The ABA Annual Convention is the American Bankers Association's flagship event, bringing together bankers from community, regional, and large institutions to explore trends and emerging issues shaping financial services. The 2026 convention, held from October 25 to 27 at the Salt Palace Convention Center in Salt Lake City, focused on practical, growth-oriented topics such as artificial intelligence, tokenization, risk management, and digital transformation.
The program featured 35 sessions designed for forward-thinking professionals, covering areas like AI adoption for operational efficiency, risk management essentials, and digital transformation strategies. New in 2026, the convention introduced The Hub, an interactive experience that served as an extension of the knowledge sessions, offering curated, interactive, and intentional engagements with over 100 trusted industry providers. Attendees could participate in the Solutions Stage for hot topic analyses, connect with subject matter experts in the Meet the Experts Lounge, and explore tailored solutions from the ABA Partner Network.
Networking opportunities abounded, with attendees connecting with CEOs, C-suite executives, and senior bank leaders from institutions of all sizes. The convention also featured a closing reception, providing a chance to celebrate the location of the 2027 event in Cleveland and engage with fellow professionals in a relaxed setting.
This event is ideal for banking professionals seeking to navigate the evolving landscape of financial services, offering insights into emerging trends and strategies to future-proof their institutions.
Speakers(17)
Cyndie M. Chang
Managing Partner at Duane Morris LLP
Cyndie M. Chang is the Managing Partner at Duane Morris LLP's Los Angeles office, specializing in business litigation.
Deborah Epstein
Professor of Law and Co-Director at Domestic Violence Clinic, Georgetown University Law Center
Deborah Epstein is a Professor of Law and Co-Director of the Domestic Violence Clinic at Georgetown University Law Center.
Dorothy Capers
Senior Vice President and Global General Counsel at National Express LLC
Dorothy Capers is the Senior Vice President and Global General Counsel at National Express LLC, overseeing legal affairs.
Dr. Destiny Peery
Principal at The Red Bee Group LLC
Dr. Destiny Peery is a principal at The Red Bee Group LLC, focusing on diversity and inclusion strategies.
Eileen Letts
Partner at Zuber Lawler & Del Duca LLP
Eileen Letts is a partner at Zuber Lawler & Del Duca LLP, focusing on complex commercial litigation.
Helen B. Kim
Chair at ABA Commission on Racial and Ethnic Diversity in the Profession
Helen B. Kim is the Chair of the ABA Commission on Racial and Ethnic Diversity in the Profession.
Hon. Anna Blackburne-Rigsby
Chief Judge at District of Columbia Court of Appeals
Hon. Anna Blackburne-Rigsby is the Chief Judge of the District of Columbia Court of Appeals.
Jonathan Cole
Chair at ABA House of Delegates
Jonathan Cole is the Chair of the ABA House of Delegates, serving as a shareholder at Baker Donelson.
Judy Perry Martinez
President at American Bar Association
Judy Perry Martinez is the President of the American Bar Association, with a background in law and leadership.
Mari Carmen Aponte
Former U.S. Ambassador to El Salvador at N/A
Mari Carmen Aponte served as the U.S. Ambassador to El Salvador, with a background in international relations.
Marty Balogh
Associate Executive Director at ABA Meetings & Travel Group
Marty Balogh is the Associate Executive Director of the ABA Meetings & Travel Group, overseeing event logistics.
Mary L. Smith
Vice Chair, VENG Group; Chair and President, Caroline and Ora Smith Foundation at VENG Group; Caroline and Ora Smith Foundation
Mary L. Smith serves as Vice Chair of VENG Group and Chair and President of the Caroline and Ora Smith Foundation.
Paulette Brown
Senior Partner and Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer at Locke Lord LLP
Paulette Brown is a senior partner and Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer at Locke Lord LLP, specializing in labor and employment law.
Regina Montoya
CEO at Regina T. Montoya, PLLC
Regina Montoya is the CEO of Regina T. Montoya, PLLC, focusing on business and legal consulting.
Ruthe Catolico Ashley
Executive Director Emeritus at California LAW
Ruthe Catolico Ashley is the Executive Director Emeritus of California LAW, advocating for women lawyers.
Wendi Lazar
Partner at Outten & Golden LLP
Wendi Lazar is a partner at Outten & Golden LLP, specializing in employment law.
Will K. Woods
Chair at ABA Forum on Franchising
Will K. Woods is the Chair of the ABA Forum on Franchising, serving at Baker & McKenzie LLP.
Event Details
- Date
- August 1-4, 2020
- 4 days
- Location
- 🇺🇸 Salt Lake City, United States
- Salt Palace Convention Center
- Pricing
- Varies by tier
- Audience
- Banking professionals, including CEOs, C-suite executives, and senior bank leaders from community, regional, and large institutions.
- CLE Credits
- Up to 15 CLE credits
- Attendees
- Over 1,200