Digital buyer journeys
What digital buyer journeys means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Event overview
Overview
The MSBO Annual Conference is a premier event for school business officials, taking place from April 20 to April 22, 2027, at the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel in Grand Rapids, Michigan. This conference will cover essential topics in finance, operations, and educational management, providing valuable insights and networking opportunities for attendees.
MSBO Annual Conference takes place in Grand Rapids, USA. Venue: Amway Grand Plaza Hotel.
TL;DR
- 1Dates and Venue: The MSBO Annual Conference takes place from April 20 to April 22, 2027, at the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel in Grand Rapids, USA.
- 2Scale and Focus: This conference is a key event for school business officials, focusing on finance, operations, and educational management.
- 3Organiser: The event is organised by the Michigan School Business Officials (MSBO), with more details available at msbo.org.
- 4Buyer Authority: Attendees include school district administrators, finance officers, and human resource managers.
- 5Entry / Access: Registration is open now for the Annual Conference; visit the official website for details.
Why visit
Attending the MSBO Annual Conference offers school business officials the chance to network with peers, gain insights into the latest trends in school finance, and participate in workshops tailored to their professional development. The conference features expert speakers and sessions that address current challenges in the education sector.
Why exhibit
Exhibiting at the MSBO Annual Conference provides companies with direct access to key decision-makers in school districts, allowing for valuable networking opportunities and the chance to showcase products and services that support educational institutions. This is an ideal platform for businesses looking to enhance their visibility and connect with potential clients.
Attendees, exhibitors & solutions
Who this event is for
Visitor profile
Typical attendee groups you can expect to meet.
Michigan school district superintendents and assistant superintendents for business who approve district budgets, staffing plans and long-range facilities spending.
District finance directors, business managers and accounting staff responsible for fund accounting, cash management, audits and Michigan school aid compliance.
Payroll, accounts payable and purchasing coordinators who evaluate ERP, time-and-attendance, procurement and vendor-payment systems.
Human resources and benefits administrators managing teacher and support-staff contracts, health plans, substitute placement and retirement reporting.
Facilities, operations and energy managers responsible for buildings, grounds, custodial services, HVAC, capital planning and safety upgrades.
Transportation directors and fleet supervisors comparing routing software, GPS, bus cameras, driver training and fleet electrification options.
Food service directors and nutrition program staff sourcing menu software, point-of-sale, commodity processing and kitchen equipment.
Technology directors, data-privacy officers and instructional technology coordinators evaluating SIS, cybersecurity, network infrastructure and classroom tools.
School board trustees, intermediate school district leaders and education service agency staff who set policy and regional purchasing strategy.
District legal counsel, auditors, bond advisors and construction managers who serve K-12 clients and attend to meet business-office decision makers.
Exhibitor profile
Main supplier and exhibitor segments present at the show.
K-12 ERP, fund-accounting, payroll and time-and-attendance software vendors.
Student information system, assessment, data-analytics and parent-communication platform providers.
Food service management companies, nutrition software, point-of-sale and kitchen equipment suppliers.
Transportation routing, GPS, fleet telematics, bus camera and driver-training vendors.
Facilities maintenance, HVAC, energy-management, roofing, flooring and custodial service contractors.
Safety and security integrators offering access control, camera systems, emergency notification and visitor management.
HR, benefits, substitute-staffing, retirement-planning and employee-assistance providers.
Procurement cooperatives, purchasing consortia and bid-management services for Michigan districts.
Legal, audit, actuarial, bond-counsel and construction-management firms serving public schools.
Classroom technology, furniture, office supply, printing and records-management companies.
Energy efficiency, solar, electric-vehicle charging and school-bus electrification specialists.
Product categories
Key solution areas showcased across the event.
