Agenda

7:30 AM – 8:30 AM
Breakfast & Registration

8:30 AM – 8:35 AM
Day One Welcome
Bank Director kicks off day one of the Bank Board Forum by welcoming attendees to beautiful Marco Island, Florida.

8:35 AM – 9:05 AM
The State of Our Industry
Join us as we dissect the evolving banking landscape. We delve into emerging trends, economic forecasts and strategic approaches to navigate uncertainty and capitalize on opportunities.

9:05 AM – 9:35 AM
Growth Opportunities For Your Bank
Discover innovative strategies to drive sustainable growth in today’s competitive banking landscape. This session explores current trends, best practices and actionable insights to help you take advantage of new opportunities to strengthen your bank’s financial performance.

9:35 AM – 10:05 AM
Governance – Responsibilities of Management and the Board
Hear from industry leaders as we dive into corporate governance and the evolving roles and responsibilities of both management and the board of directors. This session provides insight into critical key governance issues and shares best practices for effective board oversight and strategic decision-making.

10:05 AM – 10:30 AM
Refreshment Break
Attendees are encouraged to network with fellow attendees and enjoy light refreshments and coffee.

10:30 AM – 11:00 AM
General Sessions (select one)

Audit & Risk General Session: Audit & Risk Issues
This panel discusses the latest issues and topics surrounding audit and risk committees.

Compensation & Talent General Session: Crafting a Winning Incentive Strategy: Designing Plans that Drive Performance
Learn how to design and implement a robust incentive plan that aligns with your bank’s strategic goals. This session covers key considerations, best practices and real-world examples to help you create a compensation package that attracts, motivates and retains top talent.

Governance & Strategy General Session: The Cornerstones of Strong Board Governance
Learn how board culture shapes a bank’s strategic direction and risk management practices. During this session industry leaders share how to foster a culture of transparency, accountability and ethical leadership.

11:00 AM – 11:30 AM
General Sessions (select one)

Audit & Risk General Session: Optimizing Compliance: Strategies for the Future
Join us as we delve into the future of regulatory compliance. We discuss the latest regulatory trends, emerging technologies and best practices for optimizing your compliance program.

Compensation & Talent General Session:  Compensating and Retaining Top Talent
This session explores the critical components of executive compensation and retention strategies. Learn the latest trends in executive pay, including base salary, short-term and long-term incentives, and benefits. Additionally, we discuss best practices for developing and implementing effective retention strategies to attract and retain top talent.

Governance & Strategy General Session: The Board’s Role in Driving Bank Success
Learn from experienced bank board leaders as they share insights on navigating the evolving regulatory landscape, managing risk and fostering a culture of innovation. This session provides practical advice to help you strengthen your board’s impact.

11:30 AM – 12:40 PM
Networking Lunch

12:40 PM – 1:20 PM
Breakout Sessions (select one)

Breakout 1:  Bank Director 101: Serving on the Nominating/Governance Committee
The Bank Director 101 sessions focus on the basics that all directors must know when serving on the Nominating/Governance Committee. This session touches on various governance issues, including the role of the board versus the role of management, the board’s fiduciary responsibilities, board performance evaluations, onboarding for new directors, director education and executive sessions.

Answers to the following questions are discussed during this session:

• What are the regulatory expectations for board governance?
• Explain the board’s fiduciary responsibilities, including the duty of loyalty and duty of care.
• What are the duties of the governance committee? Who should serve on the committee?
• How does board diversity impact the quality of board governance?
• What are some of the essential cultural characteristics of a strong board?

Breakout 2: Protecting Your Institution: A Deep Dive into Loan Portfolio 
Due Diligence (Audit)
Successfully acquiring a loan portfolio requires a meticulous approach to due diligence. This session explores the critical factors to consider, including credit risk assessment, portfolio valuation and integration strategies. Learn how to identify potential pitfalls and maximize the value of your acquisition.

Breakout 3: Exploring the Talent War: Evolving Compensation Strategies for Banks
The banking industry faces increasing competition for top talent, so traditional compensation models are no longer sufficient. This session features the critical strategies to attract, retain and motivate high-performing employees.

