Session Details

Conference Agenda

Monday, August 11

6:30-8:00 a.m.

Conference Registration (Ballroom Foyer)

6:45-7:50a.m.

Full Breakfast Buffet (Minuet)
Networking lunch tables for you to meet those with common IT Finance interests.

8:45a.m-3:00 p.m.

Refreshment Service (Ballroom Foyer)
Coffee, tea and sodas available all day

8:00-11:45a.m.

2-Day IT Finance Boot Camp Program (Ballroom A)
(AM, CABC, CFM, FMBP, FPBR, GFM, ITIL, PMB, TFM)
Rob Mischianti, Chief Customer Officer
Nicus Software
As managing IT budgets grows in complexity and faces constant challenges, ITFM and TBM programs are expanding at a rapid clip to keep pace. This is driving the need to develop new resources and constantly improve existing programs. This IT Finance Boot Camp Program is designed to:

Develop new resources to lead or participate on IT Finance teams
Validate the functions and focus of existing ITFM & TBM programs
Drive higher maturity into existing ITFM & TBM programs

The workshop contains fourteen (14) hours of instructor-led content delivered over two (2) days. All content is focused on the “What” and “How” of IT Finance. All of the content is aligned with Gartner’s IT Finance Pillars. You will be provided with forecast and methodology examples (Excel format) as well as an ITFM and TBM Glossary (Excel format). The workshop is broken into four (4) independent sections:

Part 1: IT Finance Foundational Elements
– Why ITFM?
– 6 Pillars of IT Financial Management
– IT Spend Breakdown & ITFM Calculations
   o Non-Labor: Hardware/Software Maintenance, Depreciation & Amortization
   o Labor: Rates, Capitalization of Labor, Waterfall and Agile Methods
Part 2: Transparency/Value-Centric Methods
– Cost Modeling Methodologies
– Showback and Chargeback Methodologies – Know Your Audience
Part 3: How-to Build Your ITFM Program to Drive Value
– Revisiting: Why ITFM & 6 Pillars
– The ITFM Challenge and an ITFM Maturity Model and Results (Outcomes, Obstacles, Share-out)
– Delivering Value with IT Finance IT Finance Team, The Right Tools
Part 4: Panel Discussions with ITFM/TBM Leaders
– Panel Discussion: Starting & Building an ITFM Program
– Panel Discussion: Open Topics (from audience)
– Parting Thoughts and Your Next Steps…

Deep Dive Into Today’s Pressing Topics in IT Finance (Ballroom B)
(AM, CABC, CFM, FMBP, FPBR, GFM, ITIL, PMB, TFM)
Penny Collen, Financial Solutions Architect, Thought Leader, Blogger, and Speaker
PL Collen and Associates
Managing finances for hybrid IT environments has increased the complexity of challenges faced. Getting funding under corporate constraints and then explaining how that funding was spent takes considerable time. The need to research and adapt to changes in GAAP accounting and comply with regulations adds more pressure to a finance manager’s day. Cloud options have multiplied the issues faced. Everything must be accomplished faster! This workshop provides a forum to discuss the various pressing topics in IT finance today. Some topics are emerging as technology changes while others raise familiar questions. A few topics truly defy the test of time. This workshop will address:

Tech debt
Agile development cost management
Cloud business cases
Cloud cost management
Cloud activity tagging strategies
Cloud billing issues
Shadow IT: identifying cloud spending Expressing productivity improvements
Key business indicators part of your reporting
Calculating the cost of failure
Budget tools and controls
Most successful funding approaches
Variance tracking and explanations
Software asset management challenges
Managing business case financials Cost transparency – risks and rewards

Building and Implementing a FinOps Program (Ballroom C)
(AM, CABC, CFM, FMBP, FPBR, GFM, ITIL, PMB, TFM)
Nan Braun, CEO and Kez Riley, TBM/FinOps Analyst
Thavron Solutions
In this in-depth workshop, attendees will explore the critical questions: Does your organization need a FinOps Program, and should you define the role of FinOps Practitioner? Designed for IT Finance and TBM professionals, this workshop will take a comprehensive dive into the concept and framework of a FinOps Program, highlighting its relevance to your team’s responsibilities. You will gain actionable insights from case studies of successful clients, including practical lessons learned along the way. The workshop will cover the components of building a FinOps strategy, including scopes, roles, responsibilities, metrics, and reporting.

11:45-12:50p.m.

Buffet Lunch (Minuet)
Networking lunch tables for you to meet those with common IT Finance interests.

1:00-3:45p.m

2-Day IT Finance Boot Camp Program (Ballroom A)
(AM, CABC, CFM, FMBP, FPBR, GFM, ITIL, PMB, TFM)
Rob Mischianti, Chief Customer Officer
Nicus Software
Continued from the morning sessions.

Maturing Your Cost Model (Ballroom B)
(AM, CABC, CFM, FMBP, FPBR, GFM, ITIL, PMB, TFM)
Nan Braun, CEO and Kez Riley, TBM/FinOps Analyst
Thavron Solutions
You’ve successfully implemented a cost model – now what? This intermediate-to-advanced workshop will explore the typical maturation paths for IT services, highlighting common roadblocks and effective strategies for overcoming them. Drawing on real-world client experiences, we will discuss proven approaches for driving maturity and ensuring sustained success. The workshop will also include small group work, providing you with an opportunity to bring your specific challenges and gaps for collaborative analysis and solution development.

Cultivating Leadership Excellence: A Blueprint for ITFM Leaders (Ballroom C)
(AM, CABC, CFM, FMBP, FPBR, GFM, ITIL, PMB, TFM)
Avital Miller, Corporate Leadership Seminar Facilitator
Avital P.G. Miller, LLC
This workshop is specifically crafted to unleash leadership prowess for today’s IT and financial leaders by enhancing leadership, team-building, and coaching skills within the financial management domain. Through expert-led modules, you will delve into transformative leadership strategies that foster team cohesion, inspire innovation, and drive strategic outcomes. You will engage in hands-on exercises aimed at developing effective communication, conflict resolution, and motivational techniques that cultivate high-performance teams. The workshop will introduce coaching methodologies that empower you to unlock your team’s potential, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and financial success. By focusing on real-world applications, you will learn to navigate the complexities of financial leadership, from executing visionary financial strategies to nurturing talent and fostering a culture of continuous learning and adaptability. This immersive experience is designed for financial leaders seeking to elevate their leadership impact, enhance team dynamics, and spearhead financial innovation. You will leave with a comprehensive understanding of how to meld leadership excellence with financial savvy, positioning yourself and your organization for enduring success in an ever-evolving financial landscape.

4:00-5:30p.m.

Network Social and Bar (Minuet)
Chance to relax after a day of classes with your colleagues and to meet others with common IT Finance interests at the ITFMA hosted bar.

