Hoosier Banker 15 How many times can the Indiana Bankers Association plan one conference? For Mega 2020, the number seemed to be endless. The original conference was scheduled for May at the Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis. In early March, we thought we would be quarantined for two weeks, and that there was plenty of time to get back to business before the May event. Boy, were we ever wrong. As 2020 wore on, we added in the IBA annual meeting as we planned and replanned our flagship events. Through spring and early summer, the IBA Board of Directors remained optimistic about being able to hold a live event in 2020. But as the pandemic raged through July, we were rethinking, and by September we made the tough decision to transition to virtual. The goal of the event was to provide the education that our members need, but also to create a connection, something many of us were lacking in 2020. And these times certainly challenged us to see things differently – to do things differently – yet in the end, achieve the same: create and nurture a strong community of banking professionals who learn and grow through shared experiences, exceptional educational opportunities, and superior banking products and services. On Nov. 16-18, more than 700 IBA members joined us for Mega Reimagined. The event featured three keynotes who were specifically selected to be virtual. Holly Hoffman kicked us off with her message of “Lead Simply,” while Erik Qualman presented on digital leadership, and Dr. Stephen Happel gave us a glimpse into the post-Trump economy. Each year, the Association is required to hold an annual meeting, which is typically accomplished at the Annual Convention. IBA records show that only two times in our 123-year history have we not held an annual convention, and both of those were during world wars. We definitely made history in 2020, holding our first-ever virtual annual meeting. IBA 2020 Chairman Lucas White was joined by 2021 Chairman Mike Zahn and President and CEO Amber Van Til to review the year. Lucas characterized 2020 as “a dumpster fire,” but proudly said he successfully accomplished his goal of visiting all Indiana-based member banks – although he was thankful to have started in the fall of 2019. Lucas was recognized as a Sagamore of the Wabash, with the award presented by Director Tom Fite of the Indiana Department of Financial Institutions. We also elected officers for 2021, as Mike Zahn was elected chairman, with Garry Kleer and Jamie Shinabarger elected first and second vice chairmen, respectively. We presented 40 concurrent sessions, with many of the topics changing because of the pandemic. The virtual presentations were well attended and were also available to attendees on-demand through year-end. Associate members stepped up big for Mega Reimagined, and most every session had its own sponsor, with the sponsor providing a short video and/or introducing the speakers. More than 50 exhibitors created inviting virtual exhibit booths to welcome attendees. We gave away lots of prizes, and we were also able to hold the traditional Future Leadership Division silent auction to benefit Indiana BANKPAC, raising $16,360. Overall, the comments from the 2020 event were positive, with many expressing the hope that we will gather in person in 2021. Plans are already being made for live events this year. Please mark your calendar for new event dates in 2021. This year we plan to host the Annual Convention Aug. 15-17 in French Lick, and the Mega Conference Oct. 11-13 in Indianapolis. We can’t wait to see you all! HB 'LVMWXMRE 1 &IRRIXX '14 Vice President - Meetings & Events Indiana Bankers Association cbennett@indiana.bank @cbennettin
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