Overview
The financial industry’s premier event for bank executives and members of the board, Bank Director’s Acquire or Be Acquired Conference, offers unparalleled networking opportunities for senior leadership teams eager to explore financial growth, strategic initiatives and business partnerships at a moment when the M&A market is accelerating, technology is reshaping every corner of the business, and Washington continues to rewrite the rules. Celebrated as the industry’s foremost conference for CEOs, board members and executive teams, this 33rd annual gathering is your gateway to discovering new avenues for growth.

The rate includes all conference activities, materials, meals and beverages at the event site. The price does not include travel or hotel accommodations.

Conference Rates
Early Individual Rate: $2,495 (Expires October 2, 2026)
Standard Individual Rate: $2,795
Early Group Rate: $2,395 (Expires October 2, 2026)
Standard Group Rate: $2,595 (For groups of 3 or more from the same financial institution.)

Membership Program Conference Rates
If your bank is a participating program member, please contact 877-397-7595 to find out about special conference rates and/or event passes that may be available to you and your board. For questions or to learn more about Bank Director’s membership program, please email bankservices@bankdirector.com.

Guest Registration
The guest rate of $595 covers entrance to the Sunday lunch and all evening receptions. Guests interested in playing with attendees in the golf tournament can sign up based on space availability for an additional fee of $295. Guests interested in playing with attendees in the pickleball tournament can sign up based on space availability for an additional fee of $50. (If a guest would like to attend the sessions, please register them as an attendee. 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.)

Non-Banker Rate: $4,495
This registration fee applies to attendees who are board advisors/observers, investment bankers, attorneys, accounting firms, and other vendors and service providers. This rate also applies to managing directors of a bank’s investment banking practice. Bank Director reserves the right to verify your company profile and adjust your registration rate if necessary.

About the Hotel
Experience a transformative stay at JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge Resort & Spa, nestled within the serene beauty of Arizona’s Sonoran Desert and offering a wide range of exceptional experiences. Get in the game with 17 pickleball courts, a fully stocked pro shop and certified instruction. Golf aficionados can tee off on two championship courses, complete with PGA professional instructors, tournament play and club fittings. The spectacular pool area features five pools, a relaxing lazy river, luxurious cabana cottages and pool suites. Escape to this luxury desert oasis where breathtaking views, personalized service and cutting-edge amenities will captivate your spirit like no other resort can.

Payments & Cancellation
Conference registration includes admittance to all conference activities and the conference materials. Payment will be accepted by check, American Express, Visa, MasterCard or Discover. If paying by check, please make payable to DirectorCorps, Inc. and include the attendee’s name(s) and/or a copy of the registration form and mail to:

Conferences
Bank Director
201 Summit View Drive, Suite 250
Brentwood, TN 37027

Due to commitments and expenses, all cancellations after December 28, 2026, will be subject to a $500 processing fee. We regret that no refunds will be given after January 15, 2027; however, substitute participants are welcome. DirectorCorps, Inc. assumes no liability for any nonrefundable travel, hotel or related expenses incurred by registrants. Download and review our event’s code of conduct.

For more information, please contact our events department at 877-397-7595.

• Saturday | February 6

  2:00 PM – 3:30 PM
  Early Registration

  5:00 PM – 5:30 PM
  Women in Leadership Reception
  Sponsored by:  FIS
  Before the conference gets underway, female executives and board members are invited to gather for an evening of conversation and connection. With top bank leaders traveling from across the United States to attend AOBA, this reception creates the perfect setting to meet peers, forge new relationships and start the conference on a strong note. *NOTE: A separate registration is not required to attend this reception, as it is included with the conference registration.

  5:00 PM – 5:30 PM
  First-Time Attendee Reception
  Welcome to the 33rd annual Acquire or Be Acquired Conference. If this is your first time joining us, this reception is your starting point. Meet the Bank Director leadership team, connect with other first-time attendees and get a feel for what the next few days have in store. Held concurrently with the Women in Leadership Reception, this is your opportunity to get connected, get comfortable and get the most out of your time at the 33rd annual Acquire or Be Acquired Conference. *NOTE: A separate registration is not required to attend this reception, as it is included with the conference registration.

  5:30 PM – 6:30 PM
  Welcoming Reception & Registration
  Sponsored by: COCC and Profit Resources, Inc. and R&T Deposit Solutions
  Arizona in February has a way of reminding you why you made the trip. As the 33rd annual Acquire or Be Acquired Conference gets underway, join fellow bank leaders for an evening of great conversation, warm weather and the kind of connections that make this conference unlike any other. With old friends, new faces and three remarkable days ahead, it all starts here!

• Sunday | February 7

  7:00 AM – 8:00 AM
  Registration & Breakfast

  8:00 AM – 8:10 AM
  Welcome Day One
  Michelle King, CEO, Bank Director
  Laura Schield, President & COO, Bank Director
  Bank Director welcomes you to the most important gathering in banking!  For more than three decades, Acquire or Be Acquired has brought together the industry’s most influential CEOs, board members, and senior leaders for conversations that shape strategy, drive growth, and define the future of financial institutions across the country.

  8:10 AM – 9:05 AM
  General Session:  The State of Banking
  Thomas Michaud, President & CEO, Keefe, Bruyette & Woods, A Stifel Company
  Banking is being reshaped in real time. Where does the industry stand, and what forces define its next chapter?  This signature session cuts through the noise to deliver a clear, comprehensive read on the industry: the fundamentals, competitive dynamics, macroeconomic backdrop and regulatory developments shaping banking right now.  It frames the questions that matter most and sets the stage for the days ahead.