Tuesday, August 12

6:30-8:00 a.m.

Conference Registration (Ballroom Foyer)

6:45-7:50a.m.

Full Breakfast Buffet (Minuet)
Networking lunch tables for you to meet those with common IT Finance interests.

8:45a.m-3:00 p.m.

Refreshment Service (Ballroom Foyer)
Coffee, tea and sodas available all day

8:00-11:45a.m.

2-Day IT Finance Boot Camp Program (Ballroom A)
(AM, CABC, CFM, FMBP, FPBR, GFM, ITIL, PMB, TFM)
Rob Mischianti, Chief Customer Officer
Nicus Software
Continued from Monday’s sessions.

Demystifying IT Costs: Key Steps to Unlocking Clarity, Control and Value (Ballroom B)
(AM, CABC, CFM, FMBP, FPBR, GFM, ITIL, PMB, TFM)
Pete Hidalgo, Global Advisory Services Leader and Jeff Stark, Head of Customer Success
MagicOrange
Lost in the labyrinth of IT costs? Struggling to pinpoint inefficiencies and maximize value? Wondering how to get started on an ITFM improvement program? This workshop will shed light on the path to unveiling true IT cost transparency and mastering your IT financial management (ITFM) processes. You will learn leading practice ITFM processes that you can take back and implement at your own organizations. Hands on exercises will include maturity assessments, service portfolio design, data quality assessment, benchmarking, and showback/chargeback model design. Dive deep into these key steps that unlock clarity, control and value:

Assess your current state, plot your optimal route, and develop a data-driven plan to conquer IT cost uncertainties
Delineate your services, map costs to each service, and build a transparent roadmap for resource allocation
Prepare your data for takeoff, ensuring its accuracy and completeness for powerful insights and informed decision-making
Embrace the power of automation to streamline tasks, eliminate errors, and unlock a new era of IT resource efficiency
Compare your performance to industry best practices, identify cost-saving opportunities, and fine-tune your service offerings for maximum value
Design a chargeback model that fosters accountability, promotes responsible resource usage, and fuels collaborative partnerships
Witness the tangible benefits of effective ITFM, from boosted customer satisfaction to optimized budgets and strategic agility

This workshop isn’t just theory – it’s a powerhouse of real-world ITFM skills based upon results and insights from numerous Fortune 500 companies and government organizations. Prepare to leave the cost fog behind and confidently navigate the IT Financial landscape with a proven ITFM framework. Join us and discover the keys to unlocking IT cost transparency, optimized efficiencies, and customer satisfaction across the organization.

Surviving in a Culture That Thrives on the “Need for Speed” (Ballroom C)
(AM, CABC, CFM, FMBP, FPBR, GFM, ITIL, PMB, TFM)
Penny Collen, Financial Solutions Architect, Thought Leader, Blogger, and Speaker
PL Collen and Associates
Do more with less and deliver it faster! It seems IT needs to reinvent itself continuously to survive in a culture looking for immediate solutions. Just as social media has changed how we share information, cloud has changed how we use technology to process information in business. From self-service provisioning to a host of “as-a-service” options, managing IT resources has us constantly adapting. Development processes have evolved to create functionality more quickly. Provisioning technical resources struggles with lack of effective controls. IT must increase agility to respond to the “need for speed.” Creating a hybrid environment is, at this point, the most viable response in the struggle for agility. Procuring cloud is easy. Managing the impacts are tremendously challenging. It seems we have more data available to respond to questions and yet there is less time to analyze the data. As IT moves more quickly to satisfy users’ needs, sacrifices are being made in quality with long-term results accruing larger risks. This workshop gives you an overview of the pressures and benefits of adopting agility as the standard for survival. Some of the topics covered are:

Meaning of “time to value”
What “hybrid” looks like
Value of consumption-based modeling
What to do with the negative results of agility (sprawl/anarchy/waste)
Impact of SaaS on development
Importance of balancing agility with controls
How to expose the need for transparency

11:45-12:50p.m.

Buffet Lunch (Minuet)
Networking lunch tables for you to meet those with common IT Finance interests.

1:00-3:45p.m

2-Day IT Finance Boot Camp Program (Ballroom A)
(AM, CABC, CFM, FMBP, FPBR, GFM, ITIL, PMB, TFM)
Rob Mischianti, Chief Customer Officer
Nicus Software
Continued from the morning sessions.

Building your FinOps Roadmap (Ballroom B)
(AM, CABC, CFM, FMBP, FPBR, GFM, ITIL, PMB, TFM)
Nan Braun, CEO , Charlie Creasy, COO and Kez Riley, TBM/FinOps Analyst
Thavron Solutions
Whether you’re considering a FinOps program, launching a new initiative, or maturing an existing one, having a well-defined roadmap is key to your team’s success. This workshop will guide you through the essential elements and processes to evaluate when creating a comprehensive FinOps roadmap. You will learn how to structure and prioritize key milestones, ensuring a strategic and effective approach to implementing and advancing your FinOps programs.

Managing the Internal Economy: Transparency, Svc. Provider Concepts, Chargeback (Ballroom C)
(AM, CABC, CFM, FMBP, FPBR, GFM, ITIL, PMB, TFM)
Penny Collen, Financial Solutions Architect, Thought Leader, Blogger, and Speaker
PL Collen and Associates
IT organizations are redefining relationships among itself and the organizations they support. IT management in many organizations has embraced the concept of operating as an “internal economy.” This allows IT to merge strategies of acting as an internal service provider using cost transparency and chargeback to enhance communications and decision-making. As services are more clearly defined, it has become more obvious that these are critical parts of the toolset used to better manage technology. This workshop discusses all of the main topics for “managing IT as a business”:

Creating client relationships
Negotiating service agreements
Constructing a service catalog
Reporting services based on consumption
Reporting costs using multiple levels: resource, client and activity
Creating cost models to support cost transparency
Chargeback and showback reporting
Accepting and encouraging selective outs including the Cloud
Creating a meaningful Cloud tagging strategy
Reporting productivity gains in support of efficiency

4:00-5:30p.m.

Network Social and Bar (Minuet)
Chance to relax after a day of classes with your colleagues and to meet others with common IT Finance interests at the ITFMA hosted bar.

Wednesday, August 13

6:30-8:00 a.m.

Conference Registration (Ballroom Foyer)

6:45-7:50a.m.

Full Breakfast Buffet Sponsored by Calero
a leader in Technology Lifecycle Management (Minuet/Patio)
Networking breakfast tables for you to meet those with common IT Finance interests.

8:45a.m-3:00 p.m.

Refreshment Service (Ballroom Foyer)
Coffee, tea and sodas available all day

8:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.

