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Thursday, April 23
 

7:00am EDT

Breakfast
Thursday April 23, 2026 7:00am - 8:00am EDT
CR West and South
Fuel up for the day with breakfast!
Thursday April 23, 2026 7:00am - 8:00am EDT
CR West and South

7:00am EDT

Registration Table
Thursday April 23, 2026 7:00am - 5:00pm EDT
OPH Foyer
Stop by the registration table to check in, pick up your badge and materials, and get ready for a great conference experience.
Thursday April 23, 2026 7:00am - 5:00pm EDT
OPH Foyer

8:00am EDT

Morning Welcome
Thursday April 23, 2026 8:00am - 9:00am EDT
CR West and South
Grab your coffee and get ready to ride the Waves of Innovation! The Fame team will kick off the day with a warm welcome, event overview, and inspiration for the days ahead.
Speakers
avatar for Ricky Alfaro

Ricky Alfaro

General Manager, CEO, Fame, Inc
As General Manager of Fame, Mr. Alfaro is responsible for growing Fame's business through key initiatives and bringing new products to market. He has 18+ years of management and process improvement experience and 14+ years of experience working with student information systems, financial... Read More →
avatar for Steven Pabom

Steven Pabom

Director of Product Strategy & Operations, Fame
Steven is at the forefront of driving the overall product strategy for Fame, overseeing a diverse portfolio of products. With a remarkable 23 years in the Higher Education industry, Steven brings an extensive background in financial aid, boasting over 20 years of knowledge and expertise.Steven... Read More →
Thursday April 23, 2026 8:00am - 9:00am EDT
CR West and South

9:00am EDT

Federal Update
Thursday April 23, 2026 9:00am - 10:00am EDT
CR West and South
Sally and Tom will bring you the latest guidance on the One Big Beautiful Bill and what to expect in the 2026-2027 award year.
Speakers
avatar for Sally Samuels

Sally Samuels

Director of Compliance, Fame
Sally is one of the country’s leading authorities on Federal financial aid administration with 41 years of “in the trenches” experience. As a respected Industry leader, she is frequently called upon to speak at School, Accrediting, Regional and State conferences as well as... Read More →
avatar for Tom Netting

Tom Netting

CEO, TEN Government Strategies
Tom Netting has more than 30 years of experience working in government relations and public policy and has established himself as a leader in strategic policy development and advocacy in the fields of higher education and workforce development, elementary and secondary education... Read More →
Thursday April 23, 2026 9:00am - 10:00am EDT
CR West and South
  Financial Aid Track

9:00am EDT

Support Room
Thursday April 23, 2026 9:00am - 5:00pm EDT
Fins Left
Have questions? Stop by the Support Room to connect one-on-one with our team and get the answers and guidance you need.
Speakers
avatar for Kristin Ravassipour

Kristin Ravassipour

VFAO Disbursements and R2T4 Team Lead, Fame

avatar for Jessica Posey

Jessica Posey

Customer Success Manager, Fame


avatar for Carolyn Melton

Carolyn Melton

Fame
Carolyn has been in the higher education sector for 26 years. Carolyn served as Director of Financial Aid prior to her finding a position in the Consulting Services Department at Fame. She now brings her extensive knowledge of ESP, Advantage FinAid, Freedom, Freedom FinAid, and APFAM... Read More →
avatar for Ibis Chow

Ibis Chow

Consulting Services Manager, Fame
Ibis Chow received her Bachelor's and Master of Science in Business Administration from Nova Southeastern University. Since joining the higher education industry in 2002, she has attained a myriad of experiences and extensive financial aid knowledge within her different roles. She... Read More →
avatar for Sally Samuels

Sally Samuels

Director of Compliance, Fame
Sally is one of the country’s leading authorities on Federal financial aid administration with 41 years of “in the trenches” experience. As a respected Industry leader, she is frequently called upon to speak at School, Accrediting, Regional and State conferences as well as... Read More →
avatar for Christal Carson

Christal Carson

Early Customer Success & Training Manager, Fame
Christal Love Carson serves as the Early Customer Success & Training Manager at Fame, bringing 15 years of experience in financial aid operations, software training, and client support. Her career spans award packaging, customer support, and a strong, well‑established training background... Read More →
Thursday April 23, 2026 9:00am - 5:00pm EDT
Fins Left
  Support

9:00am EDT

Tech Demos
Thursday April 23, 2026 9:00am - 5:00pm EDT
Pre-Function South
See what’s new in action. Visit the Tech Demos to explore the latest features, enhancements, and innovations!
Speakers
avatar for Christie Michaelides

Christie Michaelides

Advantage FinAid Product Owner, Fame
Beginning her journey on the FA Processing team, Christie showed an innate understanding of financial aid processes and navigating the complexities of Title IV funding. Throughout the years she transitioned through several positions within the department, each time bringing a fresh... Read More →
avatar for Andrei Yancheuski

