5:00 PM – 5:30 PM
Women in Leadership Reception
With so many top executives and board members traveling to this conference on Saturday, this reception allows female executives to meet their contemporaries from across the United States. Please note: a separate registration is not needed to attend this reception as it is included in the conference registration.
5:00 PM – 5:30 PM
First-Time Attendee Reception
Concurrent with our Women in Leadership Reception, we welcome first-time attendees to our Acquire or Be Acquired Conference. Meet members of the Bank Director leadership team and others attending the conference for the first time. Please note: a separate registration is not needed to attend this reception as it is included in the conference registration.
5:30 PM – 6:30 PM
Welcoming Reception & Registration
While winter grips much of the country, we’ve found early evening in Arizona to be a welcome change for many joining us. Kick off the conference by catching up with old friends and making new connections.
7:00 AM – 8:00 AM
Registration & Breakfast
8:00 AM – 8:05 AM
Welcome: Exploring Your Growth Options
Michelle King, CEO, Bank Director
Laura Schield, President & COO, Bank Director
While Acquire or Be Acquired began 32 years ago as an M&A conference, AOBA, as it has become known, is about exploring ALL of your bank’s growth options. As we welcome participants to Phoenix to kick off this year’s event, Michelle and Laura share new ideas to build your bank’s short and long-term strategies.
8:05 AM – 9:05 AM
The State of the Financial Industry
A highlight of this annual event, this session focuses on where things stand in the banking industry as we prepare for the year ahead.
9:20 AM – 9:55 AM
FinXTech Session: Envisioning Your Bank’s Future
For most banks, technology is not a core part of their identity but a means to achieve efficiencies and better serve their customers. As banks increasingly rely on data analytics to improve back-office productivity and manage regulatory compliance duties, there are still gaps in bank strategies around data, artificial intelligence and technology. How can technology best position your bank for future growth? As we begin these AOBA tech-specific sessions, this panel provides thoughts and ideas to consider for you and your bank.
FinXTech Session: Envisioning Your Bank’s Future
For most banks, technology is not a core part of their identity but a means to achieve efficiencies and better serve their customers. As banks increasingly rely on data analytics to improve back-office productivity and manage regulatory compliance duties, there are still gaps in bank strategies around data, artificial intelligence and technology. How can technology best position your bank for future growth? As we begin these AOBA tech-specific sessions, this panel provides thoughts and ideas to consider for you and your bank.
9:45 AM – 10:25 AM
Strong Board. Strong Bank.
Bank Director is focused on strong boards and strong banks, so what can you do to strengthen your bank both financially and operationally? Learn from three leaders in the industry as they share best practices and lessons learned.
10:05 AM – 10:40 AM
FinXTech Session: Spotlight On AI
AI can be a fantastic tool that makes work more efficient, but where is it best used? And how are banks currently using artificial intelligence given the risks and challenges that come with it? Hear use cases in this tactical session.
FinXTech Session: Spotlight On AI
AI can be a fantastic tool that makes work more efficient, but where is it best used? And how are banks currently using artificial intelligence given the risks and challenges that come with it? Hear use cases in this tactical session.
10:25 AM – 10:45 AM
Refreshment Break
10:45 AM – 11:25 AM
Breakout Sessions (select one)
Participants have the opportunity to select one of seven breakout sessions to attend. Sessions to be announced.
10:50 AM – 11:25 AM
FinXTech Session: A New Era of Digital Currency
The new administration suggests a more favorable regulatory environment for digital currency. What does the future hold, and how can your bank best prepare for what lies ahead regarding digital assets? The session dives into the need-to-knows and how to rethink crypto-related offerings.
FinXTech Session: A New Era of Digital Currency
The new administration suggests a more favorable regulatory environment for digital currency. What does the future hold, and how can your bank best prepare for what lies ahead regarding digital assets? The session dives into the need-to-knows and how to rethink crypto-related offerings.