Conference Exhibitors (Ballroom Foyer)
Please drop by the exhibit tables to say “Hi” and learn how your IT organization can benefit from the IT software products and services of these industry-leading companies:

Calero (Technology Lifecycle Management)
MagicOrange (ITFM and FinOps Platform)
Nicus Software (IT Financial Management Solutions)
Sakon (AI-Powered Telecom Savings for Enterprise Finance)
Serviceware SE (ITFM Software for Planning, Charging, Transparency)
vCom Solutions (IT Service and Spend Management)
YäRKEN (Next-generation Cost Transparency ITFM Platform)

8:00-8:45a.m.

Tips on How to Use This Conference to Help Advance Your Career (Ballroom A)
(AM, CABC, CFM, FPBR, GFM, PMB, TFM)
Art Yonemoto, President
Yonemoto & Associates
You do realize that your attendance at this IT Financial Management (ITFM) conference is one of the few opportunities you have to differentiate yourself. In addition to gaining specific, technical knowledge in the ITFM environment, you can position yourself in a more positive light. This session will discuss how you can use this conference to help spark positive changes in your career. Some key topics include:

Gain a unique perspective regarding your work situation
Ideas and actions you can take at this conference to impress your managers/executives
Become a “5 Tool Employee” – how to make yourself more valuable within (or outside) your organization Example of a Status Report (reporting on the conference)
A non-threatening way to request higher compensation

Where, Oh Where, Has My Data Gone? (Ballroom B)
(AM, CABC, CFM, GFM, PMB, TFM)
Robert Bogusch, IT Business Systems Analyst
Guidewell/Florida Blue
The IT Financial Management (ITFM) practice needs data to work. IT departments seem to like to keep the data about their services in obscure places. Trying to find this data can feel like a game of hide and seek. At GuideWell, we have been working with the IT departments to find the data that is needed to support the Cost Model and Bill of IT. This is not always easy because the data is not always in the format we would prefer. In this session, I will talk about the challenges the GuideWell ITFM team faced in trying to identify and collect the data we needed. From having to drive the expansion of the configuration management database (CMDB) to being told that no one seems to know anything about mainframe storage. I will walk through what we have done to gather our data.

How Leaders Can Build a Culture That Fosters Diversity and Inclusion (Ballroom C)
(AM, CABC, CFM, FMBP, FPBR, GFM, ITIL, PMB, TFM)
David Suson, Founder
Proliance Group
Diversity brings innovation, fresh perspectives, and competitive advantages to any team – but it can also create challenges if not managed effectively. This session explores how leaders can cultivate a culture of inclusion that empowers individuals to support one another, embrace differences, and align personal and team goals. Learn how to inspire your team to see that when the team wins, everyone wins. Through practical strategies, discover how to lead in a way that attracts, motivates, and engages top talent while driving collaboration and accountability. You will learn to:

Identify the essential keys to fostering personal accountability within diverse teams
Apply a simple yet effective framework to boost engagement, teamwork, and loyalty
Integrate inclusive leadership strategies to align diversity initiatives with team performance
Implement actionable techniques to drive meaningful change and overcome resistance to inclusion efforts

9:00-9:45a.m.

Women in IT Finance – Navigating Challenges and Paving the Way for the Future (Ballroom A)
(AM, CABC, CFM, FMBP, FPBR, GFM, ITIL, PMB, TFM)
Penny Collen, Financial Solutions Architect, PL Collen and Associates
Cynthia Hillier, Manager, IT Finance, Kettering Health Network
Heather Weitz, IT Business Manager, Oceaneering International
In an ever-evolving landscape, women in IT Finance encounter unique challenges and opportunities that shape their professional journeys. This panel session will bring together influential leaders and emerging voices to explore the multifaceted experiences of women in this dynamic field. Through candid discussions, we will examine common obstacles, including representation in leadership roles, under-resourced teams, and work-life balance. Panelists will share strategies for overcoming these challenges, fostering resilience, and empowering the next generation of women in IT Finance.

Cost Recovery (Chargeback) Model – Lessons Learned (Ballroom B)
(AM, CABC, CFM, GFM, PMB, TFM)
Ihab Tadros, CFO
City of Columbus, OH
This session will cover the following lessons learned from the City of Columbus Department of Technology:

Recovery not profit
The need and reasons for an IT chargeback model
A chargeback model based on cost recovery – not on profit
Challenges in developing and implementing a chargeback model
Explain the chargeback model and its complexities to your internal customers
The need for continual improvement

Bridging the Gap Between IT Financial Management and Customer Outcomes (Ballroom C)
(AM, CABC, CFM, GFM, PMB, TFM)
Ryan Woodward, Vice President, Business Transformation
TISTA Science and Technology Corporation
The discipline of IT financial management continues to grow and improve. New frameworks and methodologies provide financial insights and efficiencies. However, teams need to be careful to stay focused on what matters most. This session explores the benefits and potential risks of IT financial management frameworks and provides some ideas for keeping those frameworks connected to IT and customer outcomes.

10:00-10:45a.m.

How AT&T Modernized Their TBM Approach and Optimized Costs (Ballroom A)
(AM, CABC, CFM, FMBP, FPBR, GFM, ITIL, PMB, TFM)
Rob Mischianti, Chief Customer Officer
Nicus Software
You can’t manage what you can’t measure, and that’s why Technology Business Management (TBM) was introduced. TBM helps translate technology investments into business value. And while TBM is not new, AT&T decided to take a modern approach to it. They’d been using a siloed TBM platform to manage a multi-billion-dollar budget, but despite significant investment, nobody believed the data. With pressure to take millions out of IT spend, AT&T decided to align their operational and financial data on a different platform – saving upwards of $100M per year.

What is AI and How Using AI Can Support IT Finance Departments (Ballroom B)
(AM, CABC, CFM, FMBP, FPBR, GFM, ITIL, PMB, TFM)
Amy Nelson, ITS Director of Finance and Human Resources
University of Michigan
This presentation provides an insightful overview of AI concepts and explores the transformative potential of AI tools within IT finance departments. Learn how AI can create efficiency and innovation by enhancing data analysis and improving operational processes. By demonstrating the use of AI to supplement IT and financial insights, the session discusses AI’s role in optimizing financial functions. Overall, the presentation aims to empower IT finance professionals with the knowledge they need to leverage AI, enhancing productivity and competitiveness within their departments.

IT is From Mars, Finance is From Venus – Bridge the Gap & Become an IT Whisperer (Ballroom C)
(AM, CABC, CFM, FPBR, GFM, PMB, TFM)
Art Yonemoto, President
Yonemoto & Associates
Sometimes IT financial management seems to be a forced marriage. IT people live in one world, while financial people live in another. Each party has a different way of thinking, but both are required to work together for the good of the organization. What can be done to help bridge the divide:

Become an IT Whisperer
Key takeaways that explain the difference between IT and Finance
Cats and Dogs – what we can learn from our pets
A quote from Leo Tolstoy’s Anna Karenina that may explain your organization

11:00-11:45a.m.

Cost Modeling – A Picture is Worth a Dozen Spreadsheets (Ballroom A)
(AM, CABC, CFM, FMBP, FPBR, GFM, ITIL, PMB, TFM)
Robert Bogusch, IT Business Systems Analyst
Guidewell/Florida Blue
We’ve all been there. You have worked up the cost model for your IT Department and you are asked to show your model and its results. You have a bunch of spreadsheets and a table of service rates. This is not visually engaging when you need to present the results to your IT Leadership, Service Owners, and Business Partners. This is the problem we faced at Florida Blue. We have 101 Cost Centers that are modeled to create 166 Services in 22 Categories. The model we use is complex and is extremely difficult to understand without some way to visualize all the pieces. Whether the Cost Model is large or small, creating a picture or group of pictures will make it easier to understand. This session will describe how we approached creating a set of pictures so that the cost model is easier to understand and how those pictures are used.

ITFM’s Role in Understanding the Value and Impact of AI (Ballroom B)
(AM, CABC, CFM, FMBP, FPBR, GFM, ITIL, PMB, TFM)
Rob Mischianti, Chief Customer Officer
Nicus Software
In today’s world, AI is revolutionizing business operations, yet managing the associated costs and understanding their value can be challenging. Everyone wants to invest in AI, but do they really understand how to accurately track the ROI of these investments? This session will dive into the intersection of AI and ITFM as we explore strategies for tying AI spend back to tangible business goals. With greater visibility into AI costs and the impact to the organization, you can foster a culture of accountability and informed decision-making. You will gain actionable knowledge on leveraging ITFM tools to enhance transparency and drive strategic alignment in your AI investments. Join us for this insightful session to empower your organization to maximize the benefits of AI while maintaining financial discipline and clarity.

Selecting the Right ITFM Tool: Navigating the RFP Process for Optimal Results (Ballroom C)
(AM, CABC, CFM, FMBP, FPBR, GFM, ITIL, PMB, TFM)
Milton McCoy, Director, Technology Business Management
State of North Carolina
Choosing the right IT Financial Management (ITFM) tool is a critical decision that impacts financial transparency, cost optimization, and strategic IT alignment. A well-structured Request for Proposal (RFP) process ensures organizations select a solution that meets their specific needs while maximizing value. This session will explore:

Defining key requirements to align the ITFM tool with financial and operational goals
Crafting an effective RFP, including essential criteria, evaluation metrics, and compliance considerations
Engaging stakeholders from IT, finance, and procurement to ensure a comprehensive selection process
Evaluating vendor responses, with a focus on cost, functionality, scalability, and integration capabilities
Conducting demonstrations and negotiations to validate capabilities and secure the best terms

You will gain a structured approach to managing the RFP process, ensuring an objective, data-driven selection of an ITFM tool that enhances financial governance and supports long-term IT strategy.

11:45-12:50p.m.

Buffet Lunch sponsored by YäRKEN|
a leader in Next-generation Cost Transparency ITFM Platform (Minuet/Patio)
Networking lunch tables for you to meet those with common IT Finance interests

1:00-1:45p.m.

Achieving IT Financial and Operational Excellence at Stanford Health Care (Ballroom A)
(AM, CABC, CFM, FMBP, FPBR, GFM, ITIL, PMB, TFM)
Michelle Fanner, Executive Director, Business Operations
Stanford Health Care and School of Medicine In this session, you will learn how Stanford Health Care achieves IT financial and operational excellence through best practices. The session will highlight our journey with Technology Business Management (TBM) and provide actionable insights into how you can optimize IT financial performance, improve decision-making, and enhance operational efficiency. Key topics include:

IT Financial Planning and Reporting: Discover how Stanford Health Care aligns IT spending with organizational goals through effective financial planning and reporting processes that optimize budgeting and resource allocation
Application Rationalization: Learn how to streamline your IT portfolio through application rationalization to reduce costs, simplify operations, and improve system performance
Leveraging Financial and Operational Metrics: Understand how to use financial and operational metrics to drive performance improvements, enabling more informed decisions that drive both financial and operational success
Evaluating IT Project Investments, Including AI Initiatives: Gain insights into evaluating IT project proposals, including emerging technologies like AI, by assessing financial impact, ROI, and long-term organizational benefits
Building a Value-Focused IT Culture: Explore how to cultivate a value-driven IT culture that emphasizes collaboration, innovation, and measurable outcomes, helping IT contribute to organizational goals and deliver maximum value

Redefining IT Spending Through Business Metrics (Ballroom B)
(AM, CABC, CFM, FMBP, FPBR, GFM, ITIL, PMB, TFM)
Nan Braun, CEO and Charlie Creasy, COO
Thavron Solutions
Traditional reporting of IT spending as an overhead burden is no longer enough – such metrics often leave the business puzzled and the CIO struggling to justify the budget. In this talk, we’ll explore how to successfully defend the IT budget by aligning financial reporting with meaningful business metrics. You will learn about key business value metrics, strategies for sourcing the necessary data, and techniques to calculate these metrics using the frameworks of ITFM, TBM, and FinOps. Equip your organization with the tools to articulate IT spending in terms the business understands and values.

How FinOps and Unit Economics Are Transforming IT Cost Management (Ballroom C)
(AM, CABC, CFM, FMBP, FPBR, GFM, ITIL, PMB, TFM)
David Harding, CEO
MagicOrange
Explore how the convergence of FinOps and unit economics is transforming IT cost management. This session dives into their critical role in optimizing cloud and on-premises spending, driving accountability, and aligning IT investments with business value. Through real-world examples and expert insights, you’ll uncover practical FinOps principles, the impact of unit economics for precise decision-making, and strategies to achieve transparency and efficiency. Discover how leading organizations leverage these methodologies to stay competitive and profitable in today’s rapidly evolving IT landscape.

2:00-2:45p.m.

