ABA Annual Convention 2026 — Knowledge Sessions

Find ways to solve your toughest challenges with solutions from Annual Convention.

Success in today’s dynamic banking landscape requires more than broad vision — it demands targeted solutions to the specific challenges your institution faces. Explore 20 Knowledge Sessions that will allow you to focus on the issues that matter most to you and your bank, and network with bank leaders who feel the same. Future-proof your organization by optimizing profitability and implementing innovation. Master leadership and talent management and find new ways to enhance customer experience.

Knowledge Sessions

All times in MT

More sessions will be added to this schedule – bookmark this page and check back for updates.

Monday, October 26
Tuesday, October 27

Monday, October 26

10:30 AM – 11:15 AM

Six components you must have in your next strategic plan

Many institutions do strategic planning. Few do it well. During this session, discover the six “must have” components you need for your next strategic plan. You’ll walk away prepared to transform your planning process from an annual obligation to a useful tool that will lead your institution to a higher level of performance.

Kevin Bender, Chief Banking Officer, Exchange Bank
Joseph Cady, Managing Partner, CS Consulting Group LLC

11:30 AM – 12:15 PM

Bank risk management in 2026: The challenges that matter most

Bank risk management is being reshaped by a fast-moving mix of regulatory change, persistent inflation and rate uncertainty, liquidity and capital pressures, cyber and fraud threats and growing dependence on third parties and digital infrastructure. This session will highlight how innovative chief risk officers navigate today’s enterprise-wide challenges and how risk leaders are encouraging more efficient, holistic and dynamic decision making across their organizations.

Krysti Cunningham, Executive Vice President and Chief Risk Officer, Security National Bank
Pat Eglinton, Senior Vice President, Senior Director, Business Risk Advisory, Branch Banking and Retail Services, First Citizens Bank
Emily Nachlas, Chief Risk Officer, Western Alliance Bank
Moderator: Ryan Rasske, Senior Vice President, Risk and Customer Markets, American Bankers Association

Tuesday, October 27

11:30 AM – 12:15 PM

Bank boards and CEOs: Let’s talk quantum computing

Quantum computing is accelerating, and authorities already expect financial institutions to transition to quantum-resistant encryption algorithms. It’s imperative that CEOs and board members prepare for this shift. In this session, we’ll cover the basics of PQC and how global standards will reshape financial services. Learn how to integrate quantum planning into board governance cycles, and best practices for preparing your institution for long-term cryptographic agility.

John Buselli, Offering Manager, IBM Quantum
Justin Rainey, Chief Information Security Officer and Chief Privacy Officer, UMB Financial Corporation
Moderator: John Carlson, Senior Vice President, Cybersecurity Regulation and Resilience, American Bankers Association

Protecting banks rights to make banking decisions: Freedom to Invest

The Freedom to Invest initiative is helping financial institutions respond to a growing wave of state and federal legislative efforts that could limit their ability to make risk-based business decisions. Learn how organizations are coordinating advocacy and messaging to push back on proposals that could interfere with core business judgment. We’ll highlight recent legislation and strategies you can use to communicate with policymakers and stakeholders to protect your institution’s ability to operate with independence.

Andrew Collier, Director, Freedom to Invest, Ceres
Moderator: Joe Pigg, Senior Vice President, Sustainable Finance and Mortgage Policy, American Bankers Association

“Great event - I struggled to select just one of the multiple concurrent sessions.”

– Past Attendee

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Check back for new and added sessions. All are subject to change.

Meet your peers in Salt Lake City

Together, you and your peers will focus on the high-level strategizing needed to make banks thrive. Meet them in Salt Lake City and bring your team for the best possible ROI.

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Knowledge Sessions | ABA Annual Convention