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41st Annual Connecting Leaders Conference

June 25–27, 2026 | Round Rock

Where emerging community bank leaders connect, grow and lead.

IBAT’s Connecting Leaders Conference brings together rising community bank leaders for a unique opportunity to learn from experienced industry professionals, build meaningful peer connections and strengthen relationships that last well beyond the event. Designed with both professional development and family time in mind, this conference offers a relaxed setting that makes it one of IBAT’s most distinctive and anticipated gatherings of the year.

Join community bank leaders from across Texas.

What to Expect

A quick snapshot of what you can expect at the Connecting Leaders Conference.

Days

Leadership development, networking and shared experiences

Breakout Sessions

Practical insights and discussions designed for emerging bank leaders

Keynotes

Inspiring general sessions from nationally recognized speakers

Unique Experience

A relaxed setting that blends professional growth with family time

A Look Inside the Connecting Leaders Conference

A few moments from last year’s conference in Galveston, where emerging community bank leaders come together to connect, learn and build lasting relationships.

High-Energy Fun

Leadership Community

Keynote Sessions

CEO Panel

Breakout Sessions

General Sessions

Evening Events

Kids Camp

Featured General Session

Keynote Speakers

Two dynamic keynote speakers will take the stage at the 2026 Connecting Leaders Conference, bringing fresh perspective on adaptability, resilience and peak performance.

Opening Keynote

Courtney Clark

The Short Cut:
Strategic Adaptability

A research-backed keynote on resilience, adaptability and knowing when to persevere and when to pivot.

Closing Keynote

Alex Weber

The Unstoppable
YOU

A high-energy keynote focused on confidence, momentum and breaking through self-doubt to reach your next level.

Get to know this year’s keynote speakers.

View Full Speaker Details

Featured General Session

CEO Panel

A highlight of this year’s program is a dynamic panel of CEOs who will share candid perspectives on navigating economic shifts, embracing innovation and leading through change.

Real stories. Practical leadership. Honest perspective.

Economic Shifts Innovation Leadership Through Change

Moderator

Julie Courtney

IBAT

Panelist

Rogers Pope, Jr.

Texas Bank and Trust

Panelist

Joe Beard

CollateralEdge

Panelist

Christopher Williston

IBAT

2026 Agenda

Wednesday, June 24

12:00 – 5:00 p.m.

Conference Registration

Thursday, June 25

8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Conference Registration

8:30 – 10:00 a.m.

Opening General Session Breakfast with Keynote Courtney Clark

9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Safari Library Experience Open

10:15 – 10:30 a.m.

Coffee | Refreshment Break

10:30 – 11:30 a.m.

Concurrent Tracks

Credit, Lending and Risk Management – Top-of-Mind Compliance Risks and Challenges

Leadership and Strategy – Sharpen Your Relationship Building

Operations – Prepared for the Best, Ready for the Worst

Wild Card – Change Adaptability

11:30 a.m. – 2:15 p.m.

Kids' Camp (includes lunch)

11:45 a.m. – 1:15 p.m.

General Session State of IBAT and Legislative Update Luncheon

1:30 – 2:30 p.m.

Concurrent Tracks

Credit, Lending and Risk Management – Elimination of Reputational Risk from Bank Supervision

Leadership and Strategy – Assets Under Management: A Leader's Role

Operations – Treasury Management Roundtable

Wild Card – Leadership's Role in Retaining and Attracting Top Talent

2:30 – 6:00 p.m.

Free for Family Afternoon

6:00 – 8:00 p.m.

Tom Foolerys Adventure Park and B-Lux Bowling Celebration (100 game tokens per person, unlimited rides, snacks and drinks)

Friday, June 26

7:00 a.m. – Noon

Conference Registration

7:15 – 9:00 a.m.

Buffet Breakfast

7:30 – 8:30 a.m.

Concurrent Tracks

Credit, Lending and Risk Management – Data Governance & Security: Enabling Data First Decision Making Without Sacrificing Compliance

Operations – Fraud Watch: Emerging Threats & How to Stay Ahead

Wild Card – Harnessing the On-Chain Opportunity: Perspectives on Stablecoin and Tokenized Deposits

8:45 – 10:15 a.m.

General Session CEO Panel

10:15 – 10:30 a.m.

Coffee | Refreshment Break

10:45 – 11:45 a.m.

Concurrent Tracks

Credit, Lending and Risk Management – Texas FCIC: Combatting Transactional Organized Financial Crimes

Leadership and Strategy – Economic Update

Operations – Stop Losing Customers at Hello: Rewriting the Customer Journey

Wild Card – Mentorship in Action: A Mentor and Mentee Perspective

Noon – 2:00 p.m.

Closing General Session Awards Luncheon with Keynote Alex Weber

2:00 – 5:30 p.m.

Free for Family Afternoon

6:30 – 9:30 p.m.

Friday Family Fun Night

Saturday, June 27

7:30 – 9:30 a.m.

Grab-and-Go Breakfast

Why Attendees Return Year After Year

Connecting Leaders is one of the most valuable conferences I attend each year. The sessions are excellent and the relationships you build are meaningful, but what really makes it special is that my family gets to be part of the experience too.

This conference strikes the perfect balance between leadership development and family time. During the day I’m learning and connecting with peers, and in the evenings we’re enjoying the event together as a family. We genuinely look forward to every year.

Most conferences mean time away from family. The Connecting Leaders Conference is different. I’m able to invest in my professional growth while my family enjoys the event alongside me. It’s become our family tradition.

Thank You to Our 2026 Event Sponsors

Strategic