Uncertainty and U.S. competitiveness.

• Position: CONFERENCES - Brief article - Conference notes

FEI's Washington Policy Conference, on Sept. 20-21 in Washington, D.C., began with a reception and speaker on Monday evening, Sept. 20 and followed with five jam-packed panels of policymakers, those who craft bills and consult with congressional committees and representatives from U.S. companies, discussing pressing issues and what's ahead.

Major themes included U.S. competitiveness, uncertainty and the need for government leadership to make tough decisions.

FEI's President and CEO Marie Hollein opened the conference, saying: "We at FEI felt that it was important to create a forum to impart insights on key fiscal and economic policies, provide legislative and regulatory updates and explore the various perspectives on tax reform."

Kate Barton, Americas vice chair--Tax Services for Ernst & Young LLP (event Platinum sponsor), said "whether it's taxes ... or reporting ... or any other financial area...