  9:05 AM – 9:45 AM
  General Session: The Economic & Regulatory Forces Reshaping Banking
  Mark Kanaly, Partner, Alston & Bird LLP
  Brian Leibfried, Head of Client Insights, Performance Trust Capital Partners, LLC
  Mandi Simpson, Partner, Crowe LLP
  Moderated by:  Jim McAlpin, Board Member, Bank Director
  In today’s environment, the decisions being made in Washington are having a direct and material impact on how banks operate, compete and grow, and staying ahead of those forces requires more than awareness. In this panel discussion, industry experts cut through the noise to deliver a clear-eyed look at the economic and regulatory dynamics that matter most for bank leaders right now, what they mean for the road ahead and how institutions of every size can position themselves to navigate what is coming with confidence.

  9:15 AM – 9:50 AM
  FinXTech Session: How to Evaluate & Prioritize Your Technology Investment
  Approving technology investments is increasingly complex and consequential. With limited resources and endless options promising transformation, knowing where to allocate capital is a critical leadership discipline. This session provides a practical framework to evaluate technology through a strategic lens. Learn to separate genuine opportunity from hype, establish clear success metrics, and build an investment strategy that drives measurable growth rather than simply keeping pace with change.

  9:45 AM – 10:25 AM
  General Session: Navigating the Next Era of Banking
  Sean Desmond, President & CEO, nCino
  Ashley Ensley, Partner, National Financial Services Sector Leader, Forvis Mazars
  Meg Tahyer, Partner, Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP
  Moderated by:  Naomi Snyder, Editor-in-Chief, Bank Director
  As the financial landscape accelerates toward 2030, this forward-looking session explores the transformative forces reshaping our industry, from advanced AI integration and open banking to evolving regulatory frameworks. Discover actionable strategies to modernize legacy systems, attract next-generation talent, and position your institution for sustainable growth. Join us to learn how proactive bank leaders turn tomorrow’s technological disruptions into today’s ultimate competitive advantage.

  10:00 AM – 10:35 AM
  FinXTech Session: Turning Customer Data into Strategic Growth
  Nathaniel Harley, Chief Revenue Officer, Alkami Technology, Inc.
  Speaker To Be Announced, OptimaFI
  Speaker To Be Announced, Klarivis
  Moderated by: Bill Herrell, Executive Vice President & Managing Director, Bank Director
  Every bank is sitting on an extraordinary amount of data, but few are using it to its full potential. In this session, industry leaders examine how banks are transforming raw data into strategic insight, from identifying growth opportunities and improving credit decisioning to deepening customer relationships and personalizing the banking experience. Panelists discuss what it takes to build a true data culture at the board and executive levels, how to evaluate your institution’s current data capabilities and what banks that are winning with data are doing differently than those still catching up.

  10:25 AM – 10:45 AM
  Refreshment Break

  10:45 AM – 11:25 AM
  Breakout Sessions
  Participants can choose one of seven breakout sessions to attend. Sessions to be announced.

  Breakout 2:  What the Board Needs to Know in 2027
  Robert Fleetwood, Partner & Co-Chair of Financial Institutions Group, Barack Ferrazzano
  Al Laufenberg, Managing Director, Keefe, Bruyette & Woods, A Stifel Company
  A perennial favorite at Acquire or Be Acquired, the “Need to Know” series returns with another essential installment for bank leaders. This breakout session cuts straight to what matters most while delivering the critical insights, emerging trends and forward-looking perspective that CEOs and directors need to lead effectively in 2027 and beyond.

  Breakout 3:  Strategic Capital Allocation in an Era of Consolidation
  Matthew Reader Forgotson, Managing Director, Performance Trust Capital Partners, LLC
  Since 1990, 65% of FDIC-insured banks have disappeared. This is the result of a persistent, pervasive and powerful problem. During this session, Matt will define the problem and propose a remedy: a comprehensive decision-making process that respects multiple scenarios and the passage of time. This creates a Level Playing Field for evaluating all capital allocation decisions, from loan growth to M&A. Banks earn their independence by out-earning their cost of capital over time. This requires inviting optimal risk/rewards onto the balance sheet at every point in time.

  Breakout 4: Bank Integration Strategy in Any Approval Climate
  Acquirers can’t control approval timing, but they can control readiness. Whether the window opens fast or stalls, value goes to those prepared before the green light. This session covers how to move fast without losing value and stay disciplined when you can’t: advance planning, parallel workstreams, clean rooms, clear decision rights, locked capacity and AI.

  Breakout 5:  Measuring Shareholder Value Accretion for M&A and Share Repurchases
  Jason O’Donnell, Director, Capital Markets, Hovde Group, LLC
  This presentation discusses a new methodology for defining the intrinsic value of a conventional banking institution called Core Value. The discussion centers on the concept’s derivation and related applications for calculating the shareholder accretion/dilution of M&A, share repurchases and other transactions.
  

  10:50 AM – 11:25 AM
  FinXTech Session: Digital Currency: Threat, Opportunity or Both?
  Alex Treece, CEO, Stablecore
  Speaker To Be Announced, Fiserv, Inc.
  Speaker To Be Announced, R&T Deposit Solutions
  Moderated by:  Jackie Stewart, Executive Editor, Bank Director
  As digital currency reshapes how money moves, banks cannot afford to sit on the sidelines. With the GENIUS Act now law and set to take full effect in January 2027, the regulatory framework is now set. This session examines the true risks and opportunities of digital assets – from disrupting deposits to opening new revenue streams. This industry-led panel provides executives with a practical framework for their institution’s digital currency strategy before the window to lead closes.

