Hoosier Banker 17 Christina M. Bennett, CMP Vice President- Meetings & Events Indiana Bankers Association cbennett@indianabankers.org @cbennettin Delivering Key Takeaways was the focus of the 2017 Indiana Bankers Association Mega Conference, now in its 26th year of sharing winning ideas and strategies with the Indiana banking community. This year’s Mega Conference drew a crowd of 1,254 attendees, eager to network and learn in support of the industry. Educational events took place May 3-4 at the Indiana Convention Center, preceded by a golf outing on Tuesday, May 2, at the idyllic Country Club of Indianapolis. The weather was brisk and breezy, but skies were blue and cheerful for golfers in attendance. Congratulations to the winning golf team: Tim Beloat, The Baker Group, Indianapolis; Pat Botts, MutualBank, Muncie; and Dave Coffey, Mutual Savings Bank, Franklin. Also, thank you to the members of the IBA Future Leadership Division who assisted by selling mulligans as a fundraiser for Indiana BANKPAC. The educational component of the Mega Conference kicked off early on Wednesday, May 3, with a variety of concurrent sessions covering the track areas of Compliance, Directors, Operations & Technology, Retail Banking, Sales & Customer Service, and Trust. Wednesday’s luncheon featured recognition of IBA members and associate members, as the IBA presented awards to Five Star Member banks and to Diamond Associate Members. Keynote presenter Kevin Brown rounded out the luncheon with a stirring message on “The Hero Effect.” Late Wednesday afternoon, Mega attendees mixed and mingled for the always-popular Mega Celebration. Following the celebration, camaraderie continued with a Future Leadership Division reception. A special addition to Mega this year was a dinner gathering of friends and family of S. Joe DeHaven, retired IBA chief executive officer, to honor him for his 47 years of service to banking. Among other tributes, DeHaven was presented with a Sagamore of the Wabash award. On Thursday, May 4, Mega education resumed with concurrent sessions covering Business Lending, Financial Management, Human Resources, Marketing, Risk Management and Strategic Thinking. Thursday luncheon highlights included a Maxi Awards presentation, showcasing the best of Indiana bank marketing, and a humorous-yet-insightful keynote by Sam Glenn, a.k.a. “The Attitude Guy.” All told, the 2017 IBA Mega Conference offered nearly 50 educational opportunities within a two-day span, while providing quality networking for more than 1,200 attendees. Mega has proven an enduring success, thanks to the support of the planners, sponsors, trade show exhibitors, speakers, attendees and others who make this event possible. Please plan to join us for next year’s Mega Conference, May 1-3, 2018, at the Indiana Convention Center. HB
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