2024 VBA/ABA Washington Summit
In-Person Attendee Event Portal
Thank you for registering for the 2024 VBA/ABA Washington Summit!
We will continue to update this portal as the event gets closer with all of the information you will need to know for a successful visit to Washington.
Program
Learn More About the Keynote Speakers Here!
Agenda
Legislative Issue Briefs
ABA Legislative Priorities – 2024 Washington Summit
Link to individual ABA issue briefs.
Tuesday Afternoon Legislative Visits Information
Specific locations and times for Tuesday afternoon legislative visits* are still being confirmed. We will provide an update on locations and specific meeting times in advance of the Summit.
- 1:00 – 2:00 pm - Meeting with Senator Tim Kaine and Mark
Warner (Confirmed)
- Dirksen Senate Office Building Room 562.
- 2:00 – 4:30 pm – Meetings with Virginia House of
Representative members or staff
- Cannon House Office Building Room 210 (Note this is a Change).
*Transportation to the meetings on the Hill and return transportation to the hotel after the meetings and reception is on your own. We recommend grouping up with other Virginia bankers to share a taxi or an Uber.
Legislator Bios
Tips for Your Visits
Bankers make loans and members of Congress make laws. It is essential that both groups work together to develop a better understanding of the public policy challenges that face banking. Both the VBA and ABA will provide you with information on specific legislative items for discussion (see the Legislative Issue Briefs dropdown above). Please take the time to consider the following do’s and don’ts to make the most out of your visit.
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Do your homework. Read up so you know a bit about the member’s background and previous occupation. You can read about House members here and Senate members here. In Washington, we may be given as little as 15 minutes with the member of Congress and/or staff, due to their hectic schedules. Thus, it’s important for you to keep your comments brief and for you to tailor your comments to each legislator. Be sure to use local, personalized examples of how the issue affects your bank, customers and community.
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Don’t be impatient or inflexible. Congressional schedules change often. If they do have to cancel, they will likely send a staffer who handles banking issues. This Legislative Assistant will often do much of the research and voting recommendations on banking issues, so he or she is a good person to know and talk to.
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Dress and pack accordingly, as you will be required to pass through security on the Hill. Due to these security measures, it is advisable to leave all non-essential personal items in your hotel room.
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Bring business cards to leave with members and any talking points you need.
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Don’t be afraid to participate in the conversation! When commenting, introduce yourself, your bank and what you do. Let them know where in the district you live to remind the member you are a constituent. Leave the member with a clear impression of the action you want taken. Stay positive even if you do not receive the answer you want. Do not be afraid to say you don’t know if asked a question you cannot answer. The VBA will designate a banker to help guide the discussion with the members, but there will be time for your comments and questions as well.
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There’s no need to use technical terms or acronyms. Try to frame the issues in everyday language as the member may not be a banking industry expert.
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Thank the member and their staff and follow up. Thank them for taking the time to meet with you. Take a picture with the member if there is time and be sure to share it with the VBA. Following up is always a nice touch. The VBA will send the member of Congress a thank-you note, but feel free to send one as well. In your note, review the issues you discussed and confirm the action that you want the member to take. Follow-up with answers to any questions the member had. (Thank staffers by name, too, and your letter is likely to end up on the member’s desk!)
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Keep the members involved and stay in touch. Don’t let the Summit be the last time you talk to your legislator. Offer to be a resource on banking issues in your District and consider inviting the member to an upcoming function (bank tour, community event, etc.) the next time he or she is home in the District. Members and their staff need to be invited to visit banks, understand the basics of how a bank works, and meet their bank-employee constituents. The VBA can always assist in coordinating scheduling requests with members.
Join Us Tuesday Night for a Joint Reception with Maryland Bankers Association and D.C. Bankers Association, Hosted by FHLBank Atlanta
Attendee Roster
VBA/ABA Washington Summit Roster - VBA Member Attendees
Hotel Information
The Washington Summit will take place in the heart of downtown D.C. at the Marriott Marquis.
Marriott Marquis Washington, D.C.
901 Massachusetts Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20001
The hotel cutoff date has passed. Please contact the hotel directly to check for availability.
Pre-Summit Briefing
Join the ABA for a pre-event orientation on Tuesday March 12, at 1:00 PM ET.
Hear from ABA staff to prepare for your Capitol Hill visits and hear about the Forums and additional networking opportunities at this year’s Washington Summit.
VBA Onsite Staff Contact Information
Matt Bruning
EVP, Government & Member Relations
mbruning@vabankers.org
804.366.8688
Henry Watkins
Government Relations Manager
hwatkins@vabankers.org
804.212.6438
Megan Darmanin
Strategic Support Manager
mdarmanin@vabankers.org
704.682.6303
Chandler Owdom
SVP, Communications & Strategy
cowdom@vabankers.org
804.819.4707
Laurie Milligan
President & COO, VBA Benefits Corporation
lmilligan@vabankers.org
804.347.8365
Bruce Whitehurst
President & CEO
bruce@vabankers.org
804.241.3223