What a week. Payroll Congress 2026 was everything we hoped it would be thanks to all of you: full of energy, big milestones, great conversations, and yes, even a song. Here's a look back at everything that made this year's event so memorable.
30x30 Breakfast: 1,000 Members and Counting
One of the most meaningful moments of the week happened over breakfast. The VIPP [Very Important Payroll Person] 30x30 gathering brought together payroll leaders from across the country, and Jason Lee took the stage to recap the journey of the 30x30 initiative, a movement dedicated to elevating payroll professionals into the C-suite.
And what a journey it's been. We hit a milestone that felt like a long time coming: 1,000 members. That number isn't just a statistic. It represents over 1,000 payroll professionals who believe the industry deserves a seat at the table and are doing something about it.
What made it even more special? Our 1,000th member, Shamiki, was right there in the room! Getting to celebrate that moment together, in person, was exactly the kind of thing that reminds you why community matters.
The energy only built from there. Jason walked the group through a new KPMG report that speaks directly to what 30x30 has been saying all along: organizations need a Chief Payroll Officer. The data is catching up to the conviction. The report makes a compelling case for elevating payroll leadership at the highest levels of the organization, and for those of us who've been championing this for years, it felt like real validation.
We're making a difference. That much is clear.
We Wrote a Song (Yes, Really)
Because apparently payroll professionals contain multitudes, we didn't just talk about the future of the industry, we sang about it.
One of the most unexpectedly delightful moments of the conference was the payroll song we created together. It was the kind of thing you had to be there for to experience it to the fullest, but if you weren't, don't worry. You can still make it your payroll anthem:
🎵 Listen to the Payroll Congress Song
Fair warning: it's catchy and might get stuck in your head. You're welcome.
Demo Session: Kate Cheesman & Heidi Shimp-Fava
One of the standout sessions on the conference floor was the Chime Workplace demo presented by Kate Cheesman, Head of Customer Success at Chime Enterprise, alongside Heidi Shimp-Fava, Controller at Senior Living Communities.
Their conversation cut straight to the heart of what payroll professionals care about: making earned wage access (EWA) work without creating more work for payroll teams.
For Senior Living Communities’ full results with Chime Workplace, visit here.
The Booth: Socks, Smiles, and Great Conversations
Between sessions, our booth was buzzing, and one particular activity stole the show: sock embroidering. There's something about a custom sock that breaks the ice faster than any icebreaker ever could.
It was such a joy to see so many familiar faces, meet new ones, and talk shop in person. The energy at this year's event was a reminder of how much this community has grown, and how much more there is to come.
Until Next Time
Payroll Congress 2026 was a milestone moment, for 30x30 and for everyone in this community who is pushing the payroll profession forward.
We can't wait to see what comes next. Whether you were with us this year or are just hearing about it now, there's a place for you in this community. Let's keep growing it together.
See you at the next one! In the meantime, make sure to join the 30x30 movement to stay connected.
