TEI Region VIII Conference returns.

• Author: Ugai, Brian C.

There has been something amiss in the West since 2008, but no more. After a four-year hiatus prompted by the economic downturn, TEI's western chapters gathered together once again and hosted an absolutely smashing regional conference. The 34th Region VIII Conference was held from June 10-13 in San Diego at the Hyatt Regency at Mission Bay. The 150 participants enjoyed a program of top-quality speakers and the opportunity to network with their colleagues from the 12 chapters in the region (Alaska, Arizona, Denver, Hawaii, Los Angeles, Orange County, Portland, Salt Lake City, San Diego, San Francisco, Santa Clara Valley and Seattle Chapters).

The Conference opened with Brian Ugai, Region VIII Vice President, recognizing Bonnie Noble and Tavin Skoff of the San Diego Chapter for their efforts on the conference planning committee; Lorraine McIntire of the Santa Clara Valley Chapter for managing the registration process for the conference; and Leanne Webber of the Seattle Chapter for acting as the treasurer for the conference.

The conference program began on Monday with Sandy MacFarlane from the San Francisco Chapter moderating an international tax update presented by Fenwick West; Lorraine McIntire presiding over a state tax update from Sutherland Asbill & Brennan; and Leanne Webber moderating an international tax planning session featuring subject matter experts from Deloitte Tax.

The program continued with Mike Bernard from the Seattle Chapter facilitating two legislative matters updates with Ernst & Young and the California Taxpayers' Association. Bonnie Noble moderated a Squar Milner presentation on Subpart F as well as a transfer pricing session with DLA Piper and Charles River Associates.

At the Tuesday luncheon, Region VIII presented Timothy McCormally, TEI Executive Director...