The Independent Community Bankers of America ICBA LIVE annual conference is the largest gathering of community bankers in the world, offering an opportunity each year to learn, connect, and get inspired. The FISCAL team has proudly attended the majority of ICBA annual conferences over our 30+ year history. ICBA LIVE is something we look forward to because it’s always been time well spent sharing ideas, celebrating successes, and getting to know those in community banking better.
In hopes that this conference will be educational and fun for everyone, we’ve compiled a comprehensive guide to ICBA LIVE 2024. In it, you’ll find tips on making the most of your time in Orlando, from key sessions to where to spend downtime with colleagues, friends, and family.
Table of Contents
What to Expect at ICBA LIVE 2024
Where is the ICBA This Year?
This year, the conference at the Orlando World Center Marriott will include educational sessions, learning labs, peer-driven roundtables, and nearly 200 vendors within its Expo Hall. You can book a stay here through the ICBA LIVE 2024 website, with a special rate for those who book early.
What is the ICBA About This Year?
The theme for this year’s conference is “Here for Good,” a clever wordplay we love during a tumultuous time in the banking industry. Events will likely focus on what differentiates community banks from the big Silicon Valley-Signature-First Republic bank failures of last year and that these institutions are stable, secure, and trusted community partners thanks to years of fostering connections to local families and businesses.
Other themes that have emerged from the schedule include meeting changing regulation requirements, retaining top talent, and advancing industry technology. Connecting it all is the message that community banks continue to help our towns and cities grow.
As ICBA President Rebeca Romero Rainey recently said, “The community bank model is steeped in the assurance that no matter the issues or opportunities that arise with the customers and communities we serve, we can help.”
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ICBA LIVE 2024 FAQs
Can I Bring Guests to the ICBA?
Because of its location, people often bring loved ones along to the conference, spending time before or after the conference at the many attractions in the Orlando area. One of the great aspects of the conference is that registered guests, such as your significant other and children, can attend ICBA LIVE events (except for those that require an additional purchased ticket or those designated by invitation-only). This is especially helpful during afternoon and evening networking events and dinner celebrations.
What is the ICBA Dress Code?
ICBA LIVE is meant to be a time for both learning and relaxing, which is why the dress code is “business resort casual.” Pack your polo shirts, khakis, jeans, sundresses, and capri pants to be comfortable throughout the conference.
Preparing to Attend
Finally, ICBA LIVE is a conference aimed at providing community bankers with actionable information they can take home and use to initiate improvements. Come ready to ask questions and dig deep into the topics that are top of mind in your community.
Read more ICBA FAQs on their frequently asked questions page.
Starting Your ICBA LIVE Visit
The first day of any conference can be overwhelming with so many events and vendors on the list to see. We recommend taking advantage of the great networking opportunities the ICBA offers early to make connections you can revisit throughout the conference.
The conference’s initial networking event will be on Thursday afternoon. The Welcome Reception: Rooted in Good will be from 4:30-6 p.m., a casual event for relaxed conversations and exploring the conference floor.
For first-time banker participants, you can start networking early. The ICBA is hosting a special welcome reception for newcomers on Wednesday evening. This invite-only event is a chance to get to know fellow first-timers and ICBA leadership bankers.
Plan Your ICBA LIVE 2024 Visit – View the Schedule Here
Top ICBA 2024 Sessions and Roundtable Discussions
We all come to ICBA to learn, and this year’s line-up of sessions and roundtable discussion promises to deliver valuable insights. Below are a few sessions we’ve identified as particularly helpful to community bankers.
ICBA Sessions
Managing Your Lending and Credit Functions in an Era of Disintermediation
Today’s credit climate has put pressure on community banks to be more strategic about lending. This policy session with Brad Stevens of Stevens Risk Management, LLC offers insights on how to adjust your bank’s approach to credit in a way that keeps staff on the same page, protects customer relationships, and manages risk.
The Pit Stop Approach: Optimizing Efficiency in a Slow Loan Growth Environment
Seasoned bankers know there will be ebbs and flow in the industry. While we’re in a relatively slow period, savvy banks can use this time to reevaluate processes, look for ways to improve, and ultimately gain a competitive advantage when the pace of lending picks up.
Retain ENGAGED team members
Featuring the market research firm Avannis, LLC, this session highlights what the top banks to work for are doing to keep talented employees and keep them engaged.
ICBA Roundtable Discussions
Engage with the Experts: Banker Roundtable
This roundtable discussion is a valuable opportunity to discuss the issues that are most important to your institution with peers and seasoned bankers. Moderated by industry experts and organized by bank asset size, these highly-focused conversations allow you to get to the heart of challenges and share recent successes with banks similar to yours.
Family-Owned Bank Roundtable
As a third-generation family-owned and operated company ourselves, we have a special place in our hearts for family-owned banks. This discussion is focused on the unique strengths, challenges, and needs of family-owned institutions. Meet with other community bankers to discuss topics like succession, governance, strategy and more.
Exploring the ICBA Expo Hall
Thursday and Friday are the big days for taking in vendors with products and services focused on the community banking industry. With nearly 200 vendors slated to attend, there will be plenty of giveaways and opportunities for conversation.
To make the most of your time and the conversations you’ll have, we recommend starting with a list of products you’d like to explore. In need of an appraisal firm? Exploring a new core system? With so many vendors on the floor, it will save you time to identify what you’re looking for before you go.