  11:35 AM – 12:10 PM
  FinXTech Session: From Hype to Execution: How Banks Are Putting AI to Work
  Jill Flaherty, SVP, Chief Marketing Officer, COCC
  Will Lawrence, CEO and Co-Founder, Bretton AI
  Brandon Lokits, Industry Advocate, nCino
  Moderated by: Lexie Garcia, Vice President of Business Development, Bank Director
  AI holds tremendous promise for improving efficiency, reducing costs and enhancing the customer experience, but turning that promise into practice requires a clear-eyed view of both the opportunities and the risks. In this tactical session, hear how bankers are deploying AI today, what is working, where the pitfalls lie and how your institution can move forward with confidence.

  11:40 AM – 12:20 PM
  General Session: The Competitive Landscape of the Future
  Speaker To Be Announced, Cornerstone Advisors
  Speaker To Be Announced, S&P Global Market Intelligence
  Matthew Veneri, Managing Director, Head of Financial Institutions and Insurance Investment Banking, Brean Capital, LLC
  Moderated by:  Michelle King, CEO, Bank Director
  Banks are up against a myriad of non-bank competitors: big tech companies, fintech companies, private lenders, neobanks, payments companies, crypto firms and more. This competition could intensify as the current Trump administration embraces granting industrial loan charters – thus encouraging more non-banks to enter financial services – and innovations like stablecoins become more mainstream. We take a deep dive into these non-bank competitors, what it means for banks’ bottom lines, and what the industry might look like in the next decade.

  12:10 PM – 1:30 PM
  Networking Peer & Guest Lunch 

  12:40 PM – 1:20 PM
  Lunch & Learn Sessions
  Lunch & Learn sessions allow participants to learn about a shared topic of interest over lunch. Six sessions run concurrently; attendees may select one.

  Lunch & Learn Session 1: The Alignment Advantage: Building a High-Performance Organization
  Mikelle Brady, Partner, Profit Resources, Inc.
  Brett Rawls, Head of Client Engagement, Profit Resources, Inc.
  Why do some banks consistently outperform peers in any market? Organizational alignment is the key – integrating strategy, culture, efficiency and growth into one unified execution model, not separate initiatives. Drawing on PRI’s decades of experience helping community banks improve profitability and performance, this session explores the disciplines that drive stronger earnings, sustainable growth and lasting success.
  
  Lunch & Learn Session 2:  Banking M&A from a Credit Ratings Perspective
  Tim O’Brien, Managing Director, Morningstar DBRS

  1:30 PM – 2:10 PM
  General Session: Maximizing Your Bank’s Value
  Curtis Carpenter, Senior Managing Director, Hovde Group, LLC
  Understanding what your bank is worth — and what it could be worth — is one of the most important things a board and leadership team can do, regardless of where you are in your strategic journey. In this session, we break down how banks are being valued in today’s market, what factors are driving premiums and where institutions have the greatest opportunity to move the needle before a transaction.

  1:30 PM – 2:05 PM
  FinXTech Session: The Wealth Opportunity: Why Now Is the Time to Get Serious
  David Benskin, Founder & CEO, Wealth Access Inc.
  Stephen Bohanon, Founder and Chief Strategy Officer, Alkami Technology, Inc.
  Additional Speaker To Be Announced
  Moderated by: Jack Milligan, Editor-at-Large, Bank Director
  Trillions of dollars are set to change hands in the greatest wealth transfer in history — and banks that are not positioned to capture a share of it will watch that business go elsewhere. This session makes the case for investing in a true wealth management and trust offering, with a practical look at how banks of all sizes are building the capabilities, talent and client experience needed to compete effectively and grow.

  2:10 PM – 2:30 PM
  General Session: Bank Director’s 2027 Technology Update
  Gregory Adelson, President & CEO, Jack Henry
  Emily McCormick, Vice President of Editorial & Research, Bank Director
  Bank Director’s Technology Survey cuts through the noise to reveal how financial institutions are actually investing in technology, using data and approaching artificial intelligence today. In this session, key survey findings come to life as industry experts explore what the data reveal about where banks are gaining ground, where gaps remain, and what the most forward-thinking institutions are doing differently.

  2:15 PM – 2:50 PM
  FinXTech Session: Winning the Battle for Small Business Relationships
  Jill Feiler, CEO, ZSuite Technologies, Inc.
  Erica Pilon, Head of Strategy, Jack Henry
  Additional Speaker To Be Announced
  Moderated by:  Courtney Theis, Executive Vice President & Managing Director, Bank Director
  Small businesses are the engine of community growth and a critical driver of core deposits, yet banks face fierce competition from agile fintechs to win their primary operating accounts. This session explores proven strategies to capture and expand your SMB market share. Discover how combining frictionless digital cash-flow solutions with high-touch advisory banking can drive deposit growth, streamline lending, and secure long-term loyalty from your most valuable commercial clients.

  2:45 PM – 3:25 PM
  Breakout Sessions
  Participants may select one of seven concurrent breakout sessions. Sessions to be announced.

  Breakout 1: Inside the Deal: M&A Insights for Closely Held Financial Institutions
  Blake Crow, Partner, Eide Bailly LLP
  Brock Thaemlitz, Partner, Eide Bailly LLP
  This session provides a strategic overview of the M&A process, specifically designed for family-owned and privately held financial institutions. Attendees gain insights from both the buy and sell-side perspectives. Key topics include identifying and evaluating potential partners, marketing a bank for sale, assessing value and pricing, navigating legal and tax structuring, preparing regulatory applications, understanding acquisition accounting and managing post-deal capital impact.

