More than 450 bankers, business partners and guests gathered in beautiful Sun Valley on June 28-July 1 for the 118th Annual UBA Convention. While the mountain weather didn’t always cooperate, it never dampened attendees’ enthusiasm throughout the four days of exceptional education, meaningful networking, family activities and memorable entertainment celebrating Utah banking.

The convention kicked off on Sunday with registration and the uniquely UBA Exhibit Hall, where nearly 50 exhibitors transformed the Limelight Ballroom into an interactive experience filled with games, giveaways, prizes and plenty of treats for bankers and their families. The evening concluded with the Welcome Reception & Buffet at River Run Lodge, providing the perfect opportunity to reconnect with colleagues and friends from across the state.

Monday’s business sessions explored leadership, technology, digital assets, fraud prevention and the future of banking. UBA Chair Todd Boren welcomed attendees before Dave Martin challenged bankers to build organizations centered on good people. Adam Schlesinger followed with an engaging look at how artificial intelligence is rapidly transforming the banking industry.

During the Networking & Vendor Recognition Lunch, attendees got the first look at a model of the Grand Liberty Arch by renowned sculptor Sabin Howard, commemorating America’s 250th anniversary. The 60-foot-long, 36-foot-tall monument is scheduled for completion before the 2034 Winter Olympics.

The afternoon continued with a digital assets panel featuring Alex Treece of Stablecore and Kaye Lynch-Sparks of the American Bankers Association, followed by a presentation on digital identity from Christopher Bramwell, director of the Utah Office of Data Privacy. The day’s business sessions concluded with a discussion of how the 2026 elections could impact banking and Utah’s business climate, featuring former U.S. Congressman Jason Chaffetz and Government Affairs Consultant Geoff Gray.

After a full day of learning, it was time for the ever-popular UBA Bingo Game. Hundreds of attendees of all ages packed the Limelight Ballroom to compete for dozens of prizes, continuing one of the convention’s most beloved traditions.

Tuesday’s Activities Day once again offered something for everyone, including the inaugural World Cup Watch Party, where families gathered at The Ram Restaurant to cheer on Norway and the Ivory Coast while enjoying game-day snacks and soccer-themed prizes.

That evening, bankers and guests gathered for the Chairman’s Reception & Dinner honoring UBA Chair Todd Boren (Celtic Bank) and ABA Chair Kenneth Kelly (First Independence Bank). The program also recognized bankers for their years of service to the association and the industry, including this year’s 40-Year Service Award recipients:

• Don Coombs, Vice President and Branch & Relationship Manager, Cache Valley Bank
• Mark Packard, President & CEO, Central Bank
• John Taylor, Senior Vice President of Strategic Partnerships & Business Development, Medallion Bank

The celebration continued at the Sun Valley Pavilion, where attendees traveled back to the 1980s with Electric Avenue: The ‘80s MTV Experience, singing and dancing along to classic hits from one of music’s most iconic decades.

Wednesday’s Business Session wrapped up the convention with another outstanding lineup of speakers, including updates from ABA Chair Kenneth Kelly and Emerging Bank Leaders Chair Jessica Sorensen, followed by UBA President Howard Headlee’s report on the UBA’s strategic initiatives for the coming year. Natalie Gochnour, director of the Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute, provided an insightful outlook on the Utah economy and the effects of rapid technological, political and societal changes. Members then elected the 2026-2027 UBA Board of Directors (see page 10), and Todd Boren officially passed the gavel to incoming UBA Chair Shelly Holt of First Community Bank.

The convention concluded on a high note with motivational comedian Judson Laipply, whose energetic presentation encouraged attendees to embrace change and overcome adversity, while his famous “Evolution of Dance” performance sent everyone home laughing.

Mark your calendar! The 119th Annual UBA Convention returns to Sun Valley June 27-30, 2027.