Banking conferences in 2027 may carry a vibe of “where do we go from here?”
Some anticipated changes from the second Trump era – such as an uptick in mergers and acquisitions, and more business-friendly, tailored regulation – have absolutely come to pass. Others, such as a codified framework for cryptocurrency, haven’t found the foothold that was expected.
And depending on the outcome of the midterm election, certain agenda items may be accompanied by a different level of urgency.
Getting out and connecting with peers and competitors may offer the gauge or gut-check that banking leaders need so they can innovate in a way that lets customers and shareholders both prosper.
Such gatherings can also serve as a chance to check in on the trajectory of burgeoning technology, such as artificial intelligence, as well as the evolving offerings of potential partners and ever-changing compliance expectations.
Top banking conferences in 2027
Feb. 7-9
JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge, Phoenix, Arizona
Billed as a “gateway to discovering new avenues for growth,” the gathering features so-called “FinXTech” aimed at executives who want a deeper understanding of technology, including artificial intelligence, stablecoin use cases and digital growth strategies.
ABA Conference for Community Bankers
Feb. 14-16
Gaylord Pacific Resort and Convention Center, Chula Vista, California
This conference starts on Super Bowl Sunday and leans into a football theme on Day 1. In a timed “4th and goal” challenge, teams of attendees will face a hypothetical crisis, assessing risk and strategic options before developing a response plan and getting stakeholders onboard. Another exercise will see groups “draft” leadership teams of fictional community banks.
Feb. 22-24
The Venetian, Las Vegas, Nevada
This year’s theme emphasizes partnership and trust – particularly amid a backdrop where nascent technology such as artificial intelligence holds arguably equal parts promise and risk. Speakers include executives from JPMorgan Chase, Citi, Ally and HSBC, along with fintechs Brex and Stripe and newcomer Erebor Bank.
March 1-4
Fontainebleau, Las Vegas, Nevada
Couched as the largest annual gathering of community bankers, the Independent Community Bankers of America’s annual event boasts more than 60 learning labs, innovations sessions and banker roundtables that allow bankers to share insights on practical strategies.
March 8-10
Marriott Marquis, Washington, D.C.
Promises insight from lawmakers and policy innovators. Last year’s event featured Federal Reserve Vice Chair for Supervision Michelle Bowman, FDIC Chair Travis Hill and Comptroller of the Currency Jonathan Gould, as well as Democratic Sen. Angela Alsobrooks and Republican Sen. Mike Rounds.
March 15-17
JW Marriott Orlando & Ritz-Carlton Orlando Grande Lakes, Orlando, Florida
A retail-banking mecca, the 2026 iteration of this event drew remarks and discussions featuring Federal Reserve Vice Chair for Supervision Michelle Bowman, SoFi CEO Anthony Noto, Circle President Heath Tarbert, Sen. Ruben Gallego, and House Financial Services Committee Chair French Hill.
April 5-7
Aria, Las Vegas, Nevada
Strategy sessions are the focus of this annual event, which features three new types of discussions with peer groups: “power hours,” topic-driven “table talks” and 90-minute deep dives. Another addition in 2027 is an “innovation stage,” spotlighting emerging technologies. Last April’s speakers included executives from Bank of America, Truist, Citizens Bank and Capital One. Keynotes draw talent from outside finance – typically, authors and entrepreneurs.
National Credit Union CEO Roundtable
May 3-5
InterContinental, Chicago, Illinois
Offers a space for leaders to exchange insights and challenge assumptions in an environment prioritizing open dialogue, connection, candor and peer-to-peer learning. Larger discussions in the 2026 event centered on the effect of innovations such as AI and stablecoins, the benefits of collaboration and the challenges of fragmentation.
ABA Risk and Compliance Conference
May 18-20
Baltimore Convention Center, Baltimore, Maryland
The 2026 version of this conference featured key insights from lived-in experience. Moderated panels included speakers from banks undergoing M&A and integration (Fulton, Esquire), banks trying to stay under a specific asset threshold (Byline) and perhaps the highest-profile risk and compliance overhaul in the industry (TD).
