Check in at the PDG Registration & Information desk to pick up your name badge and conference materials. Conference staff are here throughout the conference to answer your questions.

Meet exhibitors with creative technology and service solutions in the Exhibit Hall.

Presenter: Steven Selander - President, Professional Development Group III

Presenter - Jason Williams - U.S. Department of Education

Description:

We propose hosting a session dedicated to financial payment card services for colleges and universities, where representatives from the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Inspector General (OIG) will present essential materials. The session will focus on identifying and reporting fraud in payment systems within these institutions and showcasing best practices to mitigate risk. Attendees will learn how to effectively lower the risk of fraud through comprehensive strategies and proactive measures. Additionally, the session will provide detailed guidance on the proper protocols for reporting fraud directly to the OIG. We will also provide a summary of investigative cases we have recently completed, detailing how these fraud instances were discovered, investigated, and prosecuted. By enhancing awareness and offering practical solutions, this event aims to strengthen the financial integrity of educational institutions. We look forward to fostering a collaborative environment for knowledge sharing and professional development.

Enjoy coffee and tea in the ballroom foyer while you network and visit with exhibitors on service/product offerings.

Presenter: Audrey Ellison - Mississippi State University

Description:

Insight into how Mississippi State uses reporting tools to determine high risk, split charge, and prohibited purchases. A walkthrough of our review process to determine which transactions constitute further review and what might be considered “normal transactions” for certain departments.

Transition break between concurrent sessions.

Presenter: Jenna Antos - University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB

Description:

We transformed our Public Procurement PCard Program from having limited structure and oversight into a thoughtfully controlled, intentionally managed program. This session will highlight key successes, lessons learned, our future direction, and how emerging technologies such as AI tools are accelerating automation. Attendees will also be invited to share their own experiences.

Join your colleagues for a private reception.

PDG conference staff are available during this time if you have any questions.

Meet exhibitors with creative technology and service solutions in the Exhibit Hall.

Join your colleagues for a hearty breakfast.

Presenter: Kerri Reece - University of Memphis

Description:

Learn how the University of Memphis went from a struggling afterthought of a P Card program to a thriving revenue stream and business solution for the university.

Key Takeaways:

• Building confidence in your program

• Earning executive buy-in for expansion

• Ways to grow your rebate and become a revenue stream

• Managing and overseeing multiple card programs’ compliance

Enjoy coffee and tea in the ballroom foyer while you network and visit with exhibitors on service/product offerings.

Presenter: Lesley Lackore - Iowa State University

Description:

Join us for an insightful session exploring the development and implementation of gift card programs designed to streamline payments to recipients.

This session will describe Iowa State’s journey from initial discussions to full program rollout and enhancements, highlighting the collaborative efforts of several departments. Learn about the challenges of traditional payment methods—cash and checks—and how gift cards offer a flexible, efficient, and secure alternative.

Key takeaways include:

• Understand the background and motivation for the program

• Establish goals and guiding principles for the new system

• Review the request, reconciliation, and documentation processes

Presenter: Joe Weglarz - Marist University

Description:

This session provides a roadmap for developing , updating, and strengthening an office policy and procedure manual. This presentation will offer best practices for aligning policy with day-to-day procedures and promote cross-departmental collaboration. In addition, discussion on strategies for getting started and maintaining this important guide will take place. Attendees will leave with a cleared understanding on this subject matter.

Enjoy lunch.

Presenter: Misty Andrus - Utah State University

Description:

Every dollar matters—especially in cost centers dependent on rebate revenue. This session explores how to strategically leverage all available P-Card payment channels to maximize institutional return. We will review traditional cardholders, ghost cards, virtual payments, e-payables, and vendor rebate opportunities, and discuss how intentional program expansion can increase spend capture and rebate performance. Attendees will gain practical ideas to identify untapped opportunities, grow their program responsibly, and turn everyday transactions into meaningful revenue.

Enjoy coffee and tea in the ballroom foyer while you network and visit with exhibitors on service/product offerings.

Presenter: Audrey Ellison - Mississippi State University

Description:

A discussion on how Mississippi State University chose to implement, monitor, audit, and benefit from the allowed use of gift card purchases on the procurement card.

Transition break between concurrent sessions.

Presenter: Matthew Brown - Roane State Community College

Description:

This presentation explores how a community college business office can prevent student receivables through effective payment operations and policy compliance. It examines common causes of delinquent student balances, including payment plan failures, enrollment changes, and financial aid adjustments. The session highlights practical strategies implemented over the past year to improve payment oversight, strengthen outstanding balance communication, and establish structured receivable escalation procedures. It also discusses how consistent documentation and policy alignment support regulatory compliance and audit readiness. Attendees will gain practical approaches for reducing delinquent balances while maintaining a student-centered payment environment.

PDG conference staff are available during this time if you have any questions.

Meet exhibitors with creative technology and service solutions in the Exhibit Hall.

Join your colleagues for a hearty breakfast.

Presenter: Brinda Nirmal - University of Louisville

Description:

This session examines how artificial intelligence can be responsibly scaled within higher education procurement and payment systems. While many institutions pilot AI tools, few successfully integrate them into policy and operational governance. Drawing from experience in university financial systems, this presentation highlights common failure points, practical use cases in P-cards and payments, and a structured framework for moving from pilot to policy. Attendees will gain actionable insights on aligning AI adoption with compliance, audit integrity, and institutional oversight.

Enjoy coffee and tea in the ballroom foyer while you network and visit with exhibitors on service/product offerings.

Presenter:

Facilitator: