• Saturday January 25

  5:00 PM – 5:30 PM
  Celebrating Women in Leadership Reception
  Sponsored by: Abrigo, Inc.
  With so many top executives and board members traveling to this conference on Saturday, this reception allows female executives to meet their contemporaries from across the United States. Please note: a separate registration is not needed to attend this reception as it is included in the conference registration.

  5:00 PM – 5:30 PM
  First-Time Attendee Reception
  Sponsored by: Mastercard
  Concurrent with our Women in Leadership Reception, we welcome first-time attendees to our Acquire or Be Acquired Conference.  Meet members of the Bank Director leadership team and others attending the conference for the first time. Please note: a separate registration is not needed to attend this reception as it is included in the conference registration.

  5:30 PM – 6:30 PM
  Welcoming Reception & Registration
  Sponsored by: COCC, FIS, The KeyState Companies and Pannos Marketing
  While winter grips much of the country, we’ve found early evening in Arizona to be a welcome change for many joining us. Kick off the conference by catching up with old friends and making new connections.

• Day One | Sunday January 26

  7:00 AM – 8:00 AM
  Registration & Breakfast
  Sponsored by: Paul Hastings, LLP
  

  8:00 AM – 8:05 AM
  Day One Opening Remarks: Exploring Your Growth Options
  Michelle King, CEO, Bank Director
  Laura Schield, President & COO, Bank Director
  AOBA remains the meeting ground for the banking industry’s key leaders to engage with each other and learn how to grow and compete in today’s market. To open this year’s event, we highlight how and why the conference agenda explores financial growth opportunities and strategic planning ideas… BEYOND M&A.

  8:05 AM – 8:55 AM
  The State of Banking 2025
  Thomas Michaud, President & CEO, Keefe, Bruyette & Woods, A Stifel Company
  The conference opens with an overview of where the industry is today and what forces and dynamics are driving the future.

  8:55 AM – 9:35 AM
  What to Expect From Washington
  Mark Kanaly, Partner, Alston & Bird LLP
  David Sandler, Managing Director & Co-Head of Financial Services Investment Banking, Piper Sandler & Co.
  Mandi Simpson, Partner, Crowe LLP
  Moderated by: Jim McAlpin, Board Member, Bank Director
  Changes are on the horizon. What does that mean for your bank and its future? Hear from a panel of experts what to expect from Washington in 2025.

  9:00 AM – 9:35 AM
  FinXTech Session: Transforming Your Bank for the Future
  Joshua Jordan, Director of Digital Engagement, Jack Henry
  Robert Keil, Chief Fintech Officer, FinWise Bank
  Sara Seguin, Principal Advisor, Fraud & Identity Risk, Alloy
  Moderated by: Kiah Haslett, Banking & Fintech Editor, Bank Director
  During this session, we explore how to get greater depth of wallet; how to expand your total “addressable” market; and how to develop new ways to go to market.  This session provides a perspective on how different financial institutions have placed their bets on new lines of business.

  9:35 AM – 10:10 AM
  Growth From Your Balance Sheet
  David Boyle, CEO, Burke and Herbert Bank
  Gerard Champi, President, Peoples Security Bank & Trust Company
  Jonathan Harrell, Chairman & CEO, Generations Bank
  Moderated by:Brian Leibfried, Head of Client Insights, Performance Trust Capital Partners, LLC
  A panel of bank CEOs share how they have used their balance sheet to inspire and find growth.

  9:45 AM – 10:20 AM
  FinXTech Session: Meeting Your Small Business Clients Where They Are
  Jay Blandford, CEO, Abrigo, Inc.
  Jeffery Kendall, Executive Chairman & CEO, Nymbus
  Ginger Siegel, North America Small Business Lead, Mastercard
  Moderated by: Nathan Baumeister, CEO & Co-Founder, ZSuite Technologies, Inc.
  The small business market continues to be a huge opportunity for banks.  What can your bank do to take advantage of this space, and help clients expand their relationship with your institution?

  10:10 AM – 10:30 AM
  Refreshment Break
  Sponsored by: CheckAlt LLC

  10:30 AM – 11:10 AM
  Breakout Sessions (select one)
  Participants have the opportunity to select one of seven breakout sessions to attend.  These sessions are strategic and build on this morning’s general session presentations. 

  Breakout 1:  Ownership Options and Tax Matters for the Closely Held Bank 
  Peter Weinstock, Partner, Hunton Andrews Kurth LLP
  Closely held banks experience challenges with raising capital, shareholder liquidity and board and ownership succession.  These challenges are compounded by volatile tax laws, including the potential sunset of the Tax Cut and Jobs Act of 2017.  This presentation discusses alternative strategies for such banks to maximize shareholder value, definitively decide S versus C as well as to create paths for ownership continuity.

  Breakout 2: Navigating Fraud, Profitability and Demand in Commercial Banking
  Debbie Smart, Senior Product Marketer, Commercial Solutions, Q2
  Gita Thollesson, Manager, Strategic Advisory Services, Q2
  Katherine Weislogel, EVP, Head of Treasury & Payment Solutions, Synovus Bank
  Amid a shifting banking landscape, bank leaders share a focus on some common challenges: continually battling fraud, building profitability through core deposits and providing the efficiency-driving capabilities commercial customers demand. Join this panel discussion to hear how some financial institutions and their technology partners are meeting these challenges head-on. Learn from unique insights and proprietary data from the seventh annual State of Commercial Banking report, as well as economic data and industry research. We discuss important trends in the commercial banking market and share key takeaways to help drive your 2025 strategy.

  Breakout 3: Lessons Learned: A Q&A with the FDIC Vice Chair
  Travis Hill, Vice Chair, FDIC
  Moderated by: Rob Blackwell, Chief Content Officer & Head of External Affairs, IntraFi
  Hear directly from a leading bank regulator on issues critical to the future of financial services with an exclusive question-and-answer virtual session with FDIC Vice Chair Travis Hill. This session covers recent policymaking at the FDIC on a range of topics, including M&A policy, liquidity rules, third-party partnerships and digital assets.

  Breakout 4: Another Perspective on the Bank M&A Outlook
  Bill Burgess, Managing Director & Co-Head of Financial Services Investment Banking, Piper Sandler & Co.
  Kevin O’Keefe, Managing Director, Piper Sandler & Co.
  This session reviews the relationship between M&A and the capital markets, banks and equity/debt investors and banks and the regulators.

  Breakout 5: Understanding the New Regulatory Climate for Fintechs
  Mark Chorazak, Partner, Co-head Financial Institutions Regulatory Group, Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP
  Adam Cohen, Partner, Co-head Financial Institutions Regulatory Group, Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP
  Banks and fintechs continue to be under significant regulatory and enforcement pressures. With the election season behind us, they will need to brace for changes under a new White House and Congress. Hear from experts on what this means for fintech investments, the fintech IPO market, the future of bank/fintech partnerships and other transactions.

  Breakout 6: Top Considerations for Buyers and Sellers in Bank M&A
  James Hemmer, Managing Director, Hovde Group, LLC
  Alberto Paracchini, CEO, Byline Bank
  This breakout session explores the top considerations for buyers in M&A transactions. We discuss acquisition prioritization and the important external factors in pursuing a deal as well as deal pricing considerations banks should keep in mind to achieve the best outcome for their stakeholders.

  Breakout 7:  What the Board Needs to Know in 2025
  Robert Fleetwood, Partner & Co-Chair of Financial Institutions Group, Barack Ferrazzano Kirschbaum & Nagelberg LLP
  Al Laufenberg, Managing Director, Keefe, Bruyette & Woods, A Stifel Company
  This breakout session continues the “Need to Know” series that has consistently been a popular highlight at this conference for many years. Gain practical insight into what CEOs and directors need to know in 2025 and beyond.

  10:30 AM – 11:10 AM
  FinXTech Session: Are You in the Payments Game?
  Jill Flaherty, First Vice President, Business Development, COCC
  Jo Jagadish, Head of US Digital Banking and Commercial Bank Products, Services & Innovation, TD Bank
  Leanne Lange, Managing Director, Client Strategy, Strategic Resource Management, Inc.
  Moderated by: Emily McCormick, Vice President, Editorial & Research, Bank Director
  Technology continues to transform the industry, and the payments landscape is no exception. Whether it is the increased demand for contactless and embedded options or a diminishing reliance on analog processes, payments are changing. This session covers the information you need to know to stay up-to-date and competitive amidst the changing payments landscape.

