2021 VBA Annual Convention
Event Portal
We are thrilled to welcome you to the Belmond Charleston Place in Charleston, South Carolina, an exciting first-time location for our event! This year’s Convention will combine a great lineup of speakers on timely topics and networking with bankers and industry providers. We are excited to finally come together, enjoy each other’s company and educate ourselves on industry topics together.
Please bookmark this page for easy access during the event!
Thank you to our portal sponsor, Global Payments
Global Payments is a technology and software company, providing the world’s leading complete commerce ecosystem to businesses of every size. Their merchant services, issuer solutions, and flexible partnership models are trusted by 200 of the largest national and international banks as well as over 1,000 regional and local banks. Innovation that delivers.
Joanne Tyrrell
Vice President, Financial Institutions
Phone: (813) 853-3593
Email: jtyrrell@tsys.com
Website: www.tsys.com
COVID-19 Safety Protocols
Charleston is open and ready for us! However, with the uptick in COVID cases, we want to address safety protocols for the Convention. First and foremost, our #1 priority is ensuring the safety of all: attendees, presenters, staff and hotel personnel. Since the pandemic began, VBA has followed the recommendations and directives from the Center for Disease Control (CDC) and Governor Northam. Since this event takes place in South Carolina, we have also developed safety protocols that are compliant with the guidelines set forth by the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control and City of Charleston.
In addition, our host for this event — The Belmond Charleston Place — has created its ‘Trusted for Travel’ promise on matters of health, hygiene and booking flexibility. Click here for the safety practices of The Belmond Charleston Place, as well as their FAQs on their cleaning practices, special arrangements and more.
At this time, and based on CDC guidelines, the VBA recommends the following:
- Unvaccinated persons wear a face covering and socially distance at all times during Convention events, except that the face covering can be removed when eating or drinking;
- Fully vaccinated persons wear a face covering indoors during Convention events, except that the face covering can be removed when eating or drinking.
While we strongly encourage all attendees to follow CDC guidance, we cannot guarantee that all will do so. Please also note that in the business sessions, you will be seated in crescent rounds of five people per table. Please contact Courtney Fleming with any questions or concerns or if you need additional space during the business session.
We will continue to track the latest guidance and requirements from government officials regarding mask-wearing, space capacity, and social distancing. We will provide you with regular updates on what measures will be in place during the Convention to maximize everyone’s safety.
Please contact Courtney Fleming with any questions.
Convention Dates, About the Belmond Charleston Place & Attire
Convention dates
September 12-15, 2021
About the Belmond Charleston place
Belmond Charleston Place
205 Meeting Street
Charleston, South Carolina 29401
Mixing a mild climate with Southern charm, Charleston, South Carolina is located in the Lowcountry, midway between Myrtle Beach and Hilton Head Island. It offers visitors beautiful beaches, salt marshes, quaint streets and forts. The historic Downtown sits on a peninsula a stone’s throw from the Atlantic Ocean. It is one of the oldest and best-preserved cities in the American South.
As one of the most beloved downtown Charleston hotels, Charleston Place is situated in the heart of the city. Just steps away you’ll find the famous open-air market, notable restaurants and historic sites. Consistently voted the #1 Travel Destination in the US by Condé Nast Traveler readers, Charleston offers a host of activities to suit every desire.
Click here for maps and more.
Parking Information
Self-parking and valet are available. Either option is charged to the guests’ room and the fees are as follows:
- Valet Parking – $39 per day
- Self Parking – $24 per day
Additional Hotel Information
Attire
Attire for all VBA events is resort casual. Resort casual attire includes collared shirts, casual slacks and shorts. Dress requirements may vary with the specific restaurant or activity.
Agenda & Attendee Roster
Roster of Attendees
View the 2021 Annual Convention roster here!
