OBL CELEBRATES 10TH ANNIVERSARY OF WIB!

OBL CELEBRATES 10TH ANNIVERSARY OF WIB!

The 10th Annual Women in Banking Conference is just around the corner. As the OBL prepares for this grand event, we asked OBL Education Manager Julie Kiplinger, who was the creator of the program, to reflect on its lifespan.

When creating the first WIB Conference, what was your original intention?

I had the vision to create an event for women in finance – across all levels – whether an attendee was a newer banker or a seasoned executive. I wanted to create an opportunity for women at any level to engage with each other, to network with peers from across the state and to form bonds across banks and positions. I wanted attendees to be able to share their knowledge and experiences, to help each other and to lift each other up. Plus, it provided an opportunity to bring in presenters from across the country who can speak to the challenges and benefits to being a woman in a male-dominated industry.

What do you remember most from the first conference?

When planning began for the program, our goal was to have 75 people there – thinking a 100 would be a stretch. Well – we had more than 200 empowered women show up to the first event. Seeing the response told me that there was a need. It was wonderful to see the support from OBL member banks. And it was an impressive sight to see that many female professionals in the room at one time and to feel the excitement and energy.

How has the program evolved over time?

When the program began, I spent many hours researching other conferences and events, and I have continued to do so throughout these past 10 years. After several years, we created an executive panel, which had also been popular at the Next Gen Conference. This panel enabled our attendees to hear from and meet others who have made a career of banking. These exceptional panelists shared insights into who were their mentors, what was their path and how do they raise others, among many other humorous and memorable stories. It is still one of our most popular sessions.

We have also created Power Sessions, shorter 45-minute sessions on general topics that are valuable to the full

group not only in their professional lives, but personal lives, too.

What do you think the biggest take-away is for attendees?

Some attendees arrive thinking it will be a day of fluff or rah-rah time. Once they have joined us, they realize they have gained important knowledge and information on topics that help them back at the bank. They walk away with tangibles to use, and to help them continue to grow and achieve as they take next steps in their careers.

If I have never attended the program – what can I expect at the 2024 event?

Expect a full and engaging day where you will listen to top-level industry speakers who can help you to achieve your goals – and many networking opportunities, too. While there, you will step outside of your comfort zone as you learn something new about yourself, your colleagues and those around you. You’ll have a new appreciation and perspective for who you are!

What is one of your favorite memories from the conference?

I think one of my favorite presenters was Holly Huffman from Survivor. She took her “average” life – took a risk – and went on Survivor. It was very apparent that she had tapped into her inner strength and found the courage to succeed. She brought a lot of excitement into the room. I also enjoyed having well-known Columbus news anchor Angela Pace moderate the executive panel one year. She was a complete professional and pulled out great information from panelists.

10th Year thoughts?

Being the 10th year is an extraordinary accomplishment! I knew what we wanted to accomplish all those years ago – but knowing this need has continued and grown as it gains the support from members means so much.