Dear IPT Members,

As 2025 comes to a close and we move into the holiday season, I find myself reflecting on the incredible energy, commitment, and community that define IPT. This time of year naturally invites celebration and gratitude, and I want to take a moment to thank every IPT member, volunteer, committee, and employee for making this another remarkable year for our Institute.

The past few months have been especially full—from the Sales Tax Symposium and VAT Symposium to our Real Property Tax School, Personal Property Tax School, Property Tax Symposium, Credits & Incentives Symposium, and the Texas Two-Day Seminar. Each program was a clear testament to the dedication of our committees and the strength of our volunteer-driven model. Your willingness to share your expertise, to mentor rising professionals, and to help deliver meaningful, high-quality education is what continues to set IPT apart. We truly could not do this work without you.

In addition to the upcoming holiday festivities, we also have much to celebrate within IPT itself.  Next year marks IPT’s 50th year—a milestone that represents five decades of education, professional growth, collaboration, and community. This anniversary is not just a marker of how far IPT has come, but a reflection of the generations of members and volunteers who have shaped this organization into the leading resource for state and local tax professionals.

Looking ahead, we have an extraordinary year planned—beginning with the Sales Tax School I, ABA-IPT Advanced Seminars and the Sales Tax School II. That leads us to June and the well-hyped 2026 Annual Conference in Honolulu, which will be IPT’s most comprehensive educational program to date. With expanded breakout offerings, enhanced ethics sessions, cross-disciplinary content, and 20+ hours of continuing education, this historic conference will set a new standard for the depth and breadth of IPT learning. It will also serve as a celebration of the people, ideas, and leadership that have defined IPT’s first 50 years.

As a reminder, early registration for the Annual Conference closes on January 30, 2026, and I encourage you to take advantage of the reduced rates and register now. This unforgettable event, bringing together IPT’s spirit of learning, community, and celebration will undoubtably be remembered for years to come.

Thank you again for your ongoing support, your dedication to the profession, and your commitment to one another. I wish you the most joyful holiday season and a bright start to the new year. I look forward to all we will accomplish together in 2026 as we honor IPT’s past and shape its future.

Warm regards,
Donald L. Lippert, Jr., CMI
IPT President