2026 SPARC National Conference

Many auxiliary program leaders use spreadsheets as digital filing cabinets, places where data goes to rest. But what if your spreadsheet could actually do the work for you? This interactive session blends strategy and practice to help participants think like systems builders and design tools that actually support decision-making. Through a guided challenge, attendees will first tackle a real-world scenario, identifying what data matters and how to structure it. The session then introduces a practical framework for building effective systems in Google Sheets and Excel, followed by real case studies including multi-departmental budgets, payroll tracking, and enrollment dashboards. This session is ideal for leaders who want to move from reactive spreadsheet use to building streamlined systems that drive clarity, efficiency, and strategic insight. In this interactive session, we will move beyond basic data entry to transform spreadsheets into a powerful project management, data visualization, and decision-making tool.