Andrei Yancheuski

Advantage Product Owner, Fame
Meet Andrei, an accomplished professional with over 15 years of hands-on experience in Information Technology (IT). With a rich and diverse background, he has led numerous projects, demonstrating a unique ability to transform complex technical concepts into user-friendly solutions... Read More →
avatar for Joseph Gonzalez

Joseph Gonzalez

Director of Development, Fame

Thursday April 23, 2026 9:00am - 5:00pm EDT
Pre-Function South
  Tech Demo

10:00am EDT

AM Break
Thursday April 23, 2026 10:00am - 10:30am EDT
OPH Foyer
Grab a snack, stretch your legs, and connect with fellow attendees. Don’t forget to swing by the vendor booths to see what’s new before the next session starts!

Thursday April 23, 2026 10:00am - 10:30am EDT
OPH Foyer

10:30am EDT

R2T4
Thursday April 23, 2026 10:30am - 11:30am EDT
CR West
Year over year, R2T4 findings hit the top 5 audit finding list. John and Ibis will go over the most commonly found findings and how to avoid them.
Speakers
avatar for Ibis Chow

Ibis Chow

Consulting Services Manager, Fame
Ibis Chow received her Bachelor's and Master of Science in Business Administration from Nova Southeastern University. Since joining the higher education industry in 2002, she has attained a myriad of experiences and extensive financial aid knowledge within her different roles. She... Read More →
Thursday April 23, 2026 10:30am - 11:30am EDT
CR West
  Financial Aid Track

10:30am EDT

Navigating State & Federal Changes for Institutional Loans & Payment Plans
Thursday April 23, 2026 10:30am - 11:30am EDT
CR South
Regulations are rolling in like high tide—so it’s time to secure your lines. Join fellow education leaders as we chart a safe course through shifting state and federal rules affecting institutional loans and payment plans. We’ll cover TILA requirements, state registration, default management, and the legislative “storms” forming on the horizon. Leave with practical knowledge to stay cool, stay compliant, and keep your school steady amid the waves of change.
Speakers
avatar for Sean Steinmarc

Sean Steinmarc

CEO, TFC Tuition
Sean Steinmarc is transforming how students access higher education as CEO of TFC Tuition, making college financing more affordable and accessible nationwide. With his Wharton MBA and leadership experience at a Top 5 global bank and Fortune 100 company, Sean brings a powerful blend... Read More →
Thursday April 23, 2026 10:30am - 11:30am EDT
CR South
  Management Track

10:30am EDT

How to Manage Student Retention
Thursday April 23, 2026 10:30am - 11:30am EDT
Hemisphere Dancer
Join Colton as he walks through how to manage student retention.
Speakers
avatar for Colton Woo

Colton Woo

Co-Founder & CEO, KlassApp
Colton Woo has spent over 25 years in the tech sector and has successfully led companies as a Founder and Chief Technology Officer. He is astute with technical requirements, gamification, product design, and has had strong success in the HealthCare and EDU space.
Thursday April 23, 2026 10:30am - 11:30am EDT
Hemisphere Dancer
  Technology Track

11:30am EDT

Clery / Title IX
Thursday April 23, 2026 11:30am - 12:30pm EDT
CR West
Join Chris DeLuca as he speaks about Clery / Title IX.  
Speakers
avatar for Chris DeLuca

Chris DeLuca

Chair of the Higher Education Law Practice, Rouse Frets White Goss Gentile Rhodes, P.C.
Chris DeLuca is the Chair of the Higher Education Law Practice Group at Rouse Frets White Goss Gentile Rhodes, P.C. Chris has over 30 years of experience providing legal, financial, and management services to school administrators and business owners. Chris’ experience includes... Read More →
Thursday April 23, 2026 11:30am - 12:30pm EDT
CR West
  Financial Aid Track

11:30am EDT

Federal and State Updates and How Your Schools Can Be Part of the Solutions
Thursday April 23, 2026 11:30am - 12:30pm EDT
CR South
In this session, learn about recent happenings at the federal level and within the states. Hear how these changes may/will impact your schools and what you can do to help.
Speakers
avatar for Garret Shuler

Garret Shuler

President/Chair, AACS
Garrett Shuler is a second-generation school owner who grew up in the beauty school industry. From sweeping hair off the floor as kid to his current role as Vice President of Kenneth Shuler Schools in South Carolina, Garrett is passionate about the beauty and wellness industry and... Read More →
Thursday April 23, 2026 11:30am - 12:30pm EDT
CR South
  Management Track

