The Independent Bankers Association of Texas (IBAT) planned its 2020 Annual Convention for September 26–29 in Fort Worth. Then came COVID and plans changed. Now, instead of gathering in Fort Worth, the show is being held virtually. Instead of a week in September, the event is now spread out through the end of the year. And instead of a convention, IBAT has branded this year’s event unCONVENTIONal—and nobody will argue with that!
unCONVENTIONal is being presented in three parts—celebrations, education and connections. The program kicks off Thursday, October 1, with an evening of celebration Zoom-style, including an abbreviated live auction (bidding has commenced, so place your bids now), hospitality suites, a drawing for the Dream Vacation (or Staycation) and the association’s always-popular Songwriters’ (Not-So-Late-This-Year) Showcase. This year’s Songwriters Showcase performers are JT Harding and Josh Osborne.
Also worthy of celebration is IBAT’s annual Best of Community Banking Awards program, which showcases the industry’s finest over the past year in community service, financial literacy, marketing, architectural design and bank culture. The winners are announced each year during the IBAT Convention. Click here to check out the 2020 Best of Community Banking Awards recipients.
The association’s general sessions will be held October 5–7. Monday, October 5, will include a conversation with Noah Wilcox, chairman of the Independent Community Bankers of America; keynote address by Kevin Brown, author of The Hero Effect; and an update on the state of the association by Christopher Williston, IBAT president and CEO. The general session will be followed by a “Regulator War Room” panel discussion.
The following day, Tuesday, October 6, will feature an awards ceremony to recognize IBAT’s Five*Star Award recipients. Since 2002, Five*Star Awards have recognized associate members that routinely provide excellent service and innovative solutions to help community banks grow, enhance profits and gain efficiency. Click here to read more about IBAT’s 2020 Five*Star Award recipients. After the awards presentation, Ross Ramsey, executive editor and co-founder of The Texas Tribune, will present the day’s keynote address; followed by Richard Scanio, IBAT’s outgoing chairman, with his reflections on leading the association over the past year; and presentation of the IBAT Chairman’s and President’s Awards. The day will conclude with a “Bank Attorney War Room” panel discussion.
Wednesday, October 7, will include a keynote address by Miki Bowman, Federal Reserve Board governor, followed by the IBAT Business Meeting and remarks by Brad Tidwell, incoming IBAT chairman.
From October 13 through December 17, the association will present Ed. @ Your Desk. An entire bank’s staff can enjoy unlimited participation in educational content offered live (and by recording) every Tuesday and Thursday through December. Click here for details and schedules.
In November, IBAT will launch Vendor Connect, providing bankers a one-stop opportunity to find specific products and services. IBAT will act as a concierge to match bankers with vendors. It’s the most efficient way to get the information you need without committing to an endless stream of calls and emails. Details will be posted soon on the Vendor Connect portion of IBAT’s unCONVENTIONal event.
unCONVENTIONal registration includes unlimited employee participation in events held October 5 through 7, as well as enrollment of your entire bank personnel in the Ed. @ Your Desk education package being held throughout the fall. Click here to access all the details and register for the event.
