Business Officers Institute 2026
May 6 | Virginia Museum of History & Culture
Anticipate a compelling keynote with Dr. Unnatti Jain, followed by Learning Blocks featuring timely topics and strategies to impact your independent school business office, including risk management, legal issues, revenue sources, industry trends, and high-energy Sponsor Speed Rounds! Dive into content with national experts and collaborate with your VAIS colleagues.
Our host venue provides a fantastic backdrop in which to explore ways in which lessons from the past can be applied to challenges of the present, in service to stronger VAIS schools in the future.
Featuring: Dr. Unnatti Jain
Dr. Unnatti Jain is a dynamic keynote speaker, TEDx presenter, and author who inspires audiences across organizations, schools, and universities. With decades of experience, she empowers individuals and teams to embrace personal growth, leadership development, and navigate generational differences. Her work with teens, parents, and professionals offers valuable insights into behavior and intergenerational dynamics, fostering connection, growth, and success.
Conference Keynote
Understanding Generational Mindsets: Building Schools That Connect Across Ages
Every aspect of independent schools—financial planning, HR, admissions, communications, Marketing, and philanthropy—depends on trust and connection across generations. Parents, staff, alumni, and donors all bring different values, expectations, and decision-making styles. This keynote will unpack how generational mindsets shape financial behaviors, workplace expectations, enrollment choices, and giving patterns.
Program Session Highlights
From Reactive to Proactive: Transforming Your Approach to Risk Management
James Wigginton, 9ine
In this interactive workshop, Wigginton will help us shift from a reactive to a proactive risk management strategy by using a well-developed risk register. This approach will enhance your school’s preparedness for unforeseen challenges and embed a culture of proactive risk management across the organization.
Maximizing Your Campus for Increased Non-Tuition Revenue
Nat Saltonstall, SPARC
Independent schools are increasingly leveraging their campuses year-round to boost non-tuition revenue. This session explores practical strategies to maximize underutilized assets, assess operational readiness, and design sustainable, mission-aligned initiatives without overextending resources.
Perks with Purpose: HR Half-Day Workshop
Christine Lipson, HR Concierge
This session invites school leaders to think beyond salaries and create a total compensation philosophy that is a powerful tool for shaping culture and driving retention. You will design a compensation philosophy unique to your school, reflecting your values as you shape your approach to annual increases, benefit planning, and budgeting.
The Virginia Economic Landscape: Pressures, Shifts, and Implications
Robert M. McNab, Ph.D., Old Dominion University
This session will examine the state of the national and Virginia economies, including an overview of labor market conditions across the Commonwealth. It will explore the impacts of current global and national events, with a focus on how these factors may influence inflation, job creation, and economic growth in the coming year.
Registration
| Who? | Fee |
|---|---|
| VAIS Members | $295 |
| Non-VAIS Members | $590 |
Registration Closes April 22
Register HereHotel Accommodations
VAIS has arranged a room block at the Graduate by Hilton Richmond.
Book your hotel room here by April 13, 2026.
Questions? Email Darcie TeVault.
Thank You to Our Sponsors
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