Agenda
Download a copy of the Convention agenda here!
| Sunday, September 12 | Event | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 3:00pm – 6:00pm |
Registration Please join our platinum level Signature Sponsors in the Live Oak room for snacks and refreshments. |
Magnolia Willow Foyer |
| 6:00pm – 7:00pm |
Welcome Reception |
Grand Hall and Cypress Dogwood Live Oak |
| Monday, September 13th | Event | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 7:00am – 8:00am | Registration Desk Open | Magnolia Willow Foyer |
| 7:30am | Breakfast | Live Oak Magnolia Willow Foyer and Live Oak Magnolia Willow Room |
| 8:00am – 12:15pm |
Business Session |
Live Oak Magnolia Willow |
|
8:00am – 8:02am |
Welcome John Asbury |
|
|
8:02am – 8:45am |
You Can’t Predict, But You Can Prepare – Getting Ready for 2022 Avi J. Barak Managing Director, Investment Banking / Financial Services Group | Piper Sandler & Co.
Scott Hildenbrand Managing Director, Chief Balance Sheet Strategist, Head of Piper Sandler Financial Strategies | Piper Sandler & Co. |
|
|
8:45am – 8:55am |
President’s Report Bruce Whitehurst |
|
|
8:55am – 9:55am |
A Conversation with Gene Ludwig and Rob Nichols Gene Ludwig, Founder and CEO, Promontory MortgagePath, and Rob Nichols, President and CEO, American Bankers Association; joined by John Asbury, President and CEO, Atlantic Union Bankshares, and Bruce Whitehurst, President & CEO, Virginia Bankers Association |
|
|
9:55am – 10:55am |
Woodward on Washington: An Economic, Public Policy, and Political Outlook Joan Woodward Executive Vice President of Public Policy, Travelers | President, The Travelers Institute |
|
|
10:55am – 11:05am |
Break | |
|
11:05am – 11:15am |
VBA Education Foundation Report Scott Harvard |
|
|
11:15am – 12:15pm |
Remaining Relevant in a Digital Banking World Dave Martin Founder, bankmechanic |
|
| 10:00am – 12:00pm |
Guest Program: Home and Garden Walking Tour |
Meet in the Lobby Underneath the Chandelier |
| 12:15pm – 12:45pm | Registration Desk Open | Magnolia Willow Foyer |
| 6:00pm – 7:30pm | Reception and Dinner Featuring The Bob Williams Duo Sponsored by Investors Title Insurance Company |
Grand Hall and Cypress Dogwood Rooms |
| 8:30pm-10:30pm | Piper Sandler & Co. Dessert Reception All VBA Annual Convention Attendees Invited |
Riviera Theatre |
| Tuesday, September 14th | Event | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 7:00am – 8:00am | Registration Desk Open | Magnolia Willow Foyer |
| 7:30am | Breakfast | Live Oak Magnolia Willow Foyer and Live Oak Magnolia Willow |
| 8:00am – 11:45am |
Business Session |
Live Oak Magnolia Willow |
|
8:00am – 8:02am |
Welcome Bruce Whitehurst |
|
|
8:02am – 8:45am |
A Focus on Mental Health: Making Your Well-being Strategy A Competitive Advantage Betsy Nota-Kirby Vice President, National Health Management Consulting | Planning, Analytics and Total Health | Marsh & McLennan Agency |
|
|
8:45am – 8:50am |
Announcements Bruce Whitehurst |
|
|
8:50am – 9:00am |
Chairman’s Remarks John Asbury |
|
|
9:00am – 9:30am |
Where to From Here? A Leadership Panel John Asbury, Jeff Haley, and Leton Harding, moderated by Bruce Whitehurst |
|
|
9:30am – 10:30am |
What Comes After COVID? The Decade Ahead Michael Rogers Principal, Practical Futurist |
|
|
10:30am – 10:45am |
Break | |
|
10:45am – 11:45am |
Maximizing the Power of Inclusion by Uncovering the Impact of Unconscious Bias on Business Results Lenora Billings-Harris, CSP, CPAE International Diversity Strategist & Hall of Fame Speaker and Author |
|
| 11:45am – 12:15pm | Registration Desk Open | Magnolia Willow Foyer |
| 6:00pm – 7:00pm |
Farewell Reception Featuring Bob Williams on Guitar |
Riviera Complex |
| Wednesday, September 15th |
|---|
| Departure |
Speaker Information & Session Materials
About Our Keynote Speakers
Read full speaker bios here.
