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. Celebrated as the industry’s foremost conference for CEOs, board members and executive teams, this annual gathering is your gateway to discovering new avenues for growth.

Engage in Topical Discussions and Gain Practical Insights
Over three days, bank officers and directors delve into the current economic climate, explore ways to enhance shareholder value and gain insights into the evolving competitive landscape.

Explore Technology Strategies and Partnerships
Join our exclusive FinXTech sessions crafted for executives driving digital strategies and technology partnerships – and members of the board who want a deeper understanding in technology. Engage with industry experts to uncover key insights into the rapidly changing technology landscape, digital growth strategies, core contracts and the essentials of being a strategic partner while enhancing customer experiences.

Network with Influential Industry Professionals
Acquire or Be Acquired connects senior leaders with influential peers eager to explore growth avenues, strategic initiatives and valuable partnerships. The distinguished audience includes officers and directors from public and private financial institutions, fintech experts, law firm partners, investment bankers, accounting partners, management consultants and investors, all gathering annually in Arizona.

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

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 September 19, 2025)
Standard Individual Rate: $2,795
Early Group Rate: $2,395 (Expires September 19, 2025)
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 $205. 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.

The room block at the JW Marriott Desert Ridge is currently sold out. However, rooms may become available closer to the time of the event. If you are a registered banker attendee and want to be added to the hotel waitlist, please email events@bankdirector.com or call our events department at 877-397-7595. For a list of nearby hotels, please click here.

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 5, 2025, will be subject to a $500 processing fee. We regret that no refunds will be given after January 9, 2026; however, substitute participants are welcome. DirectorCorps, Inc. assumes no liability for any nonrefundable travel, hotel or related expenses incurred by registrants.

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

• Saturday January 31

  5:00 PM – 5:30 PM
  Women in Leadership Reception
  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
  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
  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 February 1

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

  8:00 AM – 8:05 AM
  Welcome: Exploring Your Growth Options
  Michelle King, CEO, Bank Director
  Laura Schield, President & COO, Bank Director
  While Acquire or Be Acquired began 32 years ago as an M&A conference, AOBA, as it has become known, is about exploring ALL of your bank’s growth options. As we welcome participants to Phoenix to kick off this year’s event, Michelle and Laura share new ideas to build your bank’s short and long-term strategies.

  8:05 AM – 9:05 AM
  The State of the Financial Industry
  A highlight of this annual event, this session focuses on where things stand in the banking industry as we prepare for the year ahead.

  9:05 AM – 9:45 AM
  An Outlook on the Banking Landscape
  Additional Speakers to be Announced
  Moderated by: Nathan Stovall, Director of Financial Institutions Research, S&P Global Market Intelligence
  As our industry shifts based on economic and regulatory impacts, how do banks best prepare for what lies ahead? During this panel discussion, participants hear from industry experts about what to expect from Washington.

  9:20 AM – 9:55 AM
  FinXTech Session: Envisioning Your Bank’s Future
  For most banks, technology is not a core part of their identity but a means to achieve efficiencies and better serve their customers. As banks increasingly rely on data analytics to improve back-office productivity and manage regulatory compliance duties, there are still gaps in bank strategies around data, artificial intelligence and technology. How can technology best position your bank for future growth? As we begin these AOBA tech-specific sessions, this panel provides thoughts and ideas to consider for you and your bank.

  9:45 AM – 10:25 AM
  Strong Board. Strong Bank. 
  Bank Director is focused on strong boards and strong banks, so what can you do to strengthen your bank both financially and operationally? Learn from three leaders in the industry as they share best practices and lessons learned.

  10:05 AM – 10:40 AM
  FinXTech Session: Spotlight AI
  AI can be a fantastic tool that makes work more efficient, but where is it best used? And how are banks currently using artificial intelligence given the risks and challenges that come with it? Hear use cases in this tactical session.

