As part of Bank Director’s commitment to enriching and educating a bank’s senior executive team, we have created the Bank C-Suite Summit. This two-day event was designed specifically for a bank’s senior management team – providing new ideas on approaching bank growth and further developing themselves as industry leaders. In addition, participants are able to engage with like-minded peers from across the U.S. through closed-door, off-the-record peer exchanges and hands-on learning experiences.

Through a curriculum built for the entire leadership team, participants engage in comprehensive, executive-specific sessions that address the extraordinary responsibility all bank executives have for our increasingly complex industry – and receive the tools necessary to strengthen their individual performance as well as that of their team. Topics such as risk management and auditing issues, compensation, corporate governance, and strategic planning are covered during the Summit.

C-Suite Summit attendees will learn:
• Peer Networking
• Leadership Development
• Impacting Your Bank’s Growth Strategy

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

Registration Rates:
Pre-Conference Rate: $995
Early Individual Rate: $1,995 (Expires January 10, 2025)
Standard Individual Rate: $2,295
Standard Group Rate: $2,095 (For groups of 2 or more from the same financial institution)

Guest Rate: $250
The guest rate of $250 covers breakfast on Monday and Tuesday, as well as all evening receptions. Guests are not allowed to attend sessions. 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.

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 find out more about Bank Director’s membership program, please email bankservices@bankdirector.com.

Discounted Hotel Rate
There is a discounted hotel room rate available for conference attendees at the JW Marriott Nashville until Monday, April 14, 2025 or until all rooms are reserved. To reserve a room, click here or contact the hotel directly at 629-208-8380 and mention “Bank Director” to receive the discounted rate of $349/night for a standard room. Rooms are limited, so please book early!

About the Hotel
Receive Nashville’s most attentive service at Music City’s first true luxury hotel located in the heart of downtown just 2 blocks to Broadway and the Gulch and adjacent to Music City Center. Discover breathtaking skyline views from every room in the hotel plus Nashville’s only Bourbon Steak by Michelin-star chef Michael Mina. Additional thoughtful amenities include a stunning and expansive rooftop pool deck enveloped by stylish cabanas and a sophisticated pool bar and grill, full-service spa, 24-hour fitness center complete with Peloton bikes, gourmet café and artisan bakery, and artfully crafted cocktail lounges spread throughout the property.

Payments & Cancellation
Conference registration fees include admittance to all conference activities and access to 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 March 17th will be subject to a $300 processing fee. We regret that no refunds will be given after April 18, 2025; however, substitute participants are welcomed. DirectorCorps, Inc. assumes no liability for any nonrefundable travel, hotel or related expenses incurred by registrants.

For more information regarding registration, refunds, concerns and/or program cancellation policies, please contact our events department at 877-397-7595 or events@bankdirector.com.

• Roundtable 1: Creating a Workplace of Excellence

  More than ever, banks need to adjust their talent and leadership development strategies to match the ever-accelerating pace of change in today’s financial industry.  During this roundtable, we provide constructive leadership sessions to help take participants – and the teams they lead – to the next level.

  10:00 AM – 10: 30 AM
  Breakfast + Registration

  10:30 AM – 11:30 AM
  Session 1: Creating a Workplace of Excellence
  The workforce comprises many generations, from Baby Boomers and Millennials to Gen X’ers and even Gen Z’ers. What works for one group doesn’t necessarily work for another. To kick off this roundtable, we discuss how to best create a workplace of excellence.

  11:30 AM – 12:30 PM
  Session 2: Organizational Health
  Laura Schield, Chief Operating Officer, Bank Director
  “The single greatest advantage any company can achieve is organizational health.” However, it is ignored by most leaders.  Why and how can you help to develop a healthy organization at your bank?

  12:30 PM – 1:30 PM
  Lunch

  1:30 PM – 2:30 PM
  Session 3: Team Motivation
  Motivating your team in the direction of the leader’s vision is crucial.  How can this be done, and what does it take to get everyone moving in the right direction?

  2:30 PM – 2:45 PM
  Refreshment Break

  2:45 PM – 4:00 PM
  Session 4: Aligning Culture & Strategy
  Too often, there needs to be more alignment between the perceived culture and the reality across business lines. Culture ultimately drives the strategy of a company and thereby its future growth. How do you ensure there is alignment at your financial institution?

  4:00 PM – 5:00 PM
  Welcoming Peer & Guest Reception
  To kick off the Summit, we invite all participants – and their guests – to join us for refreshments and light hors d’oeuvres.

