2025 CFO SUMMIT PRELIMINARY AGENDA

This is a draft agenda and is subject to change without notice. Check back frequently for updates.

Wednesday, March 12

Thursday, March 13

7:30 – Breakfast (K Deck lobby level)
7:30 - Registration Materials Pick up - Lobby level outside of K Deck
8:15 – Welcoming Remarks – Paul Rahmlow, CFO, Midwest Communications and CFO Summit Chair and Joseph Annotti, MFM Pres & CEO
8:30 – Economic Outlook 2025: New Year, New Risks

Join BMO economist Michael Gregory for a forecast of the upsides and downsides of the impact of the new administration’s policy proposals. On the upside, most of the 2017 tax cuts should be extended steering the economy clear from a huge fiscal cliff effective January 1, 2026. And President-elect Trump talked about even lower corporate and personal taxes during the campaign, along with a lighter regulatory touch. On the downside, threats of increased U.S. tariffs and foreign retaliation are already being lobbed, amid a looming campaign promise of mass deportations. And the new DOGE is musing about radical surgery on government spending. Where the net risk will ultimately settle is unclear at this stage. But one thing is clear, the new Congress and Administration are inheriting unfavorable debt and deficit dynamics even before the first policy is put in place. Strap on your seatbelts, it could be a turbulent ride.
Speaker: Michael Gregory, Deputy Chief Economist/Managing Director, BMO

9:30 – CFO Roundtable – The always popular roundtable discussion where senior financial executives can talk shop in and informal and off-the-record environment.
- Moderators: Lucy Rutishauser, EVP/CFO, Sinclair, Inc.; and Glenn Krieg, CFO, Morgan Murphy Media
10:30 – Refreshment and Networking Break
10:45 – CFO Roundtable (continued)
12:00 – Networking Lunch on the K Deck (lobby level)
1:00 – Growing Ad Revenue in Digital World

Media analyst Jim Brown offers a fresh perspective on how a successful transition to digital media requires reforming three key strategies. Jim will show how innovative leaders are rising above the competition and stealing market share. This dynamic session will feature actionable strategies for leveraging your existing assets—such as content, audience data, and brand credibility—to build robust digital businesses that are sustainable well into the next decade.
Speaker: Jim Brown, President, Borrell Associates

An exclusive, in-depth conversation with David Levy, former President of Turner Broadcasting and President of Horizon Sports & Entertainment, led by Jack Myers, media ecologist and industry thought leader. Together, they’ll explore the transformative trends shaping the future of sports media and entertainment, delivering insights into the dynamic shifts impacting MFM members. Key topics will include the evolving landscape of sports rights in the age of streaming, innovative approaches to monetizing both traditional and digital sports media, and the remarkable growth opportunities presented by women’s sports. David Levy will also share his expert perspective on the role of AI in enhancing sports properties, strategies for creating sustainable bundled video offerings, and how media companies can maximize return on investment by effectively engaging audiences and advertisers. This session is a must-attend for financial executives seeking actionable insights into the sports and media sectors. Discover new pathways to profitability and gain foresight into the strategic, creative, and technological advances that will define the future of media finance.
Speaker: David Levy, CEO, Horizon Sports and Experiences
Moderator:Jack Myers, MediaVillage

After the 2024 presidential election concludes, employers will face a shifting regulatory environment that will shape the workplace in significant ways. With the new occupant of the Oval Office setting fresh priorities for Congress and key agencies such as the EEOC, DOL, and NLRB, it's crucial to understand the implications of these changes.
Speaker: Mark Konkel, Partner, Kelley, Drye & Warren LLP

Friday, March 14

7:30 – Breakfast (K Deck lobby level)
8:30 – Utilizing a Captive Insurer to Control Claims Costs and Reduce Premiums

For many companies, commercial insurance can be a difficult and complex challenge. Conventional insurance brings with it a frustrating lack of transparency and control over premiums, claims processes, and overall costs. Captive Resource’s member-owned group captive model addresses the issues companies face in the traditional market by offering member-companies control over their insurance programs. This session is designed to help you determine whether a captive option is right for your company and how you may be able to achieve these performance highlights:
- 72% of new members save money compared to their previous insurance plan.
- Members have 39% fewer lost time claims vs. industry averages.
- Members earn back 23% of the dollars they invested into their loss funds.
Speakers: Evan Masyr, CFO, Salem Media; and Jeff Schultz, Senior Vice President, Captive Resources

CFOs are playing decisive roles in the way their companies are implementing Gen AI, not just in the finance and accounting department, but across the entire organization. Yet many financial executives are treading very carefully because of uncertainties over where to begin the transformation process and confusion about how the dizzying number of new AI tools can be effectively implemented into their operations. Vin Kumar of the Hackett Group will increase your understanding of the practical applications of AI technology and help you identify the tools and techniques to incorporate this transformative technology into your company.
The key objectives of this session are: