A Post-Midyear Conference Report.

• Author: Howren, Robert L.
• Position: Tax Executives Institute - President's page

I was honored to preside over TEI's 68th Midyear Conference in Washington, D.C., and to welcome 600-plus in-house tax professionals to examine the complexities of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, along with other technical, policy, and management challenges that confront us. At what is arguably the most consequential moment for in-house tax professionals in more than a generation, it was imperative that this year, perhaps more than in any other, TEI deliver on its educational mission. Based on my own observations and feedback from attendees, I believe we hit the mark and then some. Subject matter experts from more than forty firms shared their insights and perspectives along with their informed prognostications. Although answers for many of the thorniest questions remain elusive, attendees left D.C. far better informed about the challenges that lie ahead regarding how the new statute could affect them and the companies they serve. What-if questions abounded, presenting attendees and practitioners with plenty of opportunities to discuss possible outcomes based on the directions that interpretative guidance might take. To be sure, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act will be with us for some time, but we have made it out of the gate.

In addition, TEI's continuing commitment to diversity and inclusion (D&I) was on full display. Our luncheon program, "Diversity and Inclusion: An Opportunity, Not an Issue," featured Yvonne Metcalfe of Ernst & Young, Cassandra Calvert of Fortive, Wayne Hamilton of Walmart, Don Rath of Synopsys, and Jacqueline Welch of Freddie Mac, all of whom shared their perspectives on embedding D&I concepts in the workplace. The discussion centered on creating work environments that allow employees to bring their best selves to work. The importance of the D&I conversation cannot be overstated. Recognizing that our differences are assets rather than barriers is central to nurturing stronger teams, workplace cohesion, and, ultimately, happier and more fulfilled professionals. I applaud the efforts of our D&I task force to foster greater subject-matter awareness and to develop tools to better understand who we are as a membership organization. In the latter context, we have initiated an effort for members to voluntarily submit demographic data so we can better tailor our educational and networking missions to member needs.

At its March meeting, TEI's Board of Directors unanimously approved the chartering of TEI's fifty-seventh chapter, the Nevada...