11:30am EDT

Student Journey with VFAO
Thursday April 23, 2026 11:30am - 12:30pm EDT
Hemisphere Dancer
As students increasingly expect digital-first experiences, financial aid offices are shifting to virtual models to meet those needs. This session will explore the student journey within the virtual financial aid office—highlighting stages from initial outreach through award disbursement and continued support. Attendees will gain insights into how Fame is leveraging technology to improve accessibility, streamline processes, and deliver more personalized, student-centered support in a fully virtual environment.
Speakers
avatar for Joseph Gonzalez

Joseph Gonzalez

Director of Development, Fame

Thursday April 23, 2026 11:30am - 12:30pm EDT
Hemisphere Dancer
  Technology Track

12:30pm EDT

Lunch
Thursday April 23, 2026 12:30pm - 1:30pm EDT
CR West and South
Relax, recharge, and enjoy lunch.
Thursday April 23, 2026 12:30pm - 1:30pm EDT
CR West and South

1:30pm EDT

Understanding Default Prevention
Thursday April 23, 2026 1:30pm - 2:30pm EDT
CR West
Join John White (Champion Col-EDGE Solutions), to explore the latest challenges with student loans, including increasing delinquency and default rates, and how these issues impact borrowers and institutions. Dive into regulatory changes, default prevention strategies, and proactive loan repayment approaches while gaining a deeper understanding of how defaults affect both borrowers and schools. This session will also examine the challenges posed by the end of pandemic-related programs and discuss solutions for mitigating risks, including school audits, mandated default prevention plans, and the potential loss of Title IV funding. Insights into these issues will help institutions stay ahead of emerging challenges.
Speakers
avatar for Mary Lyn Hammer

Mary Lyn Hammer

CEO, Champion Col-EDGE Solutions
Ms. Mary Lyn Hammer’s belief that education is the vehicle for making dreams come true has led her in a passionate fight that began in 1987, rectifying problems in the higher education industry to insure future participation for all students. She is the President and CEO for Champion... Read More →
Thursday April 23, 2026 1:30pm - 2:30pm EDT
CR West
  Financial Aid Track

1:30pm EDT

Title IV Audits - Best Practices to Avoid Volatility In your Annual Student Financial Aid Examinations
Thursday April 23, 2026 1:30pm - 2:30pm EDT
CR South
This session provides school administrators and financial aid officers with a comprehensive overview of key financial oversight topics, including top audit findings and how to minimize your exposure to these on an ongoing basis. We’ll also highlight financial responsibility standards critical to the financial aid teams, and new federal audit requirements on the horizon.
Speakers
avatar for John Mazurek

John Mazurek

CPA, Sikich
John Mazurek, CPA, is a principal with more than 25 years of audit and advisory experience focused in the higher education sector. John manages and leads audits and other special projects related to a wide range of services amid regular changes in Federal, State and accrediting rules... Read More →
Thursday April 23, 2026 1:30pm - 2:30pm EDT
CR South
  Management Track

1:30pm EDT

Improving Efficiency with Financial Aid Processes
Thursday April 23, 2026 1:30pm - 2:30pm EDT
Hemisphere Dancer
The Fame Team to speak on improving efficiency with FA processes.
Speakers
avatar for Christie Michaelides

Christie Michaelides

Advantage FinAid Product Owner, Fame
Beginning her journey on the FA Processing team, Christie showed an innate understanding of financial aid processes and navigating the complexities of Title IV funding. Throughout the years she transitioned through several positions within the department, each time bringing a fresh... Read More →
Thursday April 23, 2026 1:30pm - 2:30pm EDT
Hemisphere Dancer
  Technology Track

2:30pm EDT

Q & A with Auditors
Thursday April 23, 2026 2:30pm - 3:30pm EDT
CR West
There are always audit topics of interest, hear the latest from our experts in the field.
Speakers
avatar for John Mazurek

John Mazurek

CPA, Sikich
John Mazurek, CPA, is a principal with more than 25 years of audit and advisory experience focused in the higher education sector. John manages and leads audits and other special projects related to a wide range of services amid regular changes in Federal, State and accrediting rules... Read More →
avatar for Shannon Muraco

Shannon Muraco

Manager, McClintock & Associates
Shannon joined McClintock & Associates in 2019 to focus on Title IV Compliance Audits, and in 2025, she was promoted to Manager. She specializes in helping schools understand and interpret regulations regarding calculating and packaging awards, overlapping academic years, verification... Read More →
avatar for Chris Adams

Chris Adams

CPA, Partner, SST
SST Partner Chris Adams provides assurance and advisory services to a variety of for-profit industries and specializes in the nuances and complexities of the higher education sector. With almost a decade of experience, he ensures quality and compliance throughout the audit process... Read More →
avatar for Ben Sanders

Ben Sanders

Compliance Manager, Lightheart Sanders and Associates
Ben Sanders, Compliance Manager at Lightheart Sanders and Associates (LSA) since 2009, oversees compliance audits for Title IV schools, ensuring clients adhere to Department of Education rules and regulations. Ben earned his Bachelor’s Degree from Utah Valley University and has... Read More →
avatar for Sally Samuels