Breakout 4: Building a Strong Regulatory Relationship: A Proactive Approach
Learn how to foster a positive and proactive relationship with regulators. This session covers strategies for effective communication, proactive disclosure and addressing regulatory concerns.

1:30 PM – 2:10 PM
Breakout Sessions (select one)

Breakout 1:   Bank Director 101: Serving on the Compensation Committee
The Bank Director 101 sessions focus on the basics that directors serving on the Compensation Committee must know. This session centers on compensation and includes effective pay, incentive plans, risk management oversight and CEO evaluations.

Answers to the following questions and topics are discussed during this session:

• What are the regulatory expectations for boards in determining the compensation of the senior management team and the rest of the bank?
• What are the duties of the compensation committee? Who should serve on the committee?
• The importance of CEO evaluations.
• The role of outside compensation advisors.
• How frequently should the compensation committee meet?

Breakout 2: Future-Proofing Your Audit Committee
Join us as we examine the challenges facing audit committees today, including increased regulatory scrutiny, evolving risk landscapes and the need for digital transformation.

Breakout 3: Strategies for Effective Executive Incentive Programs
This session focuses on some overlooked benefits that can help banks provide the incentive their top employees need to stay. This session equips you with the knowledge to create incentive plans that motivate and reward your high-performing executives.

Breakout 4: Mastering Board Governance: Key Processes and Procedures
Discover the secrets to effective board governance. This session provides practical tips and insights on meeting management, risk oversight and strategic planning.

2:10 PM – 2:30 PM
Refreshment Break 

2:30 PM – 3:10 PM
Bank Director Research Panel
Hear from top industry leaders as they discuss the most pressing issues facing banks today. This panel provides practical advice and actionable strategies to help you adapt to the changing dynamics of the banking industry.

3:10 PM – 4:20 PM
Peer Collaboration Session 1
Join a collaborative discussion with your peers to explore the latest trends and challenges in audit, risk and governance. Share best practices, discuss emerging risks and develop strategies to enhance your board’s oversight.

4:20 PM – 5:20 PM
Networking Peer & Guest Reception
Join us for an evening of networking and insightful conversations with industry peers and thought leaders.

7:30 AM – 8:30 AM
Breakfast & Registration

8:30 AM – 8:35 AM
Day Two Welcome: Editorial Highlights
Hear from Bank Director’s editorial team as they share the most significant developments and stories they have been writing about.

8:35 AM – 9:05 AM
Regulatory Update
This session delves into the complex landscape of regulatory, examination and enforcement challenges that bank leaders must navigate. It explores the various compliance frameworks, intricacies of regulatory examinations and the implications of enforcement actions on banking operations.

9:05 AM – 9:35 AM
Competitive Threats & Opportunities
This session examines the competitive threats and opportunities banks will encounter in 2025. How can banks effectively integrate in-person and digital services to attract and retain customers? How do they cater to the diverse needs of different generations? Additionally, what strategies can banks implement to overcome challenges related to acquiring the right technology?

9:45 AM – 10:15 AM
General Sessions (select one)

Audit & Risk General Session: Turn Data into Action: A Practical Guide to Risk Management
In this session, learn how to turn your data into a powerful tool for risk management. Discover practical techniques to identify hidden risks, prioritize threats and make data-driven decisions to protect your organization’s bottom line.

Compensation & Talent General Session: Navigating the Talent Landscape: Strategies for Success in 2025
Talent has emerged as a crucial factor for success in today’s competitive and ever-changing industry. Now more than ever, bank leaders must adapt to the new realities of the talent landscape and develop strategies to stand out in the competition for employees. This session offers insights into best practices in the evolving talent market.

Governance & Strategy General Session: Seamless Transition: Strengthening Board Leadership
A strong board is essential for a bank’s long-term success. This session explores strategies for addressing underperforming directors, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and identifying key factors that contribute to effective board governance.

10:15 AM – 10:30 AM
Refreshment Break

10:30 AM – 11:00 AM
General Sessions (select one)

Audit & Risk General Session: Navigating AI and Cyber Risks
As Artificial Intelligence (AI) continues to revolutionize the banking industry, so do the cyber threats targeting financial institutions. Join us to learn how to leverage AI to enhance security and mitigate risk.

