Conference Updates:
2026 Founders Hub Pavilion Applications Open
This isn’t just an exhibit—it’s a showcase of the future. The Founders Hub Pavilion highlights cutting-edge solutions across all operational verticals, from AI-powered call centers and data-driven insights to transformative program management platforms. If you are a startup or small business with services and solutions to shape the delivery of human services programs and operations, this is where you belong. Deadline to apply is Wednesday, July 15, 2026.
Nominations Now Open for the 2026 Recognition Awards for Excellence in Human Services Information Technology
These awards recognize individuals for exceptional collaboration across boundaries, the best use of technology for operations, the best use of technology for customers, and excellence in individual leadership in the application of information technology to support state and local government human services. Nomination deadline is Wednesday, July 22, 2026.
About the ISM Conference & Expo
The IT Solutions Management for Human Services (ISM) Education Conference & Expo is where technology leaders from state, county, and federal agencies join industry professionals to explore groundbreaking approaches to designing and delivering human services.
Early Bird Registration Through 8/26!
Produced by APHSA and its affinity group, IT Solutions Management for Human Services (ISM), this annual event is the largest of its kind and offers unparalleled opportunities for learning, networking, and hands-on demonstrations of technology and innovation solutions. Attendees from across the country can learn about cutting-edge technologies as they connect with a wide array of committed partners and organizations, all working toward the shared vision of thriving communities built on human potential.
This year’s conference will be held at the Spokane Convention Center! We can’t wait to see you there!

Why Attend?
- Interact with your peers, federal and state partners, and private sector experts.
- Dedicated sessions with federal partners, industry thought leaders, and peers sharing lessons learned and best practices.
- Experience and hear about cutting-edge IT technologies and solutions.
- The program agenda is explicitly designed for IT professionals in the human services sector.
- The nation’s most significant human services technology event is dedicated to building community in the human services sector.
Who Attends?
Speaker & Session Spotlights
Professional Development Opportunities
Sunday, September 27 | 11:30am-4:00pm
We are offering two professional development workshop opportunities you can add on during your registration for an additional $400 for APHSA Members and $475 for non-members, lunch included.
NOTE: If you have already registered and wish to add on a workshop, please reach out to our Conference Team.
#1 – Procurement Workshop: From Strategy to Execution
Presented in partnership with Ikaso Consulting
Ready to sharpen your procurement toolkit? This dynamic, two-part workshop combines big-picture strategy with hands-on practice — giving you both the framework and the reps to put it to work as soon as you’re back at your desk.
Part 1: General Session — Building Your Procurement Playbook
Kick things off with a fast-paced session where you’ll learn how to develop a comprehensive procurement strategy and workplan, then translate that plan into confident, effective execution. Whether you’re refining your current approach or building one from scratch, you’ll walk away with a practical framework you can apply immediately to your own projects.
Part 2: Interactive Breakout Session — Learn by Doing
No lectures here — just real case studies and hands-on collaboration with your peers. This single interactive session is offered at two levels of learning — beginner and intermediate — so you can choose the depth that best matches your experience:
- Beginner Level — Perfect for those newer to procurement or looking to build a strong foundation.
- Intermediate Level — Designed for professionals ready to deepen their skills and tackle more complex scenarios.
At either level, you’ll work through a combination of:
- Workplan Development — Structure timelines, milestones, and resources for procurement success
- Scope of Work / Outline Development — Craft clear, actionable documents that set projects up to succeed
- Performance Metrics & KPI Development — Define the right measures to track vendor and project performance
Why Attend?
You’ll leave this workshop with more than notes — you’ll leave with tools you can use. Work through real-world case studies alongside fellow procurement professionals, ask questions in a smaller-group setting, and gain the confidence to apply what you’ve learned the moment you’re back on the job. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to level up, this workshop meets you where you are — and helps you get where you’re going.
Who Should Attend
This workshop is designed for anyone who owns or touches procurement within their organization — whether that’s your full-time role or one piece of a broader job. It’s a strong fit for:
- Procurement, purchasing, or contracts staff responsible for sourcing, vendor selection, or contract management
- Project or program managers who are regularly asked what to buy and how to buy it
- Vendor/contract managers overseeing supplier performance and relationships
- IT directors and other department leads who manage procurement for their teams but don’t do it full-time
- Anyone newer to procurement looking to build a solid foundation, or experienced professionals ready to sharpen their strategy and tackle more complex scenarios
Whether procurement is your title or just part of your job description, if you’re involved in planning, buying, or managing vendor relationships, this workshop has a track for you.
