115TH ANNUAL UBA CONVENTION BY BRIAN COMSTOCK, Director of Communications & Marketing, Utah Bankers Association The 115th Annual UBA Convention returned to the beautiful Sun Valley Resort June 25-28, 2023. A little inclement weather couldn’t dampen the collective mood as more than 400 bankers, guests and business partners gathered to reconnect with friends and colleagues, with a bit of a look back at the turbulent events of recent months while also looking ahead at trends and new technology that will affect the industry’s future. The event kicked off with registration in the Exhibit Hall on Sunday afternoon as bankers and their families connected with more than 45 exhibitors, learning about their products and services while also enjoying fun games and picking up some amazing swag. Dave DeFazio of StrategyCorps led the Monday Business Session, providing an overview of new technologies — including the Pay Ring, Amazon One, AI and others — that are disrupting the market by creating new ways to connect and deliver excellent customer experiences. Joe Sullivan from Market Insights gave a thought-provoking talk about the evolving demographic landscape, both in Utah and nationwide, and how those shifts will affect everyone in your organization. Hannah Packard from Central Bank — and this year’s Emerging Bank Leaders Chair — capped off the morning with an EBL update, highlighting the positive momentum the group has built over the past year. Attendees enjoyed lunch on the Lodge Terrace, which featured plenty of sunshine, prize giveaways and an introduction to Celeste Maloy, Republican candidate for Utah’s upcoming special election in the 2nd Congressional District. Following lunch, bankers dispersed to breakout sessions that addressed topics like blockchain, employee engagement, AI and balance sheets. Then it was time for some “friendly” competition with the worldfamous UBA bingo game! Nearly 600 participants packed the Inn’s Limelight Ballroom to compete for some fantastic prizes, including wireless speakers, electric scooters, pickleball sets, hammocks, gift cards and more! Tuesday was Activities Day with attendees and family members partaking in a Fun Run, white water rafting, a golf tournament, horseback riding, trap shooting and a pickleball tournament! Later that evening, UBA Chair Matt Bloye (Wells Fargo) and ABA Chair Dan Robb (Jonesburg State Bank) were honored at the Chairman’s Reception & Dinner. To add to the festivities, Chairman Robb was also celebrating his wedding anniversary and birthday, for which he was presented a cake and serenaded by the crowd. Utah Banker 6
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTg3NDExNQ==