Thousands of accounting researchers, teachers, and professionals from around the world are headed to Maryland in the next few days to engage and network with other thought leaders, discuss the hottest topics affecting the industry, and dive into the latest research.

Organization: American Accounting Association

Conference: 2018 AAA Annual Meeting

Venue: Gaylord National Hotel

City: National Harbor, Maryland

Following preconference workshops over the weekend and an early-bird reception on Sunday evening, AAA2018 begins Monday morning with an opening plenary session. Bruce Mau, chief design officer of Freeman and CEO and cofounder of global design consultancy Massive Change Network, will discuss how to use design thinking to inspire innovative solutions to challenges in any context and on any scale. Also worth noting:

Formats for everyone. Concurrent sessions are offered in three different formats. Panels include moderated discussions involving experts. In paper presentations, three papers are presented and discussants provide feedback to authors. Up to five papers are presented in paper dialogue sessions, with feedback provided by the audience.

Run, Forrest, run! For the sixth year in a row, a running/walking group is being put together for those who want to blow off the treadmills and exercise outdoors during the meeting. At 5:45 each morning, participants will meet in the hotel lobby and head out in small groups based on pace and distance.

Pay it forward. AAA is once again partnering with ShelterBox USA for its service project. ShelterBox provides emergency shelter and aid to people affected by hurricanes, earthquakes, fires, and other disasters. Attendees could choose to include a donation when they registered or can contribute onsite at the meeting’s Service Project desk.

The usual social spaces—Twitter (#AAA2018DC) and Facebook—will have other meeting details.

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