K-12 fund accounting, ERP and budget-planning software
Payroll, benefits administration and substitute-management systems
Student information systems, assessment and data analytics
Procurement, e-procurement and purchasing cooperative services
Facilities management, CMMS, energy and HVAC controls
School transportation routing, GPS and fleet telematics
Food service POS, nutrition analysis and kitchen equipment
Safety, security, access control and emergency notification
HR, legal, audit and actuarial services for public districts
Bond, construction and capital-program management
Classroom technology, AV and network infrastructure
Furniture, supplies, printing and records management
School bus electrification and EV charging
Playground, athletic and campus improvements
Location & Facilities
Venue
Halls & areas
1Ballrooms and Meeting Space (Amway Grand Plaza)
Amway Grand Plaza Hotel
Grand Rapids, USA
Facilities
Parking
Amway Grand Plaza Hotel in Grand Rapids typically provides on-site or adjacent visitor parking during major trade fairs; confirm daily rates, payment methods and hall access on the organiser or venue website before travel.
Food options
On-site catering
On-site diningParking: Amway Grand Plaza Hotel in Grand Rapids typically provides on-site or adjacent visitor parking during major trade fairs; confirm daily rates, payment methods and hall access on the organiser or venue website before travel.
Gate: Follow organiser signage to the main visitor entrance at Amway Grand Plaza Hotel for badge collection; allow extra time for security screening during peak morning arrival.
Attend
Entry & tickets
How the last edition performed
Previous edition
Next edition
Not announced yet
Intelligence
Market context
Key market insights, trends, news and related events to help you understand the bigger picture.
Grand Rapids, USA
Why it matters
On 2027-04-20 to 2027-04-22, MSBO Annual Conference in Grand Rapids covering Financial management solutions for schools, Facility management services, Human resources software, Educational technolo gives technology buyers a single calendar window to compare suppliers, validate specs on the stand, and book follow-ups before the next buying cycle - especially when your roadmap matches the published exhibitor profile.
Industry trends
Key trends shaping this market and its wider industry.
Sustainability in procurement
What sustainability in procurement means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Automation and labour efficiency
What automation and labour efficiency means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Regional supply-chain resilience
What regional supply-chain resilience means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Hybrid engagement models
What hybrid engagement models means for buyers and exhibitors in this sector.
Plan your trip
Travel & logistics
Local currency · USD
Arrival airports
Choose from the following airports, with convenient access to the event and venue.
Gerald R. Ford International Airport
Primary airport for Grand Rapids. Rideshare, taxi, shared shuttle and limited bus connections serve downtown; confirm current ground transport before arrival
TBA
to venue
Approx. 20-25 minutes by car
by car
Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport
Alternate large-hub option with more international connections; onward drive or bus to Grand Rapids. Allow extra time for spring weather and Detroit-area traffic
TBA
to venue
Approx. 2 hours 15 minutes by car
by car
Hotel tiers
A range of accommodation options near the venue and across key areas.
Amway Grand Plaza, Curio Collection by Hilton
upscale
Downtown Grand Rapids, 187 Monroe Ave NWUSD 175–236 / night
Host venue hotel in captured MSBO material; confirm the official MSBO room block. Approx. nightly range, not a quoted conference rate.
sourceJW Marriott Grand Rapids
upscale
235 Louis St NW, downtown riverfrontUSD 189–259 / night
Approx. nightly range; 4-star riverfront hotel about a 5-10 minute walk from the Amway Grand Plaza. Confirm current rates and cancellation policy.
Courtyard by Marriott Grand Rapids Downtown
midscale
11 Monroe Ave NW, downtownUSD 139–189 / night
Approx. nightly range; 3-star downtown option close to Monroe Center restaurants and a short walk to the Amway Grand Plaza.
Embassy Suites by Hilton Grand Rapids Downtown
upscale
710 Monroe Ave NW, downtownUSD 159–219 / night
Approx. nightly range; all-suite hotel about a 10-12 minute walk from the Amway Grand Plaza. Confirm breakfast and parking inclusions.
Holiday Inn Grand Rapids Downtown
midscale
310 Pearl St NW, downtownUSD 129–179 / night
Approx. nightly range; 3-star option about a 12-15 minute walk from the Amway Grand Plaza. Confirm current shuttle or parking options.
