The Indiana Bankers Association’s annual Mega Conference this year encouraged Hoosier bankers to “Think Forward” because, in the world of banking, it is imperative for your initiative to stand out to get your institution noticed. The 2023 conference saw another significant increase in attendance to 1,270, up from 1,100 in 2022 and 1,000 in 2021 after an in-person hiatus in 2020 caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Mega Conference is the Association’s signature event each year and the largest state bankers association meeting in the nation. The conference kicked off Tuesday, May 16, with an afternoon golf tournament through cloudy weather at Eagle Creek Golf Club on the northwest side of Indianapolis. That evening, the IBA hosted its annual Associate Member Appreciation Reception at The Westin Indianapolis hotel in recognition of the many associate members that make Mega possible each year. Bankers and associate members enjoyed drinks and hors d’oeuvres while networking with one another. The evening concluded with the popular hospitality suite in the Governor’s Suite at the Westin. On Wednesday, the conference schedule began in earnest with two morning and two afternoon rounds of educational breakout sessions, with six sessions to choose from in each slot. Wednesday morning also featured the return of last year’s popular Fintech Showcase, sponsored by Profit Resources Inc. The showcase featured live pitches from emerging companies displaying their new technologies and opportunities to implement innovative solutions specifically designed for community banks and their customers. Between the morning and afternoon sessions was a lunch keynote featuring Jack Uldrich, who discussed how to future-proof your business in transformational times. The luncheon also featured the presentation of Diamond Associate Member awards and recognition of this year’s Five-Star Bank members. After the day’s educational sessions wrapped up, bankers returned to the exhibit hall for the Mega Celebration, where they mingled with one another and associate members over food and drinks. That evening, the IBA Future Leadership Division gathered for a casual networking event at Goodwood Brewing, just a short walk from the convention center. All conference attendees were then invited back to the hospitality suite for another evening of fun, conversation, food and drinks. Thursday brought another four rounds of education sessions, again with six options each. At lunch, keynote speaker Meridith Elliott Powell urged attendees to redefine success in order to build a team that thrives in periods of change like the banking sector is currently experiencing. The luncheon also featured the announcement of this year’s Commitment to Community Award winners. The program is designed to showcase exceptional community bank outreach in the state. Congratulations to Hoosier Heartland State Bank, Crawfordsville, for winning the category for banks with under $500 million in assets, and First Bank Richmond for winning the category for banks with $500 million or more in assets. Thank you to all who attended, and many thanks to our generous sponsors. We hope to see you at next year’s Mega Conference, scheduled for May 6-8, 2024, at the Indiana Convention Center. HB Hoosier Banker 21
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTg3NDExNQ==