular issues. The workshop also will:

Learning Objectives:

1. Give participants the opportunity to gain detailed insight into the way an investigation is conducted
2. Provide participants with the opportunity to work in a group setting to gain hands-on knowledge of investigative procedures
3. Provide a fun, interactive and competitive learning event while offering valuable knowledge of the investigative process

We will assess the current and future path of the economy, with a focus on the interaction of global monetary policy, trade policy, and politics. We will also address the impact of demographics on government financing and the opportunities and risks in financial markets.
Learning Objectives:

1. Discover how demographics, technology, and globalization are re-shaping the economy
2. Identify the signs of economic rallies, and the warning signs of slumps
3. Identify the political pressures on trade, debt, and interest rates from the U.S. to the E.U. to China

No two litigation or forensic accounting engagements are the same. They often have multiple parties, varied allegations, possible counter-claims and a number of different financial issues. Having a methodical approach and well-structured organization will make it easier for you and your staff to quickly locate key records and maintain consistency across case files. Ultimately, you will be better-prepared for communication within your team the clients, as well as the final reporting and testimony. Participants in this session will be equipped to:
Learning Objectives:

1. Create an efficient structure for organizing key elements of every case
2. Successfully plan and perform each phase of the engagement
3. Effectively communicate with internal and external resources throughout the engagement

This presentation provides guidance on best practices when estimating the value of financial instruments such as debt, embedded derivatives, options, warrants, incremental borrowing rates, etc. That means identifying the appropriate model for the class of financial instrument, inputs needed, assumptions, use of judgement, as well as type of deliverables and new requirements related to deliverables.
Learning Objectives:

1. Identify the type of financial instrument
2. Identify the appropriate model
3. Know the data needed for the model selected
4. Know the types of deliverables and new guidance related to deliverables

Often there is a need to consider causality in measuring business interruption losses. It may mean isolating the effects of wide-area damage caused by a disastrous catastrophe, accounting for changing economic conditions, or accounting for business model changes. This course will start with a precursor explaining the purpose of business interruption insurance policies and then advance to illustrate best practices in isolating cause and effect in measuring such losses.
Learning Objectives:

1. Prepare document and information requests, and conduct research, relevant to accounting for causation in measuring business interruption losses;
2. Implement tools and analytical techniques for isolating and excluding the effects of external factors in measuring business interruption losses;
3. Articulate coverage questions and speak to relevant case law pertaining to accounting for causality in measuring business interruption losses.

In the past four years, the Delaware Supreme Court has issued several major opinions that addressed transaction-related corporate valuations. The presentation will discuss these opinions, as well as numerous valuation-related Court of Chancery in the same period. It will contrast the Delaware courts’ views on arm’s-length transactions vs. related party transactions and will discuss the impact of those view on statutory appraisals. It will also discuss the courts’ views on valuation methods, with a focus on inputs into DCF calculations.
Learning Objectives:

1. Help valuators understand the impact of Delaware law on valuations and fairness opinions
2. Assist valuators in preparing for expert testimony

The session will outline the technological, forensic, and legal tools available to trace and recover cryptocurrency.
Learning Objectives:

1. Assess blockchain technology, cryptocurrencies, and cryptocurrency exchanges as each relate to forensics services
2. Create processes to implement when faced with suspected misappropriation of cryptocurrency

Interpret the intersection of Big Data and patent valuation and ways to use Big Data to augment and defend patent valuation opinions.
Learning Objectives:

1. Evaluate the application of Big Data and patent valuation assignments.
2. The program is practical and will include many examples of the application of Big Data and patent valuation assignments.

Whether searching for red flags at the start of a fraud risk assessment or evaluating financial condition for the purpose of a business valuation, financial statement analysis is a cornerstone of most any forensic or valuation assignment. This course will utilize an interactive case study to illustrate comprehensive financial statement analysis, focusing not only on how to complete relevant calculations but also how to interpret them. Participants will be guided through how to measure key metrics and then, in small groups, will utilize a Microsoft Excel template to conduct their own analysis and share their findings with the class.

