Midwest Bank Leaders Forum Featuring Chicago Chapter Brunch

Wednesday, December 2, 2026

6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. IBA Board of Directors Dinner


Thursday, December 3, 2026

8:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. IBA Board of Directors Meeting

10:00 a.m. Registration Opens + Chicago Chapter Brunch Buffet
Buffet will stay open until Noon

10:45 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Chicago Chapter Introductions + Guest Speaker
The Human Impact of AI: What It Means for Your Bank and Your People
Jack Vonder Heide, Founder & CEO, Technology Briefing Centers, Inc.

12:15 p.m. – 12:30 p.m. Midwest Bank Leaders - Opening Welcome
Megan Collins, EVP & President, First Women’s Bank — 2026 IBA Chair
Betsy Johnson, Chairman and CEO, Solutions Bank

12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. An Economist, a Politician, and a Banker Walk Into a Bar - Panel
What the election and economic outlook means for the banking industry
Bill Adams, Chief U.S. Economist, Fifth Third Commercial Bank
Danial Watts, President, Forest Park National Bank & Trust Company

1:30 p.m. – 2:15 p.m. Regulatory Update: Innovate with Confidence
AI, Growth, and Risk Management

2:15 p.m. – 2:45 p.m. Networking Break
Light snacks provided

2:45 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. Thriving Under Pressure: Protecting Decision Quality and Cardiovascular Heath in Banking
Mark Brezzell, Educator and Executive Health Coach

3:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. Illinois Bankers Legal & Advocacy Update

4:00 p.m. – 4:15 p.m. Recognition Ceremony

4:15 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. Closing Networking Reception
Open Bar & Hors d'oeuvres

2026 Sponsors