36th Annual ICBA Bank Director Current Issues Seminar
March 6-9, 2026
San Diego California
San Diego Convention Center
About the Seminar
Friday, March 6th
Join us for the 36th Annual ICBA Bank Director Current Issues Seminar, a premier event designed for community bank directors and CEOs. This half-day session offers a unique opportunity to gain insights on the most pressing issues facing banks today.
You’ll hear from top industry experts on the latest hot topics impacting community banking. Plus, you’ll engage in a dynamic panel discussion about leadership success on planning and why it’s critically important to your organization's continued successess.
This seminar is an essential event for bank directors looking to stay informed and proactive in navigating the complexities of the banking industry. Register your bank directors today and ensure your institution is well-prepared for the opportunities ahead.
How to Register
To attend the ICBA Bank Director Current Issues Seminar, you must be fully registered for LIVE. Register online opens in a new tabor call 800-422-7285 and ask for an ICBA Events team member.
Pricing
Banks enrolled in the ICBA Bank Director Program opens in a new tabreceive a special discount on registration.
Earn CPE Credits
Those who complete the program will receive 4 hours of CPE credits.
Schedule
Friday, March 6th
7:00 - 8:00 a.m.
Registration and Breakfast
m
8:00 - 8:10 a.m.
Opening Remarks
8:10 - 9:00 a.m.
The Modern Community Bank Board: What Governance Really Means
Philip Smith, Gerrish Smith Tuck
The role of a bank board member has evolved dramatically. Today’s board members face heightened expectations, rapid technological change, fierce new competition, and dealing with the challenge of often unwanted and unsolicited acquisition overtures. This session will provide you with the tools to be a highly effective community bank board member in this changed environment. You’ll gain a deeper understanding of your key roles and obligations, and how to navigate the complexities of modern governance with confidence.
9:00 - 9:50 a.m.
Leveling up on Digital Assets: What Bank Directors Need to Know
Nik Fahrer & Geron Morgan, Forvis Mazars
Digital assets are impacting the financial landscape, making it essential for community bank directors to understand the core concepts behind this technology. This session provides a clear, accessible introduction to cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, and stablecoins, along with the broader category of digital assets. We’ll break down how these assets work, why they matter, and the key risks and challenges they present. We’ll also dive into the role auditors play in bringing trust and transparency to the digital assets industry. Participants will leave with a solid grasp of the fundamental principles that define the digital asset ecosystem and the trends driving its evolution.
9:50 - 10:10 a.m.
Break
10:10 - 11:00 a.m.
Lessons Learned in CEO and Executive Succession:
A CEO Perspective Panel Moderator: Alan Kaplan, Kaplan Partners
Panelists: John Buhrmaster, CEO, 1st National Bank of Scotia, NY and Andrew Silsby, President & CEO, Kennebec Savings Bank, ME
Leadership succession is one of the most challenging aspects of bank board governance, while clearly remaining a board’s #1 responsibility. Hear from two community bank CEOs how they navigated this transition, both for themselves and for the executives reporting to them. Also learn how their bank’s board oversaw these transitions.
11:00 - 11:50 a.m.
Smarter Banking: 10 AI Moves that Make a Difference
Josh Juergensen & Tim Dively, CLA
This isn’t just a list of AI use cases, it’s a strategy-first approach. Many financial institutions have struggled with tech-led initiatives that lack alignment to real business goals. This program focuses on connecting AI efforts to measurable outcomes through a practical blueprint that combines people, processes, and technology using Organizational Change Management (OCM) to ensure adoption, governance, and real value. You’ll learn how to educate staff and boards with clear guardrails while building programs for risk, cybersecurity, vendor management, and strategy that keep pace with AI—and turn policy into everyday practice. We’ll help you identify current AI usage across employees and vendors, uncover gaps and risks, and prioritize a roadmap of 10 key moves for smarter, safer banking.