• Roundtable 2: Aligning Your Bank’s Digital Strategy

  As your financial institution focuses on the future, decisions need to be made on where to invest time and money.  But with the many options you could choose, what is best for your organization? As we prepare for the conference that follows, this roundtable provides a multifaceted approach to developing and integrating your bank’s digital strategy with its overall strategic plan.

  10:00 AM – 10: 30 AM
  Registration

  10:30 AM – 11:30 AM
  Session 1: Creating a Strategic Plan Focused on Growth
  Aaron Donaldson, Principal, Technology & Management Consulting, RSM US LLP
  What has worked in the past may not support future plans. New competitors are continually changing the business of financial services. Since bank executives need to prioritize the issues and initiatives that will make a difference to their banks, this session lays out the new strategic imperatives for you and your bank to consider.

  11:30 AM – 12:30 PM
  Session 2: Bringing the Digital Deposit Landscape Into Focus
  Building a digital deposit strategy is imperative in today’s financial marketplace.  As consumers demand more digital offerings, financial institutions look to align consumer expectations and liquidity.  This session considers the best practices to overcome obstacles and risks while staying relevant in a growing digital world.

  12:30 PM – 1:30 PM
  Lunch

  1:30 PM – 2:30 PM
  Session 3: Customer Experience & Engagement
  Matt Phipps, Chief Marketing Officer, Agent IQ
  To build the best customer experience you need to understand what’s missing – and what’s most important to your customers.  In addition, ensuring internal teams are aligned is equally important before deploying or adding a new technology.  During this session, we share lessons learned and best practices.

  2:30 PM – 2:45 PM
  Refreshment Break

  2:45 PM – 4:00 PM
  Session 4: Data Sourcing and Why It’s Important
  Banks have a wealth of client data, but how is it best utilized to help the bank expand its existing relationships and provide a better customer experience? During this discussion, we explore opportunities to best integrate your bank’s data into your digital strategy.

  4:00 PM – 5:00 PM
  Welcoming Peer & Guest Reception
  To kick off the Summit, we invite all participants – and their guests – to join us for refreshments and light hors d’oeuvres.

• Roundtable 3: Building Shareholder Value Roundtable

  How can you create the highest value for your bank – and its shareholders? Before the main conference, Bank Director hosts this roundtable to look at recent trends and uncover new growth opportunities your bank leadership team should consider.

  10:00 AM – 10: 30 AM
  Registration

  10:30 AM – 11:30 AM
  Session 1: Growth and M&A Strategy
  The current economic climate has impacted most bank’s organic growth and acquisition strategies. What has worked in the past may not support future plans. New competitors are continually changing the business of financial services. As we begin this workshop, we dive into the trends and issues facing banks’ future profitability and review possible headwinds for the year ahead.

  11:30 AM – 12:30 PM
  Session 2: Balance Sheet Growth & Risk Management
  What areas should you focus on within your bank’s balance sheet to identify growth opportunities – and unforeseen risks?

  12:30 PM – 1:30 PM
  Lunch

  1:30 PM – 2:30 PM
  Session 3: IT Risks & Regulation
  Banking is a risk-mitigation business.  Learn about the new risks facing banks today and how financial institutions can best manage them.

  2:30 PM – 2:45 PM
  Refreshment Break

  2:45 PM – 4:00 PM
  Session 4: Technology & Digital Strategies
  Speaker to be Announced, Q2
  During the workshop’s last session, we dive into technology solutions and best practices to enhance customer experience and make better decisions to drive future growth.

  4:00 PM – 5:00 PM
  Welcoming Peer & Guest Reception
  To kick off the Summit, we invite all participants – and their guests – to join us for refreshments and light hors d’oeuvres.

• Pre-Conference | Sunday May 4

  Roundtable 1:  Creating a Workplace of Excellence
  More than ever, banks need to adjust their talent and leadership development strategies to match the ever-accelerating pace of change in today’s financial industry.  During this roundtable, we provide constructive leadership sessions to help take participants – and the teams they lead – to the next level.

  Roundtable 2: Aligning Your Bank’s Digital Strategy
  As your financial institution focuses on the future, decisions need to be made on where to invest time and money. But with the many options you could choose, what is best for your organization? As we prepare for the conference that follows, this roundtable provides a multifaceted approach to developing and integrating your bank’s digital strategy with its overall strategic plan.

