For over a century, the IBA has been committed to uniting the banking community, sharing knowledge, and addressing industry challenges. This conference continues that legacy, offering a unique blend of education, inspiration, and connection—all set in the serene atmosphere of the Grand Geneva Resort. Bring a guest and make plans to join us this summer.
Keynote Speakers
Thomas Hoenig
Senior Fellow, Mercatus Center at George Mason University
Former Vice Chairman of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (2012-2018)
June 23, Opening Keynote
Regional and Community Banking in America: How It’s Being Shaped
Like forces that, over time, can dramatically change the course of a river, the constant pressure of market and regulatory changes are challenging and reshaping the structure and role of community and regional banking in America. Such forces are not new to the industry but understanding them and their impact on the industry is essential to it remaining competitive and strong in this volatile, ever-changing banking landscape. This session will focus on the trends that are changing banking. The discussion will include the obvious technology and regulatory cost, but also the differences in the cost of capital among banking groups, and the growing barriers to entry into banking and new product innovations that contribute to the industry’s consolidation. And finally, there will be a discussion of the too often misdiagnosed causes of banking crises and the unhelpful rules that follow. Constantly studying these forces is the first step to mitigating their effects and securing a more competitive future.
Bonnie Blair
5-Time Olympic Gold Medalist, Coach, & Leadership Speaker
June 25, Closing Keynote
Achieving Your Personal Best
Join Olympic legend Bonnie Blair as she shares her inspiring journey to becoming one of the most decorated Winter Olympians in U.S. history. In this session, Blair will reveal the key principles that led to her extraordinary success: DEDICATION, BALANCE, and RISK-TAKING. Blair's journey from her early days in Champaign to her training in Milwaukee and ultimately to Olympic glory exemplifies the power of dedication. She'll discuss how her unwavering commitment to her sport led to consistent improvement and record-breaking performances. The session will also explore the importance of maintaining balance in life, even while pursuing ambitious goals. Blair will share insights on how she managed the pressures of elite competition while staying grounded and focused. From her decision to move to Milwaukee for training to her approach in high-stakes Olympic races, she'll illustrate how embracing challenges can lead to breakthrough performances whether in sports, business, or personal growth.
Session Descriptions
AI 101: What You Need to Know about AI and Banking Today
Jon Waldman, SBS CyberSecurity
Explore the transformative potential of Artificial Intelligence in the banking sector in this cutting-edge session. Learn to demystify AI, distinguishing fact from fiction, and demonstrate why financial institutions should embrace this technology to enhance efficiency and productivity. Delve into various AI types, their associated risks, and compelling use cases specific to banking. Learn about AI's strategic advantages, potential threats, and effective risk mitigation strategies. Gain insights into AI vendor management and practical steps to implement AI in your organization. This session is essential for forward-thinking financial professionals seeking to harness AI's power and stay ahead in an evolving industry.
Examining the Industry's Persistent, Pervasive, and Powerful Problem
Matthew Reader Forgotson, Performance Trust Capital Partners
Since 1990, over 65% of FDIC-insured depositories have disappeared, often due to poor capital allocation. Matt Forgotson, an equity research analyst, argues that many institutions fell victim to faulty frameworks and single scenario metrics. The recent banking crisis and years of constrained performance are manifestations of this persistent problem. Forgotson proposes a remedy: a comprehensive, objective process and framework that empowers managers to make better capital allocation decisions. This approach can help protect and potentially accelerate their missions by embracing a more complete analytical view.
Partnering with FinTech
Stephanie Jennings, Wipfli LLP
As competition for customers increases and interest rate margins shrink in a rising rate environment, institutions may seek to expand beyond their traditional branch network and reach customers online by partnering with fintech that offer a variety of services. Regulators have issued guidance on managing third party risk when products and services are offered through outside businesses. In addition to consumer compliance risks, these partnerships can present BSA and OFAC risks. In this session we will discuss the various risks that fintech partnerships pose and compliance considerations for managing the relationships.
What to Expect in 2025 and Beyond for Bank M&A and Bank Innovation/Payment Matters
Jim Morrissey & Mark Svalina, Vedder Price P.C.