Sally Samuels

Director of Compliance, Fame
Sally is one of the country’s leading authorities on Federal financial aid administration with 41 years of “in the trenches” experience. As a respected Industry leader, she is frequently called upon to speak at School, Accrediting, Regional and State conferences as well as... Read More →
Thursday April 23, 2026 2:30pm - 3:30pm EDT
CR West
  Financial Aid Track

2:30pm EDT

Using AI at your school from a legal perspective
Thursday April 23, 2026 2:30pm - 3:30pm EDT
CR South
Jessica High to speak on using AI at your school from a legal perspective.
Speakers
avatar for Jessica High

Jessica High

Special Counsel, Duane Morris LLP
Jessica S. High is a special counsel in the Trial Practice Group. She counsels private sector colleges and universities in their many specialized relationships, including matters of state and federal regulation, accreditation compliance and advocacy, and student and employee disputes and concerns.Ms... Read More →
Thursday April 23, 2026 2:30pm - 3:30pm EDT
CR South
  Management Track

2:30pm EDT

How to Automate Student Accounts
Thursday April 23, 2026 2:30pm - 3:30pm EDT
Hemisphere Dancer
We’ll explore how to efficiently manage tuition and other charge autoposting within Advantage to ensure timely and accurate billing. We’ll also cover bulk award postings —especially for clients not integrated with AFA. Additionally, we’ll dive into how all posted charges and payments influence key compliance metrics, including the 90/10 rule and 1098-T reporting. You’ll gain a clear understanding of how to maintain financial integrity while optimizing operational workflows.
Speakers
avatar for Andrei Yancheuski

Andrei Yancheuski

Advantage Product Owner, Fame
Meet Andrei, an accomplished professional with over 15 years of hands-on experience in Information Technology (IT). With a rich and diverse background, he has led numerous projects, demonstrating a unique ability to transform complex technical concepts into user-friendly solutions... Read More →
Thursday April 23, 2026 2:30pm - 3:30pm EDT
Hemisphere Dancer
  Technology Track

3:30pm EDT

PM Break
Thursday April 23, 2026 3:30pm - 4:00pm EDT
OPH Foyer
Grab a snack, stretch your legs, and connect with fellow attendees. Don’t forget to swing by the vendor booths to see what’s new before the next session starts!

Thursday April 23, 2026 3:30pm - 4:00pm EDT
OPH Foyer

4:00pm EDT

Protect Your File Review Future
Thursday April 23, 2026 4:00pm - 5:00pm EDT
CR West
Grab your coffee and your compliance hat—it’s time to keep our file review process flawless! 🎓✨ This quick refresher covers all the little details that make a big difference: PJs, DOs, verification quirks, and those sneaky ISIR flags that love to test our patience. Think of it as your Financial Aid Survival Guide—short, sharp, and just nerdy enough to keep you out of audit trouble!
Speakers
avatar for Ibis Chow

Ibis Chow

Consulting Services Manager, Fame
Ibis Chow received her Bachelor's and Master of Science in Business Administration from Nova Southeastern University. Since joining the higher education industry in 2002, she has attained a myriad of experiences and extensive financial aid knowledge within her different roles. She... Read More →
Thursday April 23, 2026 4:00pm - 5:00pm EDT
CR West
  Financial Aid Track

4:00pm EDT

Washington Update
Thursday April 23, 2026 4:00pm - 5:00pm EDT
CR South
Tom Netting to speak on updates from Washington.
Speakers
avatar for Tom Netting

Tom Netting

CEO, TEN Government Strategies
Tom Netting has more than 30 years of experience working in government relations and public policy and has established himself as a leader in strategic policy development and advocacy in the fields of higher education and workforce development, elementary and secondary education... Read More →
Thursday April 23, 2026 4:00pm - 5:00pm EDT
CR South
  Management Track

4:00pm EDT

Conversion Journey from Freedom to Advantage
Thursday April 23, 2026 4:00pm - 5:00pm EDT
Hemisphere Dancer
The Fame Team to speak on the conversion journey from Freedom to Advantage.
Speakers
avatar for Joseph Gonzalez

Joseph Gonzalez

Director of Development, Fame

Thursday April 23, 2026 4:00pm - 5:00pm EDT
Hemisphere Dancer
  Technology Track

5:30pm EDT

Welcome Reception
Thursday April 23, 2026 5:30pm - 7:30pm EDT
Salty Bar
Unwind and connect at our Welcome Reception! Enjoy refreshing drinks, tasty bites, and lively conversation as we ease into the conference together. Thanks to our sponsor: Cosmebeautica 
Thursday April 23, 2026 5:30pm - 7:30pm EDT
Salty Bar
 

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CR South
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Fins Left
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Salty Bar
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