How to Select an ITFM/TBM Tool (Ballroom A)
(AM, CABC, CFM, FMBP, FPBR, GFM, ITIL, PMB, TFM)
Pete Hidalgo, Global Advisory Services Leader and Jeff Stark, Head of Customer Success
MagicOrange
Simplify the journey of selecting and implementing ITFM tools. This session provides actionable steps to ensure success, whether you’re evaluating new tools or optimizing existing ones. Key takeaways include:

Stakeholder Alignment: Define roles for smooth adoption
Tool Selection: Navigate the process with confidence
Process Maturity: Identify improvement opportunities
Data and Design: Address key requirements for success

Inspiring Peak Performance: Leading to Attract, Retain, and Motivate Employees (Ballroom B)
(AM, CABC, CFM, FMBP, FPBR, GFM, ITIL, PMB, TFM)
David Suson, Founder
Proliance Group
Unlock the secrets to leading with purpose and building a culture of accountability, engagement, and collaboration. This session provides actionable insights for creating a workplace where employees feel empowered to take ownership, contribute to team success, and overcome challenges together. Learn how to attract and retain top talent while inspiring your team to peak performance. By fostering a culture of shared success, leaders will motivate employees to drive productivity and innovation because you will:

Discover the proven keys to fostering personal accountability across your team
Apply a simple, powerful framework to boost engagement, teamwork, and loyalty
Integrate leadership strategies with diversity and inclusion initiatives for greater impact
Master techniques to drive meaningful change and understand how to overcome resistance effectively

How to Turn Retired IT Assets into Cash (Ballroom C)
(AM, CFM, GFM, PMB, TFM)
Aaron Zeper, CEO
DMD Systems Recovery
Learn how to take your prior IT hardware investments and turn them into residual cash this year. In this session we share how to compliantly reuse IT assets leveraging certified asset disposition companies who minimize risk from data security and environmental compliance, while maximizing the value of your retired IT hardware. We will share how to evaluate the certifications of these firms, then share actual pricing models so you generate the greatest value.

3:00-3:45p.m. (Product Presentations)

Simplifying Chargeback: A Pragmatic Approach to IT Cost Transparency (Ballroom A)
(AM, CABC, CFM, FMBP, FPBR, GFM, ITIL, PMB, TFM)
Quinn Abraham, Director, Technology Business Management & FinOps
Maryville Consulting Group
Join Maryville Consulting Group and YäRKEN at this session designed to demystify chargeback. If your organization has scar tissue from over-engineered models – or struggles with approaches that are too simplistic – this session is for you. We’ll walk through a clear, repeatable 4-5 step process to build a practical chargeback model based on typical spend types. Learn how to strike the right balance – giving business partners the transparency and influence they need, without overwhelming complexity. Whether you’re refining your model or starting from scratch, we’ll show how to align finance, tech, and the business on a shared path to accountability and value. Wish your organization could better explain who’s driving technology consumption? Don’t miss this session.

(Not a product presentation)
From Inventory to Impact: Turning Visibility into Value (Ballroom B)
(AM, CABC, CFM, FPBR, GFM, PMB, TFM)
Billy Howes, Vice President, Solution’s Consulting
Calero
Unlock the full potential of your IT assets by transforming visibility into actionable value. This session dives into how organizations can gain control over telecom, mobility, and license inventories to drive smarter cost allocations, improve enterprise reporting, and enhance the end-user experience. Learn why Technology Business Management is important and how it can extend your team’s reach and free up resources for higher-priority initiatives. This session covers:

Centralizing visibility across telecom, mobility, and license management
Leveraging Technology Business Management and managed services to scale governance and expertise
Implementing cost allocation, showback, and chargeback models to drive accountability
Enhancing enterprise reporting and user satisfaction through better data
Driving innovation and enabling next-generation end-user experiences
Aligning IT asset management with measurable business outcomes

4:00-5:30p.m.

Network Social and Open Bar (Minuet)
Chance to relax after a day of classes with your colleagues and to meet others with common IT Finance interests at the ITFMA hosted bar.

Thursday, August 14

6:45-7:50a.m.

Full Breakfast Buffet sponsored by Nicus Software
a leader in IT Financial Management Solutions (Minuet/Patio)
Networking breakfast tables for you to meet those with common IT Finance interests.

8:45a.m-3:00 p.m.

Refreshment Service (Ballroom Foyer)
Coffee, tea and sodas available all day

8:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.

8:00-8:45a.m.

Arizona’s Maturity Journey from Excel to Best in Class for Chargeback for a State (Ballroom A)
(AM, CABC, CFM, FMBP, GFM, ITIL, PMB, TFM)
Rob Mischianti, Chief Customer Officer
Nicus Software
Everyone typically starts their journey in the same place, Excel, but that always becomes too burdensome to maintain and grow into getting your bills out the door. Arizona was able to reduce monthly operational timelines by 80% and increase accuracy and accountability at the same time. This session will discuss lessons learned from the State of Arizona’s journey for enhancing chargeback for accuracy, transparency, and speed. This session is good for anyone performing chargeback today, or aspirations for tomorrow.

How to Manage IT Security Investments by Leveraging ITFM Frameworks (Ballroom B)
(AM, CABC, CFM, FPBR, GFM, PMB, TFM)
Dr. Alexander Becker, Chief Operating Officer
Serviceware SE
As digital threats escalate, Chief Information Officers struggle with defining the right level of security investments to safeguard their IT landscape. This session discusses leveraging IT Financial Management frameworks to devise a balanced, effective security investment strategy that aligns with your corporate needs and risk tolerance. Utilizing the Security and Compliance Solutions element of Technology Business Management (TBM), organizations can measure, manage, and control their cyber landscape efficiently. The session will further shed light on aligning investments with expected protection levels via TBM, enabling a robust defense mechanism for business-critical data and infrastructure.

Mastering Influence: Building Alignment Without Authority (Ballroom C)
(AM, CABC, CFM, FMBP, FPBR, GFM, ITIL, PMB, TFM)
David Suson, Founder
Proliance Group
In IT and Finance, influencing without direct authority is essential for driving results. Leaders must navigate resistance, build trust, and inspire action – especially in complex, high-pressure environments. This session will introduce practical strategies to help you gain buy-in from others and foster alignment across your organization. By focusing on human dynamics and real-world applications, you’ll leave with tools to motivate others and drive outcomes with confidence as you will:

Learn how to uncover and address underlying concerns that lead to pushback
Develop strategies to connect with stakeholders by understanding their perspectives and priorities
Discover how to frame solutions in a way that motivates others and ensures shared ownership

9:00-9:45a.m.

Artificial Intelligence and the IT Finance Manager (Ballroom A)
(AM, CABC, CFM, FPBR, GFM, PMB, TFM)
Penny Collen, Financial Solutions Architect, Thought Leader, Blogger, and Speaker
PL Collen and Associates
The latest tech headlines are full of speculation on the impacts Artificial Intelligence will have on our lives and our economy. Whether it is through interaction with enhanced service engines or self-driving features on cars, AI is transforming the way we live our daily lives. As IT Finance Managers, we find ourselves at the intersection of users and providers of AI. What are the challenges in terms of resources and costs you are facing? Do you believe AI will reduce or increase your staff and the skills required? Are you able to exploit AI to help you in the daily duties of your job? Please join us for a discussion about how AI is impacting your IT department.

Technology Expense Management – Showback/Chargeback Best Practices (Ballroom B)
(AM, CABC, CFM, FMBP, GFM, ITIL, PMB, TFM)
Robert Bracco, Senior Product Manager
Upland Cimpl and ComSci
Showbacks and chargebacks are effective ways to encourage departments to be accountable for their technology usage and lower your overall technology spend. This session will provide you with a best practices approach to beginning your showback/chargeback journey, including recommended approaches to help drive adoption, improve data maturity, and ensure maximum results.

The Five-Step IT Financial Management Journey Map (Ballroom C)
(AM, CABC, CFM, FMBP, FPBR, GFM, PMB, TFM)
Timothy Pietro, Vice President and Shawn Gilley, Senior Director
Rego Consulting
Are you struggling to get leadership buy-in for your IT Financial Management Journey? This session will help tackle one of the most common challenges to IT transformation – CULTURE. This session will cover:

How to navigate governance and change leadership
Solutions to common challenges
Best practices for a successful TBM implementation
Common talking points for building an ITFM Business Case for Executives

10:00-10:45a.m.

Balance Control & Growth: Safeguard Ownership in ITFM Amid External Investments (Ballroom A)
(AM, CABC, CFM, FPBR, GFM, PMB, TFM)
Joanne Harrington, Senior Financial Reporting Analyst
CVS Health
As companies scale, external investment often becomes a necessity, but it also introduces challenges in maintaining control over financial decision-making, IT strategy, and long-term vision. In this session, we will explore how IT financial leaders can safeguard ownership and strategic autonomy when external investors hold a significant stake in the company. This session will discuss:

Structuring investment agreements to protect decision-making authority
Financial strategies to maintain operational control while leveraging investor capital
•Governance models that balance investor influence with company objectives
TBM and FinOps practices that strengthen financial transparency and accountability

You will gain insights from real-world case studies on how IT financial leaders can negotiate terms, optimize cost allocation, and implement financial strategies that ensure sustainable growth without compromising ownership. Whether you’re leading IT budgeting, procurement, or financial governance, this session will provide actionable takeaways to help maintain control while driving innovation and profitability.

Understanding and Managing the Cost of AI (Ballroom B)
(AM, CABC, CFM, FPBR, GFM, PMB, TFM)
Nan Braun, CEO
Thavron Solutions
As the adoption of AI accelerates, many organizations face challenges in identifying and managing the costs associated with developing and deploying AI functionalities. This session will provide practical blueprints for creating effective AI cost models, equipping you with the tools and strategies needed to collaborate with technical teams. By the end of the talk, you will be prepared to enhance cost visibility and proactively manage AI expenditures, ensuring your organization stays ahead of the evolving AI cost landscape.

Auditing and Benchmarking Software-as-a-Service Applications (Ballroom C)
(AM, CFM, FPBR, GFM, PMB, TFM)
Robert Lee Harris, Founder
Audit The Cloud
This session will provide practical insights and actionable strategies to optimize your Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) spend while maintaining performance and stakeholder trust. The following topics are covered:

How to streamline and categorize SaaS platforms to enhance cost visibility and management
Insights into auditing essential office suites, ERP systems, and other back-end services to identify savings
Approaches tailored to niche needs in legal, retail, and supply chain applications
Strategies for cutting costs on mission-critical applications your organization can’t replace

This session is a mix of case studies and real-world insights so you leave with practical tools you can immediately apply in your organization.

11:00-11:45a.m.

How To Reduce IT Costs (Ballroom A)
(AM, CABC, CFM, FMBP, FPBR, GFM, ITIL, PMB, TFM)
Pete Hidalgo, Global Advisory Services Leader
MagicOrange
This session describes how an IT organization should assess its costs and develop an executable plan to reduce them while maintaining service quality. Topics will include:

Data requirements
Data analysis process and outputs
Benchmarking
Opportunity identification
Recommendation development and implementation roadmap

You will gain a thorough understanding of how to undertake and implement a successful cost reduction program. This presentation is based on actual client results and insights realized over the recent past 10 years working with global Fortune 100 companies.

Expense Reduction and Savings: Concrete Ways to Get Cash Back from Vendors (Ballroom B)
(AM, CFM, FPBR, GFM, PMB, TFM)
Todd Hall, Senior Manager, Contract Compliance & Value Recovery
Chain IQ US, Inc.
How confident are you that the value your organization is contracted for is aligned to the value it’s receiving? This session will highlight how to Identify, Acknowledge, Validate and Recover monies from your suppliers without causing any disruption to your organization or your supplier relationships. Discussion will include tips on finding immediate, in-year savings as well as how to optimize future savings opportunities. We’ll explore Service Level Agreements, Volume Discounts, Contract Rate reviews for Value Recovery opportunity. Which categories typically deliver the highest returns? Which are often a waste of time and resources? Value Recovery issues related to compliance, risk management and process optimization will also be discussed. Join us for a thought-provoking dialogue on the key Value Recovery Levers that can be managed to improve your bottom line results, meet (and beat) your budget, and improve process efficiencies.

Subscription-Based Information Technology Arrangements (Ballroom C)
(AM, CFM, FPBR, GFM, PMB, TFM)
Amanda Ditter, Technology Finance Supervisor and Charles Brown, Director BBS
State of Wisconsin
The Government Accounting Standards Board issued GASB 96 that established accounting and financial reporting standards for Subscription-Based Information Technology Arrangements (SBITA). These arrangements are contracts where a government has the right to use another party’s IT software for a specific period, in an exchange or exchange-like transaction. Join the WI Financial Team for an open discussion regarding SBITA and the categorizing of SBITA purchases, to include who is responsible, the decision tree, and pain points. The discussion looks to engage the audience by having you share your current practice, decision tree, or requirement changes to vendors. Also, having any vendor interaction to this discussion is welcomed!!!

11:45-12:50p.m.

Buffet Lunch sponsored by Serviceware SE,
a leader in ITFM Planning/Charging/Transparency Software (Minuet/Patio)
Networking lunch tables for you to meet those with common IT Finance interests

1:00-1:45p.m.

ITFM vs FinOps – How Do They Work Together? (Ballroom A)
(AM, CABC, CFM, GFM, PMB, TFM)
Rob Mischianti, Chief Customer Officer
Nicus Software
As cloud adoption accelerates, a growing number of companies are turning to FinOps and cloud financial management to rein in cloud costs. As a result, FinOps is growing at an incredible rate. Looking at the core practices of FinOps, however, there’s clear overlap with IT financial management (ITFM), raising the question of where FinOps fits in and whether companies need both. Join us as we explore: This session discusses where ITFM and FinOps intersect, where they diverge, the types of companies that should consider pursuing each, and the following:

How FinOps and ITFM work together in companies today
What’s required to achieve greater maturity in unifying these practices
The biggest challenges companies face in bringing ITFM and FinOps together
Specific use cases that are common starting points for integrating ITFM and FinOps
FinOps expansion beyond cloud

From Questions to Clarity – An AI Genie for Every Challenge (Ballroom B)
(AM, CABC, CFM, FMBP, FPBR, GFM, ITIL, PMB, TFM)
Thom Bailey, Vice President, Product Marketing
MagicOrange
ITFM practitioners know the challenges of navigating financial complexity and finding clear answers under pressure. This session explores how AI and advanced tools, including large language models (LLMs), are transforming ITFM. Learn how AI-driven solutions can categorize costs, uncover waste or duplication, and create dynamic, adaptive financial models tailored to your organization’s needs. Join us to share best practices, gain insights, and discuss how AI is shaping the future of ITFM with fellow professionals.

