No Learning Involved: When a Webinar is Just a Sales Pitch

I recently attended a CPA Academy webinar titled "Increase Your MARGINS VALUE with AP Automation" expecting to learn about the billing process, automation and its benefits. Unfortunately, the experience was extremely disappointing.

The webinar began with a marketing presentation that promised to provide valuable insight into the billing process and automation. However, as the presentation progressed, it turned out to be just a software demo. For about 20-25 minutes, the presenter introduced his software, and the entire hour-and-a-half presentation revolved around his product. Nothing was learned and the entire presentation seemed like a sales pitch.

I attended the webinar with the intention of gaining knowledge and insight into AP automation, but all I got was a sales pitch. I understand the importance of staying current with the latest technologies and automation tools, but I believe a webinar approved by the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) should focus on educational content, not marketing a specific product. It is surprising that NASBA approved a webinar that lacks substance and has no educational value.

We value our time and invest it in opportunities that can help us grow and develop. Webinars are meant to be an effective tool for imparting knowledge and improving skills, but when they focus on marketing and sales pitches, they lose their value. It is imperative that sponsors of continuing education prioritize educational value over marketing their products.

In summary, the CPA Academy webinar was a sales pitch disguised as a webinar where I learned nothing. And regulators like NASBA should ensure that the webinars they approve meet the required educational standards. NASBA should take strict action against CPE sponsors who mislead professionals with such marketing webinars, as this hinders our ability to develop and improve our skills.