An Open House That Feels like Home

GUEST BLOGGER

Bruce Dorris, J.D., CFE, CPA, CVA, ACFE Program Director

Imagine the huge spread of a tailgate party outside your favorite college stadium; mine just happens to be Louisiana State University. Where I grew up, tailgating was as consistent as church on Sundays. The beginnings of a football season meant people were outside enjoying good weather and good company.

This also happens to be the typical feel of an ACFE Open House. Held at the ACFE headquarters in Austin, Texas, we are proud to host exclusive opportunities to see the ACFE up close and personal after attending our courses and seminars. In fact, the upcoming Principals of Fraud Examination course I will teach in December will be no different. Walking up the lawn to the historic, three-story Gregor House is only a preview to the unique experience that waits. Food and drink are plentiful. You are greeted by a friendly handshake and a warm smile from staff and attendees alike.

The porch, a portion of the original house built in 1925, and its swing stand out. This is where the ACFE got its start more than 20 years ago. It’s a great place to hang out and network, and even where part of this blog post was written. The ACFE Fraud Museum, a collection of fraud relics, continues to attract people (and not just for the Open House). Attendees can take their time walking through the museum and getting a sense of the extensive history of fraud cases and characters from all over the world. From Charles Ponzi to Bernie Madoff, the significant and interesting fraud memorabilia from the past 100 years is conveniently displayed on the walls of the ACFE offices. It is something you have to experience in person. I still pick up something new regardless of how many times I go through it.

The Fraud Museum and the Gregor House are a huge part of the ACFE, and the Open House events really showcase these integral parts. I have made a lot of friends at these events over the last few years, and hope to make many more. I hope to see you there.

View photos from the ACFE Open House, Nov. 2, here.