Fraud fighters don’t successfully detect and deter fraud on their own — they use resources, contacts and the experiences of others to help save millions of dollars each year for their organizations. More than 3,000 anti-fraud professionals will gather in Las Vegas, Nevada, June 17-22, 2018, for the 29th Annual ACFE Global Fraud Conference to power up their network, boost their skills and recharge their careers.
Boost your knowledge
This year’s keynote speaker lineup features innovative professionals from all over the world. The Main Conference opens on June 18 with a keynote address from the former Executive Director of Europol and
2018 Cressey Award winner, Rob Wainwright. Previously an intelligence analyst with MI5, the U.K.’s Security Service, Wainwright led the transformation of Europol into a world-class security institution. The ACFE annually bestows the Cressey Award, its highest honor, for a lifetime of achievement in the detection and deterrence of fraud.
Artificial intelligence expert and futurist Martin Ford will address fraud fighters during the Monday working lunch. Ford, author of The New York Times bestseller, “Rise of the Robots,” will speak on the impact of artificial intelligence on fraud. Ford is a researcher whose unique insights into the increased mechanization of work across various fields and the rise of increasingly efficient information technology, has shed new light on the nature of work and education and the value of human abilities.
Investigative journalist and Editor-in-Chief of the Sarawak Report
Clare Rewcastle Brown will address attendees during Tuesday’s morning general session. With more than a decade of investigative journalistic experience, Brown set out to report on deforestation in the Sarawak region of Malaysia only to uncover a much larger international corruption scandal. She’s the recipient of the ACFE’s Guardian Award, presented annually to a journalist whose determination, perseverance and commitment to the truth has contributed significantly to the fight against fraud.
Bryan Fogel, Academy Award® Winner, Writer and Director of ICARUS
, will also speak during Tuesday morning’s general session. In ICARUS, Fogel investigates the world of illegal doping in sports. He meets Dr. Grigory Rodchenkov, a Russian chemist and one of the film’s main subjects, while exploring flaws in how doping tests are conducted. Halfway through the film, Rodchenkov blows the whistle on a massive Russian doping program with links to the highest levels of the Russian government.
During Tuesday’s working lunch, crisis and reputation management expert Katherine McLane will moderate a panel discussion with executives exploring the topic of crisis management and how it relates to fraud fighters. McLane founded the Mach 1 Group in Austin to provide strategic communications, media and public affairs counsel supporting global brands and organizations. Panelists include Andreas Pohlman, former chief compliance officer at Siemens and SNC-Lavalin, and Jacqueline Rice, former executive VP, chief risk & compliance officer at Target.
There’s no better way to understand the mindset of a fraudster than to hear one’s story firsthand, and Wednesday’s closing session offers this invaluable opportunity with
convicted fraudster Ryan Homa*. A former Robinson Metals executive, Homa stole nearly $1.3 million from his employer in more than three years. He was sentenced to 46 months in prison.
“Seeing so many other fraud examiners in one place encourages me to learn, connect and try to be the best I can be,” said past attendee Susan Hazzard, CFE. “[I] know I am not alone in the fight against fraud.”
Learning at the conference kicks off with Pre-Conference workshops on Sunday, June 17. These four-hour workshops provide more in-depth instruction on targeted areas. Options this year include “Taking Fraud Risk Assessment to the Next Level,” “Investigating Shell Companies” and “Next-Generation Fraud Examinations: Leveraging Emerging Tech and Advanced Analytics.”
Two-day Post-Conference seminars wrap up the 29th Annual ACFE Global Fraud Conference. This year’s sessions include “Auditing/Investigating Fraud Seminar,” “Interviewing in the 21st Century” and “Developing an Integrated Anti-Fraud, Compliance and Ethics Program."
During the Main Conference, June 18-20, attendees can customize their schedules by choosing from more than 100 educational sessions across 13 tracks. The wide range of topics touches on nearly every facet of occupational fraud — from contract fraud to cross-border investigations to the Paradise Papers — with sessions for all levels of experience.
Recharge your career
The 29th Annual ACFE Global Fraud Conference also offers an unmatched opportunity for you to expand your professional network through special events,
networking breaks and roundtable discussions at the
Professional Development Center.
Fraud fighters can begin networking on Sunday, June 17 during a series of special events. New members and first-time attendees are invited to attend a special reception where they can meet peers and ACFE staff, and learn how to get the most from their conference experiences. Explore the Anti-Fraud Exhibit Hall during the Welcome Reception on Sunday evening featuring a performance by country-music singer and blues artist Lee Roy Parnell. Sunday will also include the Women’s Networking Reception, which will bring together female fraud fighters to share ideas and insights through networking and focused discussions.
“Having the women’s networking event is a huge step forward into our century for the ACFE,”
said past attendee and Regent Emeritus Leah D. Lane, CFE. “More and more we need to identify and support the women who are in the anti-fraud profession — specifically an industry that once was comprised of all men. In some countries women are still climbing their way into this industry, and as women of the ACFE, we need to support them.”
A highlight of the conference for many is the chance to mingle with fellow attendees, speakers and ACFE staff during the Attendee Networking Reception. This year’s reception will be held in the Mandalay Bay Conference Center immediately following educational sessions on Tuesday, June 19. All registered attendees are invited to attend this free event. This year’s reception will feature live music, complimentary drinks and light hors d’oeuvres.
The ACFE Professional Development Center in the Exhibit Hall will provide professional development opportunities for anti-fraud professionals at all career levels. The center features strategic work sessions with leading coaches and strategists, special presentations on developing your professional presence, mentor/mentee matching and first-come, first-served roundtable discussions on breaking into the fraud examination field.
If you’re ready to make a career change, strategists will also be on hand to review résumés and LinkedIn profiles during private 30-minute sessions, and a photographer will take professional headshots for a limited number of attendees. The Presentation Stage in the Anti-Fraud Exhibit Hall will feature 30-minute career development presentations during networking breaks that will offer additional insights into specific career challenges.
Plug in using new tools and resources
Between educational sessions, you can explore solutions and services to support your fight against fraud in the Anti-Fraud Exhibit Hall. With more than 50 vendors, the exhibition offers a one-stop resource.
For those of you who want to a look at anti-fraud technology in action, the exhibit hall’s Software Showcase will feature live demonstrations by leading providers. This year’s Anti-Fraud Exhibit Hall will also feature the ACFE Fraud Museum Traveling Exhibit, a Social Networking Lounge and the ACFE Bookstore.
This year’s ACFE Global Fraud Conference offers an option for fraud fighters who are unable to travel to Las Vegas or want access to sessions they might have missed. The live Virtual Conference will broadcast select educational sessions during the event and allow online participants to earn CPE credit. The Virtual Conference also offers an On-Demand Video Recording option that will allow users to access archives of all educational sessions on their own schedule. Details on the Virtual Conference can be found at
FraudConference.com/Virtual.
Power up with the world’s largest network of anti-fraud professionals
The 29th Annual ACFE Global Fraud Conference is a can’t-miss opportunity for anti-fraud professionals. Fraud fighters wishing to participate this year are encouraged to
register early to secure a spot.
*The ACFE does not compensate convicted fraudsters.