#2 – Beyond the Whistle: Developing Leaders Who Communicate, Decide, and Lead with Confidence
Presented in partnership with David Walker, EdD, The Leadership Referee
Great leadership isn’t about the title on your door — it’s about how you show up when it matters most. This interactive workshop helps leaders move beyond relying on position and instead build the presence, communication skills, and decision-making ability required to lead effectively in complex, high-pressure environments.
Through real-world scenarios and guided reflection, you’ll strengthen how you show up under pressure, communicate with clarity, and build genuine trust within your team — skills that translate immediately from the workshop floor to your workplace.
By the end of this session, you’ll be able to:
- Lead with presence, not just position — strengthening trust and influence within your team
- Communicate with clarity and confidence under pressure to reduce misunderstandings and improve team alignment
- Make sound, timely decisions in high-stakes situations using practical leadership frameworks
- Apply emotional intelligence to navigate challenges, conflict, and team dynamics more effectively
You’ll leave this workshop with more than notes — you’ll leave with tools you can use. Work through real-world case studies alongside fellow procurement professionals, ask questions in a smaller-group setting, and gain the confidence to apply what you’ve learned the moment you’re back on the job. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to level up, this workshop meets you where you are — and helps you get where you’re going.
This Is a Working Session — Not a Lecture
You’ll be actively engaged throughout, through:
- Real-world leadership scenarios where you practice communication and decision-making in the moment
- Small group discussions and breakout exercises to apply concepts immediately
- Guided reflection moments that connect the material directly to your current leadership role
- Facilitated coaching moments, working directly with participants to reinforce learning in real time
What You’ll Take Home
Every participant leaves with more than notes — you’ll leave with tools that keep working long after the session ends:
- A Leadership Development Workbook to guide reflection, capture insights, and support continued growth
- A Personal Leadership Action Plan you can implement immediately
- Practical tools and frameworks you can use with your team right away
Who Should Attend?
This session is designed for leaders at every stage — from those newly stepping into a leadership role to seasoned executives looking to sharpen their edge. It’s a strong fit for:
- New or emerging leaders who want to build presence and confidence beyond their title
- Experienced managers and executives navigating high-pressure decisions, conflict, or complex team dynamics
- Leaders who want to strengthen how they communicate under pressure and improve alignment within their teams
- Anyone ready to move from a working session to build real leadership skills through practice, reflection, and coaching
Whether you’re a new leader finding your footing or a seasoned one looking to sharpen your edge, this session will meet you there and push you further, challenging you to lead with more confidence, clarity, and impact — starting the moment you walk out the door.
JUSTIFY YOUR ATTENDANCE
Download our justification letter and agenda at-a-glance to share with your supervisor to assist with approving travel and attendance to this year’s conference and expo.
Need Help or Have Questions?
If you have questions or need additional information, please contact our Conference Team. Please allow up to 48 hours for a response during business days, Monday-Friday. Emails received on weekends or federal/office holidays will be responded to by the end of the day the following business day.
Become a 2026 Sponsor!
Is your company interested in strengthening its ties with our members and investing in human services to help build thriving communities? Becoming a sponsor at APHSA might be the perfect way to do so!
With a range of sponsorship packages available, ISM 2026 is the perfect place for our partners to:
- position your company as a leader in the human services sector;
- establish relationships with policymakers;
- deepen current customer relationships;
- educate state and local human services leaders about your solutions, and learn about challenges and priorities from APHSA member organizations;
Are you ready?
Do you have any questions, or would you like a customized package for your organization?
Email the Sponsorship Sales Team or call 800-856-8567. We’re excited to discuss how you can be an integral partner in this exclusive event!
Don’t wait—secure an opportunity today to reach the top human service leaders!
Thank You! ISM 2026 Sponsors
APHSA conferences are underwritten in part by our Strategic Industry Partners.
Silver











Exhibit Only
Arygle
BerryDunn
Child Welfare Information Gateway
Coresphere
Cyquent
Datadog
Enformion
eWorld Enterprise Solutions
Experian
Geographic Solutions
Guidehouse
Healthy Together
ID.me
KinderSystems
Knowledge Services
Kyyba Tech Inc
Messagepoint
Mirza
NCT Inc.
North Highland
Optum
Palo Alto Networks
Progress Federal Solutions
Propel
Public Knowledge
Rubrik
SAS
Senture
SimpliGov
Tetrus Corp
TransUnion
Voyatek
Workday








































