The consulting and technology CPE webinar from Schneider Downs brings together specialists in AI, M&A and risk for three forward-looking discussions designed to help business leaders prepare for 2027. Join us December 3, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to noon Eastern to explore practical approaches to AI adoption, changing transaction markets and emerging organizational risks.
Thursday, December 03, 2026 | 9:00 AM EST | 3 hours
Agenda:
9:00 – 9:05am Opening Video Welcome/Housekeeping items
9:05 – 10:00am AI Business Value Discussion
10:00 – 10:05am Short Break
10:05 – 11:00am Economic and M&A Discussion
11:00 – 11:05am Short Break
11:05 – 11:55am 2027 Risk Agenda Discussion
11:45 – 12:00pm Closing Comments
AI Beyond the Hype: From Experimentation to Business Value
Moderator: Carley Taslov, Consulting Shareholder, Schneider Downs
Speakers:
- John Huckle, Shareholder, SD Digital
- Bill Deller, IT Risk Advisory Shareholder, Schneider Downs
- Joe Vandermark, IT Risk Advisory Shareholder, Schneider Downs
Description: Artificial intelligence is rapidly reshaping how organizations operate, make decisions and deliver value. This panel will explore practical approaches to AI adoption, including emerging agentic AI capabilities, AI-enabled workflows and strategies for moving from experimentation to measurable business outcomes. Panelists will discuss how organizations can identify high-impact use cases, establish effective governance and address critical considerations such as data protection, security, accuracy and human oversight. The discussion will also examine the role of internal audit and risk functions in evaluating AI while helping organizations balance innovation with responsible adoption.
Learning Objectives: Participants will gain an understanding of how organizations are using AI to improve business processes, decision-making and operational efficiency. They will learn how to evaluate AI opportunities, navigate governance, security and data considerations, distinguish between generative AI, retrieval-augmented generation and agentic AI, and understand the role of internal audit and risk functions in supporting responsible AI adoption while fostering innovation.
Economic and M&A Outlook: Making Decisions in an Uneven Market
Moderator: Nick Lombardo, Consulting Shareholder, Schneider Downs
Speakers:
- Pete Liberman, Shareholder, SD Capital
- Brian Matthews, Advisory Shareholder, Schneider Downs
- Imran Mohiuddin, Director, SD Capital
Description: Economic uncertainty, rising capital costs and evolving market conditions continue to shape business strategy and transaction activity. This panel will explore the current economic and M&A landscape, with a focus on the middle market and the factors influencing buyers, sellers and investors. Panelists will discuss economic trends, valuation expectations, financing conditions and deal-market dynamics, while also examining transaction readiness, due diligence considerations, post-transaction value realization and the growing role of AI and technology in acquisition strategies.
Learning Objectives: Participants will gain an understanding of the economic and market factors shaping business investment and transaction activity in today’s environment. They will learn about current middle-market M&A trends, the impact of interest rates, financing conditions and valuation expectations on buyers and sellers, and strategies for improving transaction readiness and enterprise value. Participants will also explore how AI, technology and evolving business priorities are influencing acquisition activity, due diligence and long-term growth strategies.
The Risk Agenda for 2027: What Leaders Cannot Afford to Miss
Moderator: Jim Yard, Risk Advisory Shareholder, Schneider Downs
Speakers:
- Carl Kriebel, Cybersecurity Shareholder, Schneider Downs
- Jessica Miller, Risk Advisory Director, Schneider Downs
- Eric Fair, IT Risk Advisory Shareholder, Schneider Downs
Description: Organizations today face an increasingly complex risk environment shaped by cybersecurity threats, fraud, third-party dependencies, economic uncertainty and rapid technological change. This panel will explore how management teams and boards can identify emerging risks, strengthen organizational resilience and make informed decisions in a dynamic business landscape. Through practical examples and real-world scenarios, panelists will discuss strategies for improving risk oversight, incident response, data-driven monitoring and coordination among internal audit, risk, compliance, cybersecurity and operational leaders, while balancing the risks of disruption with the risks of delayed technology adoption.
Learning Objectives: Participants will gain an understanding of the evolving risk landscape and the interconnected challenges organizations face across cybersecurity, fraud, third-party relationships and operational resilience. They will learn how emerging risks can impact business performance and decision-making, explore effective approaches to risk monitoring and executive reporting, and examine strategies for balancing innovation with risk management. Participants will also learn practical steps to strengthen organizational preparedness, improve incident response capabilities and enhance long-term resilience.
CPE Information (3 CPE credits available):
Delivery Method: Group Internet-Based (Live) or Self-Study (On-demand)
Learning Level: Overview
Prerequisites: None
Advanced Preparation: None
Fields of Study: Specialized Knowledge
Contact (Registering/Technical Issues): Alyssa Keefer
In order to be awarded CPE credit(s), you must be present for a minimum of 50 minutes after the start of the event and respond to at least 3 polling questions
Schneider Downs 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 submitted to the National Registry of CPE Sponsors through its website: www.nasbaregistry.org.