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I've included 2024's 13 best banking conferences for finance professionals to attend in this list.

Below the shortlist, you'll find each event's details, including an overview of the conference, the reasons I think it's worth attending, and all information you'd need to get ready.

Best Banking Conferences 2024 Shortlist

Here's a shortlist of the banking conferences I think are worth attending in 2024:

  1. CBA LIVE 2024 - Washington, DC (March 2024)
  2. The Financial Brand Forum - Las Vegas, NV (May 2024)
  3. Finovate Spring Fintech Event - San Francisco, CA (May 2024)
  4. Bank Director’s Annual Bank Audit & Risk Conference - Chicago, IL (June 2024)
  5. American Banker’s Digital Banking - Boca Raton, FL (June 2024)
  6. Bank Customer Experience Summit - Charlotte, NC (September 2024)
  7. American Banker’s Small Biz Banking - Las Vegas, NV (October 2024)
  8. American Banker The Most Powerful Women in Banking Conference - New York, NY (October 2024)
  9. American Bankers Association Annual Convention - New York, NY (October 2024)
  10. Money20/20 USA - Las Vegas, NV (October 2024)
  11. MBA's Independent Mortgage Bankers Conference - Austin, TX (January 2025)
  12. American Bankers Association Conference for Community Bankers - Phoenix, AZ (February 2025)
  13. Finovate Europe - London, UK (February 2025)

Find more details about each conference below.

Best Banking Conferences Of 2024

1. CBA LIVE 2024 - Washington, DC (March 2024)

A group of people actively participating in an interactive workshop at CBA Live conference
CBA Live Conference

Overview:

CBA LIVE 2024 offers a deep dive into the retail banking sector, covering topics like consumer behavior, regulatory changes, and innovative banking strategies. Speakers include industry leaders and experts who bring a wealth of knowledge and experience.

Why You Should Attend:

This conference is particularly relevant for those looking to understand how retail banking is changing and how to adapt to the needs of consumers. It's an ideal space for banking professionals who want to stay informed about the latest industry trends and best practices.

CBA LIVE 2024 will feature John Hope Bryant, Chairman of Operation HOPE, and Christine Channels, Head of Community Banking and Consumer Governance at Bank of America, as speakers.

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2. The Financial Brand Forum - Las Vegas, NV (May 2024)

A speaker presenting on stage at The Financial Brand Forum
The Financial Brand Forum

Overview:

This event focuses on marketing, strategy, and innovation in the banking sector. It's packed with sessions that explore cutting-edge marketing techniques, digital transformation, and customer experience strategies.

Why You Should Attend:

Sometimes, having a job in finance isn't all about finance.

For the current or aspiring strategic CFO, you need to know how to leverage marketing and innovation to drive customer satisfaction, leading to logo growth and retention over the long run.

This forum provides actionable insights and networking opportunities with some of the brightest minds in financial marketing.

3. Finovate Spring Fintech Event - San Francisco, CA (May 2024)

Presenters at the Finovate Spring Fintech Event standing on stage
Finovate Spring Fintech Event

Overview:

FinovateSpring is all about fintech innovation, showcasing the latest in technology-driven financial services. It features demos of new fintech solutions, discussions on trends like AI, blockchain, and digital banking, and speakers from top fintech companies.

Why You Should Attend:

If you're interested in fintech—specifically, how technology is reshaping the financial sector, this conference is a must-attend. It offers a unique opportunity to see live demos of new products while you network with their creators.

Highlighting the event, FinovateSpring 2024 will feature notable speakers such as Peggy Mangot, MD of Fintech Partnerships in Commercial Banking at J.P. Morgan, and James Robert Lay, author of "Banking On Digital Growth."

4. Bank Director’s Annual Bank Audit & Risk Conference - Chicago, IL (June 2024)

Attendees seated in a conference room listening to a speaker at the Bank Director’s Annual Bank Audit & Risk Conference
Bank Director’s Annual Bank Audit & Risk Conference

Overview:

This conference covers the critical areas of audit and risk within the banking industry. It offers insights into the latest challenges and solutions in risk management, cybersecurity, and regulatory compliance.