  10:25 AM – 10:45 AM
  Refreshment Break

  10:45 AM – 11:25 AM
  Breakout Sessions (select one)
  Participants have the opportunity to select one of seven breakout sessions to attend.  Sessions to be announced.

  10:50 AM – 11:25 AM
  FinXTech Session: A New Era of Digital Currency
  The new administration suggests a more favorable regulatory environment for digital currency. What does the future hold, and how can your bank best prepare for what lies ahead regarding digital assets? The session dives into the need-to-knows and how to rethink crypto-related offerings.

  11:35 AM – 12:10 PM
  FinXTech Session: Gaining Efficiencies in Managing Your Loan Portfolio
  Optimize your loan portfolio with streamlined strategies. During this session, hear from industry leaders on how to implement advanced analytics to inform decision-making and automate routine processes for time efficiency. The panelists share how to best monitor performance metrics regularly to identify and address issues swiftly, achieve cost reduction and enhanced financial security through proactive management practices and learn how to transform challenges into growth opportunities.

  11:40 AM – 12:20 PM
  Scaling with Stability
  How do you successfully scale your bank?  You must consider capital raising, deposit growth, talent development, succession planning and more!

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

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

  1:30 PM – 2:10 PM
  What Is Your Bank Worth?
  When it is time to sell, you want the highest value for your bank possible.  But what is the current value of your bank – and are there ways to increase its value?  Learn about bank valuation in today’s market during this featured conference session.

  1:30 PM – 2:05 PM
  FinXTech Session: Strengthening Your Bank’s Defenses
  In today’s digital landscape, robust cybersecurity is paramount for banks. Protecting sensitive financial data from cyber threats is not just a necessity—it’s a business imperative. Implementing advanced security measures and educating staff can significantly reduce risks, ensuring customer trust and safeguarding financial assets. We dig into best practices and lessons learned during this panel discussion.

  2:10 PM – 2:30 PM
  General Session: 2026 Technology Update
  Emily McCormick, Vice President of Editorial & Research, Bank Director
  Learn how smart financial institutions invest in technology, leverage data and explore use cases for artificial intelligence by discovering key insights from Bank Director’s 2025 Technology Survey.

  2:15 PM – 2:50 PM
  FinXTech Session: Leveraging Data for Growth
  Harnessing the power of data is a game changer for businesses. It drives informed decisions, uncovers market trends and optimizes operations. By analyzing customer behaviors, financial institutions gain insights to enhance their strategies. Embrace data analytics to fuel innovation and growth, transforming your business into a data-driven powerhouse for sustainable success.

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

  3:00 PM – 3:35 PM
  FinXTech Session: Creating a Treasury Management Strategy
  Implementing a treasury management strategy is crucial for business stability and growth. It involves optimizing cash flow, managing risk, securing funding and ensuring regulatory compliance. During this session, hear from industry experts to see if this is the right approach for your bank.

  3:45 PM – 4:20 PM
  FinXTech Session: Operational Efficiencies: Outsourcing or Offshoring?
  Should your bank outsource or offshore?  This question is on the forefront of enhancing operational efficiency. Outsourcing often offers cost savings and flexibility by utilizing external expertise. Offshoring extends these benefits globally, tapping into lower labor costs and round-the-clock operations. Both strategies enhance efficiency but require careful assessment of your business needs. What approach(es) should your bank take?

  3:25 PM – 3:45 PM
  Refreshment Break

  3:45 PM – 4:25 PM
  Breakout Sessions (select one)
  Participants may select one of seven concurrent breakout sessions to attend.  Sessions to be announced.

  4:40 PM – 5:20 PM
  Transforming Your Bank
  Open banking and artificial intelligence provide opportunities for banks, but they come with challenges and risks.  During this panel discussion, hear best practices for transforming your bank for the future.

