CFO Conference & Ethics Session
The 2026 CFO Conference & Ethics Session is the premier gathering designed exclusively for Chief Financial Officers and senior financial management professionals in the banking industry. Hosted by the Virginia Bankers Association & Maryland Bankers Association, this dynamic event delivers the insights, connections, and strategies you need to lead with confidence in today’s rapidly evolving financial landscape.
Whether you’re navigating complex regulatory demands, evaluating new technologies, or preparing your institution for future growth, this conference equips you with the tools, perspective, and network to succeed.
The 2026 CFO Conference & Ethics Session will take place August 19-21, 2026 at the Hotel Roanoke in Roanoke, VA.
Agenda**
Wednesday, August 19, 2026
| 11:30 – 2:00 p.m. | Accounting Peer Group (additional fee) Sponsored by Brown Edwards L.L.P |
| 2:30 p.m. | Registration for Ethics Session |
| 3:00 – 4:40 p.m. | AI Ethics 2026 | Clare Levison Separate Registration Required This course satisfies the annual two-hour Virginia Board of Accountancy (BOA) Ethics requirement. |
| 5:00 – 6:30 p.m. | Welcome Reception |
Thursday, August 20, 2026
| 7:30 – 8:00 a.m. | Registration | Continental Breakfast |
| 8:00 – 8:15 a.m. | Welcome & Sponsor Introductions |
| 8:15 – 9:15 a.m. | Rates Will Surprise You, Your Balance Sheet Shouldn’t Scott Hildenbrand | Piper Sandler LLC |
| In this session, Scott Hildenbrand, head of depository markets and strategy at Piper Sandler, challenges institutions to shift their focus from predicting the Fed to actively managing their balance sheet exposures. Exploring the intersection of balance sheet management, M&A, and capital markets, Scott will highlight how banks are taking the offensive by rethinking their playbooks. Attendees will learn how to differentiate between yield curve risk and interest rate risk, and how to execute actionable strategies, from downside hedges to structured alternatives, that build true earnings resilience. Supported by recent M&A and capital markets case studies, this session will provide a clear view of how to position your institution for enhanced profitability, mitigated risk, and greater strategic flexibility. | |
| 9:15 – 9:30 a.m. | Networking Break |
| 9:30 – 10:30 a.m. Breakout Sessions |
Accounting & Tax Update |
| SEC Update | |
| 10:30 – 10:45 a.m. | Networking Break |
| 10:45 – 11:45 a.m. | Top Strategies to Thrive & Beyond Brett Rawls | PRI |
| 11:45 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. | Lunch |
| 12:30 – 1:15 p.m. | Exhibitor Solutions Showcase |
| 1:20 – 2:20 p.m. | The Evolution of Tokenization and AI in Banking Chris Nichols | Southstate Bank, N.A. |
This session will focus on the latest evolution of thinking and strategy as it pertains to tokenized deposits, Stablecoin and the use of enterprise AI. We will not only say a bunch of impressive buzzwords, but will provide actionable strategy and tactics. Some key takeaways will include:
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| 2:20 – 2:35 p.m. | Networking Break |
| 2:35 – 3:35 p.m. | Ready, Set, Integrate: CFO Readiness for Successful Mergers & Acquisitions Josh White | Elliott Davis |
| For CFOs, successful mergers and acquisitions mean more than identifying opportunities— they require readiness, discipline, and leadership. Transaction success hinges on proactive planning, operational excellence, and clear communication. In this session, you will recognize key early questions to address readiness, post-deal goals, advisor engagement, and stakeholder impact. We will identify strong accounting practices—such as audit-ready data, normalized risk ratings, and integrated purchase accounting workbooks—to support defensible, efficient transactions. Leaders who champion strategic intent and disciplined execution position their institutions to seize opportunities, strengthen balance sheets, and deliver sustainable growth in a dynamic market. | |
| 3:35 – 3:45 p.m. | Networking Break |
| 3:45 – 4:15 p.m. | Industry Update Bruce Whitehurst | Mid-Atlantic Bankers Association & Virginia Bankers Association |
| 4:15 – 5:15 p.m. | Regulator Panel Amanda Cunningham | OCC Ann Servaes | FDIC TBA| Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond TBA | Bureau of Financial Institutions TBA | Office of Financial Regulation |
| 5:15 – 6:45 p.m. | Cocktail Reception |
Dinner is on your own. Enjoy your evening!
Friday, August 21, 2026
| 8:00 – 8:30 a.m. | Continental Breakfast |
| 8:30 – 8:45 a.m. | Announcements & Exhibitor Drawings Must be present to win! |
| 8:45 – 9:45 a.m. | Market & Economic Outlook Craig Dismuke | Stifel |
| 9:45 – 10:00 a.m. | Networking Break |
| 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. | Closing Keynote: The Art of Oppositioning David Rendell | Keynote Speaker |
| 11:00 – 11:10 a.m. | Stretch Break |
| 11:10 – 12:10 a.m. | Banker Roundtable This session is for bankers only. |
| 12:10 p.m. | Conference Adjourns |
**Speakers and topics subject to change.
CFO Conference Registration
| Member | Non-Member |
|---|---|
| $675 | $1,175 |
Conference Add-On
Accounting Peer Group: $65 (members); $95 (non-members)
MBA/VBA EVENT POLICIES
By registering for this event, you are agreeing to the MBA/VBA Event Policies and the Privacy Policy.
CANCELLATION POLICY
All cancellations will be charged a $25.00 administrative fee. Cancellations received after August 12, 2026 will be charged a $75.00 administrative fee plus any additional fees associated with the training. Substitutions are allowed prior to the beginning of course.
SPECIAL NEEDS & Americans with Disabilities Notice
Please share any specific needs that should be considered as we plan for the conference (i.e. hearing impaired, sight impaired, etc). Please contact Michele Dunn with any details.
2026 Ethic Session – AI Ethics in 2026
Overivew
Artificial intelligence is rapidly transforming the accounting profession, creating new opportunities alongside significant ethical responsibilities. This Virginia Board of Accountancy (VBOA)-approved ethics course is designed for CPAs to understand and manage the ethical implications of using generative and agentic AI in 2026 and beyond.
Participants will learn why AI ethics matters for CPAs, how AI differs from prior technologies, and where key risks arise, including data privacy, bias, accuracy, transparency, deepfakes and regulatory compliance. The course reinforces that AI is an assistive tool — not a substitute for professional judgment — and examines how core ethical principles apply in an evolving technological environment.
Using real-world examples and case studies, the course provides practical guidance on applying existing ethical and regulatory frameworks, including the AICPA Code of Professional Conduct, to AI use. Participants will also learn how to develop and implement an effective AI safe usage policy, covering documentation, validation and staff education. By the end of the course, CPAs will be prepared to use AI responsibly, protect client interests, and meet their ethical obligations in an AI-driven profession.
Registsration
A separate registration is required to attend the Ethics session. Registration is $195. Please click here to register!
Hotel Information
Hotel Roanoke
110 Shenandoah Avenue NE
Roanoke, VA 24016
The associations have negotiated a room rate of $209/night, plus taxes and fees. To take advantage of this rate, please click here to make your reservation by July 19, 2026.
Sponsorship Opportunities
Interested in sponsoring and/or exhibiting at the 2026 CFO Conference? Click here for available options. For our complete 2026 Sponsorship Brochure, click here. Contact Amy Binns.