The Aicpa, in conjunction with Microsoft, will present the second annual Partner's Conference, designed to help partners lead their firms into business and technology consulting niches. Last year's conference attracted more than 1,200 participants, 90% of whom were firm partners.

This year, James Collins, author of Built to Last: Successful Habits of Visionary Companies, will deliver a keynote address. Breakout sessions will cover accounting systems consulting, Y2K consulting, moving clients from compliance to reliance, CPA WebTrust, attracting and retaining personnel and consulting business basics.

The conference will run from October 18 to 21 at Bally's Las Vegas. The cost is $995 for AICPA members and $1,095 for nonmembers. To register, call the AICPA at 888-777-7007.

Confused about the IRS Restructuring and Reform Act of 1998? Get the following products:

• The AICPA Experts' Taxpayer Confidentiality Privilege Videocourse. This panel discussion includes Gerald Padwe, AICPA vice-president—taxation; and Michael Mares, chairman of the tax executive committee. The two-hour tape covers the issues and possible problems now that CPAs have confidentiality privileges formerly limited to lawyers (183500JA, $89; recommended CPE credit: 4 hours).

• Getting the IRS Off Your Client's Back. This has been updated to reflect the act and includes strategies and tactics to help you help your client. Available either as a text (735860JA, $119) or CD-ROM (738100JA, $129; recommended CPE credit for either: 8 hours).

• Annual Tax Update. Also updated to include the act, this text covers other recent legislation and case law (736062JA, $119; recommended CPE credit: 8 hours).

To order these products, call the AICPA at 888-777-7077.

Group Variable Universal Life (GVUL), an insurance plan that combines coverage with tax-deferred investment opportunities, is now available from the AICPA Insurance Trust. This new plan provides coverage of up to $1 million (depending on age) at competitive rates; participants may also add dependent children and have an option to extend coverage during disability. GVUL is part of Select Status, which can lower rates for members ages 50 to 74. Participants can choose from among 10 variable investment options plus a fixed-rate account.

Members do not have to be current participants in the CPA Flexible Life Insurance Plan. Those who are can transfer their current coverage; money in a cash accumulation fund can be transferred tax-free. Coverage extends to age 100, although it may be reduced at ages 75 and 80. Participants under age 70 do not have to present any medical evidence.

To order a prospectus and a free information kit, call Aon Securities Corp. at 800-223-7473.