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Tuesday, May 6 | 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
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Track
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Session Details
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Compliance |
AML/CFT Enforcement Actions: Lessons to be Learned
Karen Leiter and Ryan Alexander (CLA,CliftonLarsonAllen LLP)
Join Karen Leiter and Ryan Alexander for an in-depth exploration of the latest trends in AML/CFT enforcement actions. Explore critical lessons from recent cases, uncover emerging patterns in consent orders, compliance challenges and the pivotal role of board oversight. Attendees will gain practical strategies for strengthening compliance programs, enhancing suspicious activity monitoring and maintaining regulatory readiness.
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Credit/Lending
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The Ag Market Cycle - Where Are We Now? Where Are We Going?
Rick Jamieson (Moderator, First State Bank Gainesville), Wade Easley (First National Bank of Hereford) and Jason Cox (First National Bank of Sterling City)
Join us for an insightful session exploring the cyclical nature of the agriculture market and how shifting economic conditions are shaping the road ahead.
During this session, we will explore:
- Farm Income Outlook: A close look at 2024 performance and what’s on the horizon for 2025
- Loan Demand Projections: Anticipating borrowing trends in a changing environment
- Portfolio Composition Considerations: Understanding risk, balance and sector exposure
- Supervisory Expectations & Underwriting Guidance: Aligning practices with evolving regulatory perspectives
Gain the latest insights to help your bank stay informed, prepared and responsive in today’s ag lending landscape.
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Human Resources |
How “Smart” are Your Emotions?
Jackie Rolow (SHAZAM)
Have you ever been told to “leave your emotions at the door?” Contrary to this common advice, there’s a growing field of research that highlights the critical role of emotional intelligence in personal and professional success. Emotional intelligence—the ability to recognize, understand and manage emotions—enhances communication, decision-making and adaptability in any environment. In this session, you'll discover practical strategies to strengthen your emotional intelligence, improve workplace interactions and make more informed decisions. By mastering these skills, you’ll unlock greater effectiveness in your role and experience meaningful benefits in both your career and personal life.
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Leadership & Strategy |
Collaboration: Working Across Boundaries in Your Bank to Achieve Excellence
Eric Alexander (Six Arrows Consulting)
Leaders frequently focus on the health and contributions of the teams they lead. But what happens when we overlook the importance of healthy relationships and interactions between teams? More importantly, what are the outcomes when we actively nurture strong collaboration across different functions to achieve the bank’s strategic priorities? Collaboration doesn’t just happen, and breaking siloed habits can be challenging. In this session, we’ll dive into practical strategies for fostering effective collaboration within your bank.
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Marketing |
The Magic of Multisensory Technology
Tim Wheeler (NewGround)
In today’s dynamic market, creating a memorable brand experience means going beyond what meets the eye. While visual identity remains important, forward-thinking banks are embracing a multisensory approach to truly connect with their visitors and clients. From the ambiance of sound and the texture of materials to the subtle power of scent, every detail can shape perception and build loyalty. Discover how engaging all the senses can transform your space—and your brand.
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Operations |
Taking the Mystery out of Vulnerability Metrics
Brian Petzold (Bedel Security)
It's one thing to have a vulnerability management program—it's another to know it's truly effective. In this dynamic session, we’ll cut through the noise to help you assess the real health of your program. You’ll learn how different systems define vulnerabilities (and why it matters), see how counts vary across definitions and uncover the hidden gaps that can skew your results. From there, we’ll show you how to turn raw data into meaningful metrics, set impactful SLAs and adopt best practices for clear, actionable reporting. To round it all out, we’ll stack your internal data against external scan results to ensure your security approach is as strong and comprehensive as it should be. Attendees will walk away with practical tools to measure, manage and maximize your program’s effectiveness. |
Tuesday, May 6 | 11:15 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.
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Compliance |
Check Fraud on the Rise - Ways to Protect Your Customers and Bank
Guy Becker (Kristopher James Company)
With check fraud skyrocketing over 300% in just the last four years, community banks are facing a serious—and growing—threat. In this timely and actionable session, we’ll arm you with practical strategies to protect both your customers and your institution. From frontline employee training to effective customer education, you’ll gain insights that help reduce risk, strengthen trust and stay ahead of fraudsters.
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Credit/Lending |
Dodd-Frank 1071: Small Business Lending Data Collection
Kyle Owens (Bradley Arant Boult Cummings LLP)
The CFPB’s new rules under Regulation B are shaking up small-business lending, requiring financial institutions to collect and report detailed data on their small-business borrowers. What does this mean for your bank—and are you ready? Join us for a clear and timely breakdown of what’s changing, where implementation and enforcement currently stand and how your institution can stay compliant while continuing to serve small-business clients effectively.