  11:20 AM – 12:00 PM
  FinXTech Session: Cybersecurity Oversight and Governance: Managing the Risk
  Joseph Hooper, Supervisory Special Agent, FBI
  Lisa Sotto, Partner, Hunton Andrews Kurth LLP
  Cyber attacks are ubiquitous — and they have become increasingly devastating to banks and other financial institutions. Both the types of exploits perpetrated by threat actors and the cybersecurity regulatory landscape are exploding. Our panel of experts addresses the latest cyber exploits and threat actors, and covers the current U.S. cybersecurity legal landscape and emerging trends (including the move toward individual accountability of management for data breaches). We also share recommendations for responding effectively to a cybersecurity incident and on incident preparation and remediation.

  11:25 AM – 12:05 PM
  Creating a Strategic Plan Focused on Growth
  Pierre Naudé, CEO & Chair of the Board, nCino
  Matt Veneri, Head of Investment Banking and Managing Director, Financial Institutions Group, Janney Montgomery Scott LLC
  Steve Williams, CEO & Partner, Cornerstone Advisors
  Moderated by: Bill Herrell, Executive Vice President & Managing Director, Bank Director
  What has worked in the past may not support one’s future plans. New competitors are continually changing the business of financial services. Since bank executives and board members need to prioritize the issues and initiatives that will make a difference to their banks, this session lays out the new strategic imperatives for CEOs and boards to consider.

  12:05 PM – 1:15 PM
  Networking Lunch & Guest Lunch
  Sponsored by: BankTech Ventures
  

  12:20 PM – 1:00 PM
  Lunch & Learn Sessions
  Lunch & Learn sessions offer participants the chance to learn about a shared topic of interest over lunch. Six sessions run concurrently, so attendees may select one to attend. Sessions to be announced.

  Lunch & Learn Session 1: Five Questions that Determine a Profitable Client Relationship
  Scott Earwood, Director of Community Solutions, White Clay
  Jerry Vascocu, President, b1BANK
  In this session, we review five questions banks can ask that – if answered correctly – can ensure profitability within their customer relationships. We share real examples of obstacles that bank clients have faced, as well as strategies and outcomes for overcoming the main barriers to untapped revenue growth.

  Lunch & Learn Session 2: Today’s Pre-Planning Considerations to Align the Interests of Executives and Shareholders within Tomorrow’s M&A Event
  Anthony Eppert, Partner, Hunton Andrews Kurth LLP
  Brian Marek, Partner, Hunton Andrews Kurth LLP
  With a few exceptions, compensation within an M&A event is mostly compliance oriented and ministerial at the time of the M&A event. If a “win” is to occur, it comes with forethought and planning a year to 5 years prior to the M&A event. The purpose of this session is to focus on certain pre-planning compensatory designs that align the interests of the executives and the bank’s shareholders, so that both “win” at the time of an M&A event. To that end, this session covers terms and key provisions within executive contracts, severance agreements, change-in-control bonus programs, equity award change in control provisions, 280G and finding sometimes hidden sources of political capital that is typically present within an M&A event.

  Lunch & Learn Session 3:  Debunking Common Misconceptions of Debit and Credit Card Profitability
  Candace DeBarger, Director of Payments, Profit Resources, Inc.
  Is it possible to increase the bank’s interchange income?  Are contactless cards more secure?  Do you really need to market debit cards?  This session confronts the biggest interchange questions headfirst and demystifies common misconceptions in order to reveal the truth behind debit and credit card profitability.  Learn the truth behind the impact interchange can have on your bottom line.

  Lunch & Learn Session 4:  Banking Trends and Best Practices in Financial Risk and Performance Management
  Ken Levey, Managing Director, Empyrean Solutions, LLC
  Bryan Ridgway, Director, Performance Management, Empyrean Solutions, LLC
  The one constant in life, in business, and even in banking is change. Today’s banking environment is different than any time in the past 15 years. It is forcing your teams to focus on different ways to model, analyze and assess risks, profitability and performance. In this session Empyrean guides the audience through a discussion of industry trends and best practices related to risk management, budgeting, forecasting, profitability and reporting based on practitioner feedback.

  Lunch & Learn Session 5:  Building a Derivatives Playbook:  3 Tailored Strategies for 3 Bank Profiles
  Charles Berkeley, Chief Financial Officer, North Easton Savings Bank
  Frank Fiorilli, Managing Director of Bank Solutions, Derivative Path, Inc.
  Moderated by: Isaac Wheeler, Managing Director of Balance Sheet Strategy, Derivative Path, Inc.
  Just as every football team has its playbook, different types of banks need distinct strategies to succeed. What works for one roster doesn’t work for another. In this session we replace broad generalities with actionable hedging roadmaps.

  Lunch & Learn Session 6: Aligning Senior Leadership for an M&A World
  Dr. Julie Bell, Director, Leadership Advisory, Chartwell Partners
  Scott Petty, Managing Partner, Chartwell PartnersIn a world where CEO retirement and talent volatility is at an all-time high, is your bank proactively identifying leaders with the abilities required for long-term success? In this session, we discuss key skill sets needed in the C-Suite to ensure a high performing culture and the impact M&A could have on your leadership team. Specific topics include C-Suite succession planning, M&A talent assessment, retaining top talent and developing capable leaders.

  1:15 PM – 1:55 PM
  Discovering Your Bank’s Value in Today’s Market
  Curtis Carpenter, Senior Managing Director, Hovde Group, LLC
  How can you create the highest value for your bank – and its shareholders?  During this session, we look at how current market conditions, recent transaction trends and future pricing expectations might impact the value of your bank.

  1:15 PM – 1:55 PM
  FinXTech Session: Embracing AI
  Tim Dively, National Digital Growth Director, CliftonLarsonAllen LLP
  Chris Gufford, Executive Director, Commercial Lending, nCino
  Christine Hurtubise, VP of AI/ML Engineering, FIS
  Moderated by: Kiah Haslett, Banking & Fintech Editor, Bank Director
  Artificial intelligence in the financial world is not new, but it is changing. With its ability to expedite operational tasks, assist in client credit decisions and improve the efficiency of financial crimes monitoring, AI may be a viable investment for your financial institution. This session explores the many options for embracing this technology.

  2:05 PM – 2:45 PM
  FinXTech Session: Branch Modernization: Strategies to Fuel Deposit Growth
  Alexis Hershey, Chief Digital Officer, Midwest BankCentre
  Alexander Sulpasso, EVP, Client Experience Officer, GSB
  Moderated by: Nathaniel Harley, CEO & Co-Founder, MANTL
  As banks expand and reinvest in their physical footprint, optimizing branches is critical. During this panel, bank leaders discuss how digitizing in-branch commercial and retail account opening impacted deposit gathering, as well as tactics to deepen customer relationships and the new capabilities they unlocked through digital transformation.
  

  2:10 PM – 2:50 PM
  Breakout Sessions
  Participants can select one of seven concurrent breakout sessions to attend – focused on exploring all of your bank’s many growth options.

  Breakout 1: M&A Mechanics for Thinly-Traded, Family-Owned, and Privately-Held Institutions
  Blake Crow, Partner, Eide Bailly LLP
  Michael Holdren, Partner, Eide Bailly LLP
  This session offers a comprehensive overview of the M&A process tailored to thinly-traded, family-owned and privately-held institutions. From both buy-side and sell-side perspectives, participants explore key topics such as target identification, effective marketing, purchase price evaluation, legal and tax structures, deal financing, regulatory applications, acquisition accounting and regulatory capital. The session also covers best practices and key considerations critical to successful transactions.

  Breakout 2: Insights from Two Perspectives: Navigating through M&A Compensation Challenges
  Laura Hay, Partner, Meridian Compensation Partners, LLC
  Darren Moskovitz, Partner, Meridian Compensation Partners, LLC
  Susan O’Donnell, Director, ConnectOne Bank
  Join us for an interactive session on navigating M&A compensation challenges. We share valuable insights and strategies from consulting and board perspectives to align compensation structures, boost competitive advantages and enhance shareholder value during transitions.

  Breakout 3: Using Wealth Management to Harness Data and Drive ROI to the Bank
  David Benskin, Founder & CEO, Wealth Access Inc.
  Data housed by financial institutions is often messy and vast, making it challenging for bank executives to harness and leverage. David Benskin, founder of Wealth Access, shares the blueprint to unify and unlock the power of data, specifically wealth data, to grow client relationships, increase engagement and drive adoption, making wealth management a critical part of customer experience strategies.

