Inside Momentum ’26: Big Ideas, Big Nashville Energy
March 20, 2026Momentum '26 marked a defining moment as the first combined annual conference for Transact + CBORD under the Illumia name, and the energy matched the milestone. With 925 representatives from 216 higher ed institutions, 72 healthcare organizations, and 173 industry partners, it was our largest and most connected gathering to date. Across three full days in Nashville, attendees showed up ready to engage. Preconference workshops set the tone with hands-on learning across payments, access, foodservice, and identity, while more than 40 breakout sessions delivered practical strategies and real-world perspectives. From AI-driven innovation to operational best practices, the focus stayed grounded in what attendees can actually take back and apply. And that focus carried straight to the mainstage.
Illumia CEO Greg Brown shared a candid look at the company's direction, highlighting how unified solutions and AI will shape the future of both higher education and healthcare. He also took time to answer client questions, offering direct insight into priorities, strategy, and what's next.
“Momentum '26 was a phenomenal opportunity for me to connect with so many of the people who shape the work we do every day and push us to make it better—partners and clients who are elevating the moments that truly matter on campuses, in healthcare, and in senior care.”
Keynote speaker Zack Kass, Global AI Advisor and former Head of Go-to-Market at OpenAI, expanded that view, offering a clear, compelling perspective on how AI is accelerating change and what organizations should be doing now to keep pace, from rethinking workflows to identifying where AI can drive immediate impact.
In between sessions, the Exhibit Hall kept things moving. With a record number of exhibitors, it wasn't just busy; it was productive. Attendees explored new solutions, saw live demos, and had direct conversations about how to solve real challenges in their environments. Conversations turned into ideas, and ideas quickly became next steps.
Dustin Ramsdell of The Higher Ed Geek and Colin Hung from Healthcare IT Today added to the energy with live interviews, capturing insights from across the community and a few spontaneous moments along the way.
Highlights included a conversation between Jennifer Chellew, Illumia SVP, Marketing, and Colin Hung on the Illumia rebrand, offering a closer look at the thinking behind the new name and what it represents moving forward.
Follow The Higher Ed Geek, Healthcare IT Today, and Illumia to catch upcoming episodes and continue the conversation beyond Momentum '26.
Of course, it wouldn't be Momentum in Nashville without a little twang. ðŸ¤
The Welcome Reception got things rolling in the Exhibit Hall, complete with bingo cards and plenty of booth-hopping. The Backyard Barbecue brought the boots to the floor, and the Boots & Bling Awards Dinner turned up the sparkle and swagger: good food, live music, and a well-earned moment to tip our hats to this year's standout achievements.
We were thrilled to recognize and celebrate the individuals and organizations pushing our industries forward.
2026 Distinction Award Winners:
Distinction Award for Innovation Excellence
Mercer University — Ken Boyer, Associate Vice President for Auxiliary Services
Distinction Award for Engagement & Marketing Excellence
MD Anderson Cancer Center — Leisa Bryant, Executive Director, Food and Nutrition Services
Distinction Award for Integration & Operational Excellence
University of Memphis — Melissa Ramage, Business System Analyst
Tommy Eubank Excellence in Partnership Award
Andrew George, Applied Audio Video
Innovation Partner of the Year
Compass Group at Texas A&M University
Partner of the Year
Genea
Even with the late nights, attendees still showed up early. Wellness sessions, from a high-energy Zumba start to a quieter reset-and-refocus meditation, gave attendees a way to stay balanced through a packed schedule.
862 mobile credentials provisioned.
5,400 cups of coffee poured.
15,236 steps per day, on average.
A lot of ground covered—in every sense.
Momentum '26 was about what's already underway, and a community ready to dig in, share what works, and build what comes next.
If Nashville taught us anything, it's this: When the right people get in the room, real progress happens.
Take a look at the photo gallery to catch a few of the boot-scootin' moments.
Momentum '27 heads to the Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center in Orlando, March 1–3, 2027. Stay tuned for more details.