  5:20 PM – 6:20 PM
  Networking Peer & Guest Reception

• Day Two | Monday February 2

  7:00 AM – 8:00 AM
  Breakfast

  8:00 AM – 8:10 AM
  Day Two Opening Remarks
  Michelle King, CEO, Bank Director
  Laura Schield, President & COO, Bank Director

  8:10 AM – 8:50 AM
  The Best of RankingBanking
  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
  Lessons From the Latest Acquisitions
  Understanding the regulatory landscape and aligning with technological innovations are vital. Moreover, focusing on customer-centric models enhances value. These acquisitions underline the importance of proactive planning and agile management in navigating today’s complex financial environment.

  9:30 AM – 10:10 AM
  The Global Impact on the Financial Industry
  What should U.S. banks focus on regarding the evolving landscape of the global financial industry?  With technological advancements moving at lightning speed, regulatory changes and the shifting economic landscapes, it is challenging to manage the impact of global trends emerging in various markets. Further, fintech innovations are disrupting traditional banking models, enhancing efficiency and accessibility to consumers nationwide. During this session, we discuss key considerations banks should consider today.

  9:40 AM – 10:15 AM
  FinXTech Session: Driving Growth Through Small Businesses
  Small businesses that fuel our economy are the backbone of growth in our communities. They drive innovation and create jobs. How can banks best meet their small business customers where they are and serve them beyond their expectations?  Hear from experts who are helping banks drive small business growth.

  10:10 AM – 10:30 AM
  Refreshment Break

  10:30 AM – 12:15 PM
  M&A Simulation
  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 appear.  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 – 11:05 AM
  FinXTech Session: Branch Transformation Strategies
  How are your branches evolving? How has your branch strategy changed over the last five years?  New strategies focus on digital integration, personalized services and community-centric layouts. Banks can improve customer engagement while optimizing operations by enhancing technology and redesigning spaces.

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

  11:15 AM – 11:50 AM
  FinXTech Session: Developing & Managing Your Vendor Relationships
  Collaboration and trust are key to navigating challenges and seizing new opportunities in the evolving financial landscape – and discovering how to leverage these partnerships can enhance operational efficiency and drive innovation. During this discussion, we share best practices for developing and managing your bank’s vendor relationships.

  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. Sessions to be announced.

  12:00 PM – 1:05 PM
  Networking Lunch

  12:00 PM – 1:05 PM
  Women in Leadership Luncheon 

  1:05 PM – 1:30 PM
  What We Learned from Bank Director’s 2026 Bank M&A Survey
  Emily McCormick, Vice President of Editorial & Research, Bank Director
  Naomi Snyder, Editor-in-Chief, Bank Director
  Merger activity has slowed in recent years, driven by many factors, including unrealized losses on banks’ balance sheets and uncertainty about regulatory approvals. At the same time, the interest rate environment has challenged bank profitability, tamping down borrowing demand and making core deposits more expensive. During this session, participants hear the results of Bank Director’s most recent M&A survey.

  1:30 PM – 2:10 PM
  Stories & Best Practices From Your Peers
  During this session, hear from leading banks from across the country as they share their insights and experiences.

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

  2:25 PM – 3:05 PM
  FinXTech Session: The Advantages of Acquiring a Fintech
  A bank acquiring a fintech offers transformative advantages, delivering innovation and agility. This synergy can enhance digital capabilities, streamline operations and provide customer solutions. By leveraging fintech’s cutting-edge products, banks gain a competitive edge, driving growth and strengthening their market position in our rapidly evolving industry.

  3:05 PM – 3:25 PM
  Refreshment Break

  3:25 PM – 4:05 PM
  FinXTech Session: Growing Through Customer Retention
  Banks can significantly boost growth by focusing on customer retention. Loyal clients cost less to maintain and can bring higher revenue through increased transaction volume and cross-selling opportunities. Prioritizing and providing personalized services enhances customer satisfaction and fosters long-term relationships. Dive into new strategies to consider as this panel focuses on not only retaining customers but also growing their current relationships with your institution.

