2026 MBA/VBA Annual Convention Recap
June 7-10, 2026
The 2026 MBA|VBA Annual Convention brought together more than 480 banking leaders, industry partners, and guests for a strong mix of timely industry insight, engaging programming, and valuable opportunities to connect at The Omni Homestead Resort from June 7-10.
Sunday afternoon featured the Bank Directors’ Workshop and the day concluded with a Welcome Reception on the Casino Lawns.
Monday’s General Session focused on emerging trends and strategic priorities for the banking industry. Attendees then had the opportunity to choose from breakout sessions covering topics such as the future of bank design, maximizing technology investments, C-suite succession planning, and the evolving role of stablecoins and tokenized deposits in the future of money.
In addition to the educational sessions on Monday, attendees enjoyed a private soak for the Spouse/Guest Program at the Warm Springs Pools, while others took part in the afternoon Golf Tournament. The day wrapped up with an Evening Reception at the Old Course Pavilion.
On Tuesday, the convention continued with association business meetings and additional keynote speakers. A Pickleball Tournament was held on Tuesday afternoon as well as Cabanas & Cocktails at Allegheny Springs Pool. The convention concluded with the Closing Reception, Dinner, and Casino Night on Tuesday evening.
A special thank you to 2025-2026 VBA Chairman Tom Cherry, C&F Bank, for presiding over the event alongside Chris Holt, Orrstown Bank and 2025-2026 MBA Chair.
Details about the 2027 Convention will be announced soon!
Speaker & Session Information
Topics and speakers during this year’s General Session included:
- The Bank M&A Marketplace
Christopher Olsen, Co-Founder & Managing Partner, Olsen Palmer LLC
Session Sponsored by Olsen Palmer LLC - Washington Outlook: Advocacy, Innovation, and Industry Priorities
- Cathy Owen
Executive Chair, Eagle Bank & Trust Company
Chair and CEO, State Holding Company
2025-2026 American Bankers Association Chair Elect - Gary Shook
President & CEO, Community Bankers’ Bank
- Cathy Owen
- The Road to 2026: What the Midterms Will Reveal About America’s Future
Kirk Bado, Editor, The Hotline - Banking Through a Product Lens
Madeline Fredin, SVP, Growth & AI Transformation, Alloy Labs - An Economics Update for Banking Leaders: Strategy in Uncertain Times
Mary Kelly, Ph.D., CSP, CDR & US Navy Ret., Productive Leaders
Topics and speakers during this year’s breakout sessions included:
- Turning Technology Investments into Measurable Results
Wade Barnes, Managing Director, Financial and Professional Services and Shea Gabrielleschi, VP, Relationship Development, Hartman Executive Advisors
Session Sponsored by Hartman Executive Advisors - Beyond the Teller Line: Designing the Next-Gen Bank Experience
Glenn Grau, Chief Business Development Officer, and Marshall Jett, VP, PWCampbell
Session Sponsored by PWCampbell - From Stablecoins to Tokenized Deposits: What’s Next in the Fight for the Future of Money
Rob Blackwell, Chief Content Officer and Head of External Affairs, IntraFi
Session Sponsored by IntraFi - Charting the Future: A Blueprint for CEO and C-Suite Succession Success
Scott Petty, Managing Partner, Financial Services/Real Estate, Chartwell Partners
Session Sponsored by Chartwell Partners
Thank You to Our Sponsors