  Breakout 4: Navigating the Waters of Bank M&A: A Director’s Compass
  Dennis Merkley, Member, Howard & Howard
  Joe VanFleet, Member & Co-Chair Financial Institutions Practice, Howard & Howard
  In the dynamic realm of bank mergers and acquisitions, directors face the pivotal task of steering their institutions through complex decisions and negotiations. This presentation delves into the critical moments of when to consider selling, how to strategically manage unsolicited offers and the intricate roles and responsibilities that come with being both the buyer and the target. Attendees gain valuable insights into the decision-making process, learn key strategies for maximizing value and understand the legal and regulatory frameworks that underpin successful bank M&A transactions.

  Breakout 5: The Return of Bank M&A: Have the Rules of the Game Changed?
  Peter Losty, Director, D.A. Davidson & Co.
  Chuck Stubbs, Managing Director, Co-Head of Financial Institutions Investment Banking, D.A. Davidson & Co.
  There are several macro-factors which have adversely impacted bank M&A activity and the sector is due for a rebound. We delve into why M&A activity has declined, why we expect a significant increase and how buyer and sellers can position themselves for success.

  Breakout 6: How Banks Should Make the Decision to Buy or Sell
  Josh McNulty, Partner, Hunton Andrews Kurth LLP
  Beth Whitaker, Partner, Hunton Andrews Kurth LLP
  Decisions made even before bankers engage with the other side foretell the likelihood of success.  This session discusses various considerations the boards of both sellers and buyers should make in order to play the negotiating game in the most effective manner.

  Breakout 7: 2024 Was More Volatility and Uncertainty — What Is Coming in 2025?
  Gary Svec, Managing Director, Investment Banking, Performance Trust Capital Partners, LLC
  In 2024, some “experts” told us that banking is asset-sensitive, the industry is healthy, rates were going down, and earnings would be on the rise. Is this what you felt?  What we experienced was further margin compression, increased regulatory scrutiny and continued uncertainty.  Given current conditions, what can we expect for 2025, and how do we look for ways to play offense instead of defense?  There are tremendous opportunities out there if you know where to look and how to evaluate them.  This session covers a 2024 year-in-review, discusses current realities and focuses on opportunities ahead.

  2:50 PM – 3:10 PM
  Refreshment Break
  Sponsored by: Allied Payment Network, Inc.

  3:00 PM – 3:50 PM
  FinXTech Session: FinXTech Connect Tech Talks
  FinXTech Connect Tech Talk sessions showcase five technology companies financial institutions should be aware of as they consider new strategies.  Each presentation focuses on an FI they work with – sharing the problem, the benefit and the steps they took to solve it.  The foundation of these talks is how the technology company provided a return on investment for the bank and/or credit union.

  Tech Talk 1: The Great Deposit Chase: How Embedded Protection is the Winning Strategy for Banking Growth
  Alex Matjanec, Founder & CEO, Wysh Life and Health Insurance Company
  Discover how Wysh’s Life Benefit is setting a new standard in banking services by integrating life insurance with deposit accounts. Life Benefit not only attracts and retains customers but also promotes equity and financial well-being by offering an insurance benefit that grows with the customer’s savings.

  Tech Talk 2: Leveling Growth in Smaller Financial Institutions
  Cetin Duransoy, CEO, Raisin
  This talk discusses how Raisin helped one of their partner institutions sustainably meet their funding needs as a result of Raisin’s turnkey digital solution and how this solution enables them to focus on what they do best – serving their customers and community.

  Tech Talk 3: Transforming Call Center Security: Case Studies in Identity Proofing
  Mark Dreux, Global Financial Services Leader, ID DataWeb
  Learn how ID Dataweb empowers financial institutions with top-tier identity-proofing solutions. By working with leading FIs we have solved security challenges, improved customer experience, and achieved measurable ROI. Our no-code orchestration engine secures call centers with easy, IVR-free identity proofing.

  Tech Talk 4: Flying Blind – How Not to Crash the Plane
  Barry Adcock, Sales Executive, Quantalytix, Inc.
  This talk covers a far-too-common scenario that affects most companies: from a data and analytics perspective, they’re flying blind. We talk about a Fortune 200 customer and how Quantalytix leverages their data and analytics blueprint, thus making their operations safer and more profitable by 100bps.

  Tech Talk 5: Modern Bank Operating System for New Market Expansion
  Jeff Nowicki, Chief Banking Officer, Treasury Prime
  A Treasury Prime Customer wanted to modernize their banking services, reduce friction for users & simplify back office operations. Using Treasury Prime’s Bank Operating System, they increased reach to new market segments with end products designed to meet customers where they are.

  3:10 PM – 3:50 PM
  Breakout Sessions
  Conversations continue with a second round of afternoon breakout sessions — participants select one of seven concurrent opportunities.

  Breakout 1: Strategies for Succession: Maintaining Independence Amidst Today’s Challenges
  Doug Hiatt, Of Counsel, Fredrikson & Byron, P.A.
  Caitlin Houlton Kuntz, Shareholder, Fredrikson & Byron, P.A.
  John Houlton, Chairman, First Bank Elk River
  Katie Wahlquist, President, CEO & Board Chair, Star Bank
  To avoid the “sale of last resort,” community bankers must deliberately engage stakeholders and leverage available resources – a prospect often complicated by family politics or market challenges. Join Fredrikson for a fireside chat with community bankers currently working through their own succession plans to discuss what works, what doesn’t, and the unique challenges that face closely-held banks.

  Breakout 2: Lessons Learned: Navigating the Complex Landscape of M&A Regulatory Approvals
  Rob Azarow, Partner, Arnold & Porter
  Amber Hay, Partner, Arnold & Porter
  Michael Mancusi, Partner, Arnold & Porter
  The M&A regulatory approval process has become increasingly complicated and lengthy. In this session panelists will share strategies for navigating the regulatory landscape, discussing new guidelines, recent banking failures’ impact on regulatory scrutiny, and practical advice for securing approval.

  Breakout 3: Driving Small Business Lending Growth with Data and Technology
  Stephen Hayes, Head of Data and AI Strategy, Lenders Cooperative
  Scaling your small business lending operations faces a critical challenge – traditional origination processes are too costly and inefficient, with higher credit risk. This session explores proven strategies to drive profitable growth through data analytics and digital technology.

  Breakout 4:  Unlocking GenZ
  Mischa Lumiere, VP Product & Experience Design, Visa USA Inc.
  This session presents insights from Visa Consulting & Analytics 2024 research on GenZ customers, based on a survey of 2000+ financial institutions, offering unique findings on attracting and retaining this segment.  Explore GenZ trends and their relevance to financial institutions, given their significant population, workforce representation and projected $12T spending power by 2030.  Discuss key factors for GenZers in banking relationships, financial literacy, products and experiences.

  Breakout 5:  Traditional Finance & Fintech:  Where Do We Go From Here…Together?
  Chris Daniel, Chair, Global Fintech & Payments, Paul Hastings, LLP
  Lawrence Kaplan, Chair, Bank Regulatory, Paul Hastings, LLP
  Jason Shafer, Of Counsel, Paul Hastings, LLP
  Join us for an engaging discussion on the future of financial services in our rapidly changing economy.  The panel brings decades of experience advising banks, fintechs and investors to explore: how traditional finance (“TradFi”) and fintechs can work together to unlock new avenues for growth and foster innovation, the importance of TradFi and fintechs working together to educate policy makers at the federal and state level and key [legal] issues investors in this space should understand.

  Breakout 6: Thriving or Surviving?  Navigating Bank Liquidity and Industry Advice
  Laura Hamilton, Senior Vice President, Performance Trust Capital Partners, LLC
  Kelly Potes, CEO, ChoiceOne Bank
  With the vast amount of advice available, it can be challenging to determine what is best for you and your bank.  In this session, we explore the transaction lifecycle of a bank with a focus on liquidity and dissect common industry advice themes and strategies that may be hindering your ability to thrive.  By the end of the session, participants gain a clearer understanding of why some banks merely survive despite their best efforts and how those that are thriving can continue to lead the banking industry for years to come.

  Breakout 7: Building Strategic Advantage in Banking With Data
  Jeffery Kendall, Executive Chairman & CEO, Nymbus
  Siya Vansia, Chief Brand & Innovation Officer, ConnectOne Bank
  Moderated by: Jody Guetter, CMO, Nymbus
  This session explores how data serves as a key tool in transforming business models to align with strategic goals. Through data-driven insights, financial institutions can create frameworks that enhance decision-making and prepare for future opportunities. This practical approach enables organizations to navigate changes, focusing on strategic growth and improved service delivery.

