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What to Expect at the 2026 IMPACT Conference

August 12, 2026 at 12:11 PM

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The 2026 Impact Conference is packed with actionable learning, hands-on training, and insightful panel discussions designed to help you get the most out of your VIP software. Whether you are new to the platform or an experienced power user, this year’s multi-track agenda offers dedicated sessions for every role and skill level across VIP Accounting, VIP Payroll, VIP Utility Billing, and VIP Budgeting & Analytics.

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Specialized Track Highlights

VIP Accounting: Master core workflows and reporting tools through hands-on sessions. Highlights include Learning Lab: Accounting for Beginners - Grid Optimization, Tips & Tricks: Housekeeping Through the Year, and advanced deep-dives like Optimizing Bank Recs & Unclaimed Funds.
VIP Payroll: Discover configuration best practices and boost day-to-day efficiency with sessions such as Payroll Basics, Optimizing VIP Payroll, and a joint learning lab on managing the Payroll Clearing Fund.
VIP Utility Billing: Tackle real-world support scenarios in Troubleshooting Common Problems/Errors, or join specialized training covering rates, meter reading data workflows, inventory control, and work order management.
VIP Budgeting & Analytics: Learn to build high-impact reports from scratch in beginner learning labs, or attend advanced sessions like Budget Forecasting and Treasure Hunt for Data to unlock deeper financial insights.

Interactive Formats & Industry Keynotes

Beyond product-specific tracks, the conference features interactive learning opportunities and broad industry updates:

Ask Me Anything About... (Round-Robin Q&A): Sit down directly with subject-matter experts during fast-paced, interactive Q&A rounds to get tailored answers to your organization's specific questions.
Peer Roundtables: Connect with colleagues in dedicated roundtable sessions tailored for Treasurers, Finance Directors, Auditors, Librarians, Utility teams, and Payroll/HR professionals.
Compliance & Legislative Panels: Stay ahead of regulatory changes with expert panels covering payroll compliance, artificial intelligence, legislative updates, GAAP standards, and state cybersecurity regulations like Ohio Bill 96.
Guest Speaker Breakouts: Gain broader leadership and operational perspectives from guest speakers, including sessions with the Ohio Ethics Commission, the Auditor of State’s office, and practical leadership lessons on planning your professional legacy.

Featured Speakers & Industry Experts

The conference brings together an exceptional lineup of software specialists, state officials, legal experts, and industry leaders to share practical insights, operational strategies, and statutory updates.

Software Solutions, Inc. Specialists: Gain direct guidance from our in-house consultants, analysts, and product leaders—including CEO/President Rick Fortman, VP of Product & Strategy Matt Parks, and VP of Sales & Marketing Grant Halsey—alongside our dedicated software consulting and implementation teams.
State & Regulatory Leaders: Stay compliant and up-to-date with guidance from key public sector representatives, including Derik Swendal from the Ohio Auditor of State's office, Susan Willeke from the Ohio Ethics Commission, and Candice Brothers and Karla Gulker from the Ohio Department of Development.
Legal & Human Resources Advisory: Navigate complex employment and municipal law challenges with insights from legal practitioners including Heather Renee Adams (Thompson Hine LLP), David Frantz (Zashin & Rich), and Kevin Stanek (FTB Gibbons).
Cybersecurity, Tech & Operations Experts: Learn actionable strategies for technology, safety, and workflow management from external pioneers such as cybersecurity consultant Dave Hatter (Intrust IT), Patrick Dorsey (24by7agent.ai), Ahron Jones (Polimorphic), and master trainer Jerry Stonecipher.

Speaker Spotlights

Emily Foote, CFO - Five River MetroParks
As former Fiscal Officer for the MidPointe Library System, Emily modernized finance operations by implementing SSI VIP software to eliminate gatekeeping and boost efficiency. She holds degrees from Franklin University and Ohio University, serves as President-Elect of the Ohio Association of Public Treasurers, and was recognized in the Dayton Business Journal's 2026 Forty Under 40 class.

Heather Renée Adams, Attorney / Partner - Thompson Hine LLP
Heather Renee Adams is a partner in Thompson Hine LLP’s Labor & Employment practice group who counsels public and private entities across complex employment litigation, traditional labor matters, and AI workplace strategy. Heather’s unique practice includes complex employment litigation, traditional labor matters, artificial intelligence, and comprehensive workplace counseling. She is licensed to practice in both Ohio and Illinois.