Unlock Energy for Purposeful Results (Ballroom C)
(AM, CABC, CFM, FMBP, FPBR, GFM, ITIL, PMB, TFM)
Avital Miller, Corporate Leadership Seminar Facilitator
Avital P.G. Miller, LLC
Having more energy can help you be more productive, cultivate more creative ideas, develop super-conscious problem-solving abilities, motivate your team, and increase employee satisfaction and retention. Imagine how much more work you can get done successfully and have more time to play outside of work. The speaker, known as the Energizer Bunny and four-time award-winning and best-selling author of Healing Happens, will walk you through discovering three of the most impactful keys to easily unlock unlimited energy within yourself and your team. Learn how to:

Raise your energy so you can stay on top of your work at any time and operate more intelligently
Tap into natural resources of energy to empower yourself to be energetic in all circumstances
Shift towards energizing attitudes to keep yourself focused and your team motivated

“Everything is energy and that’s all there is to it. Match the frequency of the reality you want and you cannot help but get that reality… Energy cannot be created or destroyed, it can only be changed from one form to another.” – Albert Einstein

2:00-2:45p.m.

Budget Breakdown: Exploring IT Cost Allocations with Business Units (Ballroom A)
(AM, CABC, CFM, FPBR, GFM, PMB, TFM)
Sara Grimm, IT Planning Manager
Oceaneering International, Inc.
This session addresses breaking down the IT budget by Business Unit (BU) by using IT cost models, ERP data and Excel, which drives our “IT Budget Road Show” so BU leadership and C-level executives gain clarity and visibility of their IT costs through showback and ABC allocations. The session provides details the IT Budget Road Show process where we meet with each unit leader to review their IT budget costs, to understand their future spending needs, and to explore how IT can assist with their upcoming projects.

Elevating Telecom Asset Management from Cost Center to Strategic Value Creator (Ballroom B)
(AM, CABC, CFM, GFM, PMB, TFM)
Jennifer Hutchinson, Vice President, Enterprise Sales & Marketing
Sakon
This presentation challenges traditional approaches to Telecom Expense Management (TEM) and introduces a comprehensive Technology Lifecycle and Asset Management framework that positions telecom as a strategic value driver rather than a cost center and elevates your asset management practice beyond traditional expense control. We’ll explore how to align technology investments with broader business objectives throughout the acquisition, deployment, management, and retirement phases. Through case studies and practitioner experiences, we’ll demonstrate how bridging IT, Finance, and Procurement optimizes the total telecom cost of ownership. The session addresses these challenges you face:

Creating complete visibility across technology lifecycles in distributed work environments
Developing asset performance metrics that connect telecom investments to business outcomes
Implementing effective chargeback and showback models that drive accountability for technology assets
Leveraging advanced analytics to transform asset data into strategic decision support

From Cost Center to Marketplace: A Google Shopping Model Transforms Chargeback (Ballroom C)
(AM, CABC, CFM, FMBP, FPBR, GFM, ITIL, PMB, TFM)
Eistein Fosli, Founder and CEO
Open iT, Inc.
As organizations increasingly treat internal IT as a service provider, the need for transparent and accountable cost management grows. This session explores how adopting a Google Shopping-style model for IT chargebacks can revolutionize IT budgeting, strategic planning, and reporting. By presenting IT services through a consumer-friendly digital marketplace – with itemized services, visible pricing, and shopping cart experiences – companies foster clarity, empower informed decision-making, and drive cost optimization. Drawing from real-world implementations at firms like Macquarie, BNY Mellon, and Children’s Health, this session highlights how a service catalog with clear pricing improves financial accountability and shifts IT from a traditional cost center to a competitive internal service broker. Best practices include building accurate benchmarked service catalogs, leveraging automation, marketing IT offerings internally, and embracing price transparency – even in comparison with external providers. The result is a cultural and operational transformation where business units actively manage IT consumption and IT departments gain credibility through openness and efficiency.

3:00-3:45p.m. (Product Presentations)

Empower Your Business Decisions with Financial Insights (Ballroom A)
(AM, CABC, CFM, FMBP, FPBR, GFM, ITIL, PMB, TFM)
Rob Mischianti, Chief Customer Officer
Nicus Software
Building a mature IT Finance function can take several years, but there is a methodical approach you can take to get started to drive immediate impact to your organization as you look to optimize your technology investments. This session will provide a comprehensive overview of robust solutions designed to meet the diverse needs of organizations at various stages of their ITFM programs. For those starting on their journey, we will explore Nicus FMDB™ for ServiceNow, which seamlessly integrates financial insights directly into ServiceNow workflows. FMDB serves as an accessible entry point, offering a lower barrier to entry while still delivering critical financial management capabilities. For organizations that are further along in the ITFM maturity, we will look at a comprehensive solution that will empower you to gain deep insights into your IT costs, enabling strategic decision-making and enhanced accountability. Whether you are taking your first steps in IT financial management or looking to enhance an established program, this session will equip you with the insights needed to make informed decisions and drive value across your IT landscape.

Serviceware Financial and the Digital Value Model (Ballroom B)
(AM, CABC, CFM, FMBP, FPBR, GFM, ITIL, PMB, TFM)
Dr. Alexander Becker, Chief Operating Officer
Serviceware SE
Serviceware will showcase their Financial Software Suite, an holistic solution for IT and Shared Service Finance Management and Controlling. The demonstrated use cases will encompass all major ITFM processes end-to-end, from generating cost transparency through to planning, budgeting, and business chargeback/showback. This empowers Serviceware users to gain insight into their IT spend, pinpoint optimization opportunities, and establish a demand-driven IT steering logic. The demonstration will further elaborate on the standard method of Serviceware – the Digital Value Model. This cost model builds on the TBM taxonomy, enriched with over 20 years of experience, and highlights the Serviceware focus on the process-driven ITFM approach. The demonstration will also explore the application of Artificial Intelligence in an ITFM context and its value-add potential.

4:00-5:30p.m.

Network Social and Open Bar (Minuet)
Chance to relax after a day of classes with your colleagues and to meet others with common IT Finance interests at the ITFMA hosted bar.

Friday, August 15

6:45-7:50a.m.

Full Breakfast Buffet (Minuet/Patio)
Networking breakfast tables for you to meet those with common IT Finance interests.

