Registration for the Independent Bankers Association of Texas’ (IBAT) 41st Annual Connecting Leaders Conference, the IBAT Leadership Division’s flagship event, is now open. Texas community bankers are encouraged to attend the family-friendly event being held June 25–27 at the Kalahari Resort in Round Rock. 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 making it one of IBAT’s most distinctive and anticipated gatherings of the year.
This year’s conference will feature three days of leadership development, networking and shared experiences, including 16 breakout sessions offering practical insights and discussions for emerging bank leaders. Two keynote speakers will inspire attendees with ideas and strategies to up their game and strive for greatness.
This year’s opening keynote speaker will be Courtney Clark, a “realistic resilience” expert, presenting “The Short Cut: How Strategic Adaptability Outperforms Grit.” Success is not just about pushing through. It is about knowing when to persevere and when to pivot. In her keynote, Clark shares a more strategic approach to resilience, grounded in research and real-world experience. Drawing on insights from her National Goal Resilience Study, she challenges the idea that grit alone leads to success and instead shows how adaptability helps individuals and teams avoid burnout, make stronger decisions and keep moving forward in the face of change.
The 2026 closing keynote will be presented by Alex Weber, an award-winning speaker and both a competitor on and host of NBC’s American Ninja Warrior. In his address, “The Unstoppable YOU,” he will challenge attendees to break through self-doubt, push past internal limits and step confidently into new opportunities. Through personal stories, humor and practical insight, Weber shares how to build momentum, strengthen resilience and focus on your own path instead of getting stuck in burnout, fear or comparison.
The 2026 Connecting Leaders Conference general session will also include a CEO panel, featuring business leaders sharing candid perspectives on navigating economic shifts, embracing innovation and leading through change. The panel, moderated by IBAT CEO Christopher Williston, will include Joe Beard, CollateralEdge; Rogers Pope Jr., Texas Bank and Trust; and others.
The down-to-business portion of the conference will be balanced with plenty of activities and entertainment perfect for the whole family. The Kalahari Resort is touted as America’s largest indoor waterpark and entertainment options are in abudance.
Members and non-members of IBAT are encouraged to register and family packages are available. Click here to learn more about IBAT’s 41st Annual Connecting Leaders Conference.