 |
 |
| Avi J. Barak Managing Director, Investment Banking / Financial Services Group Piper Sandler & Co. You Can’t Predict, But You Can Prepare – Getting Ready for 2022 |
Lenora Billings-Harris, CSP, CPAE International Diversity Strategist & Hall of Fame Speaker and Author Maximizing the Power of Inclusion by Uncovering the Impact of Unconscious Bias on Business Results |
 |
 |
|
Scott Hildenbrand |
Gene Ludwig Founder and CEO Promontory MortgagePath A Conversation with Gene Ludwig and Rob Nichols |
 |
 |
| Dave Martin Founder bankmechanics Remaining Relevant in a Digital Banking World Slides from Dave Martin's Session: Remaining Relevant in a Digital Banking World |
Rob Nichols President and CEO American Bankers Association A Conversation with Gene Ludwig and Rob Nichols |
 |
 |
| Betsy Nota-Kirby Vice President, National Health Management Consulting | Planning, Analytics and Total Health Marsh & McLennan Agency A Focus on Mental Health: Making Your Well-being Strategy a Competitive Advantage Slides from Betsy Nota-Kirby's Session: A Focus on Mental Health - Making Your Well-being Strategy a Competitive Advantage Mental Health Communications Toolkit MMA Perspectives Wellness Reimagined Health Action Alliance – a wealth of resources and planning tools to support employers communicate the importance of getting vaccinated Sodexo-USA “#Get The Facts” Campaign |
Michael Rogers Principal Practical Futurist What Comes After COVID? The Decade Ahead Slides from Michael's Session: What Comes After COVID? The Decade Ahead |
 |
|
| Joan Woodward Executive Vice President of Public Policy, Travelers | President, The Travelers Institute Woodward on Washington: An Economic, Public Policy, and Political Outlook |
|
Wednesdays with Woodward®: In this bimonthly symposium, Joan Woodward convenes dynamic thought leaders from across industries to talk about pressing topics in business, legislative activity, insurance, leadership, and more. Join the conversation by registering here. Please also check out this one-minute video of our fall preview.
Daily Newsletters
VBA Event Policies
By registering for this event, you are agreeing to the VBA Event Policies.
SPECIAL NEEDS & AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES NOTICE
If you have special needs that may affect your participation in this event, please contact Chandler Owdom to discuss accommodations.
Guest Program: Home and Garden Walking Tour
Monday, September 13 from 10:00am-12:00pm
Registered attendees will gather in the hotel lobby underneath the chandelier to meet the guide.
Join Wendy Asbury, wife of Immediate Past VBA Chairman John Asbury, for this exciting program. Guests will be met by a licensed tour guide inside the hotel lobby and will set off on foot to explore Charleston’s vibrant historic neighborhoods. They’ll enjoy a Charleston historic home for a half hour tour, and on the walk back to the hotel, their tour guide will point out more historic sights of the wonderful city. Some sights include St Michael’s Church, the Nathaniel Russell House, Washington Square Park and many other historic landmarks and exquisite gardens.
Proper footwear for uneven sidewalks is required.
The deadline to register for this event is September 6th. Attendees must cancel before September 6th to receive a refund. Contact Gail Queen with questions about your reservation.
View the Guest Program Roster Here
Entertainment
During our event, we will have entertainment provided by The Bob Williams Duo. The Bob Williams Duo is a father and son team that plays guitar and violin. They offer an eclectic mix of Classical, Jazz, Pop and Rock selections from a wide repertoire of songs and artists. As they like to say, “everything from Bach to Rock.”
Thank You to Our Sponsors!
Thank you to our event sponsors! Without their support, we could not stage a Convention to the scale we have this year. Please show your appreciation to them during the Convention.
Contact Amy Binns for more information about sponsorship opportunities.
Contribute to the 2021 VBA Education Foundation Annual Fund Campaign – Help Us Reach Our $65,000 Goal!
Please complete this form to help the VBA Education Foundation reach the 2021 goal of $65,000 for the Annual Fund Campaign by making a contribution to the Walter Ayers Fund for Financial Education. Contributions to this year’s campaign can be made via check or credit card.
CPE Information
Please complete this form to receive Continuing Professional Education (CPE) credits for this year’s Convention.