April 8, 2026 – Cavs Game + CPE Day w/ IIA

Joint meeting with FEI NEO and the Northeast Ohio Chapter of the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA)

Cleveland Cavaliers on the Forbes NBA Team Valuations List

Join FEI Northeast Ohio and the Northeast Ohio Chapter of IIA for a fun day of training, networking and NBA basketball as the Cavs face the Atlanta Hawks.

Technical Presentations:

ASU 2024-03 (DISE): Disaggregation of Income Statement Expenses—Accounting Requirements and Data Considerations

Presented by Bryan Sinclair, CPA of RGP. Learn how FASB’s ASU 2024-03 (DISE) is changing income statement expense reporting and disclosure requirements in this practical, insight-driven session for accounting and financial reporting professionals. We’ll explore what must now be disaggregated, how the new rules affect chart of accounts design, ERP systems, and internal controls, and what organizations need to do to prepare for compliance, improve data governance, and avoid common implementation challenges.

Tariff Update

Presented by Mike Heldebrand, Ernst and Young. Mike Heldebrand is a specialist in EY’s Global Trade practice, where he helps companies strengthen their international trade functions and ensure regulatory compliance. With extensive experience in import/export process reviews and Foreign-Trade Zone applications, Mike focuses on identifying operational efficiencies and reducing global customs liabilities.

Licensed as a U.S. Customs Broker, Mike holds an MBA & BBA from Baylor University. He is an active member and frequent speaker for the American Association of Exporters and Importers and the National Association of Foreign-Trade Zones.

Topic TBD

Presented by James Gallagher, Cuyahoga County Prosecutor.

 

 

 

 

DATE AND SCHEDULE

Wednesday, April 8, 2026
1:45pm-5:15pm – Program
5:15pm-7:00pm – Dinner & Networking
7:00pm – Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Atlanta Hawks

Detailed Schedule

1:45 – 1:50pm – Opening Announcements
1:50 – 2:50pm – Brian Sinclair (RGP)
Topic: ASU 2024-03 – Disaggregation of Income Statement Expenses
2:50 – 3:50pm – Jimmy Gallagher (Economic Crimes Unit, Cuyahoga County Prosecutor)
Topic: TBD
3:50 – 4:10pm –  Break
4:10 – 5:10pm – Michael Heldebrand (Ernst & Young)
Topic: Tariff Update
5:10 – 5:15pm – Closing Announcements
5:15 – 7:00pm –  Dinner/Networking
7:00pm – Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Atlanta Hawks

LOCATION

Rocket Arena
1 Center Court, Cleveland, OH 44115
Enter through the Cleveland Cliffs Entrance located on the corner of East 6th and Huron Rd.

PARKING

Parking is pay on your own for this event and suggested parking can be found here.

REGISTRATION FEES & INFORMATION

Members: $135/in-person only (Dinner & Cavs ticket included)
Non-Members: $155/in-person only (Dinner & Cavs ticket included)
Members in Transition / Retired: Complementary (Meeting Only – No Game Ticket)
Students / Educators: Complementary (Meeting Only – No Game Ticket)
Friends & Family Tickets: $110 (Dinner & Cavs ticket included)

Tickets to be distributed via Seat Geek. Please be sure to register with the email linked to your Seat Geek account or an email you can access via your smart phone the day of the event.

REGISTER HERE

March 19, 2026 – Chapter Meeting

Program Details

Keynote Presentation: “Unlocking Northeast Ohio’s Potential: Advancing business growth and opportunity across the 14-county region”

Presented by Matt Dolan, Chief Executive Officer of Team NEO

About the Speaker:

As Chief Executive Officer of Team NEO, Matt Dolan leads efforts to drive economic growth and prosperity across Northeast Ohio. With experience spanning law, business, and government, he focuses on strengthening the region’s economic competitiveness through business attraction and retention, supply chain development, innovation, site preparedness, and positioning Northeast Ohio as a premier destination for investment.

Prior to Team NEO, Matt served in the Ohio House of Representatives and Ohio State Senate, chairing the Finance Committee in both chambers. He oversaw billions in state budget decisions and played a key role in shaping economic development tools used by JobsOhio and Team NEO to attract and expand businesses and create jobs statewide.