  4:00 PM – 4:40 PM
  FinXTech Session:  Ask Me Anything — Technology Panel
  Aaron Donaldson, Principal, RSM US LLP
  Kurtis Lin, CEO & Co-Founder, Pinwheel
  Heidi Wicker, Co-Chair, Banking and Financial Services, Stinson LLP
  Moderated by: Michelle King, CEO, Bank Director
  A panel of industry experts take questions from the audience for an interactive discussion of today’s most pressing topics in the bank technology space.

  4:05 PM – 4:45 PM
  Banking Is Risky Business
  Craig Sanders, Partner, Moss Adams LLP
  Steve Sanders, Chief Information Security Officer & Chief Risk Officer, CSI
  David Ruffin, Principal, IntelliCredit, A Division of Infusion Marketing Group
  Moderated by: Naomi Snyder, Editor-in-Chief, Bank Director
  Banking is a risk-mitigation business. Learn about the new risks facing banks and their boards today and how financial institutions can best manage them.

  4:45 PM – 6:30 PM
  Networking Peer & Guest Reception
  Sponsored by: Amount, Inc., HC3 and MJC Partners LLC 

• Day Two | Monday January 27

  7:00 AM – 8:00 AM
  Breakfast
  Sponsored by: CDW

  8:00 AM – 8:10 AM
  Day Two Opening Remarks: New Horizons
  Michelle King, CEO, Bank Director
  Laura Schield, President & COO, Bank Director
  As leadership teams consider entrepreneurial opportunities to grow deposits, relationships and reputations, we shine a light on five high-performing businesses operating outside of the financial sector. Some have jumped on retail trends; others focus on consumer spending habits.  The common thread is that all have grown their business in ways that should inspire participants at this year’s AOBA to assess how they are positioned to grow, compete and enhance their institution’s franchise value.

  8:10 AM – 8:50 AM
  The Best of RankingBanking
  David Findlay, Chairman & CEO, Lake City Bank
  Ray Reitsma, President & CEO, Mercantile Bank Corporation
  Kent Steinwert, Chairman, President & CEO, Farmers & Merchants Bank of Central California
  Moderated by:  Kara Baldwin, Partner, Crowe LLP
  Based on the latest iteration of Bank Director’s RankingBanking study, hear from three banks that topped our list.

  8:50 AM – 9:10 AM
  Envisioning What’s Possible With Technology
  David Foss, Executive Board Chair, Jack Henry
  Emily McCormick, Vice President of Editorial & Research, Bank Director
  Dive into the results of Bank Director’s 2024 Technology Survey and learn how smart financial institutions are investing in technology, leveraging data, exploring use cases for artificial intelligence and more.

  9:10 AM – 9:30 AM
  Unlocking Value With the Power of AI
  Falguni Desai, Managing Director, Senior Advisor, Banking & Capital Markets, Microsoft
  This presentation focuses on macro business strategy themes as well as actionable scenarios where Generative AI can be applied and adopted within a financial institution. During this session we uncover AI’s impact on growth, the policies of use, and the value creation levers and measures banks can implement to make better decisions to drive future strategy.

  9:30 AM – 10:10 AM
  Lessons From the Latest Acquisitions
  Scott Anderson, Head of Investment Banking, Keefe, Bruyette & Woods, A Stifel Company
  David Brooks, Chairman & CEO, Independent Bank
  Kevin Chapman, President & Chief Operating Officer, Renasant Bank
  Joe Gulash, Managing Director, Head of Depositories Investment Banking, Keefe, Bruyette & Woods, A Stifel Company
  Hear what worked and what didn’t from experts featured in this panel session.

  9:40 AM – 10:15 AM
  FinXTech Session: Growing Deposits for Long-Term Sustainability
  Kevin Bannerton, EVP, Chief Product Officer, R&T Deposit Solutions
  Nathan Baumeister, CEO & Co-Founder, ZSuite Technologies, Inc.
  Shana Hennigan, Chief Business Officer, Raisin
  Moderated by: Bill Herrell, Executive Vice President & Managing Director, Bank Director
  According to BankDirector’s 2024 Risk Survey, released March 25, 2024, more than half (59%) of respondents say they have experienced some deposit loss, with minimal to moderate effects on the bank’s funding base, as a result of rising interest rates.  Another 9% have experienced significant impacts on their funding base. During this discussion we explore best practices for growing and maintaining deposits for the long-term.
  

  10:10 AM – 10:30 AM
  Refreshment Break
  Sponsored by:  Adrenaline

  10:15 AM – 12:00 PM
  M&A Simulation
  Grant Butler, Partner, K&L Gates LLP
  Umrai Gill, Partner, Performance Trust Capital Partners, LLC
  Matt Kennedy, Managing Director, Investment Banking, Performance Trust Capital Partners, LLC
  Adam Smith, Partner, K&L Gates LLP
  Gary Svec, Managing Director, Investment Banking, Performance Trust Capital Partners, LLC
  Robert Tammero, Partner, K&L Gates LLP
  The process of striking a deal for a prized target has never been more competitive than it is today.  For buyers, careful discipline is required to ensure that bids are designed to accomplish acquisition growth without damaging the company’s value.  For sellers, a competitive bid process must be skillfully navigated to earn the best deal for shareholders.  In this session, participants work through the final rounds of a competitive auction involving a prized seller to see which bank emerges as the successful acquirer.  Of course, as in real deals, some wrinkles will emerge.  The simulation is exclusive to 45 bank attendees only, allows for one banker per institution, no capital markets titles (this session is NOT for investment bankers of any kind) and runs concurrently with the below breakout sessions.

  10:30 AM – 11:20 AM
  FinXTech Session:  FinXTech Connect Tech Talks
  FinXTech Connect Tech Talk sessions showcase five technology companies financial institutions should be aware of as they consider new strategies.  Each presentation focuses on an FI they work with – sharing the problem, the benefit and the steps they took to solve it.  The foundation of these talks is how the technology company provided a return on investment for the bank and/or credit union.
  

  Tech Talk 1: 2025 Growth Strategies
  Kyler Bishop, SVP, Infinant
  The top priorities for banks center on growing deposits and fee income while improving operational efficiency. How are banks successfully growing new channels and avoiding core replacement costs and complexity? We’ll take you through industry insights and use cases to drive your growth in 2025.

  Tech Talk 2: BHG Loan Hub Technology
  Meghan Crawford-Hamlin, President of Institutional Division, BHG Financial
  The session showcases a customer bank’s experience with the platform, highlighting how it helps banks access high-quality credits, improve efficiency and reduce costs.

  Tech Talk 3: Modernizing Global Payment Solutions: Bridging the Digital Divide Between Customer Demand and Scalability
  Matt Blangiardi, Enterprise Sales – FX International Payments, Derivative Path, Inc.
  Discover how a $12 billion Midwestern bank leveraged Derivative Path’s Global Payments solution to modernize their cross-border capabilities. This case study highlights how the bank’s growth journey led to implementing a customer-centric approach, driving operational efficiency, enhancing user experience and enabling continued expansion in an evolving financial landscape.

  Tech Talk 4: Operate Like A Fintech: How Deposit Origination Can Unlock Digital Transformation
  David Carlson, VP of Sales, MANTL
  Learn how a $1B bank is leveraging deposit origination technology to operate like a fintech. After overhauling business and retail account opening, the bank raised over $100M in deposits, transformed its in-branch operations, opened 99% of its business accounts digitally and increased customer satisfaction.

  Tech Talk 5: SBA and Small Business Growth with Predictive Expected Loss (EL)
  Loughlin Cleary, President, Lenders Cooperative
  This session explores a bank journey around SBA and Small Business Lending growth – the bank challenge, the solution and the results.

  10:30 AM – 11:10 AM
  Breakout Sessions (select one)
  Participants have the opportunity to select one of seven breakout sessions to attend.

  Breakout 1: Valuation, Liquidity and Capital Considerations for Privately Held Banks
  Suzanne Marra, Partner, RSM US LLP
  Frank O’Connor, Senior Director, RSM US LLP
  Lincoln Talbert, SEVP, Chief Financial Officer, Texas Regional Bank
  Come ask the experts on valuation, liquidity, capital, regulatory and strategic challenges facing thinly-trade and family-held and other privately held institutions. This presentation discusses valuation methods, including discounted cash flow and market-based and how key factors are considered and impact the value of both controlling and minority interests.

