AGENDA: With a philly twist
This isn’t your typical conference agenda — it’s Philly-style.
From M&A to tech to talent, these sessions cover the strategies and trends reshaping the industry. Get sharp takeaways from the leaders who aren’t just watching the changes, they’re making them.
The agenda, including moderators and panelists, is subject to change and will be updated as details are confirmed. Please check back regularly for the latest updates.
October 8th
6:00 PM: Welcome Reception
Kick off NEXT Forum in style on Wednesday night with an evening of networking, delicious food, and refreshing drinks! Mingle with industry leaders and innovators in the Meade Room Bar while enjoying a carefully curated selection of bites and beverages.
October 9th
8:00 AM: Banker’s Breakfast
Start your day with a light breakfast and casual conversation in the Farragut Room. It’s a great opportunity to meet fellow attendees and ease into the day’s events.
9:00 AM: Banking in 2025: A Declaration of Independence
Moderator: Andrew Liesch, Head of Strategy at Travillian
Panelists: Gary Svec, Managing Director of Investment Banking at Performance Trust Capital Partners
Independence from regulators, independent thinking in tech and innovation, independence from the burdens of high interest rates.
9:50 AM: Technology Phanatics: Innovation in Banking
Moderator: Keith Daly, Principal, Banking & Fintech Search at Travillian
Panelists: Ryan Hildebrand, EVP, Chief Innovation Officer at Bankwell; Jeremy R. Mandell, Co-Chair of Financial Services Group at Morrison Foerster; Nathaniel Harley, Chief Revenue Officer at Alkami Technology & Founder/CEO of MANTL
What does the next wave of technology innovation look like in banking? We will give you a hint: fighting fraud, emerging payment systems, designing for niche customer segments, and, of course, AI.
10:30 AM: 20 Minute Break
Take a 20-minute break to recharge, grab refreshments, and network with fellow attendees.
10:50 AM: Jazz Up Your Balance Sheet Management
Moderator: Lori Bettinger, President of BancAlliance
Panelists: Isaac Wheeler, Managing Director, Balance Sheet Strategy at Derivative Path; Scott Hildenbrand, Head of Depository Fixed Income & Chief Balance Sheet Strategist at Piper Sandler; Eric Newell, Senior Executive VP & CFO at Eagle Bancorp
Record levels of maturing debt, under-water balance sheets, and a loan pricing model that has been slow to evolve — how can banks prepare for their next wave of asset growth?
11:30 AM: Channeling Your Inner “Rocky”
Moderators: Brian Love, Head of Banking & Fintech at Travillian; Sean Enright, Managing Director, Depository Investment Banking, Hovde Group
Panelists: Chuck Shaffer, CEO at Seacoast Bank; Chip Reeves, CEO at MidWestOne Bank; Marya Burgio Wlos, Chief Financial Officer at Community Financial Systems, Inc.
Three C-Suite leaders reveal how smaller banks are outmaneuvering larger competitors with bold strategies and sustainable growth models.
12:15 PM: Lunch Break
Take a break, recharge, and connect with fellow attendees over lunch in the Farragut Room. Whether you're networking or just refueling, this is your time to relax before the next session begins.
1:30 PM: Trust the Process: Hiring and Retaining Top Talent
Moderator: Brian Love, Head of Banking & Fintech at Travillian
Panelists: Jeff Fairchild, SVP at Blanchard Consulting Group; Jessica Jones, EVP, People and Culture at Emprise Bank; Mike Downey, Director of Insurance Solutions and Executive Benefits at Alden Investment Group
Community banks are under tremendous pressure to attract and retain top talent. This recruiting and compensation playbook is a must-have for bank executives.
2:20 PM: The Right to Keep and Bear Capital
Moderator: Michael Perito, SVP, Head of Corporate Strategy at Provident Bank
Panelists: Paul Egge, CFO at Stellar Bancorp; Jonah Marcus, Partner and Portfolio Manager at Endeavour Capital Advisors Inc.; Scott Studwell, Managing Director, Head of U.S. Depositories and Co-Head of Equity Capital Markets at Stephens
Off of a multi-year dearth of M&A and capital raising activity in the banking industry, what can get us to sustain consolidation activity and return to a more offensive growth posture?
3:00 PM: 20 Minute Break
Take a 20-minute break to recharge, grab refreshments, and network with fellow attendees.
3:20 PM: Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of a Tech-Forward Bank Strategy
Moderators: Amber Buker, Chief Research Officer at Travillian; Emmett Shipman, Fintech Strategy and Growth Senior Manager at Wolf & Co.
Panelists: Vinny Rezavker, Director of Bank Partnerships at UNIT; Ben Reynolds, Managing Director and Head of USD Standard at BitGo; Jimmy Stallings, President of the Payments Group at Stride Bank
Novel banking has risen from the grave in 2025. How will the future of banking be impacted by banking-as-a-service, stablecoins, payments, and other novel strategies driving growth today?
4:10 PM: Building Brotherly Love: Ira Robbins, CEO of Valley National Bank, and Brent Beardall, CEO of WaFd Bank
Co-Moderators: Brian Love, Head of Banking & Fintech at Travillian; Andrew Liesch, Head of Bank Strategy at Travillian
Panelists: Ira Robbins Chairman and CEO at Valley National Bank; Brent Beardall, President, CEO, and Vice Chairman at WaFd Bank
Friends from opposite coasts and two of the most influential bank CEOs in the country share their experiences leading with purpose, shaping culture and growth bank mentality in a constantly changing world.
5:00 PM: Sessions End
Our panel discussions will come to a close at 5:00 pm.
6:30 PM: Closing of Events Cocktail Hour
Join us later this evening in the Meade Room to wrap up the day with a relaxing evening of music, light bites, and cocktails.