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

  4:20 PM – 5:00 PM
  Building the Next Generation of Talent
  We realize that building the next generation of talent is essential for any business success, and that couldn’t be more true as we think about our industry. By investing in training and development, businesses can cultivate innovative leaders. Emphasizing diversity and creative thinking ensures adaptability in a changing market. Hear advice from industry leaders as we explore new ideas to build your bank’s future team.

  5:00 PM – 5:40 PM
  General Session: The New Wave of Cybersecurity
  Fraudsters are continually improving and changing their tactics, so how can banks stay a step ahead – and what should you know to improve your internal processes?  During this session, hear from industry leaders as they share how financial institutions can stay ahead of cyber intrusions.

  5:40 PM – 6:40 PM
  Networking Peer & Guest Reception

• Day Three | Tuesday February 3

  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

  8:10 AM – 8:40 AM
  Emerging Payment Trends
  Banks have a variety of options when it comes to payments.  Hear from experts in the space on what is available to you and your financial institution.

  8:40 AM – 9:10 AM
  The Revolving Activity in Private Equity
  Private equity’s revolving activity enables banks to unlock value through investment cycles. These cycles can generate returns by strategically reallocating capital, which can enhance bank portfolios. In a volatile market, private equity remains a dynamic tool, offering substantial opportunities for financial institutions to thrive. During this session, we explore these opportunities.

  9:10 AM – 9:40 AM
  Ask Me Anything!
  See what is at the top of the minds of the attendees of this year’s Acquire or Be Acquired Conference! During this interactive, live polling session, attendees can ask questions based on what they have learned over the past two days to our panel of industry experts. Join this session for a lively discussion on all the issues, opportunities and challenges facing banks today!

  9:40 AM – 10:00 AM
  Refreshment Break

  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.

  10:55 AM – 11:25 AM
  Economist & Regulatory Debate: Bull vs. Bear
  Hear differing perspectives on what is happening with the economy and what regulatory changes are coming this year.

  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
  L. William Seidman Annual Acquire or Be Acquired Golf Tournament
  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. Be sure to 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 a tournament, and those who are new to the sport enjoy a Beginners Clinic. 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!

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

Discounted Hotel Rate
The room block at the JW Marriott Desert Ridge is currently sold out. However, rooms may become available closer to the time of the event. If you are a registered banker attendee and want to be added to the hotel waitlist, please email events@bankdirector.com or call our events department at 877-397-7595.

Below is a list of nearby properties to the host venue with availability:

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

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

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

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

• Who should attend the Acquire or Be Acquired Conference?

  With over 1,900 industry leaders joining us in 2025, 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. Beyond 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 in person 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 hotel room block?

  Only registered attendees of the 2026 Acquire or Be Acquired Conference are eligible to book a room within the hotel room 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?

  The hotel room block is currently sold out. However, should rooms become available, a minimum stay of three (3) nights is required to book a room within the event block (check-in January 31, 2026, and check-out February 3, 2026).

• How do I book my hotel reservation?

  The hotel room block is currently sold out. However, rooms may become available closer to the time of the event. If you are a registered attendee and want to be added to the hotel waitlist, please email events@bankdirector.com or call our events department at 877-397-7595.

• 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 rooms in the hotel room block. This charge will appear within approximately one (1) week of making the reservation.

• What is the hotel cancellation and refund policies?
  • The last day to cancel with a refund is January 9, 2026.
  • After January 9, 2026, the three (3) night stay 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. If you anticipate arriving late, please notify the hotel in advance to ensure your reservation is held.
• What if I anticipate checking in late to the hotel the day of my reservation?

  If you expect to arrive late, please notify the hotel in advance to ensure your reservation is held.

• What happens if there are unregistered people who want a room at the hotel?

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

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

  Due to commitments and expenses, all cancellations after December 5, 2025, will be subject to a $500 processing fee. We regret that no refunds will be given after January 9, 2026; 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 and pickleball tournaments can sign up based on space availability. The additional fee for guests to play golf is $200, and the additional fee for guests to play pickleball is $50. Both include 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 3?

  The golf tournament fee is $200 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 $100 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. 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.

• 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 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.

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