After attending this course attendees will be better able to:
Learning Objectives:

1. Prepare a comprehensive financial statement analysis, including identifying trends, key strengths and weaknesses, and/or red flags of a business’s financial condition;.
2. Calculate internal liquidity ratios, operating efficiency and profitability metrics, business risk factors, and financial risk indicators;
3. Articulate the meaning behind the numbers, combining qualitative and quantitative aspects of a business to interpret the data

This session will provide information on how professionals and firms have been implementing the CEIV program into their practice. An emphasis will be on the Mandatory Performance Framework (MPF) and the Application of the MPF and how this has impacted and influenced both internal and external expectations . Attendees will learn about:
Learning Objectives:

1. The structure and goals of the MPF. This includes the MPF, Application of the MPF, and the recently issued MPF FAQ
2. Some of the key elements of the MPF (e.g., the importance of professional judgment and skepticism)
3. What early adopters have done so far to integrate the documents into their practice and the MPF and what role it plays in the CEIV quality monitoring
4. What resources are available to ask questions and provide feedback when implementing the MPF into your practice

A panel comprised of experienced practitioners discuss practical issues and potential pitfalls that arise in the context of internal investigations. The panel will offer insights on lessons learned in prior investigations and also discuss several investigations that suffered from serious missteps. This session will review the forensic accountants role in internal corporate investigations. It will explore how the forensic accountant works with In-House and Outside Counsel in these type of engagements. There will be an Outside Counsel and In-House Counsel co-presenting with the forensic accountant to ensure a view from the various perspectives of the scope, duties, and various tasks the forensic accountant my be asked to due by counsel. In addition, there will be a discussion of the legal framework and limitations that the forensic accountant needs to be aware of when assisting in internal corporate investigations.
Learning Objectives:

1. Distinguish the various roles and duties forensic accountants can perform in an internal corporate investigation.
2. Analyze real life case examples where the FLVS professional assisted in internal corporate investigations
3. Apply the risks factors and legal framework in which the FLVS professional must work

Valuations of a closely held business in the context of litigation such as in a contentious divorce, shareholder dispute, damages matter or other litigated corporate matter can be multifaceted and may require additional forensic investigative scrutiny. As such, it is important to consider the potential forensic implications of valuation adjustments as they may lead to other analyses. For example, in a divorce business appraisal, a valuation adjustment for discretionary (personal) expenses may, in turn, provide an implied “true income” and pay ability of a spouse. In a dissenting shareholder matter, a valuation adjustment to true-up margins for variations in expenses not consistent with the industry/peers may insinuate dissipation of business assets and require further forensic investigations. These are but two examples - this session will address other examples you will likely face.
Learning Objectives:

1. Evaluate financial statement adjustments and corresponding implications
2. Interpret the need for forensic services as a result of valuation adjustments, such as tracing services, income determination, and other analyses.

The session will be a case study of a damages rebuttal analysis where plaintiffs’ experts (one on causation and one on damages) had speculative analyses that relied heavily on assumptions from management about the prospects of their business. It will also explore the damages expert’s use of an academic model that had limited to no track record in economic damages.
Learning Objectives:

1. Rebuttal speculative damages based on management assumptions, but fed through academic model
2. Effectively take on multiple experts at the same time– hard to follow causation of damages analysis
3. Analyze variances in data used by causation expert and damages expert on same side of case

Structuring a business sale transaction can affect the cash flow from a potential sale as well as the taxes that would be paid on a sale. The structure ultimately affects the value a buyer is willing to pay or a seller is willing to accept for a transaction. In this presentation you will learn about how the structure of a transaction could affect the ultimate cash flow a seller receives and impacts the price the parties negotiate.
Learning Objectives:

1. Differentiate between transaction structures
2. Determine how transaction structure can impact value

In measuring economic damages, or in assessing business value, the economic environment within which a business operates is commonly a key factor. As economic conditions change, so too may expectations of a business’s future financial performance. This course will introduce core macroeconomic principals and resources to consider in assessing, or defending, the reasonableness of your projections.
Learning Objectives:

1. Identify and explain economic cycles and their commonly associated business conditions;
2. Describe the impact of monetary and fiscal policy on business lifecycles and cost of capital;
3. Evaluate and differentiate the impact of national versus local economic conditions on a business