  Breakout 2:  How Bank Boards 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 3:  Doing an M&A Deal:  M&A 101
  Gary Svec, Managing Director, Performance Trust Capital Partners, LLC
  You know that M&A can be a vital way to grow your business – or an opportunity for an exit – but what are the keys to a successful deal?  Given recent volatility affecting us differently, M&A quoted averages may be misleading.  What must you know to succeed, what is often missing in traditional analysis, and what areas can cause delay or failure?  Learn the basics of M&A in this educational session.  And, if you are attending the M&A simulation, this is a key session to attend.

  Breakout 4:  Payments Are the Growth Engine for Banks
  Prakash Natarajan, Senior Managing Director, SRM
  This session explores how community and regional banks can transform payments into a strategic growth engine. Attendees learn how leading institutions are using modern payment capabilities, embedded experiences, AI, fraud intelligence and emerging payment rails to win new business, deepen existing relationships and unlock new sources of non-interest revenue. Through industry examples and practical frameworks, participants leave with a roadmap for aligning payments strategy with enterprise growth objectives.

  3:00 PM – 3:35 PM
  FinXTech Session: Managing Cyber Risks in Modern Banking
  Tim Dively, Digital Industry Leader, Financial Services, CLA
  Jeremiah James, Chief Strategy Officer, HC3
  Additional Speaker To Be Announced
  Moderated by:  Laura Alix, Director of Research, Bank Director
  This session moves beyond technical jargon to give bank leaders a clear, practical understanding of the cyber risks that matter most, how to evaluate whether your institution’s defenses are truly adequate and what questions every board should be asking of management. Panelists also address how cybersecurity posture is increasingly influencing M&A due diligence and deal valuation – making it not just a risk management issue but a strategic one.

  3:25 PM – 3:45 PM
  Refreshment Break

  3:45 PM – 4:25 PM
  Breakout Sessions
  Conversations continue with a second round of afternoon breakout sessions, in which participants select one of seven concurrent opportunities. Sessions to be announced.

  Breakout 1:  The Community Bank Board’s 2027 Risk Radar:  Top Issues Every Bank Director and Executive Should Be Monitoring
  Joe VanFleet, Member & Chair Financial Institutions Practice, Howard & Howard
  Community bank directors and senior officers face increasing pressure from regulators, shareholders, customers and their communities. From cybersecurity threats and fraud losses to succession planning, liquidity concerns and the impact of artificial intelligence, today’s banking leaders must navigate an evolving landscape of risk and opportunity. This presentation examines the key issues currently commanding the attention of community bank boards and provides practical governance considerations to help directors fulfill their oversight responsibilities while positioning their institutions for long-term success.

  Breakout 2:  Optimizing Credit Quality and Institutional Value in a K-Shaped Economy
  David Ruffin, President, Credit Risk Solutions, OptimaFI
  Macroeconomic division is driving a stark divide in credit performance across the financial sector. While some loan portfolios remain resilient, others face escalating stress from vulnerable borrower segments. This session explores proactive strategies to identify hidden vulnerabilities, stress-test emerging concentrations and mitigate credit deterioration – ensuring your institution effectively manages embedded risk while optimizing overall asset health and long-term valuation.

  Breakout 3: Bank M&A Master Class
  Christopher Olsen, Managing Partner, Olsen Palmer LLC
  This moderated ‘fireside discussion’ with the CEOs of a seller and an acquirer reveals key findings applicable to sellers and buyers alike. For prospective sellers, learn best practices for preparing for and executing a sale, as well as characteristics that achieve a premium price. For would-be buyers, gain better insights into the seller’s mindset, the deal process and key transaction risks.
  

  3:50 PM – 4:25 PM
  FinXTech Session: Building the Infrastructure for Long-Term Competitiveness
  Joe Ehrhardt, CEO & Founder, Teslar Software
  Speaker To Be Announced, Fiserv, Inc.
  Speaker To Be Announced, Navanta
  Moderated by: Greg Neumann, Banking & Fintech Editor, Bank Director
  Few decisions have more long-term strategic implications for a bank than the infrastructure choices it makes today, and yet core technology modernization remains one of the most deferred and misunderstood investments in the industry. This session gives attendees a clear-eyed view of the technology infrastructure decisions that define their institution’s agility, scalability and competitiveness in the years ahead.

  4:40 PM – 5:20 PM
  A Regulator’s Perspective
  Michael Reed, Partner, Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP
  The regulatory environment continues to evolve, and understanding how examiners and policymakers view bank M&A activity is essential for executives and board members navigating today’s deal landscape. In this session, we take a candid look at the key factors that drive approval decisions, the red flags that slow or derail transactions, and what institutions can do to position themselves for a smoother path through the regulatory process.

  5:20 PM – 6:20 PM
  Networking Peer & Guest Reception
  Sponsored by:  HC3 and Wealth Access Inc.
  

• Monday | February 8

  7:00 AM – 8:00 AM
  Breakfast
  Sponsored by:  Crowe LLP
  

  8:00 AM – 8:10 AM
  Day Two Opening Remarks
  Michelle King, CEO, Bank Director
  Laura Schield, President & COO, Bank Director
  Day One set the stage — today is where the work deepens. The sessions ahead are designed to do more than inform — they are designed to challenge your thinking, sharpen your strategy and give you the tools to lead with greater clarity and conviction.