This session will explore key developments shaping the banking industry in light of recent administrative changes and regulatory shifts. We will begin by examining emerging trends in bank M&A, focusing on how the new regulatory environment is influencing deal-making strategies and integration approaches. We will also discuss how banks are tailoring payment services and innovative products to align with evolving regulatory expectations while balancing innovation and compliance. Additionally, we will dive into confidentiality and privacy challenges associated with bank innovation, including compliance with new open banking rules.
The Art and Science of Performance Management: Aligning People, Productivity, and Purpose for Lasting Success
Brooke Lively, Cathcap
Performance management is a delicate balance of hiring individuals who align with company culture, possess the necessary skills, understand their roles, and consistently deliver results. However, it’s not solely the employee’s responsibility. Effective performance management is a partnership between employer and employee, requiring a balance where staff feel autonomous yet supported, managers can objectively evaluate performance, and goals are both achievable and motivating. Brooke Lively, Founder and President of Cathcap, has combined insights from HR and financial data to develop systems that foster happier, more productive teams across hundreds of companies.
Compensation Trends in Today's Banking Environment
Matt Brei, Blanchard Consulting Group
In this session, we utilize current trends information from our BCG surveys/databases and review total compensation for bank directors, executives, officers, and staff. We analyze current information on the “hot topics” within the compensation landscape and discuss how banks have changed their practices in recent years. Trends surrounding director compensation, board structures, base salaries, annual cash incentives, mid-term/equity-based incentives, benefits, and perquisites will all be discussed. The session provides an update of various compensation trends within community and regional banks.
Handicapping Your Balance Sheet: Maximize Net Interest Margin in 2025
Todd Taylor & Will Craycraft, HUB | Taylor Advisors
Handicapping a balance sheet, like handicapping a horse race, requires analyzing diverse data for informed decisions. In banking, this involves evaluating models and reports to optimize risk and reward. Top institutions balance profitability with risk in a competitive market. This presentation will compare your institution's performance metrics against benchmarks, explore improvement opportunities, and assess your liquidity position. Through interactive polling, participants will gain insights into various balance sheet management approaches, from regulatory compliance to profit optimization. We'll discuss how these philosophies impact strategies and profitability, emphasizing the importance of refining balance sheet management for long-term success in banking.
Strategic Loan Growth
Dan Marks, Infusion Marketing Group
As rates decline off a historically fast rise, how far and how fast will rates decline? Where are the best places to develop and deliver quality asset growth? Now more than ever, a commitment to data analytics that drive proven growth strategies is needed. How do we continue to grow loans in dynamic pricing environments with elevated concerns about credit quality? This presentation will answer that question with real, actionable data.
General Session
Executive Briefing on Current Issues and Opportunities
Robert M. Fleetwood, Partner, Group Co-Chair; and John M. Geiringer, Partner, Regulatory Section Leader, Barack Ferrazzano Financial Institutions Group
PAC Experiences
PAC Experiences
Join us for the 2025 Illinois Bankers PAC Experience with a culinary event befitting of the laidback luxury of Lake Geneva! Attendees will savor the area’s uniquely curated food and beverage profiles while relaxing and enjoying the fellowship of great friends and colleagues. Cheers to a perfect afternoon while investing in our industry’s advocacy efforts!
Swing for the green at the Illinois Bankers PAC Annual Conference Golf Outing! Golfers will play the Grand Geneva’s famed Highlands Course with its Scottish-inspired, links-style elements, complete with a beautiful landscape of scenic hills, trickling creeks, and lush foliage. All experience levels are welcome, as we raise funds for an important industry cause – Illinois Bankers PAC – while enjoying the comradery of the day and weaving and rolling through the glacier-formed terrain of Southwestern Wisconsin yet feeling like you’ve been transported to Scotland.
Disclaimer: A copy of our report filed with the State Board of Elections is (or will be) available on the Board’s official website www.elections.il.gov or for purchase from the State Board of Elections, Springfield, Illinois. All contributions to Illinois Bankers PAC are voluntary. You may refuse to contribute without reprisal. Contributions to Illinois Bankers PAC are not tax deductible.