- Illinois Park and Recreation Association

People are the Worst: Inspiring Adoption when No One Wants to Change

Morning Keynote Presentation

Speakers

Kelly Grosskreutz - Director of Modern Work / Data & AI

Kelly Grosskreutz is a self-proclaimed Microsoft enthusiast, focused on end user adoption and organizational change management. Kelly embraces her role as the worst end user on the team – which is how she has found the loopholes, hacks, and shortcuts that your average busy, clever, overstimulated, and somehow still quite lazy, end users will find.

Summary

In this TED-Talk style session, we’ll delve into the critical intersection of technology and people. Whether you’re an Executive Sponsor, Tech Lead, or Adoption Enthusiast, understanding how to navigate the human aspects of technology initiatives is essential for success. Join us as we explore strategies, best practices, and real-world examples to empower your teams and drive project outcomes. Learning Objectives: 1. Develop and deliver messaging for change initiatives that is straightforward, authentic, and easy to remember. 2. Implement regular reinforcement strategies to support and sustain new behaviors and processes. 3. Incorporate creative elements (such as mascots or humor) into communications to increase engagement and retention.

Productive Parks

Demonstrations - Concurrent #1

Summary

Productive Parks is a cloud-based maintenance management software (CMMS) built specifically for parks and recreation agencies. It helps field crews and administrators handle daily tasks, track equipment, and schedule safety checks from any internet-connected device.

Vermont Systems

Demonstrations - Concurrent #1

Summary

Since 1988, Vermont Systems has been focused on developing the best solutions for recreation management and everything that it entails for everyone involved. From patrons to staff to leadership our goal has been to create the best experience for everyone. Over time that focus and success has caught the attention of three distinct communities and organizations: municipalities, military and colleges and universities. In addition to these typically public entities, Vermont Systems has also helped many private businesses in the recreation field, including golf courses, campgrounds and fitness centers.

Minuteman Security & Life Safety

Demonstrations - Concurrent #1

Summary

Minuteman Security & Life Safety is a major regional security system integrator founded in 1988 with headquarters in Andover, Massachusetts. The company designs, installs, and services enterprise-grade physical security, video surveillance, access control, and emergency communication systems for commercial, educational, and government clients.

Paylocity

Demonstrations - Concurrent #1

Summary

Paylocity is a cloud-based software platform that helps companies manage payroll, human resources (HR), finance, and IT tasks in one place. Headquartered in Schaumburg, Illinois, it serves over 41,000 businesses of all sizes to replace disconnected administrative tools.

Rec Technologies

Demonstrations - Concurrent #1

Summary

Rec Technologies is a San Francisco-based software company that provides an AI-powered platform for municipal parks and recreation departments. The platform simplifies program registration, facility reservations, membership management, and permit rentals for both city staff and local residents

AssetWorks

Demonstrations - Concurrent #1

Summary

AssetWorks is a software and hardware provider with over 40 years of experience. It specializes in enterprise asset management (EAM), fleet tracking, and fuel management systems. Its solutions target government agencies, public works, higher education institutions, utilities, and commercial fleets to streamline operations and cut costs.

Exhibit Hall

Exhibit Hall 1

Summary

Walk the exhibit hall to network with vendors and complete a scorecard for the chance to win raffle prizes!

Xplor Technologies

Demonstrations - Concurrent #2

Summary

Xplor Technologies is a global software and payments company based in Atlanta, Georgia. It provides cloud-based vertical software, embedded payment systems (Xplor Pay), and AI tools to over 130,000 businesses across 72 countries. The platform helps small and mid-sized businesses run daily operations and process over $47 billion in payments annually.

HBS

Demonstrations - Concurrent #2

Summary

HBS.net is the official website for Heartland Business Systems (HBS), a premier regional technology integration and IT services provider headquartered in Little Chute, Wisconsin. Founded in 1992, HBS delivers end-to-end infrastructure, cloud, cybersecurity, and managed IT solutions to commercial, healthcare, government, and education sectors across the Midwest, including a regional office nearby in Lisle, Illinois.

Double Spot

Demonstrations - Concurrent #2

Summary

DoubleSpot is an all-in-one software platform built to manage recreation operations, community facilities, and campus centers. It replaces older multi-system workflows with unified tools for scheduling, event coordination, memberships, and AI-supported administrative tasks.

Amilia

Demonstrations - Concurrent #2

Summary

Amilia is an e-commerce and management software platform designed for community groups, local governments, nonprofits, and activity-based businesses. It helps groups handle online sign-ups, memberships, facility schedules, and payments in one place.

Hydro Apps

Demonstrations - Concurrent #2

Summary

HydroApps is a cloud-based, mobile-friendly operations and documentation platform built specifically for aquatic and recreation facilities. It replaces traditional paper binders with real-time digital tools to manage water chemistry testing, staff certifications, facility inspections, equipment maintenance, and shift scheduling.

Civic Rec

Demonstrations - Concurrent #2

Summary

CivicPlus Recreation Management (formerly known as CivicRec) is a cloud-based software system built for local governments and park departments. It helps cities manage community programs, facility rentals, memberships, and sports leagues through an online portal.

Exhibit Hall

Exhibit Hall 2

Summary

Walk the exhibit hall to network with vendors and complete a scorecard for the chance to win raffle prizes!

Lunch

Summary

Included with registration is the option for a sub sandwich or wrap from Katering by Kristie. Water and soft drinks will be provided.

Building a 24/7 SOC Without Breaking the Budget

Afternoon Keynote Presentation

Speakers

Rod Kahl - VP of Cybersecurity

As VP of Cybersecurity, Rod Kahl leads the work that helps customers reduce risk and protect their most important systems. He focuses on clear assessments, effective controls, and solutions that fit smoothly into day-to-day operations. With experience across areas like endpoint protection, cloud security, and vulnerability management, Rod brings a thoughtful, grounded approach to safeguarding each environment. A CISSP-certified leader, he works closely with teams and partners to ensure customers have the confidence and protection they need in a fast-changing threat landscape.

Summary

Around-the-clock threat monitoring sounds like something only Fortune 500 companies can afford, but smaller organizatgions need it just as much, if not more. With limited staff and constant security alerts, it can feel impossible to maintain visibility across every device and network segment. This session explores how organizations can leverage a cost-effective 24/7 Security Operations Center (SOC) using modern tools and smarter workflows. We’ll break down how next-generation SIEM, endpoint protection (EPP/EDR/XDR), and managed detection services work together to deliver continuous monitoring and faster response without draining your budget or your team’s energy. Attendees will see real dashboards that illustrate how these systems surface threats in real time, prioritize alerts, and guide remediation. We’ll focus on vendor-neutral strategies and actionable steps any school can take to strengthen defenses, improve visibility, and make the most of existing security investments. Learning Objectives: 1. Understand the key components of a 24/7 SOC and how they apply to various environments. 2. Learn how to leverage SIEM and endpoint technologies for real-time visibility and response. 3. Discover practical, budget-friendly approaches to continuous monitoring through managed and hybrid SOC models.