  Breakout 2: Accounting & Auditing Update: What Banks Should Consider for 2025 & Beyond
  Ashley Ensley, National Industry Leader, Forvis Mazars
  Mike Ososki, Partner, Forvis Mazars
  The regulatory environment has continued to change, making it critical for banking leaders to stay apprised of the latest updates and trends as they remain forward focused on their mission and goals. This session shares updates on top accounting and auditing matters specific to the banking industry. Learn about the latest in regulatory oversight, financial and accounting updates, audit focus areas and more.

  Breakout 3: The Real (ROI) Value of Relationships
  Soren Bested, Chief Operating Officer, Agent IQ
  Financial institutions are built on relationships, and while data and technology are powerful tools for personalization, they can only go so far. Finances are among the most personal aspects of our lives, and sometimes what matters most is not just data-driven insights but genuine human connection, empathy and trust. This session explores the tangible financial impact that strong relationships bring to your institution—from increased loyalty to deeper customer engagement—and how banks can foster and scale these relationships, even in a digital-first world where customers are not coming into the branch as often.

  Breakout 4: The Bond Market’s View of Community Banks
  Van Hesser, Senior Managing Director, Chief Strategist, KBRA
  Community banks have been welcomed back into the bond and preferred stock markets, having navigated through the Fed’s most aggressive rate hikes in 40 years and a rapidly changing competitive landscape. Not surprisingly, investors have become more discerning. This session covers what you need to know about today’s market for community bank debt and preferred stock.

  Breakout 5: Future Commercial Lending Success Through Consumer Loans
  Joe Ehrhardt, CEO & Founder, Teslar Software
  Derek Gibson, Chief Operating Officer, Legacy National Bank
  Everyone wants to grow their commercial portfolio, but it’s not always realized that consumer is what drives new commercial business. Reembracing consumer lending for the next generation of business owners is the gateway to securing future commercial deals. In this session we dive into why consumer lending, although costly, is critical for establishing long-term relationships with future business leaders, and what can be done to streamline consumer lending, making it more efficient and attractive to younger demographics.

  Breakout 6: Less Fluff, More Action: Six Concrete Ways to Realize Value From Your Data
  Daniel Haisley, Chief Product Officer, Apiture
  For years, banks have acknowledged the value of their data, but most have struggled to have that value fulfilled. Join Daniel Haisley, Apiture’s Chief Product Officer, as he walks through actionable examples of how financial institutions have used their data to grow revenue, boost marketing efforts, expand margins and reduce risk for their organizations.

  Breakout 7: Building an All-Weather Balance Sheet With Derivatives
  Todd Cuppia, Managing Director, Balance Sheet Risk Management, Chatham Financial
  Eric Newell, Chief Financial Officer, Eagle Bancorp, Inc.
  Moderated by: Kalen Van Maanen, Director, Client Relationship Management, Chatham Financial
  History has shown how unpredictable interest rates are. Building an all-weather balance sheet that can withstand the changing tides of rates is essential for success. But market dynamics complicate it: borrowers and depositors require products that don’t always fit your goals. In this session, you learn how to position your balance sheet to weather rate changes while meeting customer requirements.

  11:25 AM – 12:05 PM
  Breakout Sessions (select one)
  Conversations continue with a second round of morning breakout sessions — participants select one of seven concurrent opportunities to engage with industry leaders.

  Breakout 1: Risk Resilience in Banking: Navigating Uncertainties & Embracing Innovation in Banks Below $1B in Assets
  Erica Crain, Managing Principal, Valuation & Risk Advisory Services, CliftonLarsonAllen LLP
  Susan Sabo, Managing Principal, Financial Services, CliftonLarsonAllen LLP
  This session highlights the key challenges and uncertainties that banks face in managing risks. We focus on the importance of staying updated with regulatory changes and understanding their potential impact on the financial institution’s operations. What risk management strategies and best practices should be considered? This session also addresses the role of technology and digital innovation in managing risks and complying with regulations.

  Breakout 2: The Insider’s Perspective: A Conversation With Both an Acquirer and a Seller on M&A Best Practices, Value Creation & Lessons Learned
  Mike Maddox, President & CEO, CrossFirst Bank
  Lee Stuart, CEO, NBC Bancshares, LLC
  Moderated by: Christopher Olsen, Managing Partner, Olsen Palmer LLC
  This moderated fireside discussion with an accomplished banker and M&A participant reveals key findings applicable to sellers and buyers alike. For prospective sellers, learn how to prepare for a sale and which characteristics merit a premium price… and which do not. For would-be buyers, the session explores best practices, the seller’s mindset, areas of value creation, and key risks in an acquisition.

  Breakout 3: Strategies for 2025 and Beyond:  Maximizing the Value of Your Deposit Base Amid Market & Regulatory Uncertainty
  Wyatt Abernethy, EVP, Treasury & Payments, Veritex Community Bank
  Steve Curley, Chief Banking Officer, Western Alliance Bank
  Moderated by: Kevin Bannerton, EVP, Chief Product Officer, R&T Deposit Solutions
  As market conditions evolve and regulatory landscapes shift, how can banks best optimize their deposit and funding strategies for the future? In this dynamic session, join R&T and an expert panel of leading bankers to explore how institutions are navigating the challenges of deposit retention in today’s highly competitive environment. Discover actionable insights on: adapting deposit retention strategies to the “new normal”; retaining top client relationships amid growing competition; leveraging deposit network programs to reduce uninsured deposit concentrations; and anticipating and overcoming the implementation challenges of these programs across banks of all sizes.

  Breakout 4: ​​Grow Deposits by Meeting Small Business Customer Demand
  Derik Sutton, Chief Marketing Officer, Autobooks
  Join this session to see small business banking through the lens of a customer and find out what they really need from your financial institution. We also review small business banking industry data and trends so that you can start to build a business case for better small business banking with your team.

  Breakout 5: Family Feud: 2025 Banking Priorities Showdown
  Philip Bryan, EVP, Chief Banking Officer, Reading Co-Operative Bank
  Heath Fountain, CEO, Colony Bank
  Ryan Hildebrand, EVP, Chief Innovation Officer, Bankwell Financial Group
  David Reiling, Chairman & CEO, Sunrise Banks
  Moderated by: Nathan Baumeister, CEO & Co-Founder, ZSuite Technologies, Inc.
  Join this lively and interactive session where two teams of bankers go head-to-head in a special edition of Family Feud! This fun, competitive format reveals the top concerns and priorities for bankers in 2025, based on exclusive surveys conducted by Cornerstone Advisors and Bank Director. Get ready to see how well your peers understand the industry’s biggest challenges, from deposit growth and technology investments to regulatory hurdles and customer experience. Whether you’re cheering from the audience or participating, this session promises both entertainment and valuable insights into the future of banking.

  Breakout 6: Building the Smarter Bank
  Terry Earley, Chief Financial Officer, Veritex Community Bank
  Eric Weikart, Partner, Cornerstone Advisors
  The banking industry is at a crossroads. Today’s bank operating models are being disrupted. Consolidation will hit a historic pace. Organizations will find themselves scrambling to differentiate and modernize. Some institutions are already on the journey. But the majority have barely begun to make the shift. Veritex Bank has made some great strides in building the Smarter Bank, and their CFO, Terry Early, shares their journey in being: hyper-efficient, differentiated, nimble, data-driven and opportunistic.

  Breakout 7: ET: The Extra Transactional
  Dave DeFazio, Partner, StrategyCorps
  Welcome to a journey beyond the ordinary, where the boundaries of traditional banking dissolve, and the future of financial interactions becomes seamless, intuitive and profoundly personal. In this session we explore the evolving landscape of fintech and its transformative impact on banking behavior, customer experience and financial advice. Witness the cutting-edge technologies that are reimagining the way consumers engage with their finances.

  11:30 AM – 12:05 PM
  FinXTech Session: The Importance of Data Sourcing & Integration
  David Benskin, Founder & CEO, Wealth Access Inc.
  Jorge Garcia, Founder & CEO, Linker Finance Inc.
  Mark Swanson, Financial Performance Strategist, Deluxe Corporation
  Moderated by: Kiah Haslett, Banking & Fintech Editor, Bank Director
  Banks have a wealth of client data, but how is it best utilized to not only help the bank expand its existing relationships but also provide a better customer experience? During this discussion, we dive into the opportunities to best integrate your bank’s data in your digital strategy.

