Celebrate 25 years of empowering women in the industry at the Women in Banking Conference! Join us October 2-3 for inspiring sessions, meaningful connections, and a special awards ceremony recognizing trailblazing leaders in banking.

IBA Women in Banking Awards
Award winners will be announced at the IBA Women in Banking Conference on Thursday, October 2, 2025. 
Nominate a colleague to be honored in 2025 for one of these awards:
• IBA Woman of the Year
• IBA Woman on the Rise
• IBA Women of Impact

2025 Program

Thursday, October 2

Thursday, October 2

Thursday, October 2
Thursday, October 2 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. Registration
Thursday, October 2 10:30 a.m. Welcome & Introductions
Emcee: Anne Schutt, Vice President, Business Development, Midwestern
Securities Trading Company
Thursday, October 2 10:45 a.m. – 11:45 a.m. Cultivating Happiness: Practical Tools for Lasting Joy
Elle Benson, Keynote Speaker
Discover how to bring more joy and positivity into your life in this inspiring session, which shares practical, science-backed strategies that anyone can use to boost well-being and create lasting happiness—at work and at home. Learn how small shifts in your mindset and daily habits can make a big difference and find out how humor can help you manage stress, adapt to change, and build resilience. Walk away with easy-to-use tools and real-life examples that will help you feel happier, more fulfilled, and ready to thrive.
Thursday, October 2 11:45 a.m. – 12:45 p.m. Networking Lunch
Thursday, October 2 12:45 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. Breakout Sessions
• Top 10 Areas for Leadership Development - 
Anne Schutt, Midwestern Securities
• The Art of Giving and Receiving Feedback - Amanda Sandner, Land of Lincoln Goodwill Industries
Thursday, October 2 1:45 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. Breakout Sessions
• Managing Up: It’s OK to Manage Your Boss - Amanda Sandner, Land of Lincoln Goodwill Industries
• Powering Through: Time Mastery & Productivity - 
Nellie Schlacter, evolv
Thursday, October 2 2:45 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. Economic Outlook 2025: What Bankers Need to Know
Kathleen Navin, Senior Business Economist, Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis

Take an engaging and practical look at the economic forces shaping banking in 2025. This session will break down complex national and regional economic trends into clear, actionable insights that matter for your bank, your customers, and your community. Learn what the latest data means for your business decisions, discover emerging risks and opportunities, and gain a better understanding of how an evolving economic landscape could impact your institution. With a relatable style and deep expertise, this session is a must-attend for anyone looking to navigate the road ahead with confidence.
Thursday, October 2 4:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. Honoring Excellence: Women in Banking Award Ceremony
The Women in Banking Award Ceremony will recognize outstanding achievements with awards for Women of Impact, Woman on the Rise, and Woman of the Year. These honors celebrate the leadership and influence of women making significant contributions to the banking industry.
Thursday, October 2 4:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. Networking Reception
Thursday, October 2 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. Dinner at your Leisure
Thursday, October 2 7:30 p.m. – 10:30 p.m. Hospitality Suite with Entertainment

Hotel Accommodations

Crowne Plaza Springfield
3000 S. Dirksen Pkwy, Springfield, IL
Room Rate $125 plus tax | Good through September 17, 2025
Online Reservations
Group Code: D7B (217-529-7777, Option #1 for Reservations)

Fee Per Person

IBA Member $345 | Nonmember $495
Special Registration Offer: Register three, and get the fourth FREE!

Questions? education@illinois.bank
217-789-9340

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Women in Banking Committee

Passionate about empowering women in the banking industry? Join the Women in Banking Committee and contribute to planning next year's Women in Banking Conference. For questions, contact Lyndee Fein.

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