  Roundtable 3: Building Shareholder Value
  How can you create the highest value for your bank – and its shareholders? Before the main conference, Bank Director hosts this roundtable to look at recent trends and uncover new growth opportunities your bank leadership team should consider.

• Day One | Monday, May 5

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

  8:00 AM – 8:05 AM
  Day One Welcome
  Michelle King, President, Bank Director
  Laura Schield, Chief Operating Officer, Bank Director
  Bank Director welcomes all attendees to this year’s Bank C-Suite Summit in our hometown of Nashville, TN.

  8:05 AM – 8:35 AM
  The State of Our Industry
  Kevin O’Keefe, Managing Director, Piper Sandler & Co.
  In this session, hear the current state of the banking industry and the underlying factors driving change and creating opportunities for banks today.

  8:35 AM – 9:05 AM
  Harnessing Your Strategic Plan
  Crafting and implementing an effective strategic plan for your bank involves thoughtful consideration, careful analysis and a deep understanding of your bank’s internal processes, market dynamics, and competitive landscape.  This session focuses on identifying and aligning your bank’s key objectives with its overall mission, vision and values.

  9:15 AM – 10:30 AM
  Peer Exchanges: Session 1
  A highlight of the Bank Director events, during the Summit banker participants are divided by similar titles, roles and responsibilities to candidly discuss and debate various topics and issues facing banks today. All peer exchanges are led by an industry advisor and are conducted in a closed-door, off-the-record setting.

  Peer Exchange Topic 1: Technology Focused 

  • Digital Strategy
  • Talent: Building Your Team
  • Making the Right Investment
  • Integration Challenges
  • Risk Considerations
  • Due Diligence Best Practices

  Peer Exchange Topic 2: HRO Focused

  • Talent
  • Compensation
  • Succession Planning
  • Developing the Next Talent Pool
  • Incentive Compensation – does it align with your strategic plan?
  • Creating Your Growth Plan:  What’s Next?

  Peer Exchange Topic 3:  Marketing Focused

  • Data
  • Products/Services
  • CRM
  • Niche Banking
  • Branding
  • Competition

  Peer Exchange Topic 4: CFO/CRO Focused

  • Balance Sheet Management
  • Growth Initiatives & Strategy
  • Growing Organically
  • Competitive Threats
  • Making the Right Investments
  • Risk Management
  • Technology Budget: Impact on the Bank
  • IT Risks
  • Regulation

  10:40 AM – 11:10 AM
  Managing the Risks and the Balance Sheet
  Speaker to be Announced, IntraFi
  Additional Speakers to be Announced
  From interest rate risk to unrealized losses and risk oversight, uncover industry insights and expertise about innovative strategies for mitigating risk and managing the balance sheet in today’s dynamic banking environment. This session provides valuable perspectives from industry observers.

  11:10 AM – 11:40 AM
  Banking Trends & Challenges
  Senior executives must understand the nuances of a dynamic banking industry by focusing on the latest trends and the challenges faced by financial institutions of all asset sizes.  This panel discussion explores the increasing adoption of digital banking solutions, the impact of technological advancements and the changing consumer expectations while addressing the challenges posed by cybersecurity, vendor management, regulatory compliance and the rising competition in the digital space.

  11:50 AM – 12:30 PM
  Breakout Sessions
  Breakout 1:  Driving Growth While Strengthening Bank Performance
  In today’s ever-changing financial landscape, bank executives play a crucial role in driving growth and improving profitability. This session examines essential strategies and best practices for optimizing financial performance, managing risk and navigating regulatory challenges.

  Breakout 2: Succession Strategy Unpacked: Building Your Leadership Pipeline
  Dr. Julie Bell, Director, Leadership Advisory, Chartwell Partners
  This session gives you valuable strategies and insights into identifying and developing future leaders within your organization. Also, delve into best practices and practical approaches to succession planning, equipping you with the knowledge to ensure a seamless transition of talent within your bank. Whether you want to build a robust talent pipeline or enhance your current succession planning process, this session provides the tools and expertise to drive your organization’s success.

  Breakout 3: Embracing Marketing for Strategic Bank Growth
  Dan Marks, President, Infusion Marketing Group
  Many banks view marketing as a necessary expense rather than a strategic investment. However, in today’s competitive financial landscape, effective marketing is essential for driving growth, building brand loyalty and attracting new customers. This session dispels the myths surrounding marketing and demonstrates its power as a strategic tool for banks. sustainable growth in today’s dynamic environment.

