T Rooted in GROWTH 2025 ANNUAL CONVENTION BY CHRISTINA M. BENNETT, INDIANA BANKERS ASSOCIATION The IBA welcomed nearly 400 bankers, vendors, dignitaries and guests to the historic French Lick Resort this September for three days of connection and growth. More than a traditional industry gathering, our 2025 Annual Convention was built on innovation and development, living up to its theme: Rooted in Growth. Growing Knowledge, Deepening Expertise The 2025 IBA Annual Convention reflected the foundation, resilience and purpose that define community banking. Just as strong roots enable a tree to weather storms and reach new heights, our banks flourish when grounded in sound values, long-term vision and trusted relationships. While Philip Smith of Gerrish Smith Tuck dug into how to stay rooted with strategies for independent bank success, Kyle and Tom Hershberger of Cross Financial offered three important ingredients when developing future leaders. These forward-looking sessions set the tone for a convention focused on staying true to the roots of what has made community banking the economic engine of the country while embracing all the future has to offer. Branching Out For the first time, attendees had multiple breakout sessions to choose from, allowing the opportunity to customize their educational experience with sessions about sales growth strategies and balancing innovation and risk when implementing artificial intelligence at their bank. In another programming shift this year, the annual Leaders in Banking Excellence celebration was held Monday afternoon instead of being a standalone event at IBA headquarters. Extra chairs had to be brought into the room to hold all the attendees who joined to celebrate this year’s honorees. Read more about the ceremony on page 10. This year’s programming also included sessions on stablecoins, growing deposits online, strategic leadership in a shifting landscape, authentic leadership and the annual economic outlook. Our national partners offered industry leader sessions featuring Kenneth Kelly, chair-elect of the American Bankers Association, and Jack E. Hopkins, chair of the Independent Community Bankers of America, bringing a national perspective to local challenges. Deepening Connections The schedule was carefully crafted to balance learning with engagement and camaraderie. As attendees arrived, they had the opportunity to tee off at the annual golf tournament at the Donald Ross Course at French Lick. Meanwhile 12 players returned for our second annual Pickleball Tournament at the newly constructed French Lick courts. Sunday evening featured a lively opening reception in the exhibit hall, fostering connections and setting the tone for the rest of the convention. Attendees put on their fanciest threads for the black-tie optional Chairman’s Banquet. Post-dinner entertainment was provided by Ryan & Laura Ahlwart, a husband-wife musical duo, presenting everything from soulful ballads to upbeat favorites. Monday evening brought the Indiana BANKPAC auction and dinner hosted by the Future Leadership Division. Attendees had the opportunity to bid on silent auction items from Notre Dame football box seats and signed sports memorabilia to jewelry and designer handbags, top-of-the-line tech and even children’s toys, to support Indiana BANKPAC. Live auction items included a basketball signed by Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark, two Allen Edmonds Shoe Shopping Experiences F E ATUR E 34 HOOSIERBANKER
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