Connected, Purpose-Built, and Moving Forward: Reflections from ISM 2026

Another ISM Conference is in the books, and the SteadyIQ team came home from Spokane energized. With the largest registration ever and a jam-packed agenda, our team showed up for all things ISM from the first day to the last, proudly sporting our purple Jordans as we introduced attendees to our purpose-built Verification Hub, shared the stage with health and human services and lived experience experts, and connected with agency leaders and partners in the hallways in between. Rather than try to capture it all in one voice, we asked three members of the SteadyIQ team to share what stood out to them. Their reflections come from different roles and perspectives, but you’ll notice the same themes running through all three: the power of connection, the importance of technology built specifically for health and human services, and deep respect for the people doing this work every day.

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Chloe Green, Director, National Policy & Strategic Partnerships‍

For the last year and a half, state and local agencies have faced what can feel like impossible hurdles: do better, do it faster, and do it with significantly fewer resources. It is easy to get caught up in that despair, but this year's ISM Conference was all about action. It was a showcase of the incredible work happening across the country to respond and keep moving forward, even in challenging times. There is so much work to do, AND there is SO much being done. None of it is easy, and I am constantly in awe of the state and local leaders who show up every day, keep finding ways to do it better, and all while keeping people at the center - including both their staff and the constituents applying for and receiving benefits. Even in a sea of almost 2,000 attendees, it was great to see so many folks in the hallways, through the maze of vendor booths, and at the many events throughout the week. It is always a treat to see everyone.

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‍Melissa Wolf, Director, Government Strategy & Operations‍

If I had to sum up my biggest takeaway from ISM in one phrase, it would be this: purpose-built matters. There is no one-size-fits-all solution in health and human services, and conversation after conversation reinforced that the verification tools supporting this work need to be designed specifically for HHS. That means technology that is practical because many states are facing real budget shortfalls while still needing solutions that help their teams get the job done. It also means solutions that are not rigid and offer the flexibility to adjust as needs evolve and policies change, which brings it right back to being purpose-built. Just as important was the spirit of breaking down silos. Whether you sit at the state, federal, or vendor table, we are all on the same team, working toward the same goal of serving people well. Some of the most valuable moments happened outside the sessions, in the hallways and at happy hour, where relaxed conversations with longtime connections and brand-new ones became some of the most meaningful exchanges of the week. I also came away grateful for the chance to learn from other leaders, both from what has worked and, just as candidly, from what has not. Those honest lessons are what help all of us keep building better.

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Jess Maneely, Director, Delivery & Innovation‍

With another ISM conference in the books, two words come to mind: connected and groovy.

Connected. Over the past decade, the ISM conference has become one of the key events I can rely on to reconnect with longtime friends and collaborators, build new relationships, spend time with government partners across the county, and enjoy in-person time with my own distributed team. I am in my third role in this sector now, and in it I am gaining an even deeper appreciation for the different perspectives that shape our public benefits ecosystem. This tightknit community shares ideas generously and collaborates beautifully across organizations, sectors, and even "competitors." Actually, the concept of competition can even be a bit funny for those of us in private sector HHS roles... competing to serve people the best way possible?! Sure, sign us up. But during the competition, we will also be working together, sharing the stage, and supporting each other along the journey. These genuine relationships make our shared work even more meaningful to me, and I left feeling especially grateful for my people.‍

Groovy. I am finding my groove in a new role on the technology and service provider side of public benefits. ISM offered a few funny (humbling) lessons along the way, like when someone approached our booth asking if SteadyIQ compared to another company, I enthusiastically responded, “Yes, exactly, so you get it!” Not exactly textbook differentiation... But both moments reminded me that my first instinct is to connect, collaborate, and dive headfirst into the wonky weeds. I am learning to hone that instinct with a clearer understanding of what makes SteadyIQ different and how to communicate it. I am grateful to be finding my footing alongside a Steady team that focuses on purpose before profit and values authenticity, curiosity, and care in how we approach this essential work. 

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Looking across these reflections, one message rises to the top: this community is at its best when we work together. State and local agencies are being asked to do more with less, and they continue to rise to the challenge with creativity, resilience, and a focus on the people they serve. Our role at SteadyIQ is to show up as a true partner, with practical, flexible, purpose-built verification solutions and a willingness to listen, learn, and collaborate across every table. We left ISM grateful for the conversations, the friendships old and new, and the reminder that we are all on the same team. Thank you to everyone who stopped by, shared a story, or joined us for a session. We cannot wait to keep the conversation going; there is so much good to do.

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