Jack from Ohio Posted May 6, 2013 Report Share Posted May 6, 2013 Is anyone planning to attend any of the IRS forums this summer? I went to my first one last summer and it was immensely informational. None are close to me this year, so it will be plane trip, and probably staying at the hotel where the forum is so I don't need a car. Just wondered if anyone else was planning to go? Sharing a room would be an option to help lower costs. Just wondering... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Taxed Posted May 6, 2013 Report Share Posted May 6, 2013 Annual pilgrimage for me with the family and the tax deduction comes in handy! In prior years the # of exhibitors were much more and diverse than what I saw the last 2 years. One exhibitor told me that the organizers have been jacking up their fees so many smaller vendors chose other local or regional venues like CPA, EA annual meetings etc. to showcase their wares. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BulldogTom Posted May 6, 2013 Report Share Posted May 6, 2013 Is anyone planning to attend any of the IRS forums this summer? I went to my first one last summer and it was immensely informational. None are close to me this year, so it will be plane trip, and probably staying at the hotel where the forum is so I don't need a car. Just wondered if anyone else was planning to go? Sharing a room would be an option to help lower costs. Just wondering... Looking at Dallas at the end of July. Hoping to meet up with Eli. I would have gone to San Diego (I love San Diego) but I have a state seminar that weekend. Probably staying at the Gaylord Texan. Tom Hollister, CA Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kea Posted May 6, 2013 Report Share Posted May 6, 2013 I'm thinking about the Dallas one, too. But haven't decided yet. I haven't been to any before, but it might be a good chance to visit with software venders. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Taxed Posted May 6, 2013 Report Share Posted May 6, 2013 Kea you will like it. The sessions are very informative and you can ask questions of the IRS folks and presenters of the sessions. The best part is your interaction with other tax preparers and the pointers you can pick up from that discussion. There are just so many sessions and workshops and limited time that you have to pre select what you want to see. There were more exhibitors in previous years. You will see the usual suspects and the typical giveaways! The final reception is good too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pacun Posted May 6, 2013 Report Share Posted May 6, 2013 I am planning to go to the one in DC. I will stay in the Hotel so I am not late for clases but driving everyday is an option for me too. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Taxed Posted May 6, 2013 Report Share Posted May 6, 2013 How is the morning rush on that beltway these days? Couple of years back I got stuck in that crawl! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eli Posted May 6, 2013 Report Share Posted May 6, 2013 Looking to go to the Dallas forum. It's a good 8 hr drive or a 90 min flight from where I live. Hopefully meet up with Bulldog Tom! Eli Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jack from Ohio Posted June 14, 2013 Author Report Share Posted June 14, 2013 Bumping up again. Anyone planning to attend any of the Forums? I have my eye on Atlanta, since all are plane trip distance this year, and was hoping to find either a roommate to share expense, or someone from Atlanta with information about other lodging choices. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
joanmcq Posted June 14, 2013 Report Share Posted June 14, 2013 I might hit San Diego. None are really good as far as dates go due to other plans. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MsTabbyKats Posted June 15, 2013 Report Share Posted June 15, 2013 I used to go and enjoyed them for several years. Last year was just too crowded...and the handouts were too few. If anything, my son lives in DC...and I may go and audit (but highly doubtful). You can really get the same info on line. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Taxed Posted June 15, 2013 Report Share Posted June 15, 2013 They have been getting crowded over the last few years. They need to look into also offering perhaps a Webex version?? Right now they release the presentations from the previous year's conference. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MsTabbyKats Posted June 15, 2013 Report Share Posted June 15, 2013 Last year they were mobbed (at least in NYC) I thought because tax preparers needed credits. Since that is no longer the case, it shouldn't be so bad. I attended the conferences for 3 years (paid) and then didn't go for 2-3 years. Those first years, when I went, the presentations were put on-line in the fall (before tax season). At the conference they gave out nice books with all the slides from the presentations. Last year it was "print your own" and bring it with you. I wasn't aware they they no longer posted the presentations on line until the next year. They also cut out the dinner (not that it was anything to write home about)...but they never could have fed that many people in one room. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Taxed Posted June 21, 2013 Report Share Posted June 21, 2013 I just take my laptop with the presentations that i want to attend. The only problem is finding enough outlets to charge the battery during breaks. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JohnH Posted June 21, 2013 Report Share Posted June 21, 2013 Use an iPad and you won't have those problems. Especially if you take a cheap, fully charged battery booster along. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jack from Ohio Posted June 21, 2013 Author Report Share Posted June 21, 2013 At the conference center in Chicago last year, there was no WiFi in the entire convention center. I took some written notes, but taking my laptop was fruitless otherwise. I am going to Atlanta. It is the least expensive of the 5. The other 4 venues are proud of their hotels. Anyone here from Atlanta? Also, Kerri will be there for ATX. I have this on very RELIABLE information. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JohnH Posted June 21, 2013 Report Share Posted June 21, 2013 Use an iPad and you won't have to worry about WiFi. 4G is available almost anywhere in the civilzed world, and it's cheap. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jack from Ohio Posted June 21, 2013 Author Report Share Posted June 21, 2013 I don't purchase cell phone services on a contract. I won't own an Ipad. I refuse to own anything portable that I cannot change the batteries in. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JohnH Posted June 21, 2013 Report Share Posted June 21, 2013 I can't imagine doing business without my cell phone and iPad. (and a cheap wifi enabled Galaxy tablet when I need to use flash player). External power boosters are the equivalent of a battery - actually better than an internal battery. Personally I take advantage of all the tehcnology available to make me more productive and efficient. We are selling our expertise and time. For me it's a simple matter of greater efficiency translating time savings, translating into higher income. I think that's the reason for being in business in the first place. But, to each his own... 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jack from Ohio Posted June 21, 2013 Author Report Share Posted June 21, 2013 I have all the technologies except a tablet. I have not moved to a smart phone for several reasons. My cell and text work great. I received a text message last week that was laced with a Trojan virus for smartphones. My phone was too dumb to know what to do with it. Problem avoided!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ILLMAS Posted June 21, 2013 Report Share Posted June 21, 2013 I took my iPad to last year IRS tax forum and found it impossible to take notes, it was okay to follow the PowerPoint presentation. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JohnH Posted June 21, 2013 Report Share Posted June 21, 2013 It is almost impossible to take lenthy notes using the iPad screen keyboard. IMO the only way to efficiently takes notes with the iPad is to use a bluetooth keyboard. I prefer the ZAGG Pro bluetooth keyboard. It converts the iPad to something resembling a laptop for those rare times when you need to operate in that mode and makes a great stand for viewing. Plus, it doubles as a very durable hard protective case. Cost is about $130 or less, depending upon the discount you get. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Taxed Posted June 21, 2013 Report Share Posted June 21, 2013 Inspite of trying hard to get used to the iPad to enter data, I still prefer the good old keyboard Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JohnH Posted June 21, 2013 Report Share Posted June 21, 2013 I freely admit to being an Apple cheerleader. Having said that, the ZAGG is a good old keyboard. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kcjenkins Posted June 21, 2013 Report Share Posted June 21, 2013 External power boosters are the equivalent of a battery - actually better than an internal battery. I totally agree with that. Took a little time to figure that one out, but it's really the same thing, but more useful. I got two of these recently. You might want to check them out, they work like a charm. 2600mAh Flash Charger for Cell Phones & Tablets - Assorted Colors $12.00 Our Price For those times when you need a little extra boost and have nowhere to charge, this Flash Charger is the perfect solution. With a USB output and MicroUSB input, this little device can charge just about anything, from iPhones and other smartphones to digital cameras and e-readers. It's a sleek and portable solution that will help prevent you from getting caught with no power left on your favorite devices. • Perfect for iPhone, iPad, BlackBerry, Samsung, HTC, e-readers, digital cameras, and more; not compatible with all Motorola models • USB output and MicroUSB input • High capacity: 2600mAh • Adds up to 40 hours of extra talk time • Rechargeable, small, attractive, and lightweight • Great for commuting and travel • Includes USB-to-MicroUSB cable for connecting and charging Flash Charger by your computer • Available in your choice of fun colors! http://www.nomorerack.com/daily_deals/view/343131-2600mAh_Flash_Charger_for_Cell_Phones_&_Tablets_-_Assorted_Colors Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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