  8:10 AM – 8:50 AM
  General Session: The Best of RankingBanking
  Speakers To Be Announced
  Moderated by:  Kara Baldwin, Partner, Crowe LLP
  What does it take to become a top-performing bank?  For years, Bank Director has studied that question. In response, Bank Director created an annual report, RankingBanking, to dive into the performance of the largest publicly traded banks in the U.S.  During this panel discussion, hear from three banks that topped the most recent Bank Director’s RankingBanking study.

  8:50 AM – 9:30 AM
  General Session: The Deal Market Is Moving — Is Your Bank Ready?
  Speaker To Be Announced, Keefe, Bruyette & Woods, A Stifel Company
  After years of hesitation driven by macro uncertainty and regulatory headwinds, the bank M&A market has shifted decisively, and the pace is only accelerating. Improved earnings, stabilized credit, rate clarity and a reshaped regulatory environment have brought buyers of all sizes back to the table, and conversations across the industry have moved from “if” to “when.” This session brings together experienced dealmakers and bankers to examine what is driving the momentum, how valuations are being set in today’s market and what banks on both sides of a transaction need to do to be positioned for success.

  9:30 AM – 9:50 AM
  General Session: Global Forces Reshaping Community Bank M&A
  Melissa Cullen, Head of Regional and Community Banking, FIS
  Stephanie Ferris, President & CEO, FIS
  Moderated by:  Michelle King, CEO, Bank Director
  Demographic shifts, geopolitical instability and the reconfiguration of global capital flows are rewriting the M&A playbook for community banks. As acquirers broaden their scope beyond traditional financial metrics, the banks controlling their destiny are those that have readied their franchise for a new era of scrutiny. This session connects the macro forces driving consolidation to the decisive actions boards must take today to maximize strategic optionality tomorrow.
  

  9:40 AM – 10:15 AM
  FinXTech Session: Faster Payments, Bigger Opportunities
  Edwin Martin, President, Basys Processing, Inc.
  Additional Speakers To Be Announced
  Moderated by: Lexie Garcia, Vice President of Business Development, Bank Director
  The payments landscape is undergoing its most significant transformation in decades, and the banks that understand and capitalize on faster payments infrastructure will have a meaningful advantage in attracting and retaining both consumer and commercial clients. This session examines the current state of real-time payments, the growing role of FedNow and RTP and how stablecoin and blockchain-based payments fit into the picture. Experts offer a clear framework for bank leaders to evaluate their institution’s payment strategy and the growth opportunities that come with getting it right.

  9:50 AM – 10:10 AM
  General Session: Insights from Bank Director’s 2027 Bank M&A Survey
  Naomi Snyder, Editor-in-Chief, Bank Director
  Patrick Vernon, Partner, Crowe LLP
  Moderated by: Emily McCormick, Vice President, Editorial & Research, Bank Director
  Every year, Bank Director’s Bank M&A Survey captures a detailed picture of how the industry is thinking about deals, and this year’s results arrive at one of the most consequential moments in recent banking history. Bank Director’s Editor-in-Chief joins a senior leader from Crowe to walk through the survey’s most compelling findings, offering context, analysis, and the lessons learned that help bank leaders make sense of where the market stands and where it is headed.

  10:10 AM – 10:30 AM
  Refreshment Break
  Sponsored by:  Barnes & Thornburg LLP
  

  10:30 AM – 12:30 PM
  M&A Simulation
  Will Brackett, Managing Director, Performance Trust Capital Partners, LLC
  Matthew Reader Forgotson, Managing Director, Performance Trust Capital Partners, LLC
  Matt Kennedy, Managing Director, Performance Trust Capital Partners, LLC
  Gary Svec, Managing Director, Performance Trust Capital Partners, LLC
  In today’s market, winning a prized acquisition target demands both competitive instinct and disciplined strategy. Buyers must craft bids that drive growth without eroding value; sellers must navigate the process with precision to deliver the best possible outcome for shareholders. This exclusive, hands-on simulation puts participants in the middle of a live, competitive auction for a highly sought-after seller — working through the final rounds of bidding, managing real-world complexity, and adapting as unexpected wrinkles emerge. NOTE: The simulation is exclusive to 45 bank attendees only, allowing one banker per institution; no capital markets titles (this session is NOT for investment bankers of any kind); and runs concurrently with the breakout sessions below.

  10:30 AM – 11:05 AM
  FinXTech Session: Assessing Technology Risk & Value in Bank M&A
  Speaker To Be Announced, Q2
  Additional Speakers To Be Announced
  Moderated by:  Laura Alix, Director of Research, Bank Director
  In today’s deal environment, a target bank’s technology infrastructure, data capabilities, and digital maturity are just as important as its financials, yet technology due diligence remains one of the most underdeveloped areas in bank M&A. This session examines what acquirers should look for when evaluating a target’s technology stack, how legacy systems and deferred investment can affect deal value and integration timelines, and what the most sophisticated buyers are doing to assess technology risk and opportunity before a deal closes. For boards and executives leading or overseeing M&A activity, this session fills a critical gap in the due diligence conversation.

  10:30 AM – 11:10 AM
  Breakout Sessions
  Participants can choose one of seven breakout sessions to attend. Sessions to be announced.

  Breakout 1: Corporate Governance for the Privately-Held Community Bank: What Boards and Management Need to Know
  David Hooper, Partner, Barnes & Thornburg LLP
  Michael Mancusi, Partner, Barnes & Thornburg LLP
  This session explores the critical aspects of corporate governance tailored specifically for privately-held community banks. Attendees gain insights into best practices for proper board size, board recruitment and retention matters, shareholder engagement, shareholder liquidity programs, taking advantage of expansion opportunities and managing technological developments. Key strategies for enhancing governance structures and ensuring effective oversight will be discussed to strengthen both performance and community impact.
  