11:35 AM – 12:10 PM;
FinXTech Session: Gaining Efficiencies in Managing Your Loan Portfolio
Optimize your loan portfolio with streamlined strategies. During this session, hear from industry leaders on how to implement advanced analytics to inform decision-making and automate routine processes for time efficiency. The panelists share how to best monitor performance metrics regularly to identify and address issues swiftly, achieve cost reduction and enhanced financial security through proactive management practices and learn how to transform challenges into growth opportunities.
FinXTech Session: Gaining Efficiencies in Managing Your Loan Portfolio
Optimize your loan portfolio with streamlined strategies. During this session, hear from industry leaders on how to implement advanced analytics to inform decision-making and automate routine processes for time efficiency. The panelists share how to best monitor performance metrics regularly to identify and address issues swiftly, achieve cost reduction and enhanced financial security through proactive management practices and learn how to transform challenges into growth opportunities.
11:40 AM – 12:20 PM
Scaling with Stability
How do you successfully scale your bank? You must consider capital raising, deposit growth, talent development, succession planning and more!
12:10 PM – 1:30 PM
Networking Peer & Guest Lunch
12:40 PM – 1:20 PM
Lunch & Learn Sessions (select one)
Lunch & Learn sessions allow participants to learn about a shared topic of interest over lunch. Six sessions run concurrently – attendees may select one to attend. Sessions to be announced.
1:30 PM – 2:10 PM
What Is Your Bank Worth?
When it is time to sell, you want the highest value for your bank possible. But what is the current value of your bank – and are there ways to increase its value? Learn about bank valuation in today’s market during this featured conference session.
1:30 PM – 2:05 PM;
FinXTech Session: Strengthening Your Bank’s Defenses
In today’s digital landscape, robust cybersecurity is paramount for banks. Protecting sensitive financial data from cyber threats is not just a necessity—it’s a business imperative. Implementing advanced security measures and educating staff can significantly reduce risks, ensuring customer trust and safeguarding financial assets. We dig into best practices and lessons learned during this panel discussion.
FinXTech Session: Strengthening Your Bank’s Defenses
In today’s digital landscape, robust cybersecurity is paramount for banks. Protecting sensitive financial data from cyber threats is not just a necessity—it’s a business imperative. Implementing advanced security measures and educating staff can significantly reduce risks, ensuring customer trust and safeguarding financial assets. We dig into best practices and lessons learned during this panel discussion.
2:10 PM – 2:30 PM
General Session: 2026 Technology Update
Emily McCormick, Vice President of Editorial & Research, Bank Director
Learn how smart financial institutions invest in technology, leverage data and explore use cases for artificial intelligence by discovering key insights from Bank Director’s 2025 Technology Survey.
2:15 PM – 2:50 PM
FinXTech Session: Leveraging Data for Growth
Harnessing the power of data is a game changer for businesses. It drives informed decisions, uncovers market trends and optimizes operations. By analyzing customer behaviors, financial institutions gain insights to enhance their strategies. Embrace data analytics to fuel innovation and growth, transforming your business into a data-driven powerhouse for sustainable success.
2:45 PM – 3:25 PM
Breakout Sessions (select one)
Participants may select one of seven concurrent breakout sessions to attend. Sessions to be announced.
3:00 PM – 3:35 PM;
FinXTech Session: Creating a Treasury Management Strategy
Implementing a treasury management strategy is crucial for business stability and growth. It involves optimizing cash flow, managing risk, securing funding and ensuring regulatory compliance. During this session, hear from industry experts to see if this is the right approach for your bank.
FinXTech Session: Creating a Treasury Management Strategy
Implementing a treasury management strategy is crucial for business stability and growth. It involves optimizing cash flow, managing risk, securing funding and ensuring regulatory compliance. During this session, hear from industry experts to see if this is the right approach for your bank.
