MCONNECTING WOMEN BY LAURIE A. REES, INDIANA BANKERS ASSOCIATION More than 475 attendees, vendors and speakers packed the Embassy Suites in Noblesville Nov. 6-7 for the 8th annual IBA Banking on Women Conference. Helmed by 2024 conference committee chair Karen Woods of First Financial Bank, Cincinnati, this year’s conference lived up to its reputation as a platform where women take the lead. Powerhouse educational sessions tackled mentoring and company culture, intergenerational workforces, artificial intelligence, the art and science of making meaningful connections, and more. The conference marked the return of IBA’s prestigious Banking on Women Awards presentations. Danielle Conner, senior vice president of risk management at Owen County State Bank, Spencer, was honored as the 2024 IBA Woman of the Year. The award, sponsored by Krieg DeVault LLP, celebrates women in banking for their professional excellence, community engagement and track record of supporting other women in reaching their full potential. Taylor Mills, vice president at First Farmers Bank & Trust Co., Converse, was honored as the 2024 IBA Woman on the Rise. The award, sponsored by Amundsen Davis LLC, recognizes a woman in banking age 40 or younger who is making a significant impact in her industry and community through engagement, drive and teamwork. Attendees had plenty of time to cut loose and have some fun as well. After dinner on Wednesday was entertainment from Kat Perkins, a contestant from NBC’s hit singing competition, “The Voice.” Networking breaks between each educational session gave attendees the chance to connect with colleagues and expand their professional networks. These breaks also provided the opportunity to peruse items available for bid in this year’s silent auction, benefiting Girls Inc. of Greater Indianapolis. The organization offers comprehensive programming in healthy living, academic enrichment and support, and life skills instruction to participants ages 5-24. This year’s auction raised a total of $7,720. Thank you to our planning committee, attendees, speakers and sponsors for making this another rousing success. Be sure to save the date for our 2025 conference – a little earlier than normal – Oct. 22-23, back at the Embassy Suites in Noblesville! Laurie A. Rees Vice President – Education & Training Indiana Bankers Association LRees@indiana.bank Laurie is responsible for planning, designing and implementing IBA educational offerings, including schools, seminars, executive-level forums and webinars. She is also the IBA’s liaison for the Graduate School of Banking at the University of Wisconsin and a member of the GSB Education Directors Advisory Group. Banking on WOMEN 22 HOOSIERBANKER
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