Why You Should Attend:

With the increasing complexity of risk and compliance in banking, this event is crucial for professionals responsible for managing these areas. It provides a platform to learn from peers and experts about best practices and innovative approaches to audit and risk management.

Oh, and if you attend, please take a better picture for me to include next time...

5. American Banker’s Digital Banking - Boca Raton, FL (June 2024)

Five panelists engaged in a discussion at American Banker’s Digital Banking Conference
American Banker’s Digital Banking Conference

Overview:

Focused on the digital transformation of banking, this conference discusses the future of digital channels, technologies to enhance customer experience, and strategies for digital growth. Expect to hear from leaders in digital banking and technology.

Why You Should Attend:

Simple: To expense a trip to Boca Raton.

That isn't enough to approve the spend, you say? How about this: You'll learn about how digital technologies can be harnessed to improve customer engagement and operational efficiency.

You'll hear from keynote speakers Sathish Muthukrishnan, Chief Information, Data, and Digital Officer at Ally, and Marc Butterfield, Senior Vice President at FNBO.

6. Bank Customer Experience Summit - Charlotte, NC (September 2024)

Four panelists seated in a row, engaging with the audience at the Bank Customer Experience Summit
Bank Customer Experience Summit

Overview:

This summit focuses on enhancing the customer experience in the banking sector, covering topics such as personalization, customer journey mapping, and digital engagement strategies. Speakers include CX experts and practitioners from leading banks.

Why You Should Attend:

Customer experience can be a key differentiator for similar products, meaning your bottom line might rely on your CX skills in the near future.

Keynote speakers Regina DeMars, Director of Content Marketing & Social Media Strategy at First National Bank of Omaha, and Marbue Brown, Founder of The Customer Obsession Advantage, will be speaking to their expertise in content marketing, social media strategy, and customer obsession, offering a rich resource for attendees aiming to elevate their bank's customer experience.

7. American Banker’s Small Biz Banking - Las Vegas, NV (October 2024)

Professionals networking in a busy exhibit hall at American Banker’s Small Biz Banking Conference
American Banker’s Small Biz Banking Conference

Overview:

This conference zeroes in on the unique challenges and opportunities in banking for small businesses. It covers innovative lending solutions, digital service providers for small business customers, and strategies for building strong small business relationships.

Why You Should Attend:

With small businesses increasingly becoming the backbone of the economy, understanding their banking needs is crucial. This conference offers invaluable insights into how banks can better serve this segment and tap into new growth avenues.

8. American Banker The Most Powerful Women in Banking Conference - New York, NY (October 2024)

A group of women engaging in conversation around a table at The Most Powerful Women in Banking Conference
American Banker The Most Powerful Women in Banking Conference

Overview:

Celebrating the achievements of women in the banking sector, this event includes discussions on leadership, career development, and the challenges facing women in finance. It features some of the most influential women in banking and finance.

Why You Should Attend:

This conference is a source of inspiration and networking for women in banking. It's an opportunity to hear from successful women leaders and to discuss ways to overcome barriers and promote gender diversity in the industry.

9. American Bankers Association Annual Convention - New York, NY (October 2024)

A vast audience of banking professionals seated, listening to a keynote speaker at the American Bankers Association Annual Convention
American Bankers Association Annual Convention

Overview:

The ABA Annual Convention is a comprehensive event covering all aspects of banking. It addresses the latest trends, regulatory developments, and strategies for banking success, featuring industry leaders and policymakers.

Why You Should Attend:

As one of the largest gatherings in the banking industry, this convention offers unparalleled networking opportunities and insights into the future direction of banking. It's a must-attend for those looking to shape their bank's strategy in the coming years.

10. Money20/20 USA - Las Vegas, NV (October 2024)

A bustling exhibition hall at Money20/20 USA with numerous attendees engaging with vendors and exploring innovations.
Money20/20 USA Conference

Overview:

This global event is at the forefront of the fintech and financial services industry, showcasing innovative payments and financial solutions. It features a wide range of topics from mobile banking to regulatory tech and cryptocurrencies.