8:45 -10:00 a.m.

Refreshment Service (Ballroom Foyer)
Coffee, tea and sodas available this morning

8:00-8:45a.m.

The ITFM/TBM Pathway to Success (Ballroom A)
(AM, CABC, CFM, GFM, PMB, TFM)
Pete Hidalgo, Global Advisory Services Leader
MagicOrange
Explore a proven approach to achieving IT cost transparency and effective IT financial management. This session outlines the key steps in the “ITFM Pathway to Success,” including:

Current State Assessment
Service Definition
Data Readiness
Automation
Service Costing and Benchmarking
Chargeback Model Design
Benefits Realization

IT Planning: Effectively Communicating Results (Ballroom B)
(AM, CFM, FMBP, FPBR, GFM, ITIL, PMB, TFM)
Rob Mischianti, Chief Customer Officer
Nicus Software
Balancing the needs of multiple stakeholders and their ever-changing priorities makes budgeting and forecasting for the IT organization a challenge. As ITFM practitioners, we need effective tools and processes to deliver IT, Business, and Finance stakeholders the required insights and information. This interactive discussion will review a proven framework for providing an effective planning process and addressing individual challenges and experiences.

The Expanding Scopes of the FinOps Framework – Why It Matters (Ballroom C)
(AM, CABC, CFM, FPBR, GFM, PMB, TFM)
Nan Braun, CEO
Thavron Solutions
The latest release of the FinOps framework introduces scopes for SaaS, Data Center, and other custom IT spend. How does this align – or overlap – with your current approach to IT financial reporting? In this session, we’ll dive into the similarities, differences, and challenges between ITFM, TBM, and FinOps methodologies for managing this spend. You will leave with a clear understanding of the unique aspects of each approach and practical strategies to chart a path for success in your IT financial reporting practices.

9:00-9:45a.m.

The Stories We Tell and the Secrets We Keep (Ballroom A)
(AM, CABC, CFM, FMBP, FPBR, GFM, ITIL, PMB, TFM)
Penny Collen, Financial Solutions Architect, Thought Leader, Blogger, and Speaker
PL Collen and Associates
This is an interactive session covering budget processes, financial controls and cost models. Join your peers in an open discussion of proven practices and challenges. Here is your opportunity to seek confirmation of your current processes as well as learn new solutions for your problem areas. Tools are emerging that can make data collection and presentation easier and yet, Excel still reigns! Cloud charges are having a major impact on forecasts and explanations required. No matter how perfect the model, you still need a great story to sell your budget and get the funds you need. Learn to raise your credibility and show the value IT brings.

(Product Presentation)
From Chaos to Clarity: Optimizing Telecom, Mobility & Licensing Through Visibility (Ballroom B)
(AM, CABC, CFM, FMBP, FPBR, GFM, ITIL, PMB, TFM)
Heather Tiedemann, Vice President, Strategic Sales
Calero
Fragmented and under-governed assets can lead to costly blind spots. This session shows how increased visibility and governance across telecom, mobility, and software licensing can empower better decision-making, reduce risk, and improve operational control. Learn how partnering with a Technology Expense Management (TEM) provider can extend your internal team’s capabilities to bring industry expertise, enhance the end-user experience, and allow your staff to focus on strategic business initiatives. At this session, you will learn:

How to establish governance and visibility across your IT asset landscape
The strategic value of working with a TEM partner and managed services to scale your impact
How improved control leads to smarter budgeting, measurable cost savings, and better user outcomes

Building and Managing AI Services Within Universities (Ballroom C)
(AM, CABC, CFM, FPBR, GFM, PMB, TFM)
Amy Nelson, ITS Director of Finance and Human Resources
University of Michigan
This presentation offers a guide to developing and maintaining the financial aspects of AI services in higher education. We begin by outlining the potential needs of AI service development, including identifying objectives, selecting appropriate technologies, and assembling a cross-functional team. The session also covers practical implementation aspects, including start-up costs and building a sustainable funding model. By looking at both the benefits and challenges of AI adoption, the presentation aims to equip your IT finance department with the knowledge and strategies required to successfully deploy and manage AI services that propel institutional advancement.

10:00-10:45a.m.

Determine the End At the Beginning: IT Asset EOL Allocation (Ballroom A)
(AM, CFM, FPBR, GFM, PMB, TFM)
Aaron Zeper, CEO
DMD Systems Recovery
Proper disposition of IT assets is becoming more important as sustainability and data security become greater concerns. Handling the retirement of assets from remote workers nationally and internationally is complicated. This session covers how to incorporate the End of Life (EOL) at the time of purchase to ensure you have a comprehensive lifecycle plan that includes the plan and the cost of IT asset retirement for all involved assets.

Benchmarking Software Efficiency with Data-Driven License Insights (Ballroom B)
(AM, CFM, FPBR, GFM, PMB, TFM)
Eistein Fosli, Founder and CEO
Open iT, Inc.
Accurate IT performance management and benchmarking hinge on comprehensive visibility into software license utilization. Granular license analytics empower organizations to measure software efficiency, identify usage patterns, and benchmark IT resource performance against industry standards. By analyzing real-time and historical license consumption, organizations can establish precise performance baselines, uncover inefficiencies, and optimize resource allocation. These insights enable more accurate cost projections, inform strategic IT investments, and enhance operational efficiency. Additionally, detailed usage analytics support continuous performance monitoring, ensuring IT services align with evolving business needs. This session will demonstrate how leveraging granular license visibility can drive data-driven benchmarking and more effective IT performance management.

The “Secret” Exemptions That Can Reduce Your IT/Telecom Bills by Upto 33% (Ballroom C)
(AM, CFM, FMBP, FPBR, GFM, ITIL, PMB, TFM)
Art Yonemoto, President
Yonemoto & Associates
There is a unique federal fee that has grown from 5% to 33% that few truly understand and rarely question. In this session you will learn:

The genesis and basis of this fee affecting IT and Telecom bills
Why it has grown from a nuisance fee to a major impact fee
Why your vendors never mention that your organization may be exempt
Why this is the “Alice in Wonderland” fee – the more you investigate, the “curiouser and curiouser” it gets
Situations where your organization may be exempt from this fee
How to identify this fee on your invoices
How to approach your vendors to get this fee waived
Why this fee may be unconstitutional (The Supreme Court will be reviewing)

10:45-11:00a.m.

Drawing for Free Passes to An ITFMA 2026 Conference (Ballroom Foyer)
Ten (10) lucky winners will receive a free pass to attend an ITFMA conference by having your 3-day conference registration fee waived – a value of $1,895. The pass is transferable to a colleague if you are not able to attend. To enter the drawing, just drop off your name badge at the conference registration desk. Only personally dropped off badges will be accepted. All attendees will be notified of the ten (10) lucky winners the following week.