  Breakout 2: The Devil Is Still in the Details: Operational Excellence and the Impact of AI
  Joe Ehrhardt, CEO & Founder, Teslar Software
  Behind every credit and operations team, there’s a story hidden in the data. Using real-world trends from community and regional banks, this session explores key operational and credit metrics like exception rates, collateral and policy exceptions, risk rating distributions, and loan maintenance activity to identify the practices behind high-performing institutions. We’ll also explore how AI is reshaping these metrics, where it’s delivering measurable value, and what to expect next.

  Breakout 3: Protecting the Board’s Key Decisions
  Rob Azarow, Partner, Head of Financial Services Transactions, Arnold & Porter
  Chris DeCresce, Partner, Arnold & Porter
  Amber Hay, Partner, Arnold & Porter
  Kevin Toomey, Partner, Head of Financial Services, Arnold & Porter
  This session covers the potential challenges to board decision-making, both from activist shareholders and plaintiff’s class action attorneys and the steps boards can take to protect those decisions under a variety of specific contexts.

  Breakout 4: Beyond Net Interest Margin: Why Wealth is Your Bank’s Best Growth Lever
  David Benskin, Founder & CEO, Wealth Access Inc.
  Net interest margin gets the investor-call attention, but it’s not where the real upside is. Drawing on research across 100 U.S. banks, this session makes the data-backed case that wealth is a bank’s most underused lever: capital-light, countercyclical, and tied to higher ROE and price-to-book. Expect real institution examples and a hard look at where wealth sits on your agenda.

  11:15 AM – 11:50 AM
  FinXTech Session: The New Regulatory Reality & Bank Competitiveness 
  Following the administration’s recent directives and the CFPB’s April 2025 pivot, regulatory enforcement has shifted heavily toward depository institutions over fintechs. With sixty-two percent of industry leaders citing this as a severe competitive disadvantage in Bank Director’s 2025 Technology Survey, banks must adapt to an increasingly uneven playing field. This session explores the strategic impact of this mandate, offering bank leaders actionable ways to navigate heightened scrutiny while defending market share against less-regulated nonbank competitors.

  11:25 AM – 12:05 PM
  Breakout Sessions
  Conversations continue with a second round of morning breakout sessions, in which participants select one of seven concurrent opportunities to engage with industry leaders. Sessions to be announced.

  Breakout 2: Due Diligence and Valuation of Criticized Assets
  John Winick, CEO, Clark Street Capital
  Gain practical insights into how criticized assets impact due diligence, valuation, and deal structure in bank M&A. This session explores key credit risks, valuation adjustments and strategies for identifying hidden issues while preserving deal value and avoiding costly surprises.
  

  11:50 AM – 1:05 PM
  Networking Lunch
  Sponsored by:  Quantum Six
  

  11:50 AM – 1:05 PM
  Women in Leadership Luncheon
  What began at Saturday’s Women in Leadership Reception carries forward here. This luncheon brings attendees together to connect, share perspectives and have meaningful conversations. Open to all conference attendees, men and women alike.

  1:05 PM – 1:35 PM
  General Session: Keynote Speaker

  1:35 PM – 2:10 PM
  Strategies for Driving Growth
  Kirk Coleman, Chief Business Officer, Q2
  Nikhil Lele, EY Americas Consulting Banking and Capital Markets Leader, EY
  Bob Rohr, Managing Director, Payments Strategy, SRM
  Moderated by:  Bill Herrell, Executive Vice President & Managing Director, Bank Director
  Whether a transaction is in the near future, years away or simply not part of the plan, this session is for banks that are serious about growing on their own terms. Experts share what is working, where banks are finding untapped opportunity and how institutions of all sizes can compete effectively in a market where the largest banks and most agile fintechs are constantly raising the bar.

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

  Breakout 2: Escape the Island of Low NIM!
  Dick Burch, Performance Banking Consultant, Deluxe Corporation
  Join this session to discover how community banks can strengthen profitability through smarter deposit strategies, disciplined loan pricing, and a focus on relationship banking. Using real-world case studies, attendees will learn practical ways to improve Net Interest Margin, align lending and deposit goals, and chart a course toward stronger financial performance.

  Breakout 3: Controlling Your Own Destiny: A Case Study of Recent Negotiated Merger Transactions
  Steve Donahoe, Partner, Kilpatrick Townsend & Stockton LLP
  Ed Olifer, Managing Partner, Kilpatrick Townsend & Stockton LLP
  Marc Williams, Partner, Kilpatrick Townsend & Stockton LLP
  The industry demands scale. Growing organically in a consolidating industry is hard. Fiduciary duties require that boards act in the best interests of shareholders. Determining to merge with or acquire another institution can be daunting. Our team will analyze recent case studies as to how large and small community banks across the county have overcome historical buy and sell side obstacles to mergers by executing strategic combinations. Our discussion will include perspectives on how boards can exercise more control over the merger process, negotiate more favorable merger terms, achieve transformative growth, enhance shareholder value, solve succession planning quandaries, and protect employees and other constituents, all while satisfying the board’s fiduciary obligations.
  

