40th Annual Connecting Leaders Conference

June 26-28, 2025 | Galveston

IBAT’s Connecting Leaders Conference gives up-and-coming community bank leaders the opportunity to network, learn from and develop personal relationships with their peers and tenured leaders in the industry—all while enjoying family time in an informal setting. Members and staff both enjoy the unique aspects of this conference that make it unlike any other event throughout the year.

Keynote Speaker

"Level-Up Your Leadership: A Deep Dive into Communication, Connection & Confidence"
 Executive Coach and Consultant Julie Schniers has an impressive background in helping companies build a stronger team culture to increase their ability to make an impact, Julie's method inspires others to get their message across while making people the priority.

In her keynote speech "Level-Up your Leadership: A Deep Dive into Communication, Connection & Confidence," Julie will focus on what message you are sending and how you send it. You will learn how to identify and overcome the common barriers and challenges that keep you from communicating and connecting at your best while developing an attitude of affirmation, braving conflict successfully and creating stronger connections. This keynote is packed with tips, tricks and light-bulb moments that can be applied immediately to help you level up in business and in life.


Former NBA Player, Three-Time Champion, Defensive Specialist and Community Advocate
Bruce Bowen is a former professional basketball player renowned for his exceptional defensive prowess and integral role in the San Antonio Spurs' three NBA championships in 2003, 2005 and 2007. Over his 12-season NBA career, Bowen established himself as one of the league's premier perimeter defenders, earning All-Defensive Team honors eight times. His relentless work ethic and commitment to excellence made him a cornerstone of the Spurs' success during their dominant era in the early 2000s.

After retiring from professional basketball in 2009, Bowen transitioned into coaching and community engagement. In 2004, he launched the "Get FIT with Bruce and Buddy" campaign to promote healthy lifestyles among children. He also founded the Bruce Bowen Foundation, which provides scholarships and supports programs aimed at building character and self-respect in underserved youth.

2025 Tentative Agenda 

 

 Wednesday, June 25
   Fishing Outing
 12:00 – 5:00 p.m.  Conference Registration

Thursday, June 26
 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.  Conference Registration
 8:30 – 10:00 a.m.  General Session + Breakfast 
 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.  Teddy Bear Mobile
 10:30 – 11:30 a.m.   Concurrent Tracks:
 Leadership/Strategy | Operations | Risk Management | Credit/Lending
 11:30 a.m. – 2:15 p.m.  Kids' Camp (includes lunch)
 11:45 a.m. – 1:15 p.m.  General Session + Lunch
 1:30 – 2:30 p.m.  Concurrent Tracks:
 Leadership/Strategy | Operations | Risk Management | Credit/Lending
 2:30 – 6:00 p.m.  Free for Family Afternoon
 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.  An Evening Under the Sea: Dinner and Entertainment 

Friday, June 27
 7:00 a.m. – Noon  Conference Registration
 7:15 – 9:00 a.m.  Buffet Breakfast
 7:30 – 8:30 a.m.  Concurrent Tracks:
 Leadership/Strategy | Operations | Risk Management | Credit/Lending
 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:
 Leadership/Strategy | Operations | Risk Management | Credit/Lending
 Noon – 1:30 p.m.  Closing General Session and Awards Luncheon
 1:30 – 2:30 p.m.  Concurrent Tracks:
 Leadership/Strategy | Operations | Risk Management | Credit/Lending
 2:30 – 5:30 p.m.  Free for Family Afternoon
 5:30 – 6:30 p.m.  Hospitality Suite
 6:30 – 10:00 p.m.  Friday Family Fun Night

 Saturday, June 28
 7:30 – 9:30 a.m.  Grab-and-Go Breakfast

2025 Event Sponsors

Strategic Sponsor
 
Diamond Sponsors

      

Gold Sponsors

                                          

                     
Silver Sponsors

ADVANTAGE, Powered By JMFA
CLA (CliftonLarsonAllen LLP)
CollateralEdge
CP Insurance Associates
Diebold Nixdorf
 
Fenimore Kay Harrison LLP
Glory Global
Holland & Knight LLP
IntraFi
Bronze Sponsors

AccuBranch
Agent IQ
Bedel Security
Data Business Equipment, Inc. (DBE)
Digital Onboarding, Inc.
Eide Bailly LLP
FIntegrate Technology
HC3
Kristopher James Company
LemonadeLXP
Revio Insight
 SHAZAM
SRM
Strunk LLC
Whitley Penn