6 minute read
Mega Conference Wrap-Up
MEGA CONFERENCE gets a BIG RESPONSE
Bankers and vendors joined forces to kick off the ABA’s inaugural Mega Conference, held October 23-25 at the Marriott Hotel in downtown Little Rock. Throughout the three-day event, attendees enjoyed networking with peers from across the state and learning the newest banking trends during the job-specific tracks which included Agricultural Lending, Bank Executives, Leadership, Marketing, Security, Technology and Trust. In addition to the conference sessions, participants experienced a revamped trade show that offered the potential for more one-on-one time with vendors. Event highlights included lunch speakers former NFL player Keith Jackson, who spoke on the importance of teammates and a good attitude along the road to success; NLF referee Walt Coleman, who stressed the need to turn “boos” into positivity; and the marijuana banking panel, which featured Kelly Good of the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City/ Denver Branch; Mary Robin Casteel, Director of the Arkansas Alcoholic Beverage Control Division; and John Vardaman, General Counsel for Hypur, a company who has helped financial institutions automate their marijuana banking regulatory compliance. Utilizing banker feedback, the ABA hopes to continue to grow this Mega event. Here’s what bankers are saying about the Mega Conference: I liked the opportunity to network with several vendors during the breaks and enjoyed talking to other individuals in banking aside from just those that are in the Emerging Leaders. I had a great time at the Happy Hour and thought that it was extremely beneficial to gaining new networking contacts in the industry. - Heather B. The “mega” format was efficient for our bankers and also gave us the opportunity for interaction among groups in the bank that typically don’t travel together. Really like the format. - Sean W. I was not aware this was the first time for an ABA conference of this type. I loved it and look forward to what next year may bring. - Mike S.
THANK YOU VOLUNTEERS TO OUR The success of this year’s Mega Conference hinged on our banker volunteers — a MEGA thank you to these individuals for taking time out of your schedule to support the ABA staff at this event!
John Thomas Anderson, Malvern National Bank, Little Rock Natalie Bartholomew, Grand Savings Bank, Rogers Gene Crawford, Citizens Bank, Batesville Dave Dickson, Union Bank & Trust, Monticello Blake Fletcher, Stone Bank, Little Rock Lisa Jackson, First National Bank of Wynne, Wynne Randy Scott, Farmers Bank & Trust, Blytheville Mike Shepard, One Bank & Trust, Little Rock Sandy Starnes, Citizens Bank, Batesville
10 The Arkansas Banker | November 2017 (Above) The most-attended event during Mega Conference was a lunchtime panel on marijuana banking, featuring representatives from the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City, Hypur, and the Arkansas Alcoholic Beverage Control Division.
(Right) Brant Ward, Signature Bank, Fayetteville; Jennifer Adase, Grand Savings Bank, Rogers; Natalie Bartholomew, Grand Savings Bank, Rogers; and Rachael Potter, Farmers Bank & Trust, Texarkana.
Past ABA Chairman Robert Taylor, Citizens Bank, Batesville; current ABA Chairman Dave Dickson, Union Bank & Trust, Monticello; and past ABA Chairman Sean Williams, First National Bank of Wynne, Wynne.
SNAPSHOTS
(Above) Bankers and vendors enjoyed a lively game of bingo during Tuesday evening’s networking event.
(Right) David Vickers, Merchants & Farmers Bank, Dumas, receives a gift card from Southern Pioneer’s drawing in the Trade Show. Pictured with Southern Pioneer representatives Matt Hyneman, Brian Hyneman, and Hal Hyneman.
THANK YOU SPONSORS TO OUR All Covered Mobile App Banner Ad Federated Investors Elevator Wrap
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12 The Arkansas Banker | November 2017 Kyle Cupp, Signature Bank of Arkansas, Fayetteville; Chris Welch, Signature Bank of Arkansas, Fayetteville; and Brant Ward, Signature Bank, Fayetteville.
(Left) Andy Horton, Fidelity National Bank, Marion; Kirby Carlson, Fidelity National Bank, West Memphis; Kyle Schlenker, First National Bank of Wynne, Cherry Valley; and Mark Tiner, Union Bank & Trust, Monticello.
(Below) Bankers with an interest in agricultural lending listen in as the American Bankers Association’s Edwin Elfmann gives an update on ag policy.
SNAPSHOTS
SNAPSHOTS
14 Scott Saffold, Union Bank & Trust, Monticello; Adam Starks, First State Bank, Lonoke; and James Lyle, McGehee Bank, McGehee.
3E Software, Inc. / Teslar 3SI Security AAMSCO All Covered The ASA Group Bankers Healthcare Group BKD, LLP Broadridge Financial Collateral Valuation Consultants DD&F Consulting Group Equias Alliance Federal Protection Financial Equipment Company The Johanson Group / DB Squared Mainstream Technologies Mainstreet Advisors NetGain Technologies OneDigital Health & Benefits Reich & Tang SBS CyberSecurity Southern Pioneer Insurance TPC - The Payroll Company Visible Equity Works24 THANK YOU TRADE SHOW VENDORS TO OUR Thanks to these companies for taking the time to share their products and services with #ARHometownBankers!
(Above Left) Kirby Williams, Stone Bank, Mountain View; and Kevin Compton, Stone Bank, Mountain View.
(Above) Larry Casey, First Arkansas Bank & Trust, Jacksonville; Sheila DeArmond, First Arkansas Bank & Trust, Jacksonville; and Mike Hall, First Arkansas Bank & Trust, Jacksonville.
(Left) Joe Dan Stewart, Citizens Bank & Trust, Van Buren; and Brent Taylor, Citizens Bank & Trust, Van Buren.