The purpose of this session is to provide insights into conducting international investigations from both a legal and accounting perspective. The session will explore challenges and solutions faced while performing investigation across borders.
Learning Objectives:

1. Identify what to do first in the preliminary phase of investigating fraud internationally
2. Mobilize resources in other jurisdictions
3. Vet 3rd party vendors
4. Determine how to recover assets in other jurisdictions and the available legal remedies internationally

As financial analysts and experts we are often required to explain complex financial topics to the lay-person; whether a judge, a jury, or even our client. This session will provide helpful techniques to improve your ability to communicate effectively and persuasively with an audience that may not share your unique knowledge and experience with a complex topic. Specific techniques covered will include ______________________ and effective use of visual aids.
Learning Objectives:

1. Identify your audience and their pre-existing knowledge.
2. Choose visual presentation methods suitable to your audience and your data.
3. Differentiate between core and unnecessary information.

We will discuss technology changes that will impact the profession over the next 5 to 10 years.
Learning Objectives:

1. Participants will be able to identify new and emerging technologies that will likely impact the accounting profession.
2. Participants will gain a basic understanding of new technologies.

Personal goodwill continues to be a popular topic for business valuation professionals. While it is primarily used in divorce situations, it has other implications such as tax transactions. This presentation will delve into the three components of goodwill as well as discuss related topics. Case law in this area continues to expand and will also be discussed in the presentation
Learning Objectives:

1. The participant will learn the definitions of goodwill
2. Recall the three components of goodwill and how they are applied in practice
3. Recognize methods of allocation goodwill among its components
4. Recall important case law in the area of goodwill and its components, including new cases

The session will provide a deeper dive into the new SSFS 1 set to roll out in 2020. Speakers will provide practitioners with the tools to know when to apply SSFS 1, how to deal with cross examination and deposition questions regarding the requirements of SSFS 1, how to testify in a fraud case under SSFS 1, and discuss some of the common questions and FAQs about SSFS 1 during the exposure period.
Learning Objectives:

1. Apply SSFS 1
2. Recall SSFS 1 deposition & cross examination implications
3. Testify in a fraud case under SSFS 1

Identify new non-authoritative guidance that has been added to the library in 2019

Learning Objectives:

1. Distinguish what has changed and why
2. Recall how these changes may affect you and your practice

Artificial intelligence has been with us for decades. But today’s machines are gaining the ability to learn from data and make sophisticated predictions—more cheaply, and more accurately, than human beings. Like the advent of the Internet and the dot-com explosion, machine learning is set to affect foundational changes to our lives (think driverless cars—but that’s just the beginning). From navigation to the Internet of Things, manufacturing to agriculture, health care to the robotic workers set to replace even top-level positions, deep learning will open as many doors as it will close. And to understand these shifts, experts turn to Ajay Agrawal. A leading authority in AI, the co-author of Prediction Machines—and, as a business speaker, a great explainer of complex economic forces—he translates the sweeping power of machines and breaks down why it all matters. How can we take advantage of the growing market for AI? How can we allocate capital and investments today to best prepare for tomorrow? How do we prepare for the disruptions—to long-standing industries, to millions of jobs, and to age-old notions about work, employment, and leisure—that will result? No matter who you are or where you work—a company, an investor, a university or government—Agrawal will help you adapt, and thrive, throughout this economy-wide transformation

This session will discuss the various methods available to a valuer under all three approaches to value
Learning Objectives:

1. Recall the different methods under each approach to value
2. Select when to use each method
3. Indicate the advantages and disadvantages of each method

Valuing investments is a critical issue for the private equity and venture capital industry. After more than five years of effort, the AICPA has published the final version of the Accounting and Valuation Guide, Valuation of Portfolio Company Investments of Venture Capital and Private Equity Funds and Other Investment Companies. This session will highlight the key concepts from the new guidance.
Learning Objectives:

1. Understand the key issues where the new guidance may clarify best practices
2. Identify the topics covered in the guide and understand how best to use the guide to address specific questions of interest
3. Understand the appropriate basis of valuation for valuing an enterprise for the purpose of valuing the securities in the enterprise, and the importance of calibration
4. Understand the “value of debt for the purpose of valuing equity” and how that value is different from other measures of the value of debt

Financial service professionals and investigators will learn how to conduct business intelligence investigations, due diligence, asset and enhanced background checks using the latest and most effective cybertools.
Learning Objectives:

1. Identify the latest cyber investigative resources accessible to the forensic accounting and valuation professional market.
2. Discover international resources for 2019, and grow your investigative toolkit.