  Breakout 4:  The Qualities of a Leader
  Laura Schield, Chief Operating Officer, Bank Director
  What makes a good leader, and what qualities do you need to be a great one? This session focuses on the many characteristics of a leader and which qualities are non-negotiable. Learn what you can do to build on your own leadership qualities.

  12:30 PM – 1:30 PM
  Networking Lunch

  1:30 PM – 2:10 PM
  Breakout Sessions
  Breakout 1: Addressing Today’s Top Banking Risks
  Speaker to be Announced, CliftonLarsonAllen LLP
  In this session, we examine the evolving landscape of cybersecurity, operational risk and compliance requirements facing the banking industry. Gain practical knowledge and actionable recommendations to safeguard your institution against emerging risks and ensure long-term resilience.

  Breakout 2: Talent Development & Retention
  Speaker to be Announced, Kaplan Partners
  Explore strategies for attracting top talent, fostering employee development and curating an environment that encourages long-term retention. This session explores how to identify key retention drivers and implement effective talent management techniques to support your bank’s growth and success.

  Breakout 3: Using Data Strategically
  Speaker to be Announced, Quantalytix, Inc.
  Attracting and retaining existing customers is difficult. How do you leverage customer data to enhance bank sales initiatives? During this session, we discuss ways to better use existing data to expand relationships and cross-sell services that bring the most value to the bank’s balance sheet.

  Breakout 4: Leading Through Influence
  Steve Mellor, Founder & Head Performance Partner, GrowthReady
  Critical skills and strategies are needed to lead with integrity, including effective communication, building trust and inspiring others to action. Attendees gain practical insights into becoming more impactful and influential leaders to drive positive change within their teams and organizations.

  2:20 PM – 2:50 PM
  Strategies for Growth: Point/Counterpoint Debate
  John Behringer, Partner, Risk Consulting, RSM US LLP
  Kathleen Craig, Founder & CEO, Plinqit
  Speaker to be Announced, Q2
  A favorite of Bank Director conference attendees, this session pits industry experts against each other to debate the most controversial issues in strategic growth. You don’t want to miss this heated – and informative – session!

  2:50 PM – 3:20 PM
  Building The Best Team
  Thomas Broughton, President & CEO, ServisFirst Bank
  Jude Melville, Chairman & CEO, b1BANK
  Jeff Sinnott, President & CEO, Vantage Bank
  Moderated by:  Michelle King, President, Bank Director
  How do you create a high-performing team that drives results and fosters a positive work environment?   In this session, hear from a panel of bankers who focus on strategies for understanding individual strengths, fostering effective communication, promoting collaboration and establishing trust within the team.

  3:20 PM – 3:40 PM
  Refreshment Break

  3:40 PM – 4:55 PM
  Peer Exchanges:  Session 2
  Building on the first round of peer exchanges, banker participants return to their same peer groups and attend the second round of peer exchange sessions facilitated by industry leaders.

  4:55 PM – 6:00 PM
  Networking Peer & Guest Reception
  Sponsored by:  HC3
  

• Day Two | Tuesday May 6

  7:00 AM – 8:00 AM
  Breakfast

  8:00 AM – 8:05 AM
  Day Two Welcome
  Michelle King, President, Bank Director
  Laura Schield, Chief Operating Officer, Bank Director
  As we begin day two of the Summit, Michelle and Laura reveal key findings from this year’s Bank Director research and what is top of mind for most bank boards based on respondent feedback.

  8:05 AM – 8:35 AM
  Regulatory Update & Impact On The Bank
  What are the latest regulatory updates and how do they impact our industry?  During this session, learn about recent regulatory changes and how they influence bank operations, risk management and overall performance.

  8:45 AM – 9:25 AM
  Breakout Sessions
  Breakout 1:  Strategically Balancing Executive Compensation & Benefits
  Mike Blanchard, CEO, Blanchard Consulting Group
  Matt Brei, President, Blanchard Consulting Group
  In this session, we explore the unique challenges HROs in financial institutions face regarding executive compensation and benefits, including executive salary structures, incentive programs, perks, and benefits packages. Gain insights into practical strategies that you can implement to align executive compensation with business goals and regulatory guidelines while ensuring competitiveness and fairness.

  Breakout 2:  Developing The Best Brand
  Learn the fundamentals of brand development, strategies for building a solid brand identity and the importance of maintaining brand consistency across various channels. Gain valuable insights into enhancing your bank’s brand reputation and establishing a strong market presence.