Local transport
Get around the city with these convenient transport options.
The Rapid fixed-route bus
Estimated costCost TBA
Best forRoutes serving downtown Grand Rapids and the Monroe Ave NW corridor
The Rapid is the local transit agency. Routes connect downtown with neighborhoods and some suburban park-and-ride lots, but bus trips from GRR require transfers and are slower than a car.
DASH downtown shuttle
Estimated costFree or low-cost downtown shuttle; confirm current DASH fare and hours
Best forDowntown Grand Rapids loop near Amway Grand Plaza, DeVos Place and Monroe Center
The Downtown Area Shuttle circulates among downtown destinations. Useful for short hops between hotels, restaurants and the conference district; not an airport service.
Rideshare (Uber/Lyft)
Estimated costCost TBA
Best forGRR airport to downtown Grand Rapids hotels
Most direct airport option. Confirm the designated rideshare pickup zone at GRR and allow extra time during peak arrival periods.
Taxi
Estimated costCost TBA
Best forGRR taxi stand to Amway Grand Plaza / downtown
Taxis are available at GRR and can be convenient for attendees with luggage or late arrivals. Confirm the fare estimate before departure.
Shared airport shuttle
Estimated costCost TBA
Best forGRR to downtown Grand Rapids hotels
Shared shuttles can be cheaper than a private taxi or rideshare but may involve waiting and multiple stops. Pre-book if you arrive outside normal hours.
Downtown parking garage
Estimated costCost TBA
Best forPublic ramps near Amway Grand Plaza and DeVos Place
Several downtown ramps serve the Amway Grand Plaza area. Check height restrictions, in-and-out privileges and event-day pricing before choosing a ramp.
Walking
Estimated costNo fare; 5-20 minutes on foot depending on hotel
Best forDowntown hotels to Amway Grand Plaza
Downtown Grand Rapids is compact and walkable. April rain and occasional snow can make sidewalks slick, so carry a rain jacket and wear comfortable shoes.
taxi
Estimated costCost TBA
Best forGerald R. Ford International Airport (GRR) to Amway Grand Plaza Hotel
Approx. 20-25 minutes by car; Primary airport for Grand Rapids. Rideshare, taxi, shared shuttle and limited bus connections serve downtown; confirm current ground transport before arrival.
Weather
April in Grand Rapids is cool, wet and changeable. Expect average highs near 55-60 F and lows near 36-41 F, with roughly 3.5-4 inches of rain across the month. A light winter coat may still be useful early in April, while a rain jacket and layers are essential for walking between downtown hotels and the Amway Grand Plaza. Confirm the 2027 forecast before travel.
Plan for the climate
Check temperatures and pack accordingly
Venue connectivity
Amway Grand Plaza meeting space and guest rooms generally offer Wi-Fi, but the MSBO conference rate and exhibit-hall bandwidth should be confirmed with the venue or exhibitor manual. AT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile have strong LTE/5G coverage in downtown Grand Rapids. International visitors should arrange an eSIM or roaming plan before departure; US plug types are A and B, 120 V. Bring a power bank and a backup hotspot for the exhibit hall.
Ride-hailing
Taxis
Public transit
Car rentals
Cultural notes
Useful information to help you have a smooth and respectful visit.
Business dress
Business casual is standard for MSBO: collared shirts, slacks, skirts or dresses, and comfortable shoes. Superintendents and finance directors often wear blazers, but the exhibit hall is less formal than a national finance conference.
Tipping and payment
US dollars are used throughout Grand Rapids. Tipping 15-20% is expected at restaurants and for taxi or rideshare; hotel housekeeping typically receives $2-5 per night. Cards are widely accepted, but carry a little cash for shuttles and tips.
Greetings and small talk
A firm handshake and first names are common in Michigan school business settings. Colleagues often open meetings with weather or local school news; avoid hard-sell pitches before asking about a district's budget cycle or procurement rules.