This session will leverage Jonathan Wolfe’s nearly 20 years of ABA Section of Family Law leadership, and discuss the Section’s current areas of focus, and what the future of family law looks like in the coming years for clients, attorneys and experts.
Learning Objectives:

1. Gain insight into current trends in family law;
2. Understand current trends in the use of experts in family cases;
3. Understand current challenges facing lawyers, experts, and clients;
4. Leverage insights to prepare and grow your expert practice for the coming years.

This discussion panel will provide insights on the developing regulation of digital assets and activities of various actors in the crypto markets, as well as the government enforcement and litigation landscape. It will also introduce the principal issues pertaining to digital token valuation, virtual asset accounting and emerging cyber risks in cryptocurrencies.
Learning Objectives:

1. Understand nature of current litigation involving Blockchain and Cryptocurrency
2. Learn how regulatory and other agencies are involved
3. Gain an understanding of what future litigation might look like

Session covers investigation report writing, focusing on all other types of reports other than those required under Federal Rules of Civil Procedure Rule 26 (e.g., non-expert witness report). The session will review elements, visual aids, formats of reports, and will also cover the new forensic standard.
Learning Objectives:

1. Identify the elements of a forensic report
2. Recognize types of visual data to aid in presenting findings
3. Understand different formats of reporting in investigation engagements
4. Identify pitfalls in report writing

In this session we will describe the fundamentals of forensic accounting and related investigations. Using real-life examples we will explore fraud schemes, methods of concealment and how forensic accounting can help answer questions such as who, what, when, where, why and how.
Learning Objectives:

1. Describe the fundamentals of forensic accounting and related investigations
2. Provide an understanding of the depth and breadth of forensic accounting engagements

This session will focus on the integration and partnership of the Computer Forensics and the Forensic Accounting team in Forensic investigations. We will be focusing on the increasing involvement and benefit that Computer Forensic Specialists add to an investigation. The session will also highlight successful case examples that involved both services, pitfalls of not securing electronic information correctly and common Computer Forensic Tools in 2019.
Learning Objectives:

1. Distinguish between the right and wrong approach to securing computer hardware / email assets
2. Identify the order of services provided in an investigation involving electronic information
3. Use Computer Forensics to make a Forensic Accounting investigation more efficient

Speakers, who include representatives from the AICPA Business Combinations task force, which is developing an Accounting and Valuation Guide on this topic, will update you regarding the latest developments regarding the inventory valuation section. This section was released for feedback in November of 2018 and it generated a number of comments. After this session you will:

Learning Objectives:

1. Understand the content of the guide as well as be given an overview of the comments received and;
2. Understand the changes the task force is considering making in response to those comments.

This session will leverage Mr. Dowd’s nearly 20 years of ABA Section of Litigation leadership roles, and discuss the Section’s current areas of focus, and what the future of litigation may look like in the coming years for clients, attorneys and experts.
Learning Objectives:

1. Predict current litigation trends
2. Evaluate litigation challenges facing clients in 2020
3. Assess litigation challenges facing attorneys and facing experts in 2020
4. Leverage insights to prepare and grow your expert practice for the coming years

TCJA has been implemented for over a year. We will dive into the changes to valuation models as a result of the TCJA and what we have seen in practice. How are different folks handling various aspects of the change and which are more acceptable than others. Will also consider how to put it in practice.

While not ideal, unfavorable facts or insufficient data are often an unavoidable reality in many cases involving an expert opinion. How an expert deals with these situations can make or break a case. This session will explore how to strategize with counsel in acknowledging and analyzing weaknesses in a case which may affect an expert’s analysis and opinions.
Learning Objectives:

1. Assess when to concede bad facts versus an absence of opinion through case examples
2. Use techniques learned in this session on how to handle cross examination regarding bad facts
3. Remain objective and protect credibility by avoiding ethical traps, bias and the appearance of favoritism.

