Every municipal market stakeholder should have a seat at the table to ensure the efficient rollout of digital reporting for municipal bond issuance. This practical, hands-on conference will discuss challenges and practical approaches to helping municipal market players efficiently implement the Financial Data Transparency Act (FDTA).
The FDTA aims to enhance transparency and efficiency by making data more accessible, machine-interpretable, and decision-useful. But only market participants can work through the details to ensure an efficient program that benefits all. Be part of the dialogue with accountants, attorneys, broker-dealers, government finance officers and policy setters, investors, and analysts to discuss how the FDTA can benefit every stakeholder with minimal disruption.
Attend sessions on the GASB Digital GAAP reporting initiative, state auditor case studies, broker/dealer, and the status of United States government accounting and reporting. Review and discuss the current bond issuance process and how digitization could impact each stakeholder. Participate in roundtable discussions to share ideas on how to adapt in changing times.
Preliminary agenda is below.
Day 1: July 30, 2025 |
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11:30 - 1:00 PM |
Optional Pre-Conference Session: Fundamentals of Preparing and Using Machine-readable Financial DataWhat is a taxonomy? How do you apply concepts to government financial statements? Participate in hands-on training that takes the mystery out of standardized, structured data reporting. |
1:00 - 1:15 PM |
Opening Remarks |
1:15 - 1:45 PM |
Keynote: David M. Walker, former United States Comptroller General |
1:45 - 2:15 PM |
Fireside Chat: What's Next for the Financial Data Transparency Act? |
2:15 - 3:15 PM |
How State Auditors Use Local Government DataState auditors rely on local government financial data to ensure accountability, identify potential issues, and verify compliance with state and federal laws and regulations, ultimately promoting transparency and efficiency in public spending. Hear case studies on how data is collected and used by state auditors, with a discussion on how the process could be improved through technology and automation. Speakers:
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3:15 - 3:35 PM |
Break |
3:35 - 4:20 PM |
Keynote: Debra Austin, JD, PhD, Professor of the Practice, University of Denver Sturm College of LawThe brain is the professional’s most important asset, and neuroscience research can help us understand how to empower cognitive fitness during all stages of life. This session will include information on brain function; stress and other risks to cognitive capacity; and a menu of science-based recommendations to protect brain health and enhance longevity. |
4:20 - 5:00 PM |
Interactive Audience Sessions |
5:00 - 6:00 PM |
Networking Reception |
Day Two: July 31, 2025 |
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9:00 - 9:45 AM |
Colorado: State of the StateA review of the challenges facing the state of Colorado - financial, climate, budgetary, monitoring local fiscal health, and how the Financial Data Transparency Act factors in. Speaker: Crystal Dorsey, Local Government Audit Manager, Colorado Office of the State Auditor |
9:45 - 10:45 AM |
GASB Digital Reporting UpdateSpeaker: Paulina Haro, Senior Project Manager, Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) |
10:45 - 11:05 AM |
Break |
11:05 - 12:00 PM |
Role of Broker Dealers |
12:00 - 1:00 PM |
Lunch |
1:00 - 2:00 PM |
How US Governments ReportThis session draws from studies conducted by the Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) and the Municipal Securities Rulemaking Board (MSRB) on how U.S. governments report financial statement information and other disclosures. Learn about accounting standards used by obligated persons in the municipal securities market, including states, counties, municipalities and special districts, and the level of consistency in reporting. Which states allow optionality and how does that impact the consistency of their reported information? What drives how local governments report information? Learn how the GASB and MSRB monitor state and local government practices to help inform members of the accounting and bond market communities and drive more informed policymaking. Speakers:
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2:00 - 3:00 PM |
Session TBD |
3:00 - 3:20 PM |
Break |
3:20 - 4:20 PM |
Interactive Audience Sessions |
4:20 - 4:45 PM |
Closing Remarks |
Keynote Speaker: David M. Walker, former United States Comptroller GeneralMr. Walker is a nationally and internationally recognized expert for fiscal responsibility, government transformation and accountability, human capital, and retirement security. He has over 40 years of executive-level experience in the public, private, and non-profit sectors, including heading three federal agencies, two non-profits, a global service line for Arthur Andersen LLP, and serving as Comptroller General of the United States and CEO of the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) for almost 10 years. |
Keynote Speaker: Debra Austin, JD, PhD, Professor of the Practice - University of Denver Sturm College of LawDr. Austin is a nationally recognized expert in professional well-being. She writes and speaks about how neuroscience and psychology research can help law students, lawyers, and other professionals improve their performance and well-being by enhancing brain health and mental strength. She teaches Lawyering Process and Professionalism and Well-being Skills for the Effective Lawyer. She received the University of Denver Distinguished Teaching Award in 2019 and the William T. Driscoll Master Educator Award in 2001. |
The University of Denver's central location allows for numerous different options for accommodation close enough to make getting to the campus a breeze. Many of the hotels in the area also offer discounted rates to University-affiliated guests, so be sure to take advantage of these favorable rates and mention you're attending this conference at the University of Denver.