11:50 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Closing Remarks
About the Seminar
Join us for the 36th Annual ICBA Bank Director Current Issues Seminar, a premier event designed for community bank directors and CEOs. This half-day session offers a unique opportunity to gain insights on the most pressing issues facing banks today.
You’ll hear from top industry experts on the latest hot topics impacting community banking. . Plus, you’ll engage in a dynamic panel discussion about leadership successi on planning and why it’s critically important to your organization's continued successess.
This seminar is an essential event for bank directors looking to stay informed and proactive in navigating the complexities of the banking industry. Register your bank directors today and ensure your institution is well-prepared for the opportunities ahead.
How to Register
To attend the ICBA Bank Director Current Issues Seminar, you must be fully registered for LIVE. Register online or call 800-422-7285 and ask for an ICBA Events team member.
Pricing
Banks enrolled in the ICBA Bank Director Program receive a special discount on registration.
Earn CPE Credits
Those who complete the program will receive 4 hours of CPE credits.
Schedule - Friday, March 6
7:00 - 8:00 a.m.
Registration and Breakfast
8:00 - 8:10 a.m.
Opening Remarks
8:10 - 9:00 a.m.
The Modern Community Bank Board: What Governance Really Means
Philip Smith, Gerrish Smith Tuck
The role of a bank board member has evolved dramatically. Today’s board members face heightened expectations, rapid technological change, fierce new competition, and dealing with the challenge of often unwanted and unsolicited acquisition overtures. This session will provide you with the tools to be a highly effective community bank board member in this changed environment. You’ll gain a deeper understanding of your key roles and obligations, and how to navigate the complexities of modern governance with confidence.
9:00 - 9:50 a.m.
Leveling up on Digital Assets: What Bank Directors Need to Know
Nik Fahrer & Geron Morgan, Forvis Mazars
Digital assets are impacting the financial landscape, making it essential for community bank directors to understand the core concepts behind this technology. This session provides a clear, accessible introduction to cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, and stablecoins, along with the broader category of digital assets. We’ll break down how these assets work, why they matter, and the key risks and challenges they present. We’ll also dive into the role auditors play in bringing trust and transparency to the digital assets industry. Participants will leave with a solid grasp of the fundamental principles that define the digital asset ecosystem and the trends driving its evolution.
9:50 - 10:10 a.m.
Break
10:10 - 11:00 a.m.
Lessons Learned in CEO and Executive Succession: A CEO Perspective
Panel Moderator: Alan Kaplan, Kaplan Partners
Panelists: John Buhrmaster, CEO, 1st National Bank of Scotia, NY and Andrew Silsby, President & CEO, Kennebec Savings Bank, ME
Leadership succession is one of the most challenging aspects of bank board governance, while clearly remaining a board’s #1 responsibility. Hear from two community bank CEOs how they navigated this transition, both for themselves and for the executives reporting to them. Also learn how their bank’s board oversaw these transitions.
11:00 - 11:50 a.m.
Smarter Banking: 10 AI Moves that Make a Difference
Josh Juergensen & Tim Dively, CLA
This isn’t just a list of AI use cases, it’s a strategy-first approach. Many financial institutions have struggled with tech-led initiatives that lack alignment to real business goals. This program focuses on connecting AI efforts to measurable outcomes through a practical blueprint that combines people, processes, and technology using Organizational Change Management (OCM) to ensure adoption, governance, and real value. You’ll learn how to educate staff and boards with clear guardrails while building programs for risk, cybersecurity, vendor management, and strategy that keep pace with AI—and turn policy into everyday practice. We’ll help you identify current AI usage across employees and vendors, uncover gaps and risks, and prioritize a roadmap of 10 key moves for smarter, safer banking.
11:50 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Closing Remarks
| Discount Price (Now - Jan. 30) | Regular Price (Jan. 31 - March 6 | |
|---|---|---|
Banks enrolled in ICBA Bank Director Program |
$249 |
$299 |
Banks not enrolled in ICBA Bank Director Program |
$299 |
$349 |