This session will provide the key element for all data analytics projects - good data! Through a recognized data analytics methodology, learn techniques to validate your data for completeness and accuracy and that is critical for all forensic engagements.

ASC 820 Fair Value Measurements describes the cost approach to valuation as the cost to a market participant to buy an asset of comparable utility, adjusted for obsolescence. Financial valuation specialists in financial reporting often rely upon the work of experts in other disciplines, such as real estate appraisers. The financial valuation expert may encounter circumstances where the returns on assets may not be sufficient for the indicated value. In these circumstances, the financial valuation specialist and the real estate appraiser may consider the application of obsolescence on the fair value of the individual assets. In this session Mark will describe situations where application of economic obsolescence may be appropriate.
Learning Objectives:

1. Apply the concepts of obsolescence in using the cost approach in measuring fair value in financial reporting.
2. Apply economic obsolescence to a specific asset.

What are the valuation equivalents to envy, gluttony, sloth, and the like? In this session, our speakers will identify and describe for participants the seven deadly sins of valuations.
Learning Objectives:

1. Determine the nature of common valuation pitfalls
2. Build safeguards into valuation processes and reports to protect against these pitfalls

This session will provide an overview of recent accounting standard-setting activities impacting the business valuation profession. We will also discuss active projects on the FASB agenda and how those might impact the profession going forward.
Learning Objectives:

1. Recall the concepts behind recent standards from the FASB including revenue recognition and leasing.
2. Recognize how business valuation professionals are considering these new standards in practice.
3. Recall future standard-setting activities of the FASB.

This session is for all levels, geared towards narrowing the gap between seasoned practitioners and the NexGen leaders of our professional industry. Real life examples and techniques will be discussed on how to train, motivate and retain team members from staff to management-level FVS professionals. The session will help seasoned practitioners to understand and become aware of the challenges in grooming and retaining [young] professionals. Staff turnover hurts an organization in the long run. How to train your staff so they can leave but manage them so they don't want to is the goal. People are a firm's #1 resource.
Learning Objectives:

1. Identify issues encountered with motivating and retaining qualified leaders for the future;
2. Recognize the techniques that can be used to provide transparency for future; and
3. Develop action plans to improve employee morale, loyalty and professional development.

Transactions regularly turn into disputes. Financial experts working in the transaction and disputes streams see deals when they've gone horribly wrong. This session will review examples of broken deals and how they were resolved with support from experts in valuation and loss quantification. There will also be a discussion, for each case, of how the dispute could have been avoided.
Learning Objectives:

1. Contrast dispute and litigation support roles for financial experts.
2. Reconstruct better outcomes when financial experts are involved earlier in the deal process.

The session will provide a deeper dive into the new SSFS 1 set to roll out in 2020. Speakers will provide practitioners with the tools to know when to apply SSFS 1, how to deal with cross examination and deposition questions regarding the requirements of SSFS 1, how to testify in a fraud case under SSFS 1, and discuss some of the common questions and FAQs about SSFS 1 during the exposure period.
Learning Objectives:

1. Apply SSFS 1
2. Recall SSFS 1 deposition & cross examination implications
3. Testify in a fraud case under SSFS 1

What are the valuation equivalents to envy, gluttony, sloth, and the like? In this session, our speakers will identify and describe for participants the seven deadly sins of valuations.
Learning Objectives:

1. Understand the nature of common valuation pitfalls
2. Learn how to build safeguards into valuation processes and reports to protect against these pitfalls

This session will examine the Dark Web, the channels used to institute private sales and exchanges, and criminal behavior. In this hands-on class, participants will gain a thorough understanding of the Dark Web—criminality, anonymity, counterfeit products, child pornography, and human trafficking; learn the directory structures of the Dark Web; and learn Dark Web languages like Tor and Tails and the lingo of this underworld. Training will include exploring dark web channels for content and finding the resources and specialized search engines for searching against Dark Web content.
Learning Objectives:

1. Explain Dark Web to their clients.
2. Use Tor safely and effectively, while learning the vulnerabilities, and be able to conduct undercover online investigations on the Dark Web.