Punctuality and scheduling
Sessions and exhibit-hall hours start on time. Build 10-15 minutes between appointments because the Amway Grand Plaza is spread across connected wings and walking distances can be longer than the floor plan suggests.
Accessibility and weather
Downtown Grand Rapids is generally accessible, but April rain and occasional snow can make sidewalks slick. Request a hotel room near an elevator if mobility is limited, and confirm accessibility routes to meeting rooms with the venue.
Practical guides
Visitor & Exhibitor Essentials
Everything needed to arrive prepared, navigate the event, and make the visit productive.
Flights
Destination: GRR
Grand Rapids is served by Gerald R. Ford International (GRR), about 15 miles from downtown. Google Flights captures for 20 April 2027 showed cheapest economy fares from $333 from Chicago ORD (direct, about 1 hour) and $347 from New York JFK (one stop via ORD, CLT or DTW, 4-6.5 hours). Los Angeles LAX routings were not priced but typically connect via DTW, MDW or ORD in about 5.8-6.5 hours. Fares include taxes and fees for one adult; bag fees may apply. Book a refundable or changeable fare if your district approval is pending, and confirm the fare closer to departure.
Transport
Get to the venue and around the city with these options.
Airport → venue: Primary gateways: Gerald R. Ford International Airport (GRR): Approx. 20-25 minutes by car; Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW): Approx. 2 hours 15 minutes by car. Allow road or rail time to Amway Grand Plaza Hotel; on-site parking is usually available at major exhibition venues.
Hotel → venue: Precinct hotels near Amway Grand Plaza Hotel: Downtown Grand Rapids, 187 Monroe Ave NW: Amway Grand Plaza, Curio Collection by Hilton; 235 Louis St NW, downtown riverfront: JW Marriott Grand Rapids; 11 Monroe Ave NW, downtown: Courtyard by Marriott Grand Rapids Downtown.
Ride-hail: Uber and Lyft operate in Grand Rapids, including pickups at Gerald R. Ford International (GRR) and downtown hotels. Fares to the Amway Grand Plaza area typically run about $30-$45 from the airport, with surge pricing during peak arrival times. Confirm the designated rideshare pickup zone at GRR and pre-book if you land late.
Public transit: The Rapid (ridetherapid.org) runs fixed-route buses across Grand Rapids and Kent County, with downtown routes near the Amway Grand Plaza. The DASH downtown shuttle loops key destinations and is free or low-cost; confirm current hours. A one-way The Rapid fare is approximately $2.00, with day passes available. For airport trips, bus connections require transfers and are slower than rideshare, taxi or shared shuttle.
Parking: Downtown Grand Rapids has public parking ramps and surface lots within a short walk of the Amway Grand Plaza at 187 Monroe Ave NW. The hotel offers guest parking, and event rates may apply during MSBO. Expect approximately $12-$25 per day at public ramps, with higher rates for valet or special-event parking. Confirm height restrictions and in-and-out privileges before choosing a ramp.
Weather
Plan and pack for the event climate.
Month: April 2027
Temperature: Average highs 55-60 F (13-16 C) and lows 36-41 F (2-5 C); frost is possible early in the month and a warm day can reach the 70s F. Confirm the forecast closer to 20-22 April 2027.
Seasonality: April is one of the wetter months in Grand Rapids, with roughly 3.5-4 inches (90-100 mm) of precipitation over about 12-14 days. Rain showers are common; wet snow can occur early in the month.
Packing: Pack layers, a waterproof jacket with a hood, closed-toe walking shoes and an umbrella. Meeting rooms can be cool, so bring a sweater or blazer; evenings often drop into the 30s-40s F. A small power bank and a US Type A/B plug adapter are useful for long conference days.
Plan your trip
Planning
Best day to visit: Day 2 (mid-show)
Mid-show days at MSBO Annual Conference usually combine full exhibitor attendance with scheduled B2B meetings, before early pack-down on the final day.
Day 1
Book the Amway Grand Plaza through the official MSBO room block or reserve a refundable downtown backup hotel.