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Human Resources |
Panel: Hot Topics of the HR World
Jackie Rolow (Moderator, SHAZAM)
This dynamic panel will dive into the most pressing challenges and emerging trends HR leaders are facing right now. Whether you’re looking for fresh perspectives, solutions or simply want to ask that burning question, this is your chance to connect, share and spark meaningful dialogue with industry experts and peers.
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Leadership & Strategy |
The Good Kind of Data Hack: How to Make Your Data Drive Your Revenue
Tanna Faulkner (DCI, Data Center Inc.)
Community banks are navigating a landscape filled with both unprecedented challenges and extraordinary opportunities. The key to thriving? Strategic partnerships that go beyond basic service.
In this forward-thinking session, discover how true, trusted partnerships—including your core and beyond—can help unlock new revenue streams by transforming your bank’s data from a static resource into a powerful driver of innovation. We’ll break down the critical difference between a service provider and a real partner, and how that distinction impacts the way you bank, market and operate. Walk away with fresh insights and actionable strategies for leading your institution in a financial ecosystem that demands a new way of thinking—and doing.
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Marketing |
Strategies for Creating a Best-in-Class Debit Program
Steve Sievert (PULSE, a Discover Company)
Today’s debit issuers are under pressure—from rising fraud threats and fierce competition to the relentless pace of digital demand. So how do you stay ahead and build a debit program that truly performs?
Join Steve Sievert, Executive Vice President of Marketing & Brand Management at PULSE, for an insightful session packed with practical strategies to elevate your debit portfolio. You’ll learn how to prioritize what matters most and tackle key performance areas with a focused, forward-thinking approach.
During this session, we will explore:
- Smart investments to meet and capitalize on digital demand.
- Balancing fraud prevention with a seamless transaction experience.
- Marketing moves that drive penetration, activation and usage.
Don’t miss this chance to fine-tune your debit strategy and stay competitive in a fast-changing payments landscape.
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Operations |
Accelerate Transformation: Protect, Synergize, and Build a More Sustainable Operations Model
Denny Rogers (Diebold Nixdorf)
In an environment where tight margins and high expectations are the norm, community banks must evolve with purpose. The future belongs to those who can simplify operations, boost agility and focus on what truly matters: delivering value to customers and driving growth.
In this session, discover how banks are transforming their operating models through managed services, ATM as a Service and shared banking. Learn how to reduce complexity, unlock new efficiencies and reallocate resources to core banking and revenue-generating strategies.
You'll walk away with a clear, methodical approach to building a more resilient, sustainable institution—one that's not just keeping up, but leading the way.
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Tuesday, May 6 | 1:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
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Compliance |
How to Get your SARs the Attention They Deserve: Effective SAR Narrative Writing
Apryl Salazar and Kelly Goulart (IBAT Compliance Team)
Writing SARs is often more difficult than it appears. BSA Officers frequently ask, "What happens to our SARs after they’re submitted? Is anyone reviewing this data? How do I notify law enforcement about specific fraud cases?" With the overwhelming number of SARs submitted to FinCEN annually, it's essential that law enforcement notices and reviews your SAR. Learn how to create a SAR narrative that effectively communicates your case, grabs the attention of law enforcement, and complies with regulatory standards.
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Credit/Lending |
Fair Lending and UDAAP Update: A Discussion on the Applicability of Fair Lending and Anti-Discrimination Principles to the Life Cycle of a Credit Transaction
Kyle Owens (Bradley Arant Boult Cummings LLP)
Explore the evolving landscape of fair lending and anti-discrimination principles in this engaging session. In recent years, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) has ramped up its focus on fair lending, reshaping the regulatory environment for financial institutions. From new guidance on algorithmic credit decisioning to expanding UDAAP authority to include discrimination claims, these shifts are creating both challenges and opportunities for banks, non-bank lenders and fintechs. This session will break down these regulatory changes, provide actionable insights for staying compliant and offer practical strategies to minimize risk and ensure fair practices throughout the credit transaction lifecycle.
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Human Resources |
Performance Management
Chris DiLorenzo (The James Paul Group)
Great teams don’t happen by accident—they thrive with clear expectations, meaningful feedback and the right support. In this interactive session, we’ll explore what effective performance management really looks like today. From setting the stage for success to avoiding the common traps that derail progress, you’ll walk away with fresh insights and practical tools to empower your people and elevate performance across the board.
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Leadership & Strategy |
Significant Leadership: Making a Difference in the Lives of Those You Lead
Ned Pauley (The Signify Group)
In this session, participants will learn what it means to be a significant leader and why it matters. We'll unpack the C3 Model of Significant Leadership, helping leaders Connect More, Coach More, and Challenge More. The result will be a clear path forward to greater significance and success.