Why You Should Attend:

For finance professionals looking to get a comprehensive overview of the latest trends and innovations in fintech and payments, Money20/20 is the place to be. It's where future financial technologies are debuted and discussed.

11. MBA's Independent Mortgage Bankers Conference - Austin, TX (January 2025)

A speaker at a podium and panelists seated on stage at the MBA's Independent Mortgage Bankers Conference, engaging with the audience in a conference room setting
MBA's Independent Mortgage Bankers Conference

Overview:

Focused on the unique needs and challenges of independent mortgage bankers, this conference offers insights into mortgage trends, regulatory compliance, and market strategies. It's a hub for mortgage professionals to exchange ideas and best practices.

Why You Should Attend:

If you're in the mortgage business, this conference is an essential stop for staying informed about the industry's landscape, networking with peers, and discovering new strategies for success. This year's event will be even more compelling with speakers like David Battany, Executive Vice President of Capital Markets at Guild Mortgage Company, and Cameron N. Beane, Director of Capital Markets at Milliman, Inc.

Their participation highlights the depth of expertise that will be available, focusing on critical areas such as capital markets and strategic growth opportunities in the mortgage sector. Engaging with seasoned professionals like Battany and Beane offers a unique chance to gain insights into navigating the complexities of the mortgage industry and leveraging market trends to your advantage.

12. American Bankers Association Conference for Community Bankers - Phoenix, AZ (February 2025)

A group of six professionals smiling and standing on stage at the ABA Conference for Community Bankers
American Bankers Association Conference for Community Bankers

Overview:

Tailored for community bankers, this event dives into the challenges and opportunities in community banking, from technology adoption to regulatory compliance and community engagement.

Why You Should Attend:

It's a valuable forum for community bankers looking to leverage new technologies, navigate regulatory landscapes, and strengthen their role in their communities. The conference offers practical solutions and networking opportunities specific to the community banking sector.

13. Finovate Europe - London, UK (February 2025)

Conference attendees at a registration desk, collecting their badges and materials before entering the Finovate Europe Conference.
Finovate Europe Conference

Overview:

With a focus on the European fintech scene, this conference showcases the latest in financial and banking innovation across Europe. It features fintech demos, keynotes, and panels discussing trends like digital banking, regtech, and blockchain.

Why You Should Attend:

For those interested in the vibrant European fintech ecosystem, this event offers a unique glimpse into the latest innovations and strategies shaping the future of finance in Europe and beyond. FinovateEurope will be especially engaging this year with the presence of Nina Schick, an author and generative AI expert, founder at Tamang Ventures, and Ken Hughes, a noted consumer behavioralist dubbed The King of Customer Experience.

Their expertise brings a wealth of knowledge to the conference, from the cutting-edge applications of AI in finance to understanding and leveraging consumer behavior for fintech success. Attending sessions with speakers like Schick and Hughes provides invaluable insights into the technological advancements driving the financial sector and how these innovations can be applied to create meaningful customer experiences.

Onto the Next

So, there you have it—a rundown of some of the key conferences for finance leaders and professionals in 2024. Each offers a unique lens on the finance and banking world, from technological innovations to strategic management insights. But the landscape is vast, and there are undoubtedly other great events out there.

If you know of any conferences that have been game-changers for you or ones you're looking forward to, I'd love to hear about them. After all, more research never hurts.

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By Simon Litt

Simon Litt is the Editor of The CFO Club, where he shares his passion for all things money-related. Performing research, talking to experts, and calling on his own professional background, he'll be working hard to ensure that The CFO Club is an indispensable resource for anyone seeking to stay informed on the latest financial trends and topics in the world of tech.

Prior to editing this publication, Simon spent years working in, and running his own, investor relations agency, servicing public companies that wanted to reach and connect deeper with their shareholder base. Simon's experience includes constructing comprehensive budgets for IR activities, consulting CEOs & executive teams on best practices for the public markets, and facilitating compliant communications training.