Schedule
The Next Generation in Banking Conference begins at 9 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 2, and concludes at 10:30 a.m. Friday, Oct. 3.
Thursday, Oct. 2
| 8 a.m. |
Registration and Continental Breakfast
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| 9 a.m. |
Call to Order & Welcome
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| 9:15 a.m. |
 The Art and Science of Effective Communication
Caleb Spitler | Public Speaking Coach
A recent LinkedIn survey found that 90% of global executives consider soft skills — also known as “human” or “durable” skills — more essential than ever. At the top of that list, communication ranked as the most in-demand skill in 2024 for the second year in a row. From leadership and sales to marketing, customer service and teamwork, the success of any department hinges on one thing — how well its people communicate. Caleb Spitler breaks down the core principles of effective communication, equipping attendees with practical skills to enhance both their personal and professional growth. This insightful, engaging session will inspire and empower attendees to communicate with greater clarity, confidence and impact.
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| 10:15 a.m. |
Refreshment Break
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| 10:30 a.m. |
Government Relations Update
David Kent, Senior Vice President/Chief Lobbyist | Missouri Bankers Association
Emily Lewis, Vice President of Legislative & Advocacy Programming | Missouri Bankers Association
Rep. Philip Oehlerking, Vice Chair of Missouri House Financial Institutions Committee
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| 11:30 a.m. |
Lunch and NextGen Award
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| 12:30 p.m. |
 Future of Fraud: 2024-2025 Trends, Benchmarks and Mitigation Strategies Roundtable Discussion
Elissa Brewer, CAMS, CFE, Senior Risk Management Consultant | Abrigo
In this interactive discussion, Elissa Brewer reviews current fraud trends in financial institutions and current tactics. Sharpen your skills and benchmark your current program and processes with peers as you learn mitigation strategies currently in use. Gain insights to implement in your own fraud programs for effective prevention. |
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| 1:30 p.m. |
Refreshment Break
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| 1:45 p.m. |
 Asset/Liability Management in Today’s Environment
Dale Sheller, Managing Director of Financial Strategies | The Baker Group
Nearly three years ago, the Federal Reserve launched an aggressive tightening cycle to combat post-pandemic inflation, reshaping the economic landscape. As we move through 2025, the banking industry faces fresh challenges amid stabilizing yet elevated interest rates, post-election policy shifts and growing concerns about a potential economic slowdown. Senior management continues to navigate an environment
marked by elevated interest rates and the looming threat of an economic downturn. This session will examine and discuss all these concerns and present strategies to better prepare your institution for the uncertainty ahead.
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| 2:45 p.m. |
Refreshment Break
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| 3 p.m. |
Be the First One on the Dance Floor
Turn Passive Participation into Bold Leadership — From Me to We
Robb Ferre, Founder | Life of the Party
What if leadership wasn’t about position, power or pedigree? What if it was about creating connection through action? Everyone talks about leadership, but few know how to model it in the moment. Too often, capable people hesitate, waiting for someone else to take the first step. “Be the First One on the Dance Floor” flips that mindset and empowers you to become movement starters. In this fun, story-rich presentation, Rob Ferre uses the dance floor as a powerful metaphor for modern leadership, where labels take a backseat to courage, presence and participation. Discover your leadership style and learn how to show up, step up and spark momentum — whether you’re launching a project, building culture or bringing a team together.
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| 5 p.m. |
Social Room & Social at Midway Golf & Games
You have an obstacle, and your peers have a solution! During this networking session, attendees will work with their table to help find solutions to everyone’s obstacles. Please come with one obstacle you would like your peers to assist you with finding a solution!
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| 6 p.m. |
Dinner on Your Own
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Friday, Oct. 3
| 7:30 a.m. |
Buffet Breakfast
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| 8:15 a.m. |
Panel of Banking Leadership Missouri Alumni
Moderator: Jackson Hataway, President and CEO | Missouri Bankers Association
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| 9:15 a.m. |
Refreshment Break
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| 9:30 a.m. |
Tiger Style: Eight Steps to Creating a Winning Culture
Brian Smith, Wrestling Coach | University of Missouri-Columbia
For almost three decades, Brian Smith has led the University of Missouri wrestling program from the bottom of the rankings to a perennial national contender. Along the way, Smith has built more than a team — he built a culture. This “Tiger Style” culture has molded MU’s wrestling program into a national powerhouse
that continues to pursue NCAA titles. Smith built Tiger Style — a system of identity, discipline and relentless belief — that has helped shape dozens of All-Americans, NCAA champions and Olympians. More important, these athletes have carried forward the principles of Tiger Style in their professional and personal lives. In sharing his Tiger Style philosophy, Smith motivates attendees to transform their team culture and instill a lasting expectation to win in their careers and in their lives.
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| 10:30 a.m. |
Adjournment
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