3:25 PM – 3:45 PM
Refreshment Break
3:45 PM – 4:20 PM;
FinXTech Session: Operational Efficiencies: Outsourcing or Offshoring?
Should your bank outsource or offshore? This question is on the forefront of enhancing operational efficiency. Outsourcing often offers cost savings and flexibility by utilizing external expertise. Offshoring extends these benefits globally, tapping into lower labor costs and round-the-clock operations. Both strategies enhance efficiency but require careful assessment of your business needs. What approach(es) should your bank take?
FinXTech Session: Operational Efficiencies: Outsourcing or Offshoring?
Should your bank outsource or offshore? This question is on the forefront of enhancing operational efficiency. Outsourcing often offers cost savings and flexibility by utilizing external expertise. Offshoring extends these benefits globally, tapping into lower labor costs and round-the-clock operations. Both strategies enhance efficiency but require careful assessment of your business needs. What approach(es) should your bank take?
3:45 PM – 4:25 PM
Breakout Sessions (select one)
Participants may select one of seven concurrent breakout sessions to attend. Sessions to be announced.
4:40 PM – 5:20 PM
Transforming Your Bank
Open banking and artificial intelligence provide opportunities for banks, but they come with challenges and risks. During this panel discussion, hear best practices for transforming your bank for the future.
5:20 PM – 6:20 PM
Networking Peer & Guest Reception
7:00 AM – 8:00 AM
Breakfast
8:00 AM – 8:10 AM
Day Two Opening Remarks
Michelle King, CEO, Bank Director
Laura Schield, President & COO, Bank Director
8:10 AM – 8:50 AM
The Best of RankingBanking
What does it take to become a top-performing bank? For years, Bank Director has studied that question. In response, Bank Director created an annual report, RankingBanking, to dive into the performance of the largest publicly traded banks in the U.S. During this panel discussion, hear from three banks that topped the most recent Bank Director’s RankingBanking study.
8:50 AM – 9:30 AM
Lessons From the Latest Acquisitions
Understanding the regulatory landscape and aligning with technological innovations are vital. Moreover, focusing on customer-centric models enhances value. These acquisitions underline the importance of proactive planning and agile management in navigating today’s complex financial environment.
9:30 AM – 10:10 AM
The Global Impact on the Financial Industry
What should U.S. banks focus on regarding the evolving landscape of the global financial industry? With technological advancements moving at lightning speed, regulatory changes and the shifting economic landscapes, it is challenging to manage the impact of global trends emerging in various markets. Further, fintech innovations are disrupting traditional banking models, enhancing efficiency and accessibility to consumers nationwide. During this session, we discuss key considerations banks should consider today.
9:40 AM – 10:15 AM;
FinXTech Session: Driving Growth Through Small Businesses
Small businesses that fuel our economy are the backbone of growth in our communities. They drive innovation and create jobs. How can banks best meet their small business customers where they are and serve them beyond their expectations? Hear from experts who are helping banks drive small business growth.
FinXTech Session: Driving Growth Through Small Businesses
Small businesses that fuel our economy are the backbone of growth in our communities. They drive innovation and create jobs. How can banks best meet their small business customers where they are and serve them beyond their expectations? Hear from experts who are helping banks drive small business growth.
10:10 AM – 10:30 AM
Refreshment Break
10:30 AM – 12:15 PM
M&A Simulation
Striking a deal for a prized target has never been more competitive than it is today. For buyers, careful discipline is required to ensure that bids are designed to accomplish acquisition growth without damaging the company’s value. For sellers, a competitive bid process must be skillfully navigated to earn the best deal for shareholders. In this session, participants work through the final rounds of a competitive auction involving a prized seller to see which bank emerges as the successful acquirer. Of course, as in real deals, some wrinkles will appear. The simulation is exclusive to 45 bank attendees only, allows for one banker per institution, no capital markets titles (this session is NOT for investment bankers of any kind) and runs concurrently with the below breakout sessions. You may sign up for the simulation when registering for the event.