Day 2
Check GRR flight options and compare arrival times with the April 20 conference start; avoid a same-morning arrival if you present or exhibit.
Day 3
Pre-book an airport transfer or confirm rideshare pickup at GRR; download The Rapid and DASH route maps as backup.
Day 4
Review the exhibit hall list and shortlist 8-10 vendors for finance, HR, facilities, transportation or food-service needs.
Day 5
Bring district data you can share: budget calendar, enrollment trends, staffing vacancies, facilities backlog and upcoming RFPs.
Day 6
Confirm whether your district requires a purchase order or board approval before you collect vendor quotes on site.; Download the conference app or print the schedule; mark sessions that overlap with exhibit-hall hours.
Day 7
Check MSBO membership status and whether your registration includes meal functions or reception access.
Day 8
Pack business casual layers, a rain jacket, comfortable shoes and a charger for long exhibit-hall days.
Day 9
Confirm parking at your hotel or map a downtown ramp near 187 Monroe Ave NW; check height restrictions.
Day 10
Set out-of-office replies and delegate purchase approvals so you can respond to vendor quotes after the show.
Day 11
Verify flight status, hotel confirmation and airport transfer; April weather can cause delays in the Midwest.
Day 12
Confirm your MSBO 2027 registration, attendee category and any pre-conference workshop tickets on msbo.org.; Charge devices, load the MSBO schedule, and put your business cards and district contact sheet in your bag.
Sample visitor itinerary
Route-optimised day
Day 1 · morning
Registration and hall orientation at Amway Grand Plaza Hotel
Day 2 · core sessions
Supplier meetings and product demos
Day 3 · wrap-up
Final negotiations and follow-up
Networking spots
2MSBO Annual Conference registration concourse
Amway Grand Plaza Hotel
Central meeting point before and between hall appointments during show days.
Organiser B2B lounge (if offered)
Amway Grand Plaza Hotel
Hosted matchmaking and buyer programmes when published by the organiser.
Budget
Costs & budget
Build your working budget
Adjust the inputs below to create a directional event budget.
Estimated budget
Live estimate
- Hotel × 2 nights$230.00
- Per diem × 2$150.00
Estimated total$380.00
This is a directional estimate. Please verify live rates before booking.
Decision
Visit, exhibit, or skip?
Should you go?
Use this quick check to decide whether MSBO Annual Conference fits your visit, exhibit or skip plan.
QUESTION 1 OF 6
For MSBO Annual Conference, what is your primary role on the show floor?
Decision matrix
Compare participation options side by side to choose the best fit for your objectives.
visit
Your category focus and target suppliers align with the official exhibitor profile.
Best for
Buyers, engineers, and delegates sourcing Financial management solutions for schools and Facility management services solutions and benchmarking suppliers at MSBO Annual Conference in Grand Rapids.
Min. budget
$668.00
Timeline
4-8 weeks before opening day for registration, hotels, and travel.
Risks
Session times and ticket tiers may change - confirm the official agenda before booking.
exhibit
You have a defined lead-generation or distributor recruitment goal for this market.
Best for
Brands and manufacturers launching Financial management solutions for schools and Facility management services products who need qualified meetings with the event's trade audience.
Min. budget
$3,006.00
Timeline
3-6 months for stand booking, freight, staffing, and pre-show marketing.
Risks
Booth pricing and corner premiums vary by hall - confirm with the organiser sales team.
skip
Audience, geography, or commercial goals do not justify travel and stand costs this cycle.
Best for
Teams with weak category fit, budget constraints, or overlapping commitments during the Grand Rapids show week.
Timeline
N/A
Risks
Skipping may mean missing buyer meetings if competitors exhibit or attend the same week.
FAQs & glossary
Answers
Frequently asked
What is the MSBO Annual Conference & Exhibit Show?
It is the annual gathering of the Michigan School Business Officials, bringing district finance, HR, facilities, transportation, food-service and technology leaders together in Grand Rapids for professional development and an exhibit hall. The 2027 edition is scheduled for April 20-22 at the Amway Grand Plaza.
