Welcome to the Illinois Bankers Association

Join us in St. Louis for our premier executive event, the 2026 Annual Conference!
Experience first-class programming and networking at the Royal Sonesta Chase Park Plaza, a historic and sophisticated landmark in the heart of the city’s bustling Central West End. This concise, high-impact event delivers strategic programming, valuable peer networking, and access to leading providers focused on helping you move your bank forward with practical, immediately usable ideas.

Hall of Fame Leadership Comes to the IBA Annual Conference
The IBA proud to welcome Ozzie Smith as the Closing Keynote Speaker for the 2026 Annual Conference. Known throughout baseball as "The Wizard," Ozzie Smith is widely recognized as the greatest defensive shortstop in baseball history. During his 19-year Major League Baseball career, including 15 seasons with the St. Louis Cardinals, he earned a record 13 Gold Glove Awards and was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2002.

Beyond his achievements on the field, Ozzie has dedicated his life to education, philanthropy, and community service. He currently serves as the Education Ambassador to the National Baseball Hall of Fame and remains actively involved in numerous charitable initiatives benefiting children and families.

Drawing on lessons learned throughout his Hall of Fame career, Ozzie's keynote will focus on leadership, teamwork, resilience, and the pursuit of excellence—timely topics for today's banking leaders.

Join us in St. Louis for this memorable and inspiring closing session.

Agenda

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 2026

11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. - PAC Fundraising Events

6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. - IBA Leadership Dinner, Missouri Botanical Gardens

7:30 p.m. – 10:30 p.m. - Welcome Mixer with The Dirty Muggs

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2026

7:00 a.m. - 9:00 a.m. - IBA Board of Directors Meeting

8:00 a.m. - Registration Opens

8:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. - Breakfast Buffet

10:30 a.m. - Guest Tour, Bus departs at 10:30 a.m., RSVP required

9:30 a.m. – 10:50 a.m. - Opening Session
2026 Banker of the Year Announcement

11:00 a.m. - Noon - ABA Chairman’s Update and Deposit Insurance Reform Panel, Kenneth Kelly, ABA Chairman

Noon – 1:00 p.m. - Lunch

1:15 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. - Breakout Sessions (4)

2:15 p.m. - 3:00 p.m. - Breakout Sessions (4)

3:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. - Break in Vendor Marketplace, Open Bar

3:30 p.m. – 4:15 p.m. - Executive Briefing on Current Issues and Opportunities

4:15 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. - Vendor Giveaways

4:30 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. - Networking Reception in Vendor Marketplace

8:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. - Hospitality Suite

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 2, 2026

7:15 a.m. – 8:30 a.m. - Breakfast Buffet

8:30 a.m. – 9:15 a.m. - Illinois Banking Legislative & Legal Update

9:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. - Banker Roundtables (by asset size)

10:45 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. - IBA Award Ceremony

11:00 a.m. - Noon - Closing Keynote, Fireside Chat with St. Louis Cardinals Legend, Ozzie Smith

Accommodations/Fees

Location Info

The Royal Sonesta Chase Park Plaza
St. Louis, MO
Booking Link

Questions? education@illinois.bank

Fee Per Person

Member: $895* (Bankers/Associate Members/Preferred Vendors)
Member Guest: $495

NonMember: $1,695* (Bankers only)
NonMember Guest: $990

*Vendors - IBA Membership is required to register.