  12:05 PM – 1:05 PM
  Networking Lunch
  Sponsored by: Alden Investment Group
  

  12:05 PM – 1:05 PM
  Women in Leadership Luncheon
  Susan Holliday, Chair of the Board, Five Star Bank
  Rose McKinney-James, Director, Pacific Premier Bancorp, Inc.
  Maria Tedesco, President & COO, Atlantic Union Bank
  Kathleen Woodard, Head of Banking, Industry Advisory, Americas, Microsoft
  Moderated by: Michelle King, CEO, Bank Director
  Sponsored by:  Microsoft
  Expanding on the Women in Leadership Reception held on Saturday, join your peers for a lively moderated discussion with Bank Director and four bank leaders as we discuss the challenges, opportunities and lessons learned in our industry.  Both men and women are invited to attend this luncheon.

  1:05 PM – 1:10 PM
  Strong Board. Strong Bank.
  Jackie Wall, Vice President of Bank Services, Bank Director
  Creating a strong board and strong bank is no easy task – and you can’t have one without the other. Bank Director’s Vice President of Bank Services shares key indicators and lessons learned from banks of all sizes, types and locations.

  1:10 PM – 1:30 PM
  Findings From Bank Director’s 2025 Bank M&A Survey
  Patrick Vernon, Senior Manager, Advisory Services, Crowe LLP
  Emily McCormick, Vice President of Editorial & Research, Bank Director
  What will 2025 hold for M&A activity? Bank leaders’ enthusiasm for M&A appears muted going into 2024, but an appetite for sticky, low-cost deposits could motivate some financial institutions to make a deal in the year ahead. Bank Director’s 2024 Bank M&A Survey, sponsored by Crowe LLP, finds that 35% of bank executives and directors believe they are likely to acquire another institution by the end of 2024, down from 39% in 2023 and 48% in 2022. Eighty-five percent point to an attractive deposit base as a top attribute of an acquisition target in today’s environment, compared with 58% who said as much a year ago. That was followed by a complementary culture (58%), efficiency gains (55%) and locations in growing markets (48%).

  1:30 PM – 2:10 PM
  Regional Bank Panel
  Kevin Blair, Chairman, President & CEO, Synovus Financial Corp.
  Timothy Crane, President & CEO, Wintrust Financial Corp.
  Clint Stein, CEO, Umpqua Bank
  Moderated by: Naomi Snyder, Editor-in-Chief, Bank Director
  During this session, Bank Director moderates a panel of regional bank CEOs from across the U.S. – and dives into lessons they have learned as they have grown their institutions providing insightful best practices for you and your board to consider.

  2:25 PM – 3:05 PM
  Breakout Sessions
  Participants may select from one of six breakout sessions to attend.

  Breakout 1: Funding the Future: Raising Capital for Closely Held Banks
  Zak Kinchen, Director, HORNE LLP
  Tim Morgan, Partner, HORNE LLP
  There are a variety of factors that might trigger your bank to explore raising additional capital. This session talks through what factors you might want to monitor to plan appropriately for raising capital, what your options are to raise capital and what sort of information you should expect potential investors to analyze when deciding whether or not they want to contribute to your capital raise.

  Breakout 2: ​​Leveraging Digital to Drive Core Deposits
  John Betts, Chief Financial Officer, Community Savings
  Nikhil Lakhanpal, Co-Founder, Narmi
  Sumant Pustake, Executive Vice President, Berkshire Bank
  Join Berkshire Bank, Community Savings Bank and Narmi for a conversation on how an integrated approach to digital banking and technology-first account opening can help financial institutions of all sizes unlock deposits from a diverse set of consumers and keep them ahead of a shifting economic landscape.

  Breakout 3: Private Equity Activity in the Banking Sector
  Aaron DiRusso, Managing Director, Raymond James Financial, Inc.
  Kevin Kooman, Managing Director, Raymond James Financial, Inc.
  There is renewed private equity interest in investing in the banking sector with many notable investments in banks since March 2023 to recapitalize balance sheets as well as support M&A. This session addresses key questions on how to work with private equity. When is private equity a good solution for my bank? How do I coordinate the investment process? How do I choose the sponsor to partner with?

  Breakout 4: Beyond the Mystery: A Bank Officer’s Guide to Equipment Leasing and Finance
  Kirk Phillips, President & CEO, Wintrust Commercial Finance
  Rick Ross, Executive Vice President, First Financial Bank
  Moderated by: Bob Rinaldi, President, Rinaldi Advisory Services
  Unlock new, profitable horizons with equipment leasing and finance. Explore how equipment leasing can diversify your bank’s C&I portfolio and reduce over-reliance on CRE. This session demystifies the various types of equipment leasing and finance, offering real-life insights from banking leaders who have seen improved spreads and ROA. Engage directly with executives and gain actionable strategies to leverage this lower-risk, high-reward business for long-term growth.

  Breakout 5: How U.S. Banks Will Face the Pivot from Liquidity Pressures to Higher Credit Costs
  Nathan Stovall, Director of Financial Institutions Research, S&P Global Market Intelligence
  Net interest margin pressure should be in the rearview mirror in 2025 as liquidity pressures subside, but investors have placed much greater focus on the potential for credit deterioration, particularly on commercial real estate credits. Lower rates could offer banks some relief on both fronts and support  stronger valuations for the sector. Hear the outlook for U.S. bank profitability and how banks are responding to shifts in the competitive and regulatory landscape and slippage in credit quality, including in their CRE books. The session also explains how those dynamics are impacting institutions’ future strategies.

  Breakout 6: Balance Sheet with Both Eyes Open: Diversification Through Partnerships & Non-Interest Income
  Greg Bierl, Director of Revenue, TruStage Compliance Solutions
  Erin Simpson, EVP, Chief Operations Officer, Encore Bank
  Josh Williams, EVP, Chief Banking Officer & Head of Partnerships, Seattle Bank
  With all banks focused on driving revenue and deposits, banks chart strategic courses differently to thrive in the current ecosystem. This fireside chat focuses on creative ways to derive non-interest income through fee-based products, strategic partnerships, business strategies and technology to diversify traditional balance sheet strategies.

  2:25 PM – 3:05 PM
  FinXTech Session:  The New Frontier of Lending
  Mike Horrocks, SVP, Corporate Strategy & Product Marketing, Baker Hill Solutions, LLC.
  Adam Kenney, Chief Product Officer, Numerated
  Devesh Khare, Chief Product Officer, MeridianLink, Inc.
  Moderated by: Bill Herrell, Executive Vice President & Managing Director, Bank Director
  The economic environment has radically shifted over the past two years, and with it a shift in increased credit and interest risk.  The era of low loan rates appears to be over – for now.  This, along with an uncertain economy, promises to depress growth prospects for the foreseeable future.  During this panel hear how banks can strategize in a stressed environment and what role technology can play to create new opportunities and efficiencies.

  3:05 PM – 3:25 PM
  Refreshment Break
  Sponsored by: Dinsmore & Shohl LLP

  3:25 PM – 4:05 PM
  FinXTech Session: Cannabis Banking
  Bob Craig, EVP, Strategic Business Development, Green Check
  Tony Repanich, President & CEO, Shield Compliance, LLC
  Joseph Silvia, Partner, Duane Morris LLP
  Moderated by: Michelle King, CEO, Bank Director
  In the constantly changing economic landscape, financial institutions should continually look for new opportunities for growth and diversification. One area often overlooked is serving cannabis-related businesses. Institutions that enter this sector early have the advantage of reaching a large and rapidly growing customer base, which can help expand their market presence. During this session, hear the key factors banks should consider when running a successful program.

  3:25 PM – 4:05 PM
  Breakout Sessions
  Participants may select from one of six breakout sessions to attend.

  Breakout 1: How Tax Credits Can Drive Positive CRA Consideration & Loan Growth
  Brian Graney, Principal, Marble Cliff Capital
  Jack Kukura, President, Marble Cliff Capital
  Moderated by: Tony Schoen, Chief Financial Officer, First Savings Bank
  Join Marble Cliff Capital’s Jack Kukura and Brian Graney to learn about using the Low Income Housing Tax Program to meet the Community Reinvestment Act’s (CRA) Lending Test and Investment Test. Find out how community and regional banks are using this program strategically to drive new business, reduce their federal and or state tax liabilities all while helping the communities where they are currently doing business.

  Breakout 2: How Technology and Regulation are Shaping the Future of Banking
  Christopher Wolfe, Managing Director, Head of North American Banks, Fitch Ratings, Inc.
  The pace of technology innovation and regulatory change will continue for the foreseeable future and will shape the future of banking in the U.S. How community and regional banks adopt new technologies and adapt to regulatory changes will determine their long-term success. Combined, these two forces will further increase the need to drive efficiencies and scale for the industry over the long-run.