Compensation & Talent General Session:  Modernizing Executive Compensation
Banks can adapt executive compensation programs to align with evolving business strategies, regulatory requirements and market trends.  This session discusses strategies for designing and implementing effective compensation plans that attract, retain and motivate top talent while mitigating risk and maximizing shareholder value.

Governance & Strategy General Session: Conversational Banking: The Future of Customer Interactions 
What impact do chatbots, voice assistants and personalized messaging have on enhancing customer experiences and building lasting relationships? This session explores implementing conversational interfaces and learning how to leverage these tools to meet the evolving needs of today’s consumers.

11:00 AM – 11:30 AM
General Sessions (select one)

Audit & Risk General Session: Balancing Innovation and Risk
Artificial Intelligence (AI) offers immense potential to transform the banking industry. However, it also presents significant cybersecurity risks. This session explores issues related to AI-related risks, including data privacy, model bias and malicious attacks, while examining the role of bank boards in overseeing AI initiatives and ensuring a robust cybersecurity posture.

Compensation & Talent General Session: Seizing Opportunities: Capitalizing On Change
Transformative events, whether M&A, the retirement of a key employee or capital raises, are all about increasing shareholder value. This session guides how to structure compensation to ensure that key employees are always adequately incentivized and connected to the company’s success.

Governance & Strategy General Session: Differentiating Your Bank
This session focuses on strategies to set your bank apart and establish a strong brand identity. We discuss the importance of understanding your target market, using technology to improve customer experience and creating innovative products and services.

11:30 AM – 12:30 PM
Networking Lunch

12:30 PM – 1:10 PM
Breakout Sessions (select one)

Breakout 1:   Bank Director 101: Serving on the Audit Committee
The Bank Director 101 sessions focus on the basics that all Audit Committee members must know as they participate in board meetings. This session centers on audit, specifically the role of the Audit Committee, internal and external audit responsibilities and adding value as a board member.

Answers to the following questions are discussed during this session:

• What are the duties of the audit committee? Who should serve on the committee?
• What are the regulatory expectations for bank audit committees and the board generally?
• What relationship and/or responsibility should the board and its audit committee have with and/or for the internal audit function?
• If the board has a separate risk committee, what (if any) role should the audit committee have in risk governance?
• How frequently should the audit committee meet?

Breakout 2:  Uncovering Shadow Banking Risks: The Role of Regulators
The rise of shadow banking poses a significant threat to financial stability. This session explores why regulators leverage data from traditional banks to shed light on shadow banking activities. We discuss the implications for both banks and regulators and explore potential strategies for mitigating shadow banking risks.

Breakout 3:  Building a Winning Leadership Team
Learn how to build a high-performing leadership team that can drive growth and value creation post-merger. This session covers practical tips and tools for attracting, retaining and developing top talent in a rapidly changing environment.

Breakout 4:  Navigating the Impact of Rising Rates
Rising interest rates have exposed the vulnerabilities of banks holding long-duration assets. This session dives into the implications of these unrealized losses, explores potential mitigation strategies and discusses the role of bank boards and executives in managing these risks. We examine the impact on capital, earnings and future growth prospects and discuss best practices for navigating this challenging environment.

1:20 PM – 2:00 PM
Breakout Sessions (select one)

Breakout 1:   Bank Director 101: Serving on the Risk Committee
The Bank Director 101 sessions focus on the basics that directors serving on the Risk Committee must know when participating in board meetings. This session centers on some of the most essential concepts in managing bank risk, including regulatory expectations, the board’s role versus management’s role, and sample questions that directors should ask during meetings.

Answers to the following questions and topics are discussed during this session:

• What principal risk categories must banks manage, including credit, liquidity, interest rate, etc.?
• Describe the responsibilities of the board in risk governance, including regulatory expectations.
• Compare the role of management with the board’s role in risk management.
• How does the board establish the bank’s risk appetite?
• At what point should the board consider establishing a standalone risk committee?

Breakout 2:  Safeguarding Your Bank in the Digital Era
Cybercrime has evolved into a sophisticated industry, posing significant risks to the banking sector. This session discusses best practices for mitigating these risks, such as implementing robust security measures, training employees and staying informed about emerging threats. Additionally, we examine the role of collaboration between banks and law enforcement agencies in combating cybercrime.

