Conference Overview

One thing is certain: The corporate tax landscape is changing and as a result, tax professionals are often asked to do more with less, and adapt to a multitude of changes.

How do you keep up with the pressure to meet ever-changing expectations, get new work done with available resources, and add value to your organization beyond the tax department at the same time?

This year the theme of Exchange is Chart a New Course and discovering the answers to these questions just may require you to chart a new course for yourself and your tax department.

There will certainly be plenty of sessions, discussions, and ideas to consider at Exchange to help you do this.

For a portable and printable copy of the Vertex Exchange 2007 site Download Now! (PDF/ 6MB)

*NEW* Pre-Conference Session - Sunday October 21

This year we will be offering a "jump start" on Sunday, October 21 with a pre-conference session. Many of you told us that you would welcome an opportunity to get started earlier on a variety of classes, and also requested an "orientation" to Exchange. We listened! The classes include:

Vertex Sales Tax Q Series: TDM Boot Camp (CPE) Vertex Sales Tax L Series: TDM Boot Camp (CPE)
From Calculation to Remittance: A Vertex O Series Perspective (CPE) Vertex Sales Tax Returns: Advanced Management Toolkit Techniques (CPE)
An Orientation: Getting the Most Out of Exchange (Non-CPE)  

Cost: A fee of $199 for the pre-conference session if you enroll in one of the CPE credit courses. And of course, the Exchange Orientation is free.

Also, remember to join us for the Sunday night reception - added new this year based on customer feedback. This is the perfect opportunity to mingle with peers, meet the presenters and Vertex staff in an informal setting, and unwind before your three days of learning.

You can find more information about each pre-conference course on the Session Descriptions area of the site, and can register for a pre-conference session(s) by clicking the Registration tab at the top of the page.

Keynote Session

Last year we hosted a keynote speaker who talked about facing change and turning challenges into opportunities. This year as part of our keynote address, we'll hear from an expert on creating change in your life. We are pleased to present Vince Poscente, a speed skiing finalist at the 1992 Olympic Winter Games and 5-time national record holder.

Talk about charting a new course! One day Vince, a recreational skier at the time, decided he wanted to be in the Olympics as a downhiller. Well, he charted a new course and achieved his amazing goal in only four years!

But Vince is not just an Olympian - he is a renowned business strategist and master communicator. His 5C Strategy for Peak Performance is an action plan to transform workplace performance. You'll take home tools to help you address your specific challenges and chart your own new course. Get ready for an electrifying keynote full of energy while experiencing:

 

  • Hands-on tools for change that you can use immediately to help develop solutions to your most pressing challenges
  • Edge-of-your-seat stories, 135 mph ski videos, heart-pumping music
  • Take-action-today inspiration
  • Flat-out-fun with Poscente’s signature wit and wisdom


Check out all of Vince's books (Opens a new site in a new window)

Breakout Sessions

Vertex Exchange 2007 features more than 150 sessions that will explore product, tax, technical, and strategic business process topics. This year we have over 70 NEW sessions and based on attendee feedback we have added more roundtables, panels and open exchanges.

And to top it off, each attendee can earn up to 20 CPE credits. Attendees can choose to attend any combination of sessions from the following tracks described below. Please visit the Session Descriptions area of the site for detailed information on each track and the breakout sessions within each track.

  • Solutions
  • Tax
  • Financial Applications
  • Strategic Management
  • Hands On Training
  • Lunch and Learn Sessions

"Lunch and Learn" sessions while not eligible for CPE credits, are extremely popular! You'll see them listed on the Session Descriptions page. Topics include: Tax Jeopardy; Social Media: MySpace, Facebook and More; Attracting and Retaining the Right People, etc.

CPE Credits

You can earn up to 20 CPE credits at Vertex Exchange 2007. You will receive 1 CPE credit for each full 50-minute session of course instruction in a group-live and/or self-paced environment. For information regarding administrative policies such as complaint and refund, please email bsmith@npmeet.com.

Vertex 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 final authority on the acceptance of individual courses for CPE credit. Complaints regarding registered sponsors may be addressed to the national Registry of CPE Sponsors, 150 Fourth Avenue North, Nashville, TN 37219-2417. Web site: www.nasba.org.


Networking Events

In addition to unparalleled educational opportunities, Vertex Exchange also provides a great chance to network with peers, Vertex staff and other industry thought leaders.