  Breakout 3: Merger of Equals and Strategic Partnerships – How Are They Different, How Are They Done?
  Scott Brown, Partner, Luse Gorman, PC
  Lawrence Spaccasi, Partner, Luse Gorman, PC
  This session focuses on the rising trend of “merger of equals” and strategic partnership transactions and how they differ from typical merger and acquisition transactions. We cover the differences in how these transactions are structured, how early and late stage negotiations occur, differences in due diligence procedures, the fiduciary duties of the board, compensation and benefits matters and the involvement of the regulators. The session also addresses the need to focus on integration and personnel issues in the early stages and how change in control payments can be handled when both parties’ agreements may be triggered.

  Breakout 4: Strategies for Community Banks to Add 5%+ to Annual Earnings
  Andrew Fuller, EVP, CFO & CRO, Poppy Bank
  Bill Hoving, SVP, Business Development, The KeyState Companies
  John Tull, SVP, Director of Strategic Finance and Treasurer, Atlantic Union Bank
  While taxes are unavoidable, community banks are not without options when it comes to mitigating the impact to earnings. Learn about how to implement innovative structures to convert your bank’s tax liabilities into earnings and reduce effective tax rates.

  Breakout 5: Lessons Learned in Managing the Invisible Risks of Brand Strategy & Branch Conversion
  Gina Bleedorn, President & CEO, Adrenaline
  Bankers entrenched in M&A complexity often overlook or underestimate obstacles in branding strategy and branch brand conversion. Through real examples, learn how hidden risks and costs can cause inefficiencies, friction and distraction. Hear how to make better informed, practical decisions about the level of brand and branch change that’s most advantageous — and how to assess options to make a plan that lands on time and on target.

  Breakout 6: Effectiveness and Efficiency: How to Leverage a Global Talent Pool to Grow Your Bank
  Kevin Conway, Director – Lending Specialist, Acuity Knowledge Partners Inc.
  David Park, EVP, Commercial Banking and Treasury Management, Axos Bank
  Rajul Sood, Managing Director, Banking, Acuity Knowledge Partners Inc.
  Moderated by: Doug Bowers, Senior Advisor – Banking, Acuity Knowledge Partners Inc.
  Losing key people, rehiring and training new recruits is time-consuming, disruptive, and expensive. Learn how strategic offshoring can help raise revenue, lower expenses and create efficiencies that drive profitability and shareholder value. Banks nationwide are transforming their operating model by leveraging talent and expertise from different time zones to compete more effectively.

  4:20 PM – 5:00 PM
  Lessons Learned in Growing Shareholder Value
  John Roddy, Head of Financial Services Investment Banking, Raymond James Financial, Inc.
  Ted Rosinus, Managing Director, Stephens Inc.
  Kevin Schalk, Principal, Baker Tilly US, LLP
  Moderated by: Naomi Snyder, Editor-in-Chief, Bank Director
  Hear a panel of industry experts share their long-term growth strategies.  Find out how banks have made money over a long time horizon and how they created the best value for their banks – regardless of size.

  5:00 PM – 5:40 PM
  Point/Counterpoint Debate
  Gary Bronstein, Partner, Kilpatrick Townsend & Stockton LLP
  Christopher Olsen, Managing Partner, Olsen Palmer LLC
  Dory Wiley, President & CEO, Commerce Street Capital, LLC
  Moderated by: Sal Inserra, Senior Advisor, Bank Director
  Back by popular demand, this session pits investment bankers and lawyers against each other to debate the most controversial issues in banking. You don’t want to miss this heated – and informative – session!

  5:40 PM – 6:40 PM
  Networking Peer & Guest Reception
  Sponsored by: Keefe, Bruyette & Woods, A Stifel Company

• Day Three | Tuesday January 28

  7:00 AM – 8:00 AM
  Breakfast
  Sponsored by: Plaid Inc.

  8:00 AM – 8:10 AM
  Day Three Opening Remarks: Taking New Chances
  Michelle King, CEO, Bank Director
  Laura Schield, President & COO, Bank Director
  Today, we focus on perspectives that have not already been shared on the first two days of the conference – and look into forces outside of our industry that may have deep implications.

  8:10 AM – 8:40 AM
  Preparing for the Next Credit Cycle
  John Behringer, Partner, RSM US LLP
  Joe Ehrhardt, CEO & Founder, Teslar Software
  Mac Thompson, President & Founder, White Clay
  Moderated by: Jim McAlpin, Board Member, Bank Director
  Banks on guard for rising credit losses will need to know where to look for emerging weaknesses and have a playbook ready to respond.  How can banks leverage relationships and data to make smarter decisions?  What decisions should they make about reserves?  What are the trouble spots bank leaders should watch for?  And how should banks strengthen policies and practices to prepare for the worst?

  8:40 AM – 9:10 AM
  Recruiting & Retaining the Best Talent
  Peter Thies, Managing Director, Pearl Meyer
  Bruce Wedderburn, Chief Sales Officer, Integrity Solutions, LLC
  Moderated by: Naomi Snyder, Editor-in-Chief, Bank Director
  Finding talent continues to challenge all businesses – but especially financial institutions. During this session, we dive into best practices, new ideas and lessons learned for creating the best teams and hiring the best talent.
  

  9:10 AM – 9:40 AM
  What’s on the Horizon
  Dan Goerlich, Partner, PwC
  Eric McLaughlin, Partner, Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP
  Moderated by: Thomas Brown, CEO, Second Curve Capital
  While M&A is one method for growth, there are many other opportunities your bank could capitalize on to grow.  During this session, a panel of industry experts dives into strategies you should consider.

  9:40 AM – 10:00 AM
  Refreshment Break
  Sponsored by: Ludwig Advisors

  10:00 AM – 10:40 AM
  Breakout Sessions (select one)
  Conversations conclude with a final round of breakout sessions — participants select one of six concurrent opportunities to learn.   Based on feedback from past attendees, there will be designated session(s) for banks under $1Bn in assets and for those above $1Bn in assets. Sessions to be announced.

  Breakout 1: Nightmare on ALM Street: One Last Scare
  Mark Fischer, Managing Director, The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc.
  Nightmare on ALM Street first takes time to recognize the invisible forces that shaped our balance sheets over the past decade plus and discuss successful strategies banks have utilized. The session then challenges some conventional wisdom and discusses how to foster a nimble balance sheet.

  Breakout 2: Understanding The Strategic, Competitive and Regulatory Landscape of Generative AI
  Sarah Grooms, Chief Administrative Officer, Banking Strategies, Wintrust Financial Corporation
  Canh Tran, CEO & Co-Founder, Rippleshot
  Generative AI, when combined with predictive AI, has the potential to rapidly transform banking operations at scale through enhanced customer service and superior fraud and risk detection. But there are ethical and regulatory compliance considerations that can’t be overlooked. To start, bank leaders must determine how equipped their organization is to harness AI and machine learning to deliver better, more secure, compliant digital banking experiences that drive revenue and growth.

  Breakout 3: Influence of Banktech on the Current Landscape
  John Guzzo, Managing Director, Keefe, Bruyette & Woods, A Stifel Company
  From digital banking to fintech innovations, this session analyzes the evolving role of banking technology in the evolving economic landscape.

  Breakout 4: Unlock Better Banking: 3 Strategies to Harness Technology for Growth
  Michael Ball, EVP of Marketing, Kinective
  This session explores three transformative strategies that drive sustainable growth, enhance operational efficiency and deepen community connections. Discover how connected banking solutions can help your institution thrive and build lasting trust.

  Breakout 5: Stratification in U.S. Banking: The Drivers and Their Credit Implications
  Jeffrey Berg, Associate Managing Director, Financial Institutions, Moody’s Ratings
  Megan Fox, Vice President, Senior Credit Officer, Financial Institutions, Moody’s Ratings
  Asset and revenue concentrations, competition, digitalization, consolidation, private credit, regulatory tailoring – these are some of the biggest trends stratifying US banks. The resulting analytical considerations will have wide and varied credit implications for banks and the industry more broadly.

  10:55 AM – 11:25 AM
  Advice for the Future:  Setting the Stage for 2025
  Jonah Crane, Partner, Klaros Group
  Eugene Ludwig, Founder & CEO, Ludwig Advisors
  Andrew Olmem, Partner, Mayer Brown
  Moderated by: Sal Inserra, Senior Advisor, Bank Director
  As we conclude the 31st annual AOBA Conference this is a must attend session as we hear from the leading voices in the industry. The panel shares lessons learned and their advice for moving forward in 2025. Topics covered include, but are not limited to, the future of bank M&A, differences in Republican vs. Democrat leadership, global impact to U.S. banks and capital considerations.
  