10:30 AM – 11:05 AM;
FinXTech Session: Branch Transformation Strategies
How are your branches evolving? How has your branch strategy changed over the last five years? New strategies focus on digital integration, personalized services and community-centric layouts. Banks can improve customer engagement while optimizing operations by enhancing technology and redesigning spaces.
FinXTech Session: Branch Transformation Strategies
How are your branches evolving? How has your branch strategy changed over the last five years? New strategies focus on digital integration, personalized services and community-centric layouts. Banks can improve customer engagement while optimizing operations by enhancing technology and redesigning spaces.
10:30 AM – 11:10 AM
Breakout Sessions (select one)
Participants have the opportunity to select one of seven breakout sessions to attend. Sessions to be announced.
11:15 AM – 11:50 AM;
FinXTech Session: Developing & Managing Your Vendor Relationships
Collaboration and trust are key to navigating challenges and seizing new opportunities in the evolving financial landscape – and discovering how to leverage these partnerships can enhance operational efficiency and drive innovation. During this discussion, we share best practices for developing and managing your bank’s vendor relationships.
FinXTech Session: Developing & Managing Your Vendor Relationships
Collaboration and trust are key to navigating challenges and seizing new opportunities in the evolving financial landscape – and discovering how to leverage these partnerships can enhance operational efficiency and drive innovation. During this discussion, we share best practices for developing and managing your bank’s vendor relationships.
11:25 AM – 12:05 PM
Breakout Sessions (select one)
Conversations continue with a second round of morning breakout sessions — participants select one of seven concurrent opportunities to engage with industry leaders. Sessions to be announced.
12:00 PM – 1:05 PM
Networking Lunch
12:00 PM – 1:05 PM
Women in Leadership Luncheon
1:05 PM – 1:30 PM
What We Learned from Bank Director’s 2026 Bank M&A Survey
Emily McCormick, Vice President of Editorial & Research, Bank Director
Naomi Snyder, Editor-in-Chief, Bank Director
Merger activity has slowed in recent years, driven by many factors, including unrealized losses on banks’ balance sheets and uncertainty about regulatory approvals. At the same time, the interest rate environment has challenged bank profitability, tamping down borrowing demand and making core deposits more expensive. During this session, participants hear the results of Bank Director’s most recent M&A survey.
1:30 PM – 2:10 PM
Stories & Best Practices From Your Peers
During this session, hear from leading banks from across the country as they share their insights and experiences.
2:25 PM – 3:05 PM
Breakout Sessions (select one)
Participants may select from one of six breakout sessions to attend. Sessions to be announced.
2:25 PM – 3:05 PM;
FinXTech Session: The Advantages of Acquiring a Fintech
A bank acquiring a fintech offers transformative advantages, delivering innovation and agility. This synergy can enhance digital capabilities, streamline operations and provide customer solutions. By leveraging fintech’s cutting-edge products, banks gain a competitive edge, driving growth and strengthening their market position in our rapidly evolving industry.
FinXTech Session: The Advantages of Acquiring a Fintech
A bank acquiring a fintech offers transformative advantages, delivering innovation and agility. This synergy can enhance digital capabilities, streamline operations and provide customer solutions. By leveraging fintech’s cutting-edge products, banks gain a competitive edge, driving growth and strengthening their market position in our rapidly evolving industry.
3:05 PM – 3:25 PM
Refreshment Break
3:25 PM – 4:05 PM;
FinXTech Session: Growing Through Customer Retention
Banks can significantly boost growth by focusing on customer retention. Loyal clients cost less to maintain and can bring higher revenue through increased transaction volume and cross-selling opportunities. Prioritizing and providing personalized services enhances customer satisfaction and fosters long-term relationships. Dive into new strategies to consider as this panel focuses on not only retaining customers but also growing their current relationships with your institution.
