What Do Audits and FBI Hostage Negotiations Have in Common?

• 5 :00 - 5:45 PM : Dinner, Networking
• 5 :45 - 6:45 PM : "Building Trust Through Active Listening: Communication strategies from an FBI-trained hostage negotiator.” presented by Detective Ed Vance (Ret.)
• 6 :45 - 7:00 PM : Dessert & Networking Break
• 7 :00 - 8:00 PM: "Preparing for Your First Audit: Guidance for navigating the audit process with confidence.” presented by Lisa Zauner, CPA, Principal, CliftonLarsonAllen LLP.

• Plated salad spring mix, tomatoes and a choice of Italian or Caesar dressing.
• Selection of Fire Roasted Meats: Choices include: Picanha* (Prime part of the Top Sirloin), Alcatra* (Top Sirloin), Fraldinha * (Bottom Sirloin), Lombo (Pork), Linguica (Spicy Pork Sausage) & Frango (Chicken).
• Traditional Brazilian sides of warm pão de queijo (cheese bread), crispy polenta, and caramelized bananas
• Chef's Choice of Mini Dessert
• Beverages: Fountain Beverages, coffee and tea
• Alcoholic beverages will be available for purchase.

Most people don't believe they are ever truly listened to, according to FBI-trained hostage negotiator Detective Ed Vance (Ret.). Changing that one perception can lower anxiety, build trust, and influence behavior, even in the most challenging conversations. Detective Vance will share communication techniques FBI negotiators use to build rapport, navigate high-pressure situations, and influence outcomes.

Discover how these proven strategies can strengthen leadership, improve negotiations, and enhance workplace communication. Whether you're leading a team, negotiating with clients or vendors, navigating workplace conflict, or preparing for your next audit, you'll leave with tools you can use immediately.

• Build trust through active listening.
• Recognize verbal and nonverbal communication cues.
• Apply negotiation techniques used by the FBI to business and professional interactions.
• Improve communication during high-pressure conversations.

About the Speaker:

Detective Vance is a veteran law enforcement professional with more than 35 years of experience in crisis and hostage negotiation. A former FBI Crisis Negotiation Team member and senior crisis/hostage negotiator with the Hillsboro Police Department, Detective Vance has participated in more than 100 high-risk negotiations at both the local and federal levels. He continues to serve with the Washington County Crisis Negotiation Unit and remains active in training local and FBI crisis negotiation teams.

A recipient of the Western States Hostage Negotiation Association's Presidential Award, Detective Vance is also a published author, licensed public school teacher, mediator, and advisory board member for the Hillsboro Mediation Program. He has received advanced training from the FBI, U.S. Secret Service, Portland State University's Center for Conflict Studies, the Los Angeles Police Department, and other leading public safety organizations.

This presentation is designed to help accountants prepare for their first financial statement audit by demystifying the audit process and clarifying what auditors need, why they need it, and how management can be ready. Participants will gain a practical understanding of the audit timeline, key documentation requests, common risk areas, and the role the accounting team plays in supporting an efficient and effective audit.

The session will also highlight best practices for preparing schedules, reconciling accounts, organizing support, and communicating with auditors throughout the engagement. Attendees will leave with actionable tips to reduce last-minute surprises, strengthen internal processes, and approach their first audit with greater confidence and preparedness.

About the Speaker:

Lisa Zauner is a Principal at CliftonLarsonAllen LLP, and brings more than two decades of experience serving technology, manufacturing, and global distribution companies through every stage of growth—from startup expansion to international consolidation. Lisa specializes in helping mission-driven, rapidly scaling organizations strengthen financial reporting, navigate complex revenue recognition, and prepare for global audits. Her approach is collaborative and efficient: she partners closely with internal teams to build readiness, streamline workflows, and keep engagement costs aligned with value.

Before joining CliftonLarsonAllen LLP in 2008, Lisa worked at Deloitte and served in the internal audit department of a publicly traded multinational company, where she led projects involving fraud investigations, financial forecasting, and internal-control design—experience that shapes her pragmatic, risk-aware audit leadership today.

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