Breakout 3:  Are You Prepared for Reg CC?
Join us to learn about the latest updates to Regulation CC and the crucial changes to funds availability rules. We discuss increased dollar thresholds for expedited funds availability, cash withdrawals and large deposits. This session also explores strategies to ensure compliance and reduce operational risks.

Breakout 4: Leveraging Innovation to Fuel Growth in Small Businesses
Enhance fintech partnerships, improve data models, streamline processes and create personalized customer experiences that position your bank as a leader in small business lending. This session explores how innovation can strengthen relationships, expand market share and unlock the potential of local economies.

2:00 PM – 2:30 PM
Charting the Course for Tomorrow’s Banks
As the banking industry evolves, mergers and acquisitions have become a strategic imperative for many institutions in 2025. This session explores factors driving consolidation, the potential benefits and challenges of mergers and acquisitions, and bank boards’ critical role in guiding these transformative deals.

2:30 PM – 2:45 PM
Refreshment Break

2:45 PM – 4:00 PM
Peer Collaboration Session 2
Join another collaborative discussion with your peers to explore the latest trends and challenges in audit, risk and governance. Share best practices, discuss emerging risks and develop strategies to enhance your board’s oversight.

4:10 PM – 4:40 PM
Building a Strong Bank
During this popular conference session, Bank Director sits down with a banking pioneer and discusses their innovative decision strategies and how they have built the bank they lead today.

4:40 PM – 5:40 PM
Networking Peer & Guest Reception
Join us for a balmy evening of networking and conversation outside on the Sunset Terrace.

7:30 AM – 8:30 AM
Breakfast

8:30 AM – 8:35 AM
Day Three Welcome
Kick off the final day of the conference with a recap of key insights and a look ahead to the future of banking.

8:35 AM – 9:05 AM
Seamless Transition: The Critical Role of Succession Planning
A strong succession plan is vital for the long-term success of any bank. This session discusses the importance of board involvement in succession planning and the board’s role in selecting and mentoring future leaders. We explore the impact of regulatory changes and emerging trends on succession planning.

9:15 AM – 9:55 AM
Breakout Sessions (select one)

Breakout 1:   Bank Director 101: Serving on the Technology Committee
The Bank Director 101 sessions focus on the basics that all directors must know as they participate in board meetings. This session discusses what directors need to know about technology, including the importance of aligning technology with the bank’s overall strategy.

Answers to the following questions and topics are discussed during this session:

• How much do directors need to know about technology?
• What are the most important decisions that boards typically make around technology?
• Identify the recent trends in bank technology that bank boards need to be aware of.
• What is the board’s role in the area of cyber security?
• What concerns should boards have when engaged with third-party technology providers?

Breakout 2: Creating A Vendor Management Blueprint
A robust vendor management program is essential for minimizing risks and maximizing value. This session focuses on best practices for developing and implementing an effective program, including vendor selection, due diligence, contract negotiation, performance monitoring and risk assessment.

Breakout 3: Revitalizing Your Board: Strategies for Effective Governance and Succession Planning
A high-performing board is essential for the long-term success of a bank. This session explores the importance of diversity, independence and effective communication within the board. Additionally, we address strategies for managing underperforming directors and fostering a culture of continuous improvement.

Breakout 4: The Risks and Rewards of BaaS
The Banking-as-a-Service (BaaS) model offers significant potential for banks to expand their reach and generate new revenue streams. However, it also presents complex challenges related to risk management, regulatory compliance and operational efficiency. This session looks into the critical considerations for banks exploring BaaS, including partner selection, due diligence and ongoing monitoring. We discuss strategies for mitigating risks, optimizing operations and maximizing the benefits of this innovative business model.

9:55 AM – 10:10 AM
Refreshment Break

10:10 AM – 10:40 AM
Beyond Resilience: Driving Business Value Through Operational Excellence
Explore how organizations can transform operational risk into a strategic advantage. This session features the latest trends and best practices in operational resilience, including digital transformation, cyber security and crisis management.

10:40 AM – 11:10 AM
Challenges and Opportunities in Banking
This interactive session brings together bank leaders to share their perspectives on the key factors shaping the future of banking. We focus on economic trends, technological advancements and customer expectations.

11:10 AM – 11:15 AM
Closing Remarks