Panel will discuss best practices for developing, growing, and maintaining a forensic/valuation practice within a traditional accounting firm. Financial, marketing, and human resources metrics and resources will be discussed.
Learning Objectives:

1. Identify best, and worst, practices implemented by traditional accounting firms.
2. Learn how to improve your practice, whatever its current stage/condition.

Courts have accepted the increase or “gross-up” of damages claims to account for an increase in taxes owed on a lump-sum award versus the taxes that would have been owed but-for the alleged wrongful act. The presentation will touch on supportive case law and methods for quantifying such impacts.
Learning Objectives:

1. Understand the types of damages claims that may necessitate consideration of tax neutralization damages
2. Learn approaches to quantifying tax neutralization damages

This session will provide an overview the gatekeeping function and relevant cases, strategies for managing a challenge to professional opinions, and examples of successful and unsuccessful defenses to challenges.
Learning Objectives:

1. Indicate rules of the road in challenges to professional opinions
2. Determine tactics and defenses for challenged opinions

We will be discussing some of the changes and impacts on forensic and valuation professionals of the progression to a more global integrated environment for professionals.
Learning Objectives:

1. Understand changes that are occurring at the AICPA and globally that are and may impact members
2. Identify the opportunities, risks and challenges that members may face in an increasingly global economy.

Session description to come

This session will discuss techniques and best practices for conveying report findings in a logical, effective, and easy to understand manner.
Attendees will leave with tips and techniques as to best practices, language usage, and readability when writing valuation and litigation reports.
Learning Objectives:

1. Attendees will leave with tips and techniques as to best practices, language usage,
2. Attendees will have readability when writing valuation and litigation reports.

While it is convenient to distinguish between the income and market approaches to value, one should be careful not to overstate the differences. After all, the approaches share a common objective of describing how a transaction for the subject asset would occur on an arm's-length basis at the valuation date.
Learning Objectives:

1. Use cash flow forecasts underlying the income approach to inform market multiples
2. Apply market-derived returns to influence discount rates used in the income approach
3. Interpret observable market multiples
4. Interpret historical market returns and how best to correlate indications of value from the two approaches

Cash tracing has multiple applications. It can be used to differentiate separate and marital property, identify undisclosed assets, prove embezzlement, and more. This course will utilize a case study to illustrate best practices in conducting such investigations. It will guide participants through a cash tracing analysis from start to finish, providing tips and tools you can apply in your next case.

After attending this course participants will be better able to:
Learning Objectives:

1. Prepare a record request to begin a cash tracing analysis;
2. Import and organize bank data effectively and efficiently;
3. Reconcile data sources to test and validate the nature and purpose of receipts and disbursements;
4. Evaluate red flags and prepare related follow-up requests.

We explore the various roles for forensic accountants in white collar criminal defense matters, both pre and post indictment, and how to protect their work from overreaching government investigators. From assessing financial loss under the protections of the attorney-client relationship in the midst of an active grand jury investigation, to debunking misplaced government hypotheses about revenue and expenses in the middle of trial, the forensic accountant is an invaluable member of the white collar criminal defense lawyer’s team when that relationship is properly constructed. From engagement, to trial testimony, to sentencing, this panel explores the wide ranging opportunities for forensic accountants in the white collar criminal defense space, and how to protect those engagements from some common pitfalls and misconceptions
Learning Objectives:

1. Recall the current legal landscape surrounding white collar criminal prosecutions
2. Analyze the contours of a Kovel engagement and the forensic accountants role in defending fraud investigations
3. Identify common misconceptions and pitfalls to avoid in white collar investigations

Building on the "How to Trust Your Data" session, this session will explore the next project phase: analyzing data to identify trends and outliers to form observations. The format of the session will lean on a use-case on how the application of computer-aided audit techniques, visualization, and automation can be used for forensic engagements.

After attending this course, attendees will be better able to:
Learning Objectives:

1. Learn statistical techniques used to calculate comparison measures within a dataset leveraging the Python programming language.
2. Perform data analytics techniques to identify outliers, activity of interest and hidden insights in data to undercover risky activity or violations of compliance or corporate policy.