Who should attend MSBO 2027?
Michigan school business officials, superintendents, finance and accounting staff, HR and benefits administrators, facilities and operations managers, transportation and food-service directors, technology leaders, purchasing staff, school board trustees and education service agency teams. Exhibitors that sell to K-12 district business offices also attend.
Is MSBO a trade-only event?
The conference is built for school business professionals and the companies that serve them. Registration categories and exhibit-hall access are set by MSBO; check msbo.org for current attendee and exhibitor eligibility before you book travel.
Where exactly is the 2027 conference?
Captured MSBO conference material points to the Amway Grand Plaza at 187 Monroe Ave NW in downtown Grand Rapids, Michigan. Confirm the final venue and room block on msbo.org before making non-refundable reservations.
How do I register for MSBO 2027?
Registration is handled through msbo.org. Look for the 2027 conference registration page, member and non-member rates, pre-conference workshops and exhibit-hall passes. Confirm current deadlines and eligibility on the official site before paying.
What can exhibitors expect at MSBO?
Exhibitors reach district decision makers who buy finance, HR, facilities, transportation, food-service and technology products. The exhibit hall is the main commercial floor, with session breaks and dedicated exhibit time. Booth pricing and the floor plan are set by MSBO in the exhibitor prospectus; confirm current rates with the association.
Can I book the Amway Grand Plaza for the conference?
The Amway Grand Plaza is the host venue hotel in captured MSBO material. Use the official housing link or code on msbo.org if one is published, and avoid third-party resellers. Downtown alternatives include the JW Marriott, Courtyard, Embassy Suites and Holiday Inn.
How do I get from Gerald R. Ford International Airport to downtown Grand Rapids?
GRR is about 15 miles from downtown Grand Rapids, roughly 20-25 minutes by car. Rideshare and taxi are the most direct options; shared shuttles and The Rapid bus connections are cheaper but slower. Confirm fares and schedules before arrival.
Is downtown Grand Rapids walkable during MSBO?
Yes. The Amway Grand Plaza sits on the downtown riverfront, and many hotels, restaurants and the convention district are within a 5-15 minute walk. April weather can be cool and wet, so carry a rain jacket and comfortable shoes.
What is the weather like in Grand Rapids in April?
Grand Rapids in April is cool and changeable: average highs around 55-60 F and lows around 36-41 F, with frequent rain and a chance of frost or wet snow early in the month. Pack layers and a waterproof outer layer.
Is parking available near the Amway Grand Plaza?
Downtown Grand Rapids has multiple public parking ramps and surface lots near the Amway Grand Plaza. The hotel also offers parking for guests. Daily rates vary by ramp and event demand, so confirm the current rate and height restrictions before driving.
What should I wear to MSBO?
Business casual is the norm for MSBO: collared shirts, slacks, skirts or dresses, and comfortable shoes for walking between sessions and the exhibit hall. Bring a sweater or blazer because meeting rooms can be cool.
Will MSBO 2027 sessions be recorded?
Captured MSBO pages do not confirm recording or on-demand access for 2027. Check the conference schedule and registration terms on msbo.org; if you need continuing education credit, confirm the approved session list before attending.
Can international visitors attend MSBO?
Yes, but travel to the United States for business requires the correct entry status. Most Canadian and Visa Waiver Program travelers use ESTA; others may need a B-1 business visitor visa. Confirm current rules with the U.S. Department of State well before travel.
Are continuing education credits available?
MSBO professional development may qualify for Michigan school business certification or SCECH credit, but the 2027 approved sessions were not captured. Check the official schedule and credit instructions before the conference.
Glossary
- MSBO
- Michigan School Business Officials, the professional association for Michigan K-12 finance, HR, facilities, transportation, food-service and technology leaders. Its annual conference combines professional development with an exhibit hall for district buyers.
- School Business Official
- A district administrator responsible for budgeting, accounting, payroll, purchasing, facilities, transportation, food service or other non-instructional operations. MSBO programming is built around these roles.
