Networks of firms with a vision for the future—

Networks of firms with a vision for the future— and a plan for today more information: boomer.com/btc eric.hunt@boomer.com 1-888-266-6375 What is a Circle? Boomer Technology Circles™ are exclusive groups of leading firms that join together to examine current issues and address common concerns about the management of technology within an accounting firm. These firms continue their partnerships throughout the year via The Boomer Knowledge Network - an online community of accounting industry leaders sharing best practices and value-added experiences. The format is unlike any other available to the accounting industry. Each Circle comprises 15-20 comparably-sized firms from different geographic areas of the country. Each member firm is represented by the partner or shareholder responsible for technology strategy along with the chief IT professional. Currently about 110 firms participate in the Circles. Firm Selection Criteria Firms who meet the following criteria will be considered for Circle membership: • Desire to improve business performance through technology • View technology as a strategic asset, not an overhead expense • Represent different geographic areas throughout the United States • Desire to take advantage of the Internet and the opportunities it provides • Have a current technology plan and budget • Desire to improve themselves through relationships with other progressive firms 2 FAQs How many firms are in a Circle? A Boomer Technology Circle™ is made up of 15 to 20 public accounting firms grouped together by size. What if our competitors are involved in the program? No competing firms participate in the same Circle. How many Circles are currently meeting? There are currently seven Circles, each of which meets three times per year in Kansas City, Missouri. All Circle firms convene during the summer for the All Circles Summit. (There are no meetings during the first calendar quarter due to the demands of tax season.) How much time do members have to interact? Each day and one-half-long meeting has a set agenda with plenty of member interaction time. How many people from our firm should attend? We request that two members of the firm attend—ideally a partner or shareholder with influence over the firm’s technology and an IT professional. Partner involvement is important because they have significant influence over a firm’s vision and resources. 3 FAQs What’s special about the Circles? The Boomer Technology Circle™ format is unique in our industry for a number of reasons: Focus Circles present opportunities to focus on technology management in an environment away from everyday concerns. Additionally, members often report that travel time provides the best chance for partners and IT professionals to connect and learn from one another. Content Each Circle agenda relies strongly on the real life experiences of member firms. Circles form a unique “due-diligence” laboratory in which members can learn from each other’s challenges and accomplishments. Accountability At the conclusion of each meeting members document 90-Day Game Plans, which they review at the beginning of the next. This process encourages the execution of planning and is a platform upon which members can flow ideas into tangible goals. Networking Members build a network of trusted peers with whom they are comfortable sharing and exploring ideas for validation. 4 Let’s Talk Technology Technology today is a strategic asset to the accounting firm, not an overhead expense as it was often viewed in the past. Improved communication between firm management and IT personnel is essential to leverage this strategic asset across all areas of the firm. The Circles help foster this dialog! Circle members see what other top firms are doing with technology and in turn, learn how to implement similar strategies in their own firms. Measuring Success The Boomer Technology Circles™ are designed to assist the leading accounting firms in the nation to maximize their return on investment through peer firm networking, facilitated discussions and ongoing support through The Boomer Knowledge Network. Success in the Circle community is measured by lessons learned at the meetings, continual sharing of information between community members and accountability for converting plans into action. The Circle Focus Our program focuses on the special needs of two specific groups: firm management and technology leadership. We concentrate on how to use technology as a tool to reach business objectives. It is not about cool new “stuff” just for technology’s sake. Many firms tell us that the travel and meeting times allow firm owners and technology professionals to spend quality time together in an atmosphere not usually possible in the day-to-day life of firms. Relationship Our Members find exceptional value not only in the lessons they take home but also in the accountability the Circles provide. Boomer Technology Circles™ are built on a strong relationship between the firms involved and Boomer Consulting, Inc. As such, each side contributes to the success of the Circles. 5 Benefits Boomer Technology Circles™ are designed to assist leading accounting firms to maximize success through peer networking, facilitated discussions and ongoing support through The Boomer Knowledge Network. We measure success not only by what a firm learns at each meeting, but also by the ongoing dialogue among community members and how each member responds when called to be accountable. Boomer Technology Circles™ are built on a strong relationship between us and our member firms. As such, each side contributes to the successful execution of the Circles. Read more about The Boomer Technology Circles™ below, and let us know if you have further questions. Technology As A Strategic Asset We help you discover emerging IT leaders within your firm and develop them in a way that maximizes the return on your technology investments. In addition, we help you see the bigger picture of how technology fits into your overall strategic plan. Expert Analysis and Counsel With Boomer Consulting, Inc.’s expert industry consultants leading the way, your firm will enjoy generous exposure to some of the best and brightest ideas. In addition to our wealth of knowledge, other experts on special topics will regularly highlight significant trends in the industry. Peer firms with insight from doing things the right way serve as bonus resources. Strategic Planning Moving from ideas to action is critical to your firm’s success. We will help you develop strategic plans that incorporate technology with strict accountability. Along with this guidance, we will help you compose a 90-Day Game Plan to ensure your success and follow-through. 