Arecord number of attendees tuned in for the 10th Annual UBA Bank Executive Winter Conference, Dec. 3-4, 2020, this year held jointly with the Washington Bankers Association. Bank executives from across the states of Utah and Washington attended this two-day virtual event, which kicked off with a postelection panel discussion featuring James Ballentine, ABA; Geoff Greay, FHLB of De Moines; Brian Smith, Wells Fargo and moderated by Glen Simeck, Washington Bankers Association and Howard Headlee, Utah Bankers Association. The panel provided some interesting perspectives on the recent election, including the uncertainty of leadership control and the industry’s political ramification.

Following the panel, Paul Benda, ABA, led a discussion with Dr. Ali H. Hokdad, University of Washington; Mary Huymh, Washington Department of Health; and Rich Saunders, Utah Department of Health, on the current status of COVID in both Utah and Washington. The panel provided insight into how banks can prepare for the coming months and expect to move into 2021.

Rounding out the first day were a series of breakout sessions where bankers chose from ALCO and Balance Sheet Management, with Al Forrester, FICAST; Change Intensity and Culture Consistency, with consultant Sharon Dy; and Recalibrating Strategy in a Time of High Risk and Uncertainty with Dr. Paul Godfrey, Brigham Young University.

Day two started with Ron Shevlin, Cornerstone Advisors, who discussed Banking Delusions of Digital Transformations and what banks need to do to make this transformation happen. Laurie Stewart, president and CEO of Sound Community Bank and past-chair of the American Bankers Association, talked about her passion for providing continuing education to assure the readiness of banking’s future leaders. Both states honored graduates of the 2020 Executive Development Program during special graduation ceremonies held separately for each state.

The day wrapped up with a fireside chat featuring Howard Headlee and Jon Huntsman, Jr., former governor of Utah and U.S. ambassador, who addressed the current state of the country, America’s place on the world stage, and how the banking industry should prepare for the future given the current environment.

We want to thank all those who attended this year’s conference and hope to see you all in person next year!