Women in Banking

The IBA Women in Banking Conference brings together professionals at every stage of their career for keynotes, leadership sessions, and conversations about the trends reshaping banking. Whether you're looking for new strategies, peer perspectives, or a push toward your next challenge, you'll find it here. What to expect:

- Keynotes from leaders making an impact in banking and beyond
- Sessions focused on leadership, trends, and professional development
- Networking with women who understand your goals
- An awards ceremony honoring excellence across Illinois banking

2026 Women in Banking Awards Nominations
(Nomination Deadline: May 31, 2026)
The Women in Banking Award Ceremony will recognize outstanding achievements by honoring women who are making significant contributions to the banking industry. These accolades celebrate leadership, influence, and impact across the industry. Nominate fellow banking colleagues for the following awards:

Agenda


THURSDAY, JULY 16, 2026
9:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. Registration + Shop n Raffle

10:30 a.m. – 11:45 a.m. Welcome!Emcee Anne Schutt, Midwestern Securities
Springfield Mayor Misty Buscher + IBA Chair Megan Collins, First Women’s Bank

OPENING SESSION: The Art of Building Relationships

Elise Powers, Founder, Eleview Consulting


11:45 a.m. – 12:45 p.m. Networking Lunch

12:45 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. General Session: Tokenized Money: What’s Real, What’s Next
Brooke Ybarra, SVP Innovation and Strategy, American Bankers Association


1:30 p.m. – 2:15 p.m. Breakout Sessions

  • Managing a Multigenerational Workforce for Competitive Advantage
    Abby Petersen, HC3

  • AI Marketing Workshop
    Forbinfi, Cammi Mitchell


2:30 p.m. – 3:15 p.m. Breakout Sessions

  • The Real Cost of 81¢: Unpacking the Gender Wage Gap in Banking
    Amanda Smith, Darling Consulting Group
  • Hold My Coffee—I've Got This™ 
    Jill Moss, Farmers State Bank


3:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. Honoring Excellence: Women in Banking Award Ceremony

4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. Networking & Celebration Reception


FRIDAY, JULY 17, 2026

7:45 a.m. – 8:30 a.m. Breakfast Buffet

8:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m. General Session: The Human Weirdness Navigation Journey!
Steve Thomas


9:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. PANEL DISCUSSION
Empowering Women in Banking: Stories of Impact and Leadership

  • Kathy S. Kincaid, Carrollton Bank (2025 Woman of Impact)
  • Samantha Patrick, INB, National Association (2025 Woman on the Rise)
  • Kathy Yocum, Stillman Bank (2025 Woman of the Year)
  • Lora Kalka, FNBC Bank & Trust (2025 Recognition of Excellence)


10:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. Raffle Winners Announcement + Stretch Break

11:00 a.m. – Noon CLOSING SESSION: Own Your P.A.T.H.

April Lewis, MBA, Combat Veteran | Certified Executive Coach
Leadership & Workplace Culture Expert


Speakers

Speakers

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Misty Buscher

Springfield Mayor

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Megan Collins

IBA Chair
First Women’s Bank

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Elise Powers

Keynote Speaker
Founder
Eleview Consulting

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April Lewis, MBA

Keynote Speaker
Combat Veteran
Certified Executive Coach
Leadership & Workplace Culture Expert

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Lora Kalka

FNBC
2025 Recognition of Excellence Honoree

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Kathy S. Kincaid

Carrollton Bank
2025 Woman of Impact

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Cammi Mitchell

Forbinfi

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Jill Moss

Farmers State Bank

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Samantha Patrick

INB
2025 Woman on the Rise

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Abby Petersen

HC3

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Anne Schutt

VP of Business Development Midwestern Securities
Director & Private Wealth Advisor, Fortress Wealth Planning Group

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Amanda Smith

Darling Consulting

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Steve Thomas

Leadership Speaker
Workforce Development

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Brooke Ybarra

SVP Innovation & Strategy
American Bankers Association

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Kathy Yocum

Stillman Bank
2025 Woman of the Year

Charity

Charity

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In honor of Disability Pride Month, the Women in Banking Committee selected Hope as the 2026 Women in Banking Conference charity partner.

For nearly 70 years, Hope has been dedicated to empowering individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities to live meaningful, fulfilling lives through education, employment services, therapies, residential supports, and community-based programs.

Their mission is simple yet powerful: supporting individuals and families in achieving optimum growth, independence, and joy. Throughout the conference, attendees will have the opportunity to support Hope by participating in our annual charity raffle and making donations during the event.

Donate a Raffle Basket
We encourage banks, sponsors, and attendees to create and donate a themed raffle basket that will be featured during the conference. You can bring the basket to the registration table the first day of the conference. 

Donate at the Conference
Every contribution, big or small, helps Hope continue creating opportunities for individuals and families to thrive.

Event details

Event details

Hotel Accommodations

Crowne Plaza Springfield
3000 South Dirksen Parkway
Room Rate $130/night (by July 8)
Online Reservations
Phone: 217-529-7777

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

Sponsors

Sponsors

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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 education@illinois.bank.

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