School Business Insider – Episode Summary

Podcast: School Business Insider
Host: John Brucato
Episode: Why You Can’t Miss AC&E 2025 in Fort Worth
Date: October 7, 2025

Episode Overview

In this episode, John Brucato is joined by Kristen Watson (Director of Education, ASBO International), Lori Grooms (Director of Events, ASBO International), and Angie Smith (Associate Superintendent for Operations, West Aurora School District; ASBO International Education Committee). Together, they provide a practical and inspiring preview of AC&E 2025—the ASBO International Annual Conference & Expo—taking place in Fort Worth, Texas, October 21–23, 2025, with pre-conference workshops on October 20. The conversation dives into the conference’s unique programming, networking opportunities, city highlights, and how attendees can get the most value from this national gathering.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Why AC&E Is a Must-Attend for School Business Officials

• Multiple Perspectives:
  Angie Smith describes approaching the conference through three lenses: as a school business official seeking knowledge, as a member of her state association looking for ideas to bring back, and as an ASBO International Education Committee member monitoring what resonates most (04:46).
  • Quote:

    "You need to basically probably be hitting it out of the park for two of those three every single time." – Angie Smith (05:00)

• Unique Value:
  Exposure to national trends and solutions unavailable at local/state level, access to diverse vendor solutions, and robust networking with peers from across the country.
• Budget Justification:
  Angie highlights the need for conferences to provide enough value that school districts prioritize them, especially in tight fiscal times (06:09).

2. Fort Worth Venue and Local Experience

• Conference Layout:
  All general and education sessions, as well as the expo, are at the Fort Worth Convention Center. Three nearby hotels house attendees for easy access (06:25).
• City Attractions:
  Downtown, the Stockyards (cattle drives, country music, shopping), and easy, affordable public transit via the Trinity Metro lines.
  • Conference website offers travel resources:

    "Take a look at our conference website ... we have a travel and transportation section that provides some information and links." – Lori Grooms (07:29)

• Fun Anecdotes:
  Angie jokes about justifying buying sparkly boots for both Nashville and Texas (08:29).

3. Conference Programming and Themes

• Intentional Focus:
  Kristen Watson shares the conference’s evolving theme:
  • 2024: Balance
  • 2025: Navigate – Leading the Journey to Growth (09:12)
• Targeted Content:
  Sessions for every level and specialty, from HR to facilities to federal policy impacts.
  • Quote:

    "The vision is always to make sure that there's something valuable for everyone ... you’ll find something that helps you navigate your path and lead your own growth journey." – Kristen Watson (09:12)

• Importance of National PD:
  Exposure to broader ideas and solutions enhances what state-level PD can offer.
  • Quote:

    "Just looking at what Illinois does is not going to be enough. Like we need to figure out like some of the things ... were taken from other states." – Angie Smith (10:30)

4. Expo Hall and Vendor Relationships

• Value for SBOs:
  Direct, low-pressure opportunities to learn from vendors, start conversations, and find solutions that truly benefit districts.
  • Quote:

    "This is a good way for us to show that, you know, it’s about solutions and it's about getting with people who can make your life easier, you know, work smarter, not harder." – Angie Smith (13:57)

• Dedicated Expo Time:
  No competing programming during expo hours allows attendees to fully engage with exhibitors (28:00).
• Fun Features:
  Expo hall game, relaxation station (massages), and the vibrant ASBO International booth.

5. Notable Sessions and New Formats

• Program Highlights:
  • Navigating Regulations and Savings with IAQ
  • Real Estate Risk, Budget Communication, Change Management
  • Federal Policy Update—always a packed/must-attend session covering funding, vouchers, E-rate, more (15:19, 17:07)
  • Hot Topics and "403(b) in Focus" panel (retirement plans, ERISA influence)
• Innovative Formats:
  • Panel discussions for multiple perspectives
  • Storytelling sessions for real-world, narrative learning
  • Innovation Hour: interactive group discussions led by peers and industry partners (19:58)
• Learning Journey Maps:
  Curated session guides by topic area (finance, HR, etc.) to chart a personalized path through the program (21:18).

6. Networking, Fun & Community

• Structured and Unstructured Networking:
  • Opening session and welcome reception (Tuesday, 1:00pm and 6:30pm)
  • New for 2025: Built-in open networking times for informal connections (26:18)
• State Pride and Group Identity:
  Attendees encouraged to wear state colors and exchange pins for easy identification and camaraderie (40:21, 42:06).
• Pin Trading:
  A beloved conference subculture with rare "staff pins" and a “pin archaeologist” (43:02).

7. Practical Advice for First-Timers

• Preparation Tips:
  • Review and plan with the conference app and journey maps before arrival (36:27)
  • Have backup sessions in mind
  • Comfy shoes and state pride clothing suggested (40:13)
  • Divide and conquer sessions with colleagues
• Be Open:
  Make new connections—sit with strangers in sessions, introduce yourself to exhibitors and peers (41:12).
  • Quote:

    "Don't be afraid to sit next to someone you don't know in a session. ... you never know where that relationship could lead you in your career." – Lori Grooms (41:12)

• After the Conference:
  Use Membership Plus to unlock access to session recordings for your entire team (39:17).

8. Why AC&E Is Worth the Investment

• Broad National Perspective:
  • "I'd be hard pressed to find a person who at the end of that week wouldn't say that it was worth the time investment, the financial investment and that they and potentially their district aren't better for it." – Angie Smith (32:55)
• Practical and Actionable Learning
  • "You're going to learn something that you can change when you go back home." – Kristen Watson (33:48)
• Unmatched Peer Connections:
  • "It's really the one place where school business officials can come together on a national level to learn, share, and connect." – Kristen Watson (33:48)

Memorable Quotes & Moments

• Core Value of Conference:

  "Whether it's going to one of the sessions, whether it's talking to someone in the Expo hall or making a connection at Innovation Hour ... that's what makes ACE invaluable." – Kristen Watson (35:30)

• On Pin Collecting:

  "There’s also a super secret staff pen that you can get. So when you see one of us in our true blue, be sure to stop us and say, do you have the staff pen?" – Kristen Watson (42:06)

Important Timestamps

• [04:46] – Angie Smith’s multi-faceted perspective on conference value
• [06:25] – Lori Grooms on the Fort Worth venue and local attractions
• [09:12] – Kristen Watson on the 2025 conference theme and programming vision
• [15:19] – Kristen outlines major session tracks and the importance of federal policy update
• [19:58] – Introduction of Innovation Hour and its new format
• [26:18] – Networking events and new open networking times
• [28:00] – Expo hall features and dedicated hours
• [32:55] – Angie Smith on why AC&E is a worthwhile investment
• [36:27] – Kristen’s advice for first-time attendees
• [42:06] – Pin exchange subculture explained

Where to Get More Info

• Conference Info & Registration:
  asbointl.org/ace25 (43:34)

Final Takeaways

AC&E 2025 is positioned as the essential professional development and networking event for school business officials—offering actionable learning, invaluable networking, personal and district growth, and a fun, memorable experience in a vibrant city. Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned attendee, the episode demos how pre-planning, intentionality, and openness to new connections will help you maximize every moment.