  2:25 PM – 3:05 PM
  FinXTech Session: Preparing Your Bank for the Quantum Computing Era
  Quantum computing is set to completely transform the financial sector. While advanced processing capabilities promise unprecedented speed in analyzing markets, evaluating asset vulnerabilities, and stopping sophisticated cybercriminals, they also bring immense structural threats to traditional data protection. This session guides banking leaders through the technological leap ahead. Discover how to capitalize on future computational breakthroughs while proactively shielding your institution.

  3:05 PM – 3:25 PM
  Refreshment Break

  3:25 PM – 4:05 PM
  FinXTech Session: Creating Your AI Playbook
  Speaker To Be Announced, FIS
  Artificial intelligence offers immense potential for operational efficiency and revenue growth, yet many banks struggle to move from pilot programs to strategic implementation. This session provides executives with a practical framework to build a comprehensive AI playbook. Discover how to identify high-return use cases, establish critical governance and risk guardrails, and foster a culture of innovation. Leave with a clear roadmap to safely deploy AI and secure a lasting competitive advantage.

  3:25 PM – 4:05 PM
  Breakout Sessions
  Conversations continue with a second round of afternoon breakout sessions.  Participants select one of six concurrent learning opportunities. Sessions to be announced.

  Breakout 1: Acquisition Testing & Readiness – Making Cutover a Positive First Step for the Future
  Christopher Bender, President, Northcross Group
  Acquisition cutovers are the culmination of significant data conversion and integration efforts. This session explores tactics and automation to prepare internal teams and engage new customers with confidence. Management of integration efforts is essential for meeting deal model objectives and setting a strong foundation for future growth.

  Breakout 2: Interest Rate Risk Management as a Strategic Advantage: A Community Bank Leader’s Perspective
  Kalen Van Maanen, Managing Director, Chatham Financial
  Join a candid discussion on how banks are using interest rate risk management as a strategic advantage in today’s environment. Through real-world experiences, the panel explores how institutions are optimizing capital allocation, fine-tuning interest rate exposures, enhancing profitability and creating long-term franchise value. Whether your institution is expanding an established program or evaluating new capabilities, attendees leave with practical insights from a peer who has successfully leveraged interest rate risk management to drive meaningful results.
  

  4:20 PM – 5:00 PM
  Ask Me Anything!
  Christopher Olsen, Managing Partner, Olsen Palmer LLC
  Mac Thompson, CEO & Founder, White Clay
  Speaker To Be Announced, Moody’s Incorporated 
  Moderated by: Michelle King, CEO, Bank Director
  The best conversations at Acquire or Be Acquired do not always happen on stage — until now. In this interactive live polling and Q&A session, attendees set the agenda, surfacing what is top of mind and directing questions straight to our panel of industry experts. Expect a candid, fast-moving discussion on the issues, opportunities and challenges that matter most to bank leaders right now.

  5:00 PM – 6:00 PM
  Networking Peer & Guest Reception
  Sponsored by:  Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP
  

• Tuesday | February 9

  7:00 AM – 8:00 AM
  Breakfast

  8:00 AM – 8:10 AM
  Day Three Opening Remarks
  Michelle King, CEO, Bank Director
  Laura Schield, President & COO, Bank Director
  Entering the final day of the 33rd annual Acquire or Be Acquired Conference, the conversations on Day Three are less about establishing what is happening in the industry and more about what your response to it should be. The sessions that follow are oriented toward one outcome – sending you home with a clear sense of priorities, a stronger strategic footing, and the confidence to lead decisively in one of the most dynamic environments banking has ever seen.

  8:10 AM – 8:40 AM
  General Session: Why Good Deals Go Bad
  Speaker To Be Announced, Stephens Inc.
  Sven Mickisch, Managing Partner, Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP
  Additional Speaker To Be Announced
  Moderated by: Bill Herrell, Executive Vice President & Managing Director, Bank Director
  Not every announced merger makes it to the finish line, and even fewer achieve their promised synergies. This session dissects the anatomy of failed bank deals to uncover where things go wrong. From culture clashes and hidden technology debt to regulatory roadblocks and integration missteps, experts analyze real-world examples. Learn how to identify deal-killers early, navigate unforeseen diligence hurdles and ensure your next acquisition delivers true strategic value.

  8:40 AM – 9:10 AM
  General Session: Putting Your Capital to Work
  Jacque Kruppa, Partner, Bradley Arant Boult Cummings LLP
  Additional Speakers To Be Announced
  Moderated by: Jim McAlpin, Board Member, Bank Director
  A growing number of banks find themselves in an enviable yet consequential position: sitting on excess capital, with a range of strategic options before them and mounting pressure to act. This session examines the full spectrum of choices available to well-capitalized institutions, from M&A and organic growth investment to share buybacks, dividend strategies and new business line development. Panelists offer a disciplined framework for evaluating each path, weighing shareholder expectations against long-term value creation and determining which strategic moves make the most sense given today’s market conditions.

  9:10 AM – 9:40 AM
  General Session: Who Leads Next? Succession Planning as a Strategic Imperative
  Banking continues to face a historic leadership transition as many senior executives approach retirement. A strong succession pipeline is a strategic imperative that directly impacts institutional value and deal readiness. This session addresses pressing board-level questions about CEO succession, talent development, and cultivating a culture that attracts next-generation leaders. Whether planning an immediate transition or building for the future, gain a clear framework to ensure seamless leadership continuity.

  9:40 AM – 10:00 AM
  Refreshment Break

  10:00 AM – 10:40 AM
  Breakout Sessions
  Conversations conclude with a final round of breakout sessions, during which participants select one of six concurrent learning opportunities. Sessions to be announced.

