AGENDA
November 2
3:00 PM - 5:00 PM Registration - Ballroom Foyer
5:30 PM - 7:30 PM Welcome Reception: Under the Stars - L'Edge
November 3
8:00 AM - 8:45 AM Registration & Breakfast - Ballroom Foyer & Terrace
8:45 AM - 9:00 AM Welcome - Salons II-IV
9:00 AM - 9:45 AM Economic Outlook 2027
A leading economist will provide an overview of the economic trends, interest rate expectations, and market conditions expected to shape the banking industry in the year ahead.
- Dr. Mark Schniepp, Principal, California Economic Forecast
9:45 AM - 10:45 AM Executive Leadership Panel
Senior executives discuss how their institutions are planning for a changing economic and regulatory environment.
- Moderated by Ryan Hayhurst, President, The Baker Group
- Todd Mathison, President & CEO, Impact Retirement Advisors
- Shon Myers, Chairman, President & CEO of Farmers & Merchants Bank, Ohio
- Jeff DeVine, CEO, American Riviera Bank
- Lindsay Gullahorn, Owner and Principal, Gullahorn Strategies
10:45 AM - 11:00 AM Break
11:00 AM - 12:15 PM AI Governance, Risk, & Opportunity for Community Banks
Artificial intelligence is no longer a future consideration—it is becoming a strategic priority for community banks. As institutions move from exploration to implementation, executives and boards must evaluate where AI can deliver meaningful value while establishing the governance, oversight, and risk management practices needed to support responsible adoption.
- Moderated by Bailey Barretto, Senior Director, Abrigo
- Guy DeCorte, Chief AI Officer, KlariVis
- Armin Wasicek, CTO, ZorroFi
12:15 PM - 1:15 PM Lunch - Ballroom Terrace
1:15 PM - 2:00 PM Executive Roundtables
Join fellow community bank executives for candid, small-group conversations focused on the issues that matter most to bank leaders today. These facilitated roundtables provide an opportunity to share experiences, exchange practical strategies, and learn from peers in a confidential, collaborative setting.
2:30 PM - 5:30 PM Pickleball Tournament - JW Marriott
Join colleagues for a friendly pickleball tournament designed for all skill levels, from first-time players to seasoned competitors. Whether you're playing to win or simply enjoying the camaraderie, this fun and active experience offers a great way to build relationships, unwind, and connect with fellow attendees outside the conference setting.
2:30 PM - 4:30 PM Blind Wine Tasting - Sunrise Room
Challenge your palate in a guided blind wine tasting experience where you'll sample a curated selection of wines without knowing the labels. Learn tasting techniques, compare notes with fellow attendees, and discover how aroma, flavor, and appearance influence perception—all while enjoying a relaxed and engaging networking experience.
2:30 PM - 4:30 PM Sensory Experience - The Snug
Take a break from the conference and enjoy a hands-on sensory experience designed to inspire creativity and relaxation. Participants will create their own custom candles, body scrubs, bath salts, and other self-care products while connecting with fellow attendees in a fun, interactive setting. It's the perfect opportunity to unwind, recharge, and leave with personalized keepsakes to enjoy long after the conference.
6:00 PM - 9:00 PM Reception & Dinner - Vista Lawn
November 4
8:30 AM - 9:30 AM Breakfast - Ballroom Terrace
9:30 AM - 9:45 AM Welcome Back - Salons II-IV
9:45 AM - 10:45 AM Leadership Priorities for 2027: What Bank Leaders Should Do Next
As community banks prepare for the future, leaders must navigate workforce changes, succession planning, and technology investments while preserving the culture and relationships that define community banking. This session explores strategies for developing future leaders and positioning institutions for long-term success.
- Moderated by Tamara Gurney, CEO, Mission Valley Bank
- Rick Sowers, CEO, CalPrivate Bank
- AJ Antongiovanni, President & CEO, Mission Bank
10:45 AM - 11:00 AM Break
11:00 AM - 12:15 PM The New Fraud Landscape—Fighting the Emerging Threats of Tomorrow
As fraud schemes continue to evolve, community banks face increasing pressure to defend against AI-enabled scams, payment fraud, cyber threats, and sophisticated social engineering attacks. This session will explore the emerging fraud-related challenges created by new technology (AI) and provide practical strategies to strengthen fraud prevention and maintain customer trust.
- Sam Chen, Quantitative Analysis Consultant, DCG
- Mark Haberland, Managing Director, DCG
12:15 PM - 1:15 PM Lunch - Ballroom Terrace
1:15 PM - 2:30 PM Deposits, Growth & Competition — Winning the Relationship Banking Battle
As competition for deposits intensifies and funding strategies continue to evolve, community banks must find new ways to deepen customer relationships while driving sustainable growth. This session will explore how institutions are strengthening their deposit franchise through relationship banking, strategic pricing, and innovative approaches to customer engagement in an increasingly competitive marketplace.
- Dan Marks, President, Growth Solutions, OptimaFI
2:30 PM - 4:30 PM The Encore (Invite only) - The Snug
The conference may be over, but we're not quite ready to call it a day! The Encore is a post-conference gathering to unwind, raise a glass, and keep the conversations going with fellow attendees. Come relax, celebrate a great conference, and enjoy one last chance to connect before heading home.