FinXTech Session: Growing Through Customer Retention
Banks can significantly boost growth by focusing on customer retention. Loyal clients cost less to maintain and can bring higher revenue through increased transaction volume and cross-selling opportunities. Prioritizing and providing personalized services enhances customer satisfaction and fosters long-term relationships. Dive into new strategies to consider as this panel focuses on not only retaining customers but also growing their current relationships with your institution.
3:25 PM – 4:05 PM
Breakout Sessions (select one)
Conversations continue with a second round of afternoon breakout sessions — participants select one of six concurrent opportunities to learn. Sessions to be announced.
4:20 PM – 5:00 PM
Building the Next Generation of Talent
Kelley Earnhardt Miller, Chair of the Board, blueharbor bank
We realize that building the next generation of talent is essential for any business success, and that couldn’t be more true as we think about our industry. By investing in training and development, businesses can cultivate innovative leaders. Emphasizing diversity and creative thinking ensures adaptability in a changing market. Hear advice from industry leaders as we explore new ideas to build your bank’s future team.
5:00 PM – 5:40 PM
General Session: The New Wave of Cybersecurity
Fraudsters are continually improving and changing their tactics, so how can banks stay a step ahead – and what should you know to improve your internal processes? During this session, hear from industry leaders as they share how financial institutions can stay ahead of cyber intrusions.
5:40 PM – 6:40 PM
Networking Peer & Guest Reception
7:00 AM – 8:00 AM
Breakfast
8:00 AM – 8:10 AM
Day Three Opening Remarks
Michelle King,CEO, Bank Director
Laura Schield, President & COO, Bank Director
Today, we focus on perspectives that have not already been shared on the first two days of the conference – and look into forces outside of our industry that may have deep implications.
8:10 AM – 8:40 AM
The Revolving Activity in Private Equity
Private equity’s revolving activity enables banks to unlock value through investment cycles. These cycles can generate returns by strategically reallocating capital, which can enhance bank portfolios. In a volatile market, private equity remains a dynamic tool, offering substantial opportunities for financial institutions to thrive. During this session, we explore these opportunities.
8:40 AM – 9:10 AM
Emerging Payment Trends
Banks have a variety of options when it comes to payments. Hear from experts in the space on what is available to you and your financial institution.
9:10 AM – 9:40 AM
Ask Me Anything!
See what is at the top of the minds of the attendees of this year’s Acquire or Be Acquired Conference! During this interactive, live polling session, attendees can ask questions based on what they have learned over the past two days to our panel of industry experts. Join this session for a lively discussion on all the issues, opportunities and challenges facing banks today!
9:40 AM – 10:00 AM
Refreshment Break
10:00 AM – 10:40 AM
Breakout Sessions (select one)
Conversations conclude with a final round of breakout sessions — participants select one of six concurrent opportunities to learn.
10:55 AM – 11:25 AM
Economist & Regulatory Debate: Bull vs. Bear
Hear differing perspectives on what is happening with the economy and what regulatory changes are coming this year.
11:25 AM – 11:30 AM
Parting Thoughts
Michelle King, CEO, Bank Director
Laura Schield, President & COO, Bank Director
1:00 PM – 6:00 PM
L. William Seidman Annual Acquire or Be Acquired Golf Tournament
Enjoy the afternoon playing golf with your peers during Bank Director’s annual L. William Seidman Golf Tournament. The tournament is available to registered conference attendees and is limited to 144 players. Availability is on a first-come, first-served basis. Please note: Additional registration is required and additional fees apply. Be sure to reserve your spot today!
1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Let’s Play Pickleball!
Whether you have never played before or you are a seasoned player, this activity is for you. All participants are grouped by experience level for a tournament, and those who are new to the sport enjoy a Beginners Clinic. This afternoon activity is available to registered attendees and is limited to 136 players. Availability is on a first-come, first-served basis. Please note: Additional registration is required and fees apply. Be sure to reserve your spot today!