Pub. 9 2021 Issue 2

utah.bank 16 113TH ANNUAL UBA CONVENTION T he 113th Annual Utah Bankers Association Convention was held at Sun Valley Resort in beautiful Sun Valley, Idaho, June 27-30, 2021. This was the first live meeting held by the UBA since the pandemic. With close to 400 bankers, guests and business partners in attendance, all were excited to be back together once again. With an impressive lineup of speakers, perfect weather, world- renowned entertainment, great attendance, and the natural beauty of Sun Valley, this year’s convention was one for the books. The convention kicked off with an exhibit hall during registration that featured a wide range of exhibitors in over 40 booths. Bankers and families alike enjoyed the fun and inviting atmosphere while exhibitors conversed with bankers representing Utah’s diverse banking industry. At Monday’s Business Session speakers included an address from Mark Zinder posing the question “is it different this time?” considering current events, how we were, and where we go from here. Two key regulators spoke to attendees, including FDIC Chairman Jelena McWilliams, who joined via Zoom and provided an update from the agency. Governor Randal Quarles, Federal Reserve Bank, spoke on the potential benefits and risks of a Central Bank digital currency before sitting down for a fireside chat with Harris Simmons, Chairman and CEO, Zions Bancorporation. During lunch, newly appointed U.S Congressman Blake Moore addressed attendees talking about how he intends to advocate for the industry in Congress and reminisced about as a child coming to the UBA Convention in Sun Valley with his father who was a prominent banker in the community. The Business Session also featured two different panels, “Washington Insiders” with Chris Polaszek, The Polaszek Law Firm; Geoff Gray, Grayco; and Mike Nielsen, CGCN Group; who had a lively With an impressive lineup of speakers, perfect weather, world-renowned entertainment, great attendance, and the natural beauty of Sun Valley, this year’s convention was one for the books.