  Breakout 3:  Artificial Intelligence’s Role In Your Bank’s Future
  Speaker to be Announced, nCino
  Discover how financial institutions can harness the power of artificial intelligence and cloud technologies to develop cutting-edge solutions, modernize customer experiences, improve decision-making processes and fuel business growth.

  Breakout 4: Leadership in Crisis
  This session explores the key elements of effective crisis management, including risk assessment, communication strategies, decision-making under pressure, and maintaining stakeholder trust.

  9:25 AM – 9:40 AM
  Refreshment Break

  9:40 AM – 10:55 AM
  Peer Exchanges:  Session 3
  Banker participants return to their previous peer exchange groups for the third round of peer exchange sessions facilitated by industry leaders.

  11:05 AM – 11:35 AM
  Unraveling the Bank’s Technology Budget:  Understanding Its Impact
  Given the digital strategies and amount of money spent by the largest financial institutions, community bank executives need to understand exactly how and where innovative technologies can help win and keep loyal customers, improve operational efficiency and enhance their overall cyber-security measures. By extension, decisions also include how much they might need to spend – and how to address the growing digital skills gap that might prove to be the achilles heel to any well-thought out plan.

  11:35 AM – 12:05 PM
  Lessons Learned:  From the Branch to the Boardroom
  Additional Speakers to be Announced
  Mike Sutton, SVP, Head of Retail Banking, Nicolet National Bank
  Moderated by: Naomi Snyder, Editor-in-Chief, Bank Director
  Hear from a panel of bank leaders who discuss current banking trends, challenges and opportunities they have faced over their tenure.  They share valuable insights and practical strategies for navigating from the branch to the boardroom.  From innovative technologies to emerging business models, expect to gain valuable perspectives that can shape your bank’s approach for the future.

  12:05 PM – 12:10 PM
  Closing Remarks
  Michelle King, President, Bank Director

The JW Marriott Nashville embodies the energy and eclectic spirit of downtown Nashville. Slip inside our soaring 33-story glass tower and discover a whole new way to experience the city. Peruse a contemporary art collection that pays homage to the capital city’s musical heritage, savor prime ribeyes at Bourbon Steak by Michael Mina, and unwind in Nashville’s most luxurious guest rooms. Inside and out, it just flows.

Discounted Hotel Rate
There is a discounted hotel room rate available for conference attendees at the JW Marriott Nashville until April 14, 2025 or until all rooms are reserved. To reserve a room, click here or contact the hotel directly at 629-208-8380 and mention “Bank Director” to receive the discounted rate of $349/night for a standard room.

For more information regarding registration, refunds, concerns and/or program cancellation policies, please contact our events department at 877-397-7595 or events@bankdirector.com.

• Who should attend the Bank C-Suite Summit?

  The Bank C-Suite Summit was created specifically for members of a bank’s senior management team. Attendees include chief financial officers, chief risk officers, chief marketing officers, chief administrative officers, chief operations officers, chief human resource officers and other senior executives responsible for the bank’s growth.

• Why should I attend the Bank C-Suite Summit?

  The Bank C-Suite Summit brings together unparalleled insight from leading experts in audit, compensation, risk management, corporate governance, regulation, succession planning, attracting and developing talent, and strategic planning, to provide bank executives with the latest information on best practices in all of the critical areas facing banks today.

  Additionally, the Summit offers participants the opportunity to engage with their constituents from across the U.S. through interactive peer exchanges and topic-focused breakout sessions.

• How much does this conference cost and what does it cover?

  The standard individual registration rate is $2,295; however, attendees should contact our conference department at 877-397-7595 or events@bankdirector.com for special early and group rates. This fee includes all conference activities, materials and meals at the event site. It does not include travel or hotel accommodations.

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

  Due to commitments and expenses, all cancellations after March 17, 2025 will be subject to a $300 processing fee. We regret that no refunds will be given after April 18, 2025; however, substitute participants are welcome. DirectorCorps, Inc. assumes no liability for any nonrefundable travel, hotel or related expenses incurred by registrants.

• Can I bring a guest?

  Yes, we do have a guest program. The guest rate of $250 covers breakfast on Monday and Tuesday, as well as all evening receptions. Guests are not allowed to attend sessions. A guest is a spouse, significant other or friend 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.

• Is CPE 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.learningmarket.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 timesheet 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.

  For questions about the program and about the number of credits awarded for this event, please contact Bank Director’s conference department at events@bankdirector.com or 877-397-7595.