Midyear Conference Underscores Value of Membership.

• Author: Shewbridge, Charles W. III

If you attended this year's Midyear Conference, you know first hand the value of belonging to TEI. From the keynote speeches and technical sessions to the knowledge-rich industry sessions and invaluable networking opportunities, the conference was excellent. I commend TEI's committee chairs, industry session moderators, and other planners for their efforts to make the conference a success. They made the Institute's 50th annual gathering in Washington a truly golden experience. Taking a cue from one of the "performers" who joined ventriloquist Jeff Dunham on stage at Tuesday's night dinner, I think you have to be a dummy not to get more than your money's worth from TEI's conferences.

For example, the Midyear Conference marked the first time that the heads of the IRS's new Large and Mid-Size Business Division industry groups met with a wide crosssection of taxpayers, as the five industry directors moved from industry session to industry session. The feedback I received on these sessions was all positive. Conference participants made it clear that they want to retain the members-only feature of the industry sessions that make TEI gatherings unique, but they also see real opportunities in establishing ongoing Institute-based links to the new industry groups. I am delighted that many members responded to our call for suggestions on how TEI should interact with the reorganized tax agency. TEI's Continuing Education Committee will soon meet to decide on the structure of the Annual Conference, and you may be sure your views will be taken into account. You may also be sure that TEI's relationship with the "new" IRS -- for both educational and liaison purposes -- will remain a work in progress.

I also want to personally thank Larry Langdon, LMSB Commissioner, for reaching out to TEI and TEI members (and others), not only during his keynote address but on an almost daily basis. I share his view that closer collaborative action between the IRS, TEI, and taxpayers can improve tax administration.

The Nexus Between TEI Conferences and Effective Advocacy

"Rank has its privileges," the saying goes, and one privilege I enjoyed during the Midyear Conference was introducing our keynote speakers. Not only did I have the opportunity to talk with key tax policy officials from Congress, the Treasury Department, and the IRS, but I was able to gauge their reactions as they entered the meeting room and found themselves face to face with 700 of the best corporate tax...