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.
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.
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.”
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
Want to plan your visit to the Expo Hall? View the Expo Hall Floor Plan here.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.