The ABA Conference for Community Bankers is an annual event organized by the American Bankers Association (ABA) to address the unique challenges and opportunities faced by community banks. Scheduled for February 15–17, 2026, at the JW Marriott Grande Lakes in Orlando, Florida, the conference offers a comprehensive program tailored for community bank leaders.
The 2026 conference features a diverse array of sessions covering critical topics such as board governance, AI adoption, commercial real estate lending, and digital innovation. Notable sessions include 'Overcoming challenges with AI governance,' 'The prosperity paradox: Overcoming banking's biggest hurdle,' and 'Money in motion: What digital innovation means for community banks.' These sessions aim to equip attendees with practical strategies and insights to navigate the evolving banking landscape.
Attendees can look forward to various networking opportunities, including the 'First-Time Attendee Meet and Greet,' 'The Hub Reception: Mix and Mingle,' and the 'Opening Reception.' The conference also features keynote speakers like Duncan Wardle, former head of innovation and creativity at the Walt Disney Company, and Crystal Washington, an AI and technology expert. Additionally, the 'Spark!' session offers personal stories from fellow bankers, providing inspiration and fostering connections.
This conference is ideal for community bank executives, board members, and professionals seeking to enhance their knowledge, share experiences, and develop strategies for success in the community banking sector.
Speakers(21)
Augustine Faucher
Deputy Chief Economist at PNC Financial Services Group, Inc.
Augustine Faucher is the Deputy Chief Economist at PNC Financial Services Group, Inc., providing economic analysis and forecasts.
Bill Miller
Director, Farm & Ranch Business Development at Farmer Mac
Bill Miller is the Director of Farm & Ranch Business Development at Farmer Mac, focusing on agricultural financing.
Brooke Ybarra
Senior Vice President, Innovation and Strategy at American Bankers Association
Brooke Ybarra is the Senior Vice President of Innovation and Strategy at the American Bankers Association.
Bryan Bruns
President and CEO at Lake Central Bank
Bryan Bruns is the President and CEO of Lake Central Bank, leading the bank's operations and strategic initiatives.
Clayton Adams
President and CEO at Mascoma Bank
Clayton Adams is the President and CEO of Mascoma Bank, overseeing the bank's growth and community engagement.
Crystal Washington
AI and Technology Expert, Author, and Speaker
Crystal Washington is an AI and technology expert, author, and speaker who helps organizations become future-proof by making complex technologies accessible.
Daniel Brown
Senior Director, Economics at American Bankers Association
Daniel Brown is the Senior Director of Economics at the American Bankers Association, analyzing economic trends affecting the banking industry.
Duncan Wardle
Former Head of Innovation and Creativity at Walt Disney Company
Duncan Wardle was the Head of Innovation and Creativity at the Walt Disney Company, now delivering keynotes and masterclasses on innovation.
Elliot Eisenberg, Ph.D.
Chief Economist at GraphsandLaughs
Elliot Eisenberg, Ph.D., is the Chief Economist at GraphsandLaughs, specializing in making economics fun and relevant.
Jeff Marsico
President at Kafafian Group
Jeff Marsico is the President of Kafafian Group, specializing in strategic consulting for financial institutions.
Jesse Israel
Founder at The Big Quiet
Jesse Israel is the founder of The Big Quiet, leading large-scale meditations and promoting mindful leadership.
Joaquin Cook
President and CEO at Bank of Guam
Joaquin Cook is the President and CEO of Bank of Guam.
Jodi Massanet
Senior Relationship Manager at Farmer Mac
Jodi Massanet is a Senior Relationship Manager at Farmer Mac, managing relationships with agricultural lenders.
Jon Sisk
Chair at Community Bankers Council
Jon Sisk is the Chair of the Community Bankers Council and Regional President and Chief Banking Officer at West Coast Community Bank.
Kenneth Kelly
Chair at American Bankers Association
Kenneth Kelly is the Chair of the American Bankers Association and Chairman and CEO of First Independence Bank in Detroit, Michigan.
Lila Rasekh
Director, FICO® Scores Product Management at FICO
Lila Rasekh is the Director of FICO® Scores Product Management, overseeing the development of credit scoring products.
Michelle Bowman
Vice Chair for Supervision at Federal Reserve
Michelle Bowman serves as the Vice Chair for Supervision at the Federal Reserve, overseeing the supervision and regulation of the nation's banking system.
Rob Nichols
President and CEO at American Bankers Association
Rob Nichols is the President and CEO of the American Bankers Association, leading the association's efforts to advocate for the nation's banking industry.
Scott C. Baranowski
Principal at Wolf & Company
Scott C. Baranowski is a Principal at Wolf & Company, providing audit and consulting services to financial institutions.
Shana Allen
Chief Information Officer, Executive Vice President at 1st Security Bank
Shana Allen is the Chief Information Officer and Executive Vice President at 1st Security Bank, managing the bank's technology strategy.
Shawn Main
Executive Vice President and Chief Business Architect Officer at Vantage Bank
Shawn Main is the Executive Vice President and Chief Business Architect Officer at Vantage Bank.
Event Details
- Date
- February 15-17, 2026
- 3 days
- Location
- 🇺🇸 Orlando, United States
- JW Marriott Grande Lakes
- Pricing
- Varies by tier
- Audience
- Community bank executives, board members, and professionals
- CLE Credits
- CLE accreditation pending
- Attendees
- 500 to 1,000