Gary Sanders, Utility Billing Consultant - Utility Information Pipeline
Gary Sanders is an accomplished utility billing consultant and founder of the Utility Information Pipeline with over four decades of experience in municipal software, utility billing, and local government operations. Throughout his career guiding more than 200 utilities nationwide, he has specialized in conducting operational business reviews and delivering actionable strategies to help organizations streamline billing cycles, improve financial sustainability, and boost customer satisfaction.

Dave Hatter, Cyber Security Consultant - Intrust IT
Dave Hatter is an award-winning Cybersecurity Consultant at Intrust IT with over 30 years of experience in software development, project management, and IT leadership. He holds numerous industry certifications, has authored or contributed to 12 technology books, and frequently serves as a media commentator and keynote speaker. Additionally, he is a dedicated public servant who has served as the Mayor of Fort Wright, Kentucky, since 2015.

Brenda Sabor, Director of Client Development - Bentek
Brenda Sabor is a certified Project Management Professional (PMP) and the Director of Client Development at Bentek, where she specializes in delivering cloud-based benefits administration technology for state, local, and education markets. With over 13 years of experience at Bentek, she helps public sector HR teams modernize their operations and successfully manage complex digital transitions.

Kevin Stanek, Partner/Attorney - FTB Gibbons
Kevin Stanek is a Partner at FTB Gibbons who advises public and private clients on public finance, economic development, and regulatory oversight. Drawing on nearly a decade of Ohio state government experience (including roles as Chief Legal Counsel to the Ohio House of Representatives and senior legal advisor to former Governor John R. Kasich), he brings deep expertise in legislation, fiscal policy, and public law.

Amie Lynn, Finance & Administration Officer - Massillon Public Library
Amie L. Lynn, CPA, serves as the Finance and Administration Officer for the Massillon Public Library and holds leadership roles as President of both the Ohio Government Finance Officers Association and the Library Accounting Division of the Ohio Library Council. An expert in public sector accounting, she regularly presents at regional workshops on public finance, regulatory compliance, and audit preparation.

Susan Willeke, Training & Communications Manager - Ohio Ethics Commission
Susan Willeke is an accomplished government-relations and communications professional with over 34 years of public affairs and strategic communications experience. Since 2005, she has served as the Education and Communications Manager for the Ohio Ethics Commission, where she oversees statewide outreach initiatives and delivers approximately 200 training presentations annually to citizens, media, and the legislature.

Company Headshots - 2026-08-11T164035.722 Karla Gulker, Energy Loan Program Coordinator - Ohio Department of Development
Karla Gulker serves as the Energy Loan Program Coordinator for the Ohio Department of Development, where she administers state energy financing programs to support clean energy and local economic growth. She previously managed renewable energy installations at Solar Holler and led financial turnaround efforts as Wholesale Manager for Glockner Enterprises.

Jerry Stonecipher, Professor - Air Force Institute of Technology’s School of Systems and Logistics | Master Trainer - Real Take Aways
Jerry Stonecipher is an international keynote speaker, organizational leadership expert, and founder of Real Take Aways with over 20 years of leadership experience. A former USAF officer and award-winning professor, he specializes in helping individuals and teams strengthen communication, build effective relationships, and navigate workplace conflict.

Heather Fullen, Compliance Specialist - OPERS
Heather Fullen is a Compliance Specialist at the Ohio Public Employees Retirement System (OPERS), where she focuses on ensuring regulatory alignment, data integrity, and adherence to complex public sector retirement standards. Based in the Pataskala, Ohio area, Heather leverages deep expertise in public operations to support robust compliance framework implementation and maintain organizational transparency. Her commitment to meticulous standards helps protect and strengthen the systems serving Ohio's public workforce.

Why Attend IMPACT 2026?

As your trusted software partner, our goal is to help you make a positive impact in your community. To achieve this, we're providing:

Comprehensive Training: Dive deep into our software and learn industry best practices.
Networking Opportunities: Connect with your peers and gain invaluable industry insights.
Product Previews: Get a sneak peek at new products and upcoming features.
CPE-Eligible Sessions: Earn Continuing Professional Education credits for the majority of our sessions.
Direct Access to SSI Experts: Engage with SSI team members, partners, industry leaders, and even other customers to get your questions answered and share your experiences.
Valuable Keynotes: Hear from inspiring speakers who will share insights to propel you forward.