- Michigan School Aid Fund
- Michigan's dedicated state fund for K-12 school operations, supported by state taxes and other revenues. District finance staff track School Aid Fund changes because they drive annual budget planning.
- Foundation Allowance
- The per-pupil state aid amount Michigan uses in its school finance formula. Districts compare their foundation allowance with neighboring districts when planning budgets and millage requests.
- Fund Accounting
- A public-sector accounting method that separates money into funds such as general, food service, debt service and capital projects. School business officials use fund accounting to show that restricted money was spent for its intended purpose.
- K-12 ERP
- Enterprise resource planning software adapted for school districts, usually combining finance, payroll, purchasing, HR and budget planning. Districts evaluate K-12 ERP systems when their legacy finance software is outdated or hard to integrate.
- Student Information System (SIS)
- The core system for enrollment, attendance, grades, scheduling and state reporting. SIS decisions often sit with technology and data teams but affect finance through per-pupil funding and compliance reporting.
- Section 125 Plan
- A cafeteria plan that lets employees pay for certain benefits, such as health premiums or dependent care, with pre-tax dollars. School HR and business offices administer these plans and need compliant payroll integration.
- Intermediate School District (ISD)
- A regional Michigan education agency that provides special education, technology, purchasing and other services to local districts. ISD staff often attend MSBO to compare regional service models and cooperative contracts.
- Sinking Fund
- A voter-approved property tax levy Michigan districts can use for facilities construction, renovation and major repairs. Sinking-fund planning drives conversations with architects, construction managers and facilities vendors.
- Bond Issue
- A voter-approved debt sale that funds school construction or major capital projects. Bond counsel, financial advisors and construction managers exhibit at MSBO because bond work involves district business offices.
- GASB
- The Governmental Accounting Standards Board, which sets accounting and financial reporting standards for US state and local governments, including school districts. GASB changes can affect district audit preparation and financial statements.
- Uniform Grant Guidance (UGG)
- Federal rules governing the management and auditing of federal grants, including procurement, time-and-effort documentation and subrecipient monitoring. Districts with federal funds need controls that satisfy the UGG.
- Pupil Count / Count Day
- Michigan uses specific count days, generally in October and February, to determine pupil membership for state aid. Finance offices prepare enrollment documentation and reconcile count data with the student information system.
- Procurement Cooperative
- A purchasing organization that aggregates district demand and competitively bids goods and services. Cooperatives can reduce administrative burden, but districts still need to follow Michigan procurement rules and local board policies.
- CMMS
- Computerized maintenance management system software used to track work orders, preventive maintenance, assets and building repairs. Facilities teams compare CMMS tools at MSBO when they need better visibility into backlog and labor costs.
- E-Rate
- The FCC's Schools and Libraries Program, which provides discounts for eligible broadband, internal connections and managed Wi-Fi services. District technology and business offices coordinate E-Rate applications and matching funds.
- SCECH
- State Continuing Education Clock Hours, used for certain Michigan educator certificate renewals. Attendees should confirm whether specific MSBO 2027 sessions are approved for SCECH credit before relying on them.
- Food Service Fund
- A separate accounting fund for school meal operations, including federal reimbursement, labor, food and equipment costs. Food-service directors and finance staff reconcile this fund to avoid general-fund subsidies.
- Fleet Telematics
- GPS and vehicle-data systems that track school bus location, driver behavior, maintenance needs and fuel use. Transportation directors evaluate telematics alongside routing software and camera systems.
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Also known as
Alternate names and search phrases for this event.
- MSBO Annual Conference 2027
- MSBO Annual Conference Grand Rapids 2027
- MSBO 2027
- MSBO Grand Rapids 2027
- Grand Rapids USA
- Financial management solutions for schools
- Facility management services
- Human resources software
- Educational technology tools
- Annual Conference Conference Grand Rapids
2 more alternate names hidden
Digital business cards for the show floor
Display a free company card at your booth, or share your professional card on the show floor.