This session will focus on the various components that are often utilized when building economic damage models. Developing credible economic damage models is a complex exercise with a number of components including, but not limited to, historical financial information, projected financial information, industry research, market research, case law, and much more. This session will explore the various components utilized in economic damage models and help the practitioner better understand how the various pieces of an economic damages puzzle can come together to form a credible model.
Learning Objectives:

1. Recall the legal elements a party must prove
2. Recognize what makes a damages model reliable and believable
3. Identify the potential financial research used to build a formidable model
4. Estimate or forecast what is inherently unknown

The session will dive into the brain of an attorney, and how they view cross-examination, and some of the theory, strategies, and methods employed by attorneys. It will also cover things to look out for and how to stick to your points, expertise and opinions.
Learning Objectives:

1. Distinguish the attorney's point of view from others'
2. Identify common tactics attorneys use
3. Detect traps

Damages experts are ever-more frequently being challenged on the reliability of their opinion evidence under the Daubert standard. One of the most commonly cited reasons for excluding experts is that their analyses were not supported by sufficient facts or data. This session will use detailed examples from case law to identify specific risk-areas that valuation professionals need to be aware of when working on cases with data issues, and the types of procedures they can use to protect themselves from being excluded as an expert witness at trial. This presentation will provide practical, hands-on insights directly relevant to both US and Canadian practitioners. The presentation will be delivered in a high-energy and interactive manner that will aim to capture the interest of the audience.
Learning Objectives:

1. Use several court rulings where damages experts were challenged on the basis of reliability in order to understand how the courts interpreted these challenges and viewed the experts’ work.
2. Identify common data issues that are encountered by experts when preparing their reports.
3. Apply approaches that experts can take to deal with data issues in their analyses and to avoid their opinions being excluded through Daubert challenges (in the US) and non-Daubert challenges (in Canada).

Session covers roles accountants play in bankruptcy engagements, nuances regarding each of the roles, and interplay between attorney and forensic accountant/financial advisor in distressed situations. Matters including assignment for the benefit of creditors, receiverships, bankruptcies, and liquidating trusts.
Learning Objectives:

1. Identify assignee, trustee, examiner, and receiver roles and responsibilities
2. Formulate procedures and considerations for each of the roles
3. Differentiate the interplay between the attorney and forensic accountant

Estate planning is an important process for valuation professionals to understand. This session will focus on the estate planning process, when clients should start, key considerations, differences by state, basic estate planning documents, popular estate planning techniques, how valuations play into estate planning, and key court cases relating to valuations for estate planning.
Learning Objectives:

1. Understand estate planning: Key documents and techniques; when to start; who to involve; key considerations; and basic estate planning process
2. Understand the differences between states for estate planning considerations
3. Understand how valuation professional get involved in estate planning
4. Understand the financial and emotional considerations in estate planning and review key court cases involving valuation and estate planning/settlement

How can appraisers determine the appropriate marketability discount for each valuation situation? This is a critical question since the discount for lack of marketability is the single largest valuation adjustment factor in most minority interest appraisals. The marketability discount is normally expressed as a percentage to reflect the difference between two prices, the freely marketable price, which for closely held businesses is a hypothetical construct since by definition there is no market for their shares, and a nonmarketable price.

Learning Objectives:

1. What gives rise to a marketability discount, or the discount for lack of marketability, or DLOM?
2. How do we determine the DLOM, given the central objective of arriving at credible nonmarketable minority values?
3. What methods are used to quantify DLOM? How do the methods rank in terms of valuation theory?