Next, keep your eyes open for new products, services and releases–or at least those that are new to you. Digging into these offerings is an opportunity to learn more about emerging tools, technology and services that could help improve your efficiency and grow the business. Below, you’ll find a few vendors of note we recommend visiting during your stay.
If you’d like to come visit FISCAL during your stroll through the Expo Hall, you’ll find us at booth 208, three rows past ThinkTech Village. Come chat with us any time!
ICBA Vendors of Note
You’ll find big names in banking, finance and technology at ICBA LIVE 2024, like Visa, IBM and FICO, as well as many companies aimed at meeting the needs of community banks. Here are a few you may want to add to your list.
Core System Vendors
- Fiserv: Roughly 10,000 banks in the US use this well-known core systems software. You’ll find them at booth 1013.
- Jack Henry: This sizable core system company focuses on customer experience and growth. You can find them at booth 609.
- FIS Global: Serving small, medium and large banks, FIS helps guide customers through digital transformations. The company can be found at booth 619 in the middle of Main Street.
Other Service Vendors
- Genesys Technology Group: Get help negotiating and renewing your core system contract. This technology consulting firm helps banks make key technology decisions. They are located at booth 303.
- Core10/Accrue: This banking software company offers a loan origination platform that helps banks with consumer and commercial lending. Find them at booth 422.
- Graduate School of Banking at Colorado: Thinking of taking your career to the next level? This graduate school has a focus on community banking and well-regarded leadership training. Find them at booth 306.
Want to plan your visit to the Expo Hall? View the Expo Hall Floor Plan here.
Things to Do Outside the ICBA Conference
Whether you’re staying through the weekend or have plans for an off-site evening, there’s plenty to do and see in the Orlando area beyond the theme parks.
Want to pin the Google map location of the hotel and conference? Just copy this link!
Restaurants Near the ICBA
- Miller’s Ale House: This reliable Florida restaurant and sports bar chain has steaks, chicken, burgers and great pub food. The location at 3151 Vineland Rd in Kissimmee is a 10 minute drive from the hotel.
- Yard House: Another pub-style restaurant, this one with a California feel. Known for its great food, music and 100 beers on tap. Located at 8367 International Drive, about 20 minutes from the hotel.
- Akasaka Sushi: Take a break from conference fare with fresh sushi at this highly rated spot. Located at 7786 W Sand Lake Road, it’s about 20 minutes from the hotel in an area known as “Restaurant Row.”
- North Italia: Italian cuisine always makes a great night out, whether it’s sharing slices with the family or a romantic meal with a loved one. This spot has artisanal pizzas, hand-made pastas, mouth-watering desserts, and happy hour specials. Located at 7335 West Sand Lake Road, North Italia is also about 20 minutes from the hotel by car.
With the Family
March is a busy time in Orlando, so it pays to plan your activity itinerary well in advance. You can’t go wrong with Disney or Universal, but here are a few suggestions of things to do outside of the theme parks.
Lucky Monkey Indoor Playground
Anyone who has traveled with younger kids knows, you need to schedule unstructured time to let them blow off steam. Lucky Monkey is an air-conditioned play center and affordable activity that gets kids moving (and out of the Florida sun). One adult gets in free with kids admission.
Orlando Science Center
The Orlando Science Center is a great spot for curious kids of all ages. Explore the universe in their space exhibit, gaze at towering dinosaur fossils and dig into how gadgets work in the Kinetic Zone. When you need a break, check out the domed movie theater with a daily rotation of science films. Tickets are $24 for adults and $18 for kids.
WonderWorks
Tweens and teens can be a picky crew to please. If you’re stuck looking for something young and older kids can enjoy, WonderWorks is your spot. Take on the challenge of the indoor ropes course, battle it out in the Laser Tag room, and spend dinner being amazed at the Outta Control Magic Comedy Dinner Show.
Without the Kids
Harry P. Leu Gardens
Unwind from the conference in the peace and tranquility of this unique botanical garden. The Harry P. Leu Gardens showcases a well-curated collection of plants from around the world, collected during Harry Leu’s business travels. Open daily 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Orlando Museum of Art
Founded in 1924, the Orlando Museum of Art offers a break from typical tourist attractions. Lovers of both contemporary and traditional art will find an exhibit they enjoy, from their Art of the Ancient Americas exhibit to the Contemporary American Graphics Collections. Any art lover will find plenty of recognizable names in this Orland institution.
Heading Home: After the ICBA Conference
Once you get back home, it’s essential to keep the positive momentum you gained from ICBA LIVE going. Here are a few tips for making the most of your experience.
- Schedule a bank debrief: Meet with key staff to share what you learned.
- Reach out to new connections: Don’t let that great networking go to waste! Grab your stack of business cards and connect with them on LinkedIn. For those connections that seemed promising, reach out via email to express how glad you were to meet.
- Research top products: Dig out your swag from the Expo Hall. Were any of the companies and conversations valuable? If there is a product that could deliver your bank benefits, share it with your colleagues and reach out to the company for a demo.
About FISCAL
For more than 30 years, FISCAL has supported community banks in their efforts to optimize their commercial lending processes. FISCAL Forward and FISCAL TRACKING streamline statement spreading and tickler tracking tasks, saving customers countless hours of time and frustration.
If you are interested in learning more about what we do, feel free to visit us during ICBA LIVE 2024 at booth 208 or contact us at fiscalcs.com.
Want to take this guide with you to the conference? Simply fill out this form and we'll send a copy to your email.
