CHICAGO

June 3-4, 2026

Tax Minded 2026

We’re back! That’s right…just a bunch of tax-minded people whose identity is rooted in a cartoon duck coming to The Second City for learning, laughter, and libations. This year, we will continue to focus on helping each other build the modern firm.

We have a beautiful conference room, a room block at a downtown Chicago hotel, food and beverage service included, and we’re working on nailing down some fun things while we are all there!

Reserve Your Spot

A deliberately small crowd so you can actually learn, laugh, and connect.

Interactive Sessions

Numerous hands-on sessions where you'll level up your tax, tech, and leadership skills

Expertise

We’re bringing in some new subject matter experts

Fun

We’re working on plans for dinner and fun in Chicago

The Kimpton Gray Hotel

Sorry Airbnb…we got ourselves a meeting room!

We have a special room block for our group, as they are holding 12 rooms in total! Book your room(s) soon, though, as it’s only open until May 1! The button below takes you directly to our room block!

When
Tuesday, June 2 - Friday, June 5

Cost
$319/night (the room fees listed will be waived)

Amenities
Free WiFi, Complimentary morning coffee & tea

Book Your Room

LOCATION:
122 W Monroe St Chicago, IL 60603

Hotel Website

 

Agenda

This retreat focuses on practical strategies, meaningful peer relationships, and honest conversations about building modern tax and bookkeeping firms

DAY 1 - WEDNESDAY
Connection, Leadership & Honest Conversations

9:00 – 10:00 a.m.

Breakfast & Networking (Breakfast included)

10:00 – 10:20 a.m.

Welcome & Goal Setting: Why Are You Here?

10:20 – 11:20 a.m.

Speed Networking (Tax Minded Speed Dating)

11:20 – 11:30 a.m.

Break

11:30 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.

Leadership Speaker Session - Chris Maliszewski, Walking Tall

12:15 – 1:15 p.m.

Lunch served

1:15 – 2:00 p.m.

Tax Minded Session: State of Our Firms

2:00 – 2:10 p.m.

Break

2:10 – 2:50 p.m.

Growth Marketing Speaker Session - Dan Esdale, Fintuition Advising

2:50 – 3:30 p.m.

Tax(icab) Confessions

3:30 – 4:15 p.m.

Worst Client Story + Lesson Learned

Evening

Group Dinner or Chicago Cubs game at Wrigley Field - TBD

DAY 2 - THURSDAY
Mindset, Efficiency & Practical Firm Strategy

9:00 – 10:00 a.m.

Breakfast & Networking (Breakfast included)

10:00 – 10:45 a.m.

Growth Mindset Speaker Session - Emily Pagone, Authentic Growth Wellness

10:45 – 11:00 a.m.

Break

11:00 – 11:40 a.m.

Technology Speaker Session - Kelly Rohrs, Kelly Rohrs, CPA

11:40 a.m. – Noon

Discussion & Q&A.

Noon – 1:00 p.m.

Lunch served

1:00 – 2:00 p.m.

Tax Minded Session: Show Me Your Numbers

2:00 – 2:15 p.m.

Break

2:15 – 3:15 p.m.

Tax Minded Hot Seat Sessions

3:15 – 4:00 p.m.

Tax Minded Commitment Session: What Will You Change?

4:00 - 4:30 p.m.

Retreat Wrap-Up

Evening

Group Dinner or Chicago Cubs game at Wrigley Field - TBD

We have reserved a meeting room in the hotel for two full days, with A/V. Breakfast and lunch are included and will be served Wednesday and Thursday in the meeting room.

And each registered attendee will receive a branded fleece “Tax Minded” vest!

Retreat Cost & Registration

Registration Cost: $700

Deadline to Register:
May 1, 2026De

Meet Our Guest Speakers

The Retreat Committee

So much work goes into planning and coordinating an engaging retreat like this one, so special thanks to the Tax Minded 2026 committee!

Michaele M. Esdale, PhD, CPA
Founder & CEO, Fintuition Advising

Tammy Fisher, EA
Founder & Executive Director, Balancing Act Small Business Services

Kelly Rohrs, CPA
Founder, Kelly Rohrs, CPA

Let’s keep the momentum going...

Over the next few months, the website will evolve to feature more details on the sessions, events, and speakers. We’ll send out emails and post to Slack to keep us all engaged as we march towards the tax deadline.