More than 320 bankers and industry partners joined us at The Breakers in Palm Beach, Florida, for the 130^th Annual Convention. Attendees enjoyed business sessions as well as social and networking events during their time in Palm Beach.

The event began Sunday with a Welcome Reception sponsored by Investors Title Insurance Agency. On Monday, spouses and guests enjoyed a Mix & Mingle with longtime Palm Beach resident Leslie Diver, Island Living Tours. The Golf Tournament, sponsored by Vericast, returned for the fist time since 2019 on Monday afternoon at the Ocean Course and a reception was held Monday evening, sponsored by Marsh McLellan Agency, SageView, VBA Benefits Corp. and Voya​.

During Tuesday’s General Session, Litz Van Dyke, Carter Bank & Trust, was installed as 2023-2024 VBA Chairman, and Victor Branch, Bank of America, was installed as 2023-2024 VBA Chairman-Elect.

On Tuesday afternoon, attendees enjoyed a Fun in the Sun Social, sponsored by R&T Deposit Solutions followed by the closing reception and dinner, sponsored by Bankers Insurance.

A special thank you to 2022-2023 VBA Chairman Chris Bergstrom, John Marshall Bank, for presiding over the event.

Save the date for the 2024 Annual Convention June 2-5 at The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island, Florida.

Speaker & Session Information

Topics and speakers during this year’s General Session included:

• What’s Next for the US Labor Market? - Nela Richardson, Chief Economist, ADP
• Infinite Influence: The New Leadership Style Required for Attracting, Retaining, and Engaging Great Employees in Today’s World - Alyson Van Hooser, Co-Owner, Van Hooser Associates, Inc., Author, Professional Leadership Speaker, Trainer & Strategic Consultant
• President’s Report, VBA BankPAC Report & VBA Education Foundation Report, featuring:
  • Bruce Whitehurst, VBA
  • Robert Wood, United Bank, and VBA Government Relations Committee Chair
  • Scott Harvard, First Bank, Virginia, and VBA Education Foundation Chair
• Chairman’s Remarks – Chris Bergstrom, John Marshall Bank, and 2022-2023 VBA Chairman
• Washington 2023: Politics and Partisanship as Related to the Banking Industry - Alex Vogel, CEO, Vogel Group
• Decision-Making to Win at the Game of Life - Chaunte Lowe, 4-Time Olympian; Speaker

Topics and speakers during this year’s breakout sessions included:

• Preparing for a Focus on Process and Efficiency - Mike Holt, Partner, Profit Resources, Inc.
• Managing Loan Pricing in Changing Rates - Dave Koch, Director of Advisory Services, Abrigo
• Interest Rate Swaps: Avoid Being Exposed When the Tide Goes Out - Bob Newman, Managing Director, Chatham Financial
• What the Board Needs to Know in 2023 - Chris Kochard, Director, Keefe, Bruyette & Woods, Inc., a Stifel Company

Thank You to Our Sponsors

Pictures from the Event