  Breakout 1:  Growing Commercial Banking Relationships in a Competitive Market
  Matthew Bleecker, SVP, Treasury Management Product & Strategy, Tradition Capital Bank
  Cale Johnston, Founder & CEO, Onsetto
  Mark Moroz, Chief Banking Officer, Live Oak Bank
  Nick Salsgiver, SVP, Director of Treasury Management, Heritage Bank
  Moderated by: Jessica Harper, Head of Customer Success, Onsetto
  Winning a business customer often means earning the opportunity to become their primary operating bank. Hear how commercial banking leaders are navigating business account switching, relationship activation, treasury growth and long-term engagement while leveraging technology to create scalable growth strategies that strengthen value.

  Breakout 2: The Future-Proof Bank Is a Myth – The Adaptable Bank Wins
  Alec Dicks, Co-Founder, Veritas Transformation Partners, LLC
  Steve Monahan, Co-Founder, Veritas Transformation Partners, LLC
  No bank can predict what’s coming next, but every bank can become better prepared for it. In a world of constant disruption, future-proofing is an illusion. Learn a practical framework for building adaptability into your bank’s strategy, operating model, technology and culture by creating an institution that becomes stronger, faster and more competitive with every change.
  

  10:55 AM – 11:25 AM
  General Session: To Be Announced

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

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

  1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
  Let’s Play Pickleball!
  Whether you have never played before or you are a seasoned player, this activity is for you.  All participants are grouped by experience level for the tournament, and those new to the sport enjoy a beginner’s clinic. This afternoon’s 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. Reserve your spot today!

  5:45 PM – 7:00 PM
  Closing Peer & Guest Reception
  Sponsored by:  FHLBank Atlanta and ICI Consulting
  As we close out the conference together, attendees and their guests join in the fun to see who the winners of the L. William Seidman Golf Tournament and the Pickleball Tournament are!

• Who should attend the Acquire or Be Acquired Conference?

  With over 2,200 industry leaders joining us in 2026, 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, Bank Director’s Acquire or Be Acquired Conference has been widely regarded as the financial industry’s premier bank growth and strategy event. With curriculum beyond just M&A, bank executives, members of the board and financial leaders have attended the Acquire or Be Acquired Conference for more than 30 years to get advice from knowledgeable advisors 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 $2,795. This fee includes all conference activities, 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.

• Who is eligible to book a room within the event hotel block?

  Only registered attendees of the 2027 Acquire or Be Acquired Conference are eligible to book a room within the hotel block. Audits will be conducted throughout the year, and any hotel reservations made by non-registered individuals will be removed from the block.

• What is the minimum stay requirement?

  A minimum stay of three (3) nights is required to book a room within the event block (check in 2/6/2027 and check out 2/9/2027).

• How do I book my hotel reservation?

  Reservations must be made through the official hotel booking link provided. Phone-in reservations will not be accepted by the JW Marriott.

• Is a deposit required to book my hotel reservation?

  Yes. A deposit equal to three (3) nights’ room charges will be charged to the card on file at the time of booking. This charge will appear within approximately one (1) week of making the reservation.

• What are the cancellation and refund policies?
  • The last day to cancel with a refund is January 15, 2027.
  • After January 15, 2027, the deposit is non-refundable, regardless of the reason for cancellation.
  • Late arrivals, no-shows and early departures will be charged for the full three (3) nights’ stay with no exceptions.
• What if I anticipate arriving late?

  If you expect to arrive late, please notify the hotel in advance to ensure your reservation is held. If you do not contact the hotel, it is possible your room will be released.

• Are different room rates available?

  Yes, there are multiple room rates available within the event block.

• What happens if I am not a registered attendee?

  Only registered attendees are permitted to book rooms in the event hotel block. We will conduct hotel audits throughout the year, and if you are not a registered attendee, your hotel reservation will be removed.

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

  Due to commitments and expenses, all cancellations after December 28, 2026, will be subject to a $500 processing fee. We regret that no refunds will be given after January 15, 2027; 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 tournament. 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 $295 and includes lunch; however, it does not include rental clubs or other expenses.

• As a non-banker (sponsor and/or vendor) attendee, are there any guidelines to follow?

  Below are a list of guidelines for non-banker attendees: 

  • Pass-sharing is not allowed.
  • Non-registered employees will not be allowed on hotel property for meetings, promotions or any other reason without prior permission from Bank Director.
  • Business casual attire is the dress code for the conference.
  • When promoting the event, any reference to the conference should be “Bank Director’s Acquire or Be Acquired Conference” or “Bank Director’s AOBA Conference.”
  • All attendees agree not to host or promote events occurring during conference hours.
• How can I sign up for the golf tournament on Tuesday, February 9?

  The golf tournament fee is $295 for all registered conference attendees. Pre-registration is required for participation. We can accept a max of 144 players on a first-come, first-served basis. 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 $25 plus tax. Please indicate your club and shoe needs when registering for the conference online. Registration for the golf tournament is included in the event registration form. Simply select that you would like to attend the tournament and the fee will be added at checkout.

• Will there be a pickleball tournament this year?

  Yes. Registered conference attendees and their guests can register to play pickleball on Tuesday after the conference concludes. Pre-registration is required, and the fee to play is $50 per person.

• 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 accepting 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 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 other public spaces, including another company’s booth, exhibit hall or hotel lobby. It is Bank Director’s objective to do everything possible to protect its exhibitors and bank attendees from suitcasing.

• Is there a code of conduct for Bank Director events?

  Yes, Bank Director now enforces a code of conduct for attendees. You can download and access the document HERE.

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