Broad Learning | Conferences & Webinars

WASBO’s Broad Learning offerings provide dynamic, year-round professional learning through a robust portfolio of eight annual conferences and four ongoing webinar series. Whether you’re a school business official, facilities director, custodian, bookkeeper, or service affiliate, there’s a WASBO learning opportunity designed to meet your needs, strengthen your expertise, and build your network. Each event is crafted with purpose—offering timely, relevant content, access to industry leaders and vendors, and opportunities to connect with peers from across Wisconsin and the Midwest. From comprehensive statewide conferences like the Spring and Fall Conferences to specialized trainings for facilities professionals and business office staff, WASBO’s learning experiences are impactful, engaging, and essential. Also, stay sharp and connected through our webinars: Money Talks, Beyond the Pail, Transportation Tidbits, and the p-Card User Group. Each target webinar brings you actionable insights and practical guidance on today’s most pressing topics, all from the convenience of your screen. Explore the full lineup below and find the events that will elevate your skills, your team, and your district.

Conferences

WASBO hosts eight conferences each year, offering targeted learning and expansive networking. All members should attend the two conferences below! This includes all who are currently and were previously in the Wisconsin school offices of business, accounting, bookkeeping, facilities, safety, buildings, and grounds, as well as those who offer products and services to school officials!

Conferences for All Members

WASBO's FALL Conference

School District Professionals and Service Affiliates will benefit from the knowledge and networking WASBO's Annual FALL Conference and Scholarship Fundraisers offer. The four tenants of the FALL Conference are Facilities, Accounting, Legislation and Leadership. With inspiring keynotes and focused tracks, you'll find sessions to benefit you and your district today and help you plan for tomorrow. There is no exhibit hall, but plenty of networking opportunities!

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Conferences for School Facility Leaders & Staff

Midwest Facility Masters Conference

The Midwest Facility Masters Conference is a tremendous opportunity for facility leaders from across the Midwest learn about the latest trends in safety, security, and technology along with updated procedures, processes and the impacts of the facility and staffing decisions in the their districts. This conference features a wide variety of classes targeted specifically for school facility and business professionals, an exhibit hall where vendors can showcase their products and services, professional recognition, and expansive networking opportunities! Facility leaders across the Midwest should attend this conference! FYI: The exhibit hall sells out within hours! 

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School Facilities Management & Safety Conference

Join your colleagues from across Wisconsin to strengthen the safety, health, and operational excellence of our schools at the School Safety & Facilities Management Conference. This two-day event brings together facility, operations, and maintenance leaders along with school business professionals to explore innovations in safe and sustainable school operations. With 23 breakout sessions, certification courses, and a focus on safety, attendees will learn, connect, and celebrate the Custodian/Maintenance Professionals of the Year while engaging with more than 100 vendors in the Exhibit Hall.

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Custodial & Maintenance Conferences

WASBO offers Custodial & Maintenance Conferences each summer at various school districts throughout the state. Each conference is unique, programmed by the district staff hosting the event in concert with the WASBO School Facilities Committee. The emphasis is on practical and hands-on knowledge that custodial and maintenance personnel can implement in their districts. School districts should bring their entire custodial team each year to discover information on safety, efficiency, best practices, and cost savings along with seeing the latest and greatest custodial equipment!

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Spring Conference

The Spring Conference is WASBO's biggest event of the year. It's WASBO's year-end celebratory conference, with something to offer for all WASBO Members. There are over 40 educational sessions on a variety of timely topics, an expansive exhibit hall, a WASBO Foundation student scholarship fundraiser, professional recognition presentations, numerous graduation ceremonies, and plenty of networking events! You can't miss this end of year celebration!

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Conferences for School Business Leaders & Staff

Accounting: The Conference That Counts

From veteran business managers and district administrators to new bookkeepers, this informative conference offers innovative ideas, timely instruction, and relevant advice on the issues facing school business offices today. The DPI Spring Workshop also is held in conjunction with this conference. Finance Directors, Bookkeepers, CFOs, School Business Officials, New Staff Members, and Service Affiliates should attend the conference for so much vital learning and networking! After all, this is WASBO's Conference That Counts! There is no exhibit hall for Service Affiliates, but there are plenty of learning and networking opportunities!

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Wisconsin Federal Funding Conference

The Wisconsin Federal Funding Conference is a comprehensive event designed to equip education professionals with the knowledge and tools needed to effectively utilize federal funds. This conference will delve into the intricacies of various federal programs, including IDEA, ESEA, Title I, and more. Bring multiple attendees from your district and save with discounted registration! To get the most from this opportunity, bring your: District and school administrators, business officials, special education directors, curriculum and instruction directors, building principals, federal program coordinators, and grant writers.

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School Business Office Professionals Conference

School Business Office Professionals: This Conference Is Your Essential Guide! School Business Office staff who handle payroll, accounts receivable, accounts payable, and benefit administration, will find this statewide conference beneficial! Gain valuable knowledge, stay up-to-date on industry trends, and connect with like-minded professionals. In addition to great educational sessions, network with your peers throughout the state and partake in a lot of holiday fun. We also will recognize that year's recipient of the School Business Office Professional of the Year Award.

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WASBO's Series of Webinars

To better meet the timely needs of our members, WASBO currently offers three webinar series: the quarterly Transportation Tidbits Series, the monthly Money Talks Series, the bi-monthly Beyond the Pail Series, and the quarterly p-Card User Group. Find out more about each webinar series below!

Beyond the Pail Webinar Series

This enlightening bi-monthly webinar series focuses on everything related to school facility management and operations! From safety to field maintenance, sustainability, salt, and more, these 45-minute virtual meetings are free to all every other month. This webinar series is hosted by Facilities Committee Co-Chair Joe Ledvina, Midwest Facility Masters Committee Co-Chair Jeremiah Johnson, and WASBO Executive Director Mike Barry!

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Transportation Tidbits Webinar Series

This informative quarterly webinar series offers innovative ideas, timely instruction, and relevant advice on the hot topics in transportation and bus safety. These learning opportunities are offered throughout the year as opposed to one conference to ensure the information being presented is timely. WASBO members can register for the webinars for free, and non-members can register for a small fee.

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Money Talks Webinar Series

This educational monthly webinar series focuses on funding Wisconsin schools! The series is hosted by Money Talks Co-Founder Brian Adesso, WASBO Executive Director Mike Barry, and WASBO Treasurer Andy Weiland. These monthly 45-minute virtual meetings are available at no cost to all WASBO members and guests. Register your entire business office team for this can't-miss learning opportunity! The webinars occur mostly on the last Friday of every month at 8:30 AM.

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p-Card User Group

This quarterly virtual meeting is all about WASBO’s P-Card. It’s free to all WASBO members & guests. There are currently 210 school districts in Wisconsin participating in the program. Joining the webinar is a good way for districts considering implementing purchasing cards (p-Cards) to learn more about how the program works.

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