Matt is a partner at Thrasher, Dinsmore & Dolan, LPA, where he has advised businesses and municipalities on economic development, land use, and regulatory matters. A Northeast Ohio native, he holds a Juris Doctor from Case Western Reserve University School of Law and a B.A. in History from Boston College.

https://northeastohioregion.com/

Technical Presentation: “Analytics (and AI): Finding Value within the Hype”

Presented by Chris Moshier, Principal of Analytics & Data Strategy at Plante Moran

This session revisits Chris’ 2018 presentation to the group, highlighting how much has changed over the past eight years and what to expect in the next eight. Analytics and AI are no longer just hype but essential tools for modern organizations. Many leaders and organizations continue to operate as if it is 2018. The session focuses on practical applications, offering real-world examples and actionable ideas to help organizations leverage analytics and AI effectively.

About the Speaker:

Chris leads Plante Moran’s commercial data and analytics practice, helping clients turn data into actionable insights and strategic value. He works with organizations from middle-market manufacturers to large health systems, tailoring analytics strategies to meet each client’s goals.

A frequent speaker and thought leader, Chris was named one of Oakland County’s “Elite 40 Under 40.” He is a credentialed Project Management Professional (PMP) and holds a B.S. in community development from Central Michigan University.

https://www.plantemoran.com/

Event Details/Registration

LOCATION:
Tiffany Glass Space
Tiffany Glass Building – City Side Room
850 Euclid Ave, Suite 200, Cleveland, OH 44114

DATE / TIME:
Thursday, March 19, 2026
4:30-7:30pm

REGISTRATION:
FEI Members/Strategic Partners: free of charge
Guests: $50.00

REGISTER HERE

February 24, 2026 – Chapter Meeting

Program Details

Keynote Presentation- Lessons From the Trail: A Seasoned M & A Attorney’s Observations

Presented by Ben Calkins, Founder and Manager of Calkins Law Firm. Drawing from years of experience across complex transactions, this talk explores the real-world lessons, judgment calls, and behind-the-scenes realities that shape successful M&A deals.

About the Speaker: For decades, Ben Calkins worked at some of the world’s largest and most prestigious law firms. He saw firsthand how the “big law” model, with its crushing overhead and focus on billable hours, often failed the very clients it was meant to serve. He knew there had to be a better way to practice law—a way that was simpler, faster, and more cost-effective.

As a lifelong entrepreneur and small business owner himself—from running a sheep farm to founding High Meadow Skin Care—Ben understands the challenges and pressures that business owners face every day. He founded Calkins Law Firm on a simple premise: to provide the elite expertise of a large downtown firm but with the practical, no-nonsense approach of a fellow business owner.

This firm was built to be different by leveraging technology and a modern, streamlined model to deliver sophisticated legal advice efficiently, always guided by Ben’s career-long commitment to one simple rule: do what you say you will, when you say you will, and for the agreed-upon price.

https://calkinslawfirm.com/

Event Details/Registration

LOCATION:
Tiffany Glass Space
Tiffany Glass Building – City Side Room
850 Euclid Ave, Suite 200, Cleveland, OH 44114

DATE / TIME:
Tuesday, February 24, 2026
4:30-7:30pm

REGISTRATION:
FEI Members/Strategic Partners: free of charge
Guests: $50.00

REGISTER HERE

January 29, 2026 – Chapter Meeting

Program Details

Keynote Presentation: The Transformative Power of Education in Our Region

Presented by Sara Elaqad, Executive Director, of Minds Matter Cleveland this session highlights the transformative power of education and mentorship in shaping brighter futures for young people across Northeast Ohio. Sara will share how targeted mentoring programs help students overcome barriers, unlock potential, and achieve long-term academic and personal success.

Through real examples from Minds Matter Cleveland, attendees will gain insight into why educational attainment matters for the strength of our region and how community and business leaders can make a meaningful difference in the lives of students who need it most.

About the Speaker: Sara Elaqad has been a passionate supporter of Minds Matter Cleveland since 2011 and has served as its Executive Director since 2018. She began her involvement as a mentor and has dedicated herself to ensuring the success of Cleveland students. Sara’s commitment to education extends to her service on the Cleveland Board of Education, where she has served since 2019 and currently holds the position of Chair. She also serves on the Board of Directors for the Council of the Great City Schools, an organization focused on improving education for students in urban schools nationwide.

Sara earned her B.A. from The Ohio State University and her Juris Doctor from Case Western Reserve University School of Law. She believes deeply in the potential of every young person and the responsibility of adults to help remove barriers to success. As she says, “Education should be the great equalizer, and Minds Matter helps make that true.” 

Featuring an opening discussion with Richard De Carlo of the USS Cleveland Legacy Foundation

USSCLF began as an idea during a visit from Tom Modly, NE Ohio-native and then Undersecretary of the Navy.  The discussion surrounded many topics among them the notion of a fourth vessel to carry the name USS Cleveland.   The discussion became reality with an announcement in October 2018, presented on USS Cod.  With that the USS Cleveland Legacy Foundation was underway.

The Foundation, a recognized 501c3, is charted to fulfill a three-phase mission.

Phase 1: To build awareness fostering a relationship between the ship (LCS-31), her crew of ninety, and our Greater Cleveland – NE Ohio community. In so doing, sending her to the fleet and points determined by the needs of the Navy in fine fashion. May 2026, she will be commissioned at North Coast Harbor, with sail away to Mayport Naval Station, Jacksonville, FL.

Phase 2: Ongoing support of the crew by extending programs and recognition that enhances the support provided by The Navy.  This phase will be concurrent with the service life of the vessel.

Phase 3: Promote her possible return to Cleveland as a museum ship, after her service life ends.

This discussion will provide background while “hitting the wavetops” on the project, its mission and details of what’s coming to Cleveland, Ohio, in 2026.

Event Details/Registration

LOCATION:
Nuevo Modern Mexican
1000 East 9th Street, Cleveland, OH 44114

DATE / TIME:
Thursday, January 29, 2026
4:30-7:30pm

REGISTRATION:
FEI Members/Strategic Partners: free of charge
Guests: $50.00

REGISTER HERE

December 17, 2025 – Chapter Meeting at Cleveland Whiskey

Program Details

Keynote Presentation featuring: Tom Lix, CEO Cleveland Whiskey

“Ramblings of a Serial Entrepreneur”

Session Description:

Join us for an inside look at the Cleveland Whiskey journey – from basement experiments to international award-winning spirits. As you move through the tour, CEO and Founder Tom Lix will share candid stories about the highs, the lows, and everything in between.

This experience includes a guided distillery tour and whiskey tastings, giving you an up-close look at Cleveland Whiskey’s innovative process.

About the Speaker: Serial entrepreneur Tom Lix is Cleveland Whiskey’s founder and CEO. He was the President and Chairman of application services provider Public Interactive® which he founded in 1995 (acquired by National Public Radio®) and the former President of Market Pulse™, a Cambridge-based database software company and subsidiary of Computer Corporation of America.

Previously, he was President/Chief Operating Officer of Connecticut based Yankelovich Partners, where he consulted for leading food, beverage, hospitality and entertainment companies including Guinness PLC, Proctor & Gamble, H. J. Heinz Company, Unilever, PepsiCo, The Clorox Company, Burger King, Harrah’s Entertainment and the InterContinental Hotel Group.  In addition, Lix has consulted to leading media companies and brands such as HBO®, Time magazine, and MTV Networks; travel and transportation companies including American Airlines, Amtrak and Northwest Airlines (now Delta); as well as service delivery and technology innovators that included American Express, FedEx® and Visa.

Lix spent some formative years in the US Navy where in addition to some early bootleg distilling; he was cross trained in nuclear physics and thermodynamics along with seawater/freshwater distillation.  A college dropout who hitchhiked across the country, fought forest fires in Alaska at the age of 17, and founded the first University sponsored Motorcycle Club in America.   He later earned his Doctorate in Business from Boston University.

Event Details/Registration

LOCATION

Cleveland Whiskey Distillery
601 Stones Levee
Cleveland, OH 44113
Parking: There is a parking lot available on site at the venue. 

CONTINUING EDUCATION
The keynote presentation has been approved for 1 hour of CPE.

DATE / TIME:
Wednesday, December 17, 2025
4:00-7:30pm

4:00-4:30pm Registration and Networking

4:30-5:30pm Cleveland Whiskey Tour & Tasting

6:00-7:00pm Tom Lix Presentation

7:00-7:30pm Networking

 

REGISTRATION:

FEI Members/Strategic Partners: free of charge

Guests: $50.00

REGISTER HERE