The 116th Annual UBA Convention returned to the beautiful Sun Valley Resort on June 23-26, 2024. The setting was picturesque, the weather was idyllic and the turnout was outstanding, with more than 400 bankers, guests and business partners gathering to reconnect with friends, collaborate with colleagues and enjoy time with family.
The event kicked off with registration in the Exhibit Hall on Sunday afternoon, as bankers and their families visited more than 45 exhibitors — including many familiar faces while also welcoming some new ones to the event. As always, there were plenty of games, swag, candy and smiles all around.
Nonverbal Communications Expert Linda Clemons® led off the Monday Business Session, providing insights into the nonverbal cues we all use and signs we should look for in others. With her funny and engaging style, everyone was on the edge of their seat. Derek White from Galileo Financial Technologies discussed transformation beyond the glass and how interactions will be the currency of the future. Geoff Gray and Howard Headlee capped off the morning by looking ahead to November’s election, with predictions for the White House and Congressional races and how any shift in power will affect the banking industry.
Attendees enjoyed lunch on the Lodge Terrace — which featured wonderful prize giveaways from event exhibitors — before dispersing to breakout sessions on topics like FHLBank, employee engagement and motivation, industry hot topics with the UDFI and real-time payments.
Later that afternoon, nearly 600 participants packed the Inn’s Limelight Ballroom for the UBA’s “world famous” bingo game, competing for awesome prizes like hoverboards, Legos, wireless speakers, theater gift cards and many others.
Tuesday was the traditional Activities Day, with attendees and family members partaking in a fun run, whitewater rafting trip, golf tournament, horseback riding, trap shooting, pickleball tournament and — new this year — UTV off-road rides!
Following a little downtime and some necessary cleanup — particularly for the UTV riders — bankers and guests gathered for the Chairman’s Reception & Dinner, honoring UBA Immediate Past Chair Andrea Moss (Nelnet Bank) and ABA Chair Julie Thurlow (Reading Cooperative Bank).
After dinner, several bankers were recognized for their service to the UBA and the industry, including UBA Chair Andrea Moss, Immediate Past Chair Matt Bloye, UBA Board Members Kay Hall and Spencer White, and Emerging Bank Leaders Chair Tyson Broderick. In addition, three bankers were presented with 40 Year Service Awards.
40 Year Service Award Honorees
- Rob Bowen — CEO, Brighton Bank
- Peter Morgan — Executive Director of National Lending, Zions Bank
- Michael Poll — Director of Credit (Private Banking), Zions Bank
We also took a moment to acknowledge Becky Wilkes for the indelible contributions she has made to the Utah Bankers Association. She is retiring at the end of the year, and she will be sorely missed by her team and bankers throughout Utah.
The evening’s program closed with the presentation of the Distinguished Banker Award to State Bank of Southern Utah President & CEO Eric Schmutz — go to https://utah-banker.thenewslinkgroup.org/eric-schmutz-named-2024-distinguished-banker/ for more.
But then it was time for everyone to hightail it over to the Sun Valley Pavilion for a night of rock ‘n’ roll with Liverpool Legends, the premier Beatles tribute act. Bankers were dancing in the aisles and singing along to Beatles classics, a rocking ending to a magical night.
Wednesday’s Business Session brought the convention to a close. ABA Chair Julie Thurlow implored the audience to continue advocating and innovating in the face of the current policy and regulatory environment. Robert Spendlove provided an economic outlook that was lukewarm at best but the situation in Utah leaves room for hope.
Andrea Moss reflected on her year as UBA Chair, presenting a “Top 10 Reasons for Optimism” list, and then it was time to elect the 2024-2025 UBA Board of Directors. The assembled bankers installed Mark Packard (President/CEO, Central Bank) as chair, and he took a moment to discuss the UBA’s rich history and all that we can accomplish together.
Packard introduced the convention’s closing speaker — Jim Olson, former CIA chief of counterintelligence. Olson and his wife lived as spies for more than 30 years, and he recounted the challenges, hardships and opportunities that life created for his children, family and friends. “Our country faces grave danger,” he said, “[but] we will prevail … because our best young people are stepping forward.”
Mark your calendar! The 117th Annual UBA Convention will return to Sun Valley on June 22-25, 2025.