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Marketing |
The Future of Banking for Generation Z: What They Want and What They Really Need
Fabio Biasella (Engage Fi)
Gen Z represents the largest pool of customers and employees that banks will have over the next decade. Banks must take strong and rapid action to serve younger customers and employees. Gen Z cohorts are already choosing alternative financial offerings that align with their need for frictionless, fast service.
This session will discuss ways banks can shape authentic and educational experiences that predict need and pave the way to financial well-being. It will also discuss strategies to attract Gen Z talent.
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Operations |
Exploring the Potential of Responsible AI in Banking
Drew Cranston (Agent IQ)
AI is transforming banking—but with great potential comes great responsibility. In this session, we’ll explore how banks can harness the power of AI to drive efficiency, personalization and growth—without compromising trust or compliance.
We’ll unpack what “responsible AI” really means, highlight real-world examples of banks leading the way and provide practical guidance to help you move from experimentation to impact—safely, ethically and effectively.
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Tuesday, May 6 | 2:45 p.m. - 3:45 p.m.
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Compliance |
Risk Assessments
Apryl Salazar and Kelly Goulart (IBAT Compliance Team)
Ready to take your risk management game to the next level? This dynamic session dives into the core principles of effective risk assessments—equipping you with the know-how to identify, measure and mitigate risk with confidence.
Through a clear, step-by-step approach, you’ll explore essential elements like risk identification, evaluation techniques and strategic mitigation planning. More than theory, this session emphasizes practical application—helping you connect the dots between different types of risk and empowering you to make smart, informed decisions that strengthen your organization’s risk posture.
During this session, we will explore:
- Why risk assessments are critical to sound governance
- How to conduct a full-spectrum risk assessment, start to finish
- Proven tools and techniques to measure and evaluate risk
- Hands-on experience with real-world scenarios and exercises
This session is perfect for risk managers, compliance professionals, BSA Officers and anyone involved in risk management or governance in the banking industry who wants to walk away with practical, ready-to-use skills to strengthen their institution’s risk strategy.
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Credit/Lending |
Building a Stronger Credit Analysis
Michelle Lowe (Texas Bank & Trust)
This session is designed to help financial professionals, credit analysts, and decision-makers refine their financial analysis and due diligence skills in the context of underwriting loans. By focusing on the principles of strong credit analysis, you will learn how to assess borrowers more effectively, minimize risk, and make more informed lending decisions.
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Human Resources |
Having Tough Conversations in the Workplace
Jackie Rolow (SHAZAM)
Conflict is inevitable — in work and in life. Managers must address performance issues, and colleagues with competing priorities must figure out how to work together. These situations call for having tough conversations. Jackie will explain how to conduct tough conversations, build communication skills and enhance relationships — leading to better business performance. Jackie will also discuss how to identify underlying differences in work styles, goals, and power dynamics and change the way you view conflict. As a bonus, she’ll provide practical tools to help you prepare for your next difficult conversation and make sure you choose words that won’t alienate the other person.
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Leadership & Strategy |
Navigating the Climb: Insights from Bankers Who Have Built Successful Careers
No shortcuts, no fine print—just real talk from bankers who’ve been in your shoes.
In this panel of seasoned community banking leaders, we’ll explore the career journeys that started in the teller line or credit analyst chair and climbed all the way to the boardroom. These pros will share what it took to build staying power in a relationship-driven industry—how they’ve weathered rate changes, regulatory shifts, and even self-doubt along the way. From managing risk (professionally and personally) to leveraging the value of mentorship and culture, you’ll hear insights that can help you chart your own path with purpose. Whether you’re looking to level up, lean in, or just figure out your next step, consider this your personal advisory board.
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Marketing |
Content Marketing Made Simple: A Guide for Community Banks of All Sizes
Cynthia Glover and Devyn Pitlick (Kristopher James Company)
In today’s world, creating the right content can help your bank connect with customers and grow business. This session will introduce you to the basics of content marketing—how to align content with your bank’s goals, create valuable and engaging messages, and track the success of your efforts.
You’ll learn practical tips for building a content plan, coming up with fresh story ideas, and organizing your strategy to make the most impact. Plus, we’ll show you how to reuse and repurpose your content, so it works harder for you. By the end, you’ll feel confident contributing to a content marketing strategy that drives real results for your bank.
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Operations |
Revolutionizing Customer Service in Community Banking
Shayan Zadeh (Verge Network Solutions)
Discover how AI strengthens customer relationships with personalized, effective service. Key topics include empowering employees with AI to enhance efficiency, using AI analytics to improve agent performance, summarizing interactions to identify service gaps, and fostering trust by anticipating customer needs. Learn how AI transforms customer experiences while empowering teams to deliver exceptional support.
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