6 Benefits The Boomer Knowledge Network Unique resources are available to you anytime, anywhere. Search our online document library for hundreds of articles related to every industry-critical topic. You will find past issues of the Boomer Bulletin, articles composed by L. Gary Boomer for Accounting Today, The Boomer Advantage Guides and much more! You can also utilize The Boomer Knowledge Network to participate in discussion forums, download meeting materials and metrics, and find contact information for other Boomer Technology Circle™ members. An Expanded Peer Network The best firms understand the significance of a peer network. Boomer Technology Circles™ open the door to expand relationships with trusted peers who possess similar goals and pursuits within the industry. The Performance3™ Formula* • • • Planning People Processes * With technology as the accelerator 7 What Happens At A Circle? Circles meet three times per year for one and one-half days at each gathering. Agendas include a mixture of information delivered by Boomer Consulting, Inc., third party experts and Circle members themselves. Topics include best practices, lessons learned, and technology as a business accelerator. Sample Agenda • Highlights of member accomplishments since the last meeting • A technology strategy and vision session, focused on the accounting profession • An overview of trends, new products and new services • Combined sessions on topics of common interest • Separate breakout sessions for partners and technology professionals • Multiple networking opportunities • Time to document a 90-Day Game Plan Between Meetings The Boomer Knowledge Network serves as a communication vehicle between Circle meetings. As many firm employees who wish may obtain login credentials. Access provides the following: • Contact information for all Circle member-firms and individuals • Sample job descriptions, policy statements, checklists and more • Articles covering every important issue related to the accounting industry • Video segments from many past sessions and presentations at Boomer events • An interactive forum to post questions for specific audiences within the Circle network 8 What Happens At A Circle? Circle membership is a two-way street. Both Boomer Consulting, Inc., as program sponsor, and member firms have responsibilities to uphold. Boomer Consulting, Inc. Responsibilities • Coordinate and facilitate the meetings • Provide the forum for free and open information exchange • Introduce your firm to strong peer contacts • Provide contacts with software companies and other vendors • Collect, compile, and distribute valid statistical data on member firms • Develop and implement The Boomer Knowledge Network • Help you build an action plan, and hold you accountable for completing it Circle Member Responsibilities • Commit to being an innovative, forward-thinking firm • Participate in three events per year (two Circle sessions and the All Circles Summit) • Send two representatives from the firm: - The Managing Partner or technology partner of your firm - The senior IT professional (Network Administrator, Network Engineer, Director of Technology, etc.) • Complete the annual firm metrics questionnaire • Participate whenever possible with member discussions on The Boomer Knowledge Network • Give as well as receive. The Circle experience is meant to be interactive 9 Member Testimonials Ted McNea - Summers, McNea & Company PC Billings, MT “As a first-time attendee, an absolutely fantastic and eye opening experience. If I can implement one or two of the many ideas in the next three months, our firm will grow and prosper. Already looking forward to the next meeting and the great group of people.” Mark Albrecht - Kirkland Albrecht & Fredrickson Braintree, MA “Within the first two hours, the meeting paid for itself!” Jim Bourke - Withum Smith and Brown Princeton, NJ “The interaction with your counterparts and sharing of problems, solutions and success stories is reason enough to participate in the Boomer Technology Circles.” 10 Important Information Boomer Technology Circle™ Meetings are held in the last three quarters of the year in Kansas City, Missouri. About Kansas City Kansas City is home to America’s Heartland. While you’re in town, why not explore a little? Kansas City is famous for its world-renowned cuisine, great shopping and many other attractions: • Harley-Davidson Final Assembly Plant • Negro Leagues Baseball Museum • Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art • Crown Center Shopping Area • Newly renovated Kauffman Stadium (home of the Kansas City Royals) • Oceans of Fun • Worlds of Fun • Much More! Hotel Information The Westin Crown Center, Kansas City 1 East Pershing Road Kansas City, Missouri 64108 816-474-4400 Agenda The schedule for all Circles will last one and one-half days. Each agenda is designed exclusively around member firms’ interests and needs. 11 Important Information CPE Information Boomer Consulting, Inc. 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, Suite 700, Nashville, TN, 37219-2417. Web site: www.nasba.org. Program Prerequisites None Advanced Preparation None Program Level Update CPE Credits Recommended 10 12 Other Important Information Learning Objectives • Review progress • Clarify goals • Share best practices • Improve processes • Network with peers • Benchmark key indicators • Build effective teams • Identify leading solutions • Develop company growth strategies • Document a game plan Attire Business Casual Instructional Delivery Method Group-Live Up to 10 hours of CPE credit in accordance with the standards of the National Registry of CPE Sponsors, CPE credits will be granted based on a 50-minute hour. For more information regarding administrative policies such as complaints, cancellations and refunds , please contact Sandra Wiley at sandra.wiley@boomer. com or by phone 888-266-6375. 13