  11:25 AM – 11:30 AM
  Parting Thoughts
  Michelle King, CEO, Bank Director
  Laura Schield, President & COO, Bank Director

  1:00 PM – 4:30 PM
  Let’s Play Pickleball
  Sponsored by:  Alloy
  Enjoy the afternoon playing in a pickleball tournament with attendees of the AOBA Conference.  This afternoon activity is available to registered attendees and is limited to 136 players.  Availability is on a first-come, first-served basis.  Please note: additional registration is required and fees apply.  Be sure to reserve your spot today!

  1:00 PM – 6:00 PM
  L. William Seidman Annual Acquire or Be Acquired Golf Tournament
  Sponsored by: Duane Morris LLP and FHLBank Atlanta
  Enjoy the afternoon playing golf with your peers during Bank Director’s annual L. William Seidman Golf Tournament.  The tournament is available to registered attendees of the conference and limited to 144 players.  Availability is on a first-come, first-served basis.  Please note: additional registration is required and additional fees apply.  Be sure to reserve your spot today!

  5:45 PM – 7:00 PM
  Closing Peer & Guest Reception
  Sponsored by: Duane Morris LLP and FHLBank Atlanta
  Attendees and their guests join in the fun to see who are the winners of the L. William Seidman Golf Tournament and the Pickleball Tournament!

Award-winning AAA 4-Diamond JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort & Spa welcomes guests to its beautiful 316 acres in the Sonoran Desert. This luxury resort will take you to a place where luxury, personal services, invigorating recreation and excellent dining are abundant. This premier resort also impresses with the award-winning Revive Spa and championship Wildfire Golf Club, home to the LPGA Founders Cup. Relax and enjoy the company of friends and family indoors or outside on one of many patios with inviting fire pits overlooking the resort’s waterways. Among the leading North Phoenix resorts and resorts near TPC Scottsdale, the JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort & Spa is your one-stop vacation haven.

This acclaimed Phoenix, Arizona property features:

• A Poolside Bar
• Tennis Courts
• Championship Wildfire Golf Club
• Award-winning Revive Spa
• A full-service Salon and Fitness Center

For more information, please email events@bankdirector.com or call our events department at 877-397-7595.

Discounted Hotel Rate
The room block at the JW Marriott Desert Ridge is now closed. Please contact the hotel directly for current rates at 800-898-4527. Should you wish to make room reservations now, below is a list of other nearby properties:

Marriott’s Canyon Villas
5220 East Marriott Drive
Phoenix, AZ 85054
480-629-3200

Fairmont Scottsdale Princess
7575 East Princess Drive
Scottsdale, AZ 85255
3.9 miles away
480-585-4848

Holiday Inn Express and Suites Phoenix North – Scottsdale
4575 East Irma Lane
Phoenix, AZ 85054
1.1 miles away
877-570-9579

Residence Inn by Marriott Phoenix Desert View at Mayo Clinic
5665 East Mayo Blvd.
Phoenix, AZ 85054
1.6 miles away
480-563-1500

Cambria Hotel – Phoenix
4425 East Irma Lane
Phoenix, AZ 85054
1.1 miles away
480-585-6644

SpringHill Suites Scottsdale North
17020 North Scottsdale Road
Scottsdale, AZ 85255
3.7 miles away
480-922-8700

• Who should attend the Acquire or Be Acquired Conference?

  With over 1,800 industry leaders joining us in 2024, this annual event is created specifically for those executives leading U.S. financial institutions, specifically Chief Executive Officers, Chair of the Board, Board Members, Presidents, Chief Operating Officers, Chief Financial Officers, Chief Risk Officers, Chief Compliance Officers, Chief Technology Officers, Chief Marketing Officers, Heads of Retail, Heads of Lending, Heads of Strategy and Senior Management of financial institutions.

• Why should I attend the Acquire or Be Acquired Conference?

  Since 1995, the Bank Director’s Acquire or Be Acquired Conference has been widely regarded as the financial industry’s premier bank growth and strategy event. Bankers and financial executives have attended the Acquire or Be Acquired Conference for 30 plus years to get advice from knowledgeable speakers through no-nonsense interactive sessions that help them explore various growth options. This conference addresses the most critical and timely issues facing banks year after year.

• How much does the conference cost, and what does this fee cover?

  The standard individual registration rate for bankers is $2,595. This fee includes all conference sessions, materials, meals and beverages at the event site. This price does not include travel or hotel accommodations.

• Where can I register for the Acquire or Be Acquired Conference?

  You may register online or call our events department at 877-397-7595.

• What if I need to cancel my in-person reservation at the conference?

  Due to commitments and expenses, all cancellations after December 6, 2024, will be subject to a $450 processing fee. We regret that no refunds will be given after January 6, 2025; however, substitute participants are welcome. DirectorCorps, Inc. assumes no liability for any nonrefundable travel, hotel or related expenses incurred by registrants. For more information regarding refunds, to register, concerns and/or program cancellation policies, please email events@bankdirector.com or call our events department at 877-397-7595.

• Is there a guest program?

  Yes. The guest rate of $595 covers Sunday lunch and all receptions at the JW Marriott. If a guest would like to attend the sessions, please register them as attendees. All guests must have a name badge to be admitted to these events. A guest is a spouse, significant other or friend who is not in a financial services occupation. A co-worker (even a spouse co-worker) or an associate within the financial services industry is not considered a guest and should register as an attendee.

  The guest program fee does not include participation in Tuesday’s golf or pickleball tournaments. Guests interested in playing with attendees in the golf tournament can sign up based on space availability. The additional fee for guests to play golf is $205 and the additional fee to play pickleball is $50. Both of these fees include a boxed lunch; however, it does not include rental clubs or other expenses.

• How can I sign up for the golf tournament on Tuesday, January 28?

  The golf tournament fee is $150 for all registered conference attendees. Pre-registration is required for participation. Rental clubs and shoes are available to participants at their expense through the Wildfire Golf Club. The cost is $90 plus tax for rental clubs and rental shoes cost $35 plus tax. Please indicate your club and shoe needs when registering for the conference online. If you register and are no longer able to participate, you must cancel prior to January 3, 2025 to get a full refund. To register for the golf tournament, please call our events department at 877-397-7595 or email tzito@bankdirector.com.

• Is there an alternate activity for attendees and guests not interested in the golf tournament?

  Registered conference attendees can register to play in a pickleball tournament on Tuesday after the conference concludes. The additional fee for attendees to play in the pickleball tournament is $25. Registered guests interested in playing pickleball with attendees may sign up based on space availability. The additional fee for guests to play pickleball is $50. If you register and are no longer able to participate, you must cancel prior to January 3, 2025 to get a full refund. To register for the pickleball tournament, please call our events department at 877-397-7595 or email events@bankdirector.com.

• Is CPE credit available for this conference?

  DirectorCorps, Inc., the parent company of Bank Director, is registered with the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) as a sponsor of continuing professional education on the National Registry of CPE Sponsors. State boards of accountancy have final authority on the acceptance of individual courses for CPE credit. Complaints regarding registered sponsors may be submitted to the National Registry of CPE Sponsors through its website: www.nasbaregistry.org. Visit their information page for CPE learning objectives, program levels, prerequisites, recommended credits and complaint resolutions.

  All of Bank Director’s education programs are classified as “Basic” program level with no pre-requisites or advance preparation required for participation in these events. All events fall under “Group-Live” delivery method. At the event, attendees will be required to keep a time sheet, and attendance at sessions will be monitored in order for attendees to receive the appropriate number of credits and a certificate of completion following the event. Please contact Bank Director at events@bankdirector.com for more information regarding this program and on the number of credits awarded for this event.

• What is the policy for audio & video recordings at the conference?

  Audio and/or video recordings of the presentations made at this conference are expressly forbidden unless advance written consent has been obtained from both Bank Director and the presenter(s) to be recorded. Bank Director may conduct audio and/or video recordings during a session. Bank Director owns the rights to all such recordings.

• What is your suitcasing policy?

  Suitcasing is the act of soliciting business by non-exhibiting companies during the event or in the other public spaces, including another company’s booth, exhibit hall or a hotel lobby. It is Bank Director’s event management’s objective to do everything legally possible to protect its exhibitors and bank attendees from suitcasing.

  For more information, please email events@bankdirector.com or call our events department at 877-397-7595.