In the event a company has both voting and non-voting classes of stock, there may be an observed (or inferred) price difference between the two – the generally understood concept of “greater value for greater rights” would lead us to assume such would usually be in favor of the voting stock. However, when substantial numbers of both voting and non-voting shares are outstanding, one vote owned by a marginal investor outside the control group is likely not enough to impact corporate decisions. Further, commonly-used methods to measure empirical price differences among listed securities and/or transactions may not adequately express the relevant differential. This panel will discuss our recent research and findings on this topic as regards the relative values of voting, non-voting, and super-voting shares. Session covers Houlihan Lokey’s recent research and filings regarding the potential premia/discounts based on historical studies and more detailed and nuanced analyses. Specific areas of discussion include: -Other factors which may impact price -Analytical frameworks to screen for comparable datapoints -Interpretation of the outputs
Learning Objectives:

1. Categorize dual-class stock structures as voting/non-voting or one vote/many votes
2. Interpret public company pricing data to identify appropriate price differentials
3. Assess observed price differences to formulate discounts

For the most part, our traditional client service model is 1-to-1, 1-and-done. That means last year’s clients must be replaced this year to maintain the “old” revenue status quo. And to grow, we must add more new clients than the number that dropped off. Then that many more clients need to be replaced the following year to maintain the “new” revenue status quo. But it is more than just finding new clients. Because even if we are good at attracting leads and converting them into new clients, we ultimately must deliver the work … each year … every year … into perpetuity. And since there are only so many hours in a day, we can only serve so many clients in a year. This model does not scale. We are pushing the boulder up a hill; we are the mythical Sisyphus. There is an alternative – a 1-to-many business model that can augment our 1-to-1 client service model and give us more time, money, and freedom in our practices.
Learning Objectives:

1. Augment a traditional 1:1 client service only business model with scalable 1:many BVFLS products.
2. Create 1:many BVFLS products to appeal to potential customers in the attendee's practice area or industry niche.

You may have stunning credentials, specialized knowledge and prepare a faultless analysis, but you need more than that to engage and influence a jury. You must have finely tuned “soft” skills – the ability to relate to them, to communicate complex ideas in an easy-to-absorb manner, and to defend without being defensive. Mastery of these soft skills determine whether you are only an expert on paper, or an expert who can help win cases. In this presentation learn what jurors want and why.
Learning Objectives:

1. Discover the three keys to connecting with the jury on their level.
2. Identify things you can do to polish up your presentation for maximum impact in the courtroom.

This session will explain what type of forensic engagements could benefit from the application of data analytics, quality control considerations when emerging technologies are leveraged, and how to enhance current capabilities in your practice / department.

After attending this course, attendees will be better able to:
Learning Objectives:

1. Identify forensic engagements that could apply data analytics to reach conclusions in a more comprehensive (and defensible) manner.
2. Understand how to enhance the data analytics approach at your practice or department by enhancing the skillets of human resources and enabling the work by adopting select technologies.

This session is intended for those who have little or no experience in testifying before a trier of fact in a courtroom, arbitration hearing or other venue. Presenters will report the results of a survey of new testifiers in an attempt to identify and address areas of concern. Attendees will receive tips on testifying from the perspectives of both a new and an experienced testifier.
Learning Objectives:

1. Recall the skill sets, knowledge of the legal system, and core requirements for becoming a testifying expert.
2. Enhance their performance when testifying in deposition or trial.

The cost of capital is one the most important considerations in estimating value using the income approach. In this session, participants will learn the theory underlying the cost of capital, as well as practical applications using the three major sources for empirical cost of capital data:

1. Duff & Phelps Cost of Capital Pro
2. BVR Cost of Capital Navigator
3. Damodaran
Learning Objectives:

1. Recall the three main empirical cost of capital data sources and distinguish respective strengths and weaknesses.

Deposition itself is not a trial, nor is it an opportunity to convince anyone, especially the other lawyer, about how right you are. Nothing you say will "win" the case, however something you say may "lose" the case. In this session you will
Learning Objectives:

1. Identify preparation approaches.
2. Apply the art of answering the specific question asked
3. Identify the opportunities to expand an answer for strategic purposes

Session Description to Come

Do you know the difference between and option and a warrant? Is the Black-Scholes model really the one-size-fits-all tool we often make it out to be? This session will explore the advanced aspects of private company warrant valuation—giving you the tools to move beyond the simple and straight-forward to the complex and nuanced analysis that savvy clients demand.
Learning Objectives:

1. Evaluate warrants based on their unique characteristics
2. Analyze warrant features that impact value.
3. Calculate the value of a warrant using the most appropriate methodology