Year after year, attendees tell us how beneficial networking is at Exchange. This year we’re incorporating even more opportunities for networking, including a new Sunday night reception to meet and greet people early in the conference.

Other structured opportunities include:

  • Sunday night welcome reception
  • Monday night party at Universal's Islands of AdventureSM - open exclusively for Exchange attendees!
  • Tuesday afternoon Networking Activities (optional, additional fees may apply)
  • Networking breakfasts and lunches

You may be wondering, "What type of activities are available on Tuesday?" Well, have you ever gotten really close to an alligator in the famed Everglades? Ever been suspended in mid-air in 150 mph winds? Would you enjoy just jumping to the front of a line for any ride at Universal? That's just a few of the cool things we have planned for you!

Visit the Networking Events section of the site for more information about the very unique activities available.


 


Conference Cost

The registration fee for the conference is $1,395, however if you register before July 31 you'll only pay $1,295 - a $100 savings! There will be a nominal fee charged for the optional Tuesday afternoon networking activities ($10 - $75 depending on the activity).

Your conference fee includes:

  • Participation in the General Session
  • All breakout sessions
  • Breakfast, lunch, and snacks on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday
  • All conference materials
  • Attendance at the Sunday welcome reception and Monday evening event at the Islands of Adventure.

Cancellation Policy

The cancellation policy for Vertex Exchange 2007:

Vertex notified:

Policy

More than 30 days (before September 22)

Full refund

8 to 30 days (Between September 22 to October 15)

$200 penalty

7 days or less (After October 15)

No refund

Hotel Information

Enjoy your stay at Exchange 2007 in a tropical paradise at the exotic Royal Pacific Resort at Universal Orlando®, A Loews Hotel.

Vertex has negotiated a block or rooms at a price of $189/night (plus tax and fees). Room reservations should be made through the Vertex Exchange Conference Registration form.

From the breathtaking beauty of the lush tropical landscaping and sparkling waterfalls to the serene tranquility of the orchid court where flowers are always in bloom, you'll be transported to the enchanted isles of the South Seas. Find a spot at the tropical lagoon-style pool, kick off your shoes and forget about the rest of the world at the Royal Pacific.

For more hotel information, please visit our F.A.Q. section.

 

 



 

Just some of the lovely amenities you'll enjoy at the Royal Pacific Resort include:

  • Lagoon-style swimming pool
  • Two hot tubs
  • Jogging and walking paths
  • Fitness center and massages
  • Two tropical lounges and many restaurants

 

Transportation

Orlando International Airport (MCO) is the major airport in central Florida. There are many carriers that service Orlando and many offer competitive discounted airfares to travelers. There are also several special internet fares through many of the carriers' websites or through third party sites such as Expedia or Orbitz. Due to the popularity of Orlando, be sure to plan your travels well in advance to receive the best airfares.

Ground Transportation
A taxi ride to the Royal Pacific Resort would be about $50 one-way.

Shuttle services offered outside of baggage claim offer a cost-effective way to get to the hotel. Vertex provides a $3 off coupon for Mears Shuttle Service. A round-trip tickets for the Mears Shuttle is $27, and if you use the coupon, its $24 per person. (download and print out the coupon)

Car Rental
Rates for car rentals at Orlando International Airport are very competitive. Check out all the options and make the decision that best suits your travel needs.


Vertex Corporate Tax Innovation Awards

The Vertex Corporate Tax Innovation Awards recognize outstanding accomplishments in corporate tax process innovation. In sponsoring these awards, we aim to promote awareness and adoption of 'best practices' among corporate tax professionals, in order to heighten the visibility and impact that true innovation in corporate tax strategy can have on a business' overall success and profitability.

CEO, Jeff Westphal, will present The Vertex Corporate Tax Innovation Awards during the Keynote Session on Monday morning.

Explore Universal

You’re the star at Universal Studios Orlando, the number one movie and TV-based theme park in the world. At this real film and television studio you’ll go behind the scenes, beyond the screen and right into the action of your favorite movies. Nobody puts you in the picture like Universal! Enjoy some of the following experiences:

 

 

  • Schrek 4-D
  • Revenge of the MummySM
  • Fear Factor Live
  • Men in Black Alien Attack
  • E.T. Adventure
  • And much, much more!

Universal Studios Orlando offers plenty of rides and attractions the whole family can enjoy!