October 24, 2025
Protecting Trust at Women Who Count
2025: Day One in Mesa
Microtech IT & Cybersecurity Services
October 21, 2025 - Mesa, Arizona
Day One of the AFWA Women Who Count Conference opened under warm Mesa skies. The event has become one of the most respected gatherings for accounting and finance professionals in the country, bringing together people who care deeply about their work and their clients. From the first conversations at registration to the sessions throughout the day, the sense of community and shared purpose was clear.
From Fort Lauderdale to Mesa
Our team traveled from Fort Lauderdale to Mesa to represent Microtech in person. Brian Butterfield and Greg Penbe led the effort on site, connecting with attendees and helping start important conversations about cybersecurity in the accounting profession.
Brian has spent much of his career helping accountants, attorneys, and business leaders strengthen their security posture. His work has taken him from bar associations to Ivy League classrooms to interviews with NASA, all centered on one idea: protecting trust is leadership.
Greg works closely with firms every day, helping them navigate the practical side of cybersecurity. He understands the challenges that come when real people, real systems, and real pressures meet.
A Busy and Rewarding First Day
Our booth quickly became a gathering spot for attendees to talk, learn, and connect. Many stopped by to pick up our Red Flag Checklist magnet, while others entered the first giveaway of the week.
We were excited to announce Monika Miles as the winner of our $100 Visa Gift Card, kicking off a series of giveaways that will continue throughout the conference.
Each day features a new prize, including a chance to win a pair of Meta Smart Glasses.
The conversations at the booth were just as valuable as the giveaways. Attendees shared real experiences about phishing attempts, data risks, and the creative ways their firms are improving cybersecurity awareness. It was clear that this community values honesty, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
Why We Are Here
For accounting and finance professionals, cybersecurity is not just an IT issue. It affects the trust clients place in their firms, the continuity of daily operations, and the confidence of every team member. That is why we attend events like Women Who Count, to listen, learn, and support professionals who are leading their firms forward.
Looking Ahead
On Friday, October 24 at 8:30 AM in Canyon D, Brian Butterfield will deliver his keynote on how cybersecurity has become a core leadership skill in modern accounting. The session will explore how firm leaders can protect the trust they have built and use cybersecurity as a foundation for growth.
Until then, our team will be at Microtech Booth 10, located just past the main ballroom entrance. Stop by to say hello, grab a checklist, or enter the next giveaway.
A Strong Start
Day One captured everything that makes this conference special. It brought together professionals who support one another, share openly, and take pride in helping their clients succeed.
We are proud to be part of this community and look forward to meeting more attendees throughout the week.
Learn more about our participation with AFWA at https://www.micro-tech.com/redflags
