Hoosier Banker 17 2019 Banking on Women Conference Achieving the ‘next best version of you’ The Indiana Bankers Association continued with its successful hosting of the 2019 Banking on Women Conference. The event, held Nov. 20-21 at the Indianapolis Marriott North, surpassed prior-year attendance, with 398 women coming together for professional development, networking and inspiration. Attendees gathered mid-day on Tuesday, Nov. 20, for registration, then delved into an afternoon packed with powerhouse presentations. Shane Pilarski, chair of the conference planning committee and president/CEO of Alliance Bank, Francesville, welcomed guests and offered opening remarks on the uplifting spirit of the Banking on Women Conference. Afternoon sessions began with a thought-provoking presentation by emcee Juli Lynch, Ph.D., a perennial favorite from the previous two conferences and the IBA Leadership Development Program. In “The Seven Aspects of Personal and Professional Transformation,” Lynch shared insights on transforming lives to achieve balance, harmony and alignment to achieve “the next best version of you.” Ensuing presentations were “Fearless: Advancing Your Career as a Financial Professional” presented by Jennifer Sanders, BKD CPAs & Advisors, and “The Brilliance of Resilience: Beating Burnout When Work Gets Overwhelming” presented by Jacy Imilkowski, University of Wisconsin, Madison. Wednesday rounded out with a lively reception featuring interactive food and beverage stations. Throughout the reception, attendees visited with service providers in the IBA exhibit area. The number of exhibitors surpassed the prior year with 23 booths. New this year to the exhibit area was the availability of a professional photographer, sponsored by the Indiana University Kelley School of Business. Stephanie Nicole Photography provided headshots for attendees to update their social media brand and workplace websites. Another addition to the exhibit area was a fun photo booth sponsored by IT Resource Inc. Filled with silly hats, feather boas and humorous catch phrases, the booth provided a lighthearted means to bond with fellow bankers. The reception also gave guests an opportunity to bid on a treasure trove of items at a silent auction benefiting Ascent 121, a faith-based agency that provides longterm trauma recovery services for teen survivors of sex trafficking, along with an entire continuum of care. Named after Psalm 121, Ascent 121 has served over 200 survivors in Indiana since its establishment in 2013. After the reception, fellowship extended into the evening, as attendees sampled a variety of dine-arounds at local restaurants, where each attendee enjoyed a fine meal and good company with other attendees from the conference. Thursday, Nov. 21, began bright and early with riseand-shine yoga. A continental breakfast in the exhibit area followed, after which commenced a full day of learning, networking, engaging, connecting and empowering. Presentations included: “Chasing the Bright Side: Why Optimism Is the Secret Ingredient to Success” presented by Jess Ekstrom, Headbands of Hope; “Smart Women, Smart Money” by Suzie Jones, Training Resources Consulting LLC; “Developing the Potential of Women” by Vicki Floyd Clark, Building the Capacity of Organizations; and “Maximizing Your Personal Brand Using Social Media” by Kristin Sundin Brandt, Sundin Associates. Thursday’s luncheon also provided a new element to the conference – the inaugural IBA Woman on the Rise Award. Several outstanding women were nominated by their peers for this award, designed to celebrate a woman age 40 or younger who is making a significant impact in her industry and community. Laurie A. Rees Vice President-Education & Training Indiana Bankers Association lrees@indianabankers.org @Laurie1107
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTg3NDExNQ==