ABA National Conference for Community Bankers 2027
Event Date
February 14–16, 2027
Location
Chula Vista, CA
Expected Exhibitors
125
About This Show
AI-drafted summaryThe ABA Conference for Community Bankers is the American Bankers Association's flagship annual event created specifically for community bank leaders. Positioned as "the premier event developed for and by community bank CEOs," it brings together executives, senior leaders and board members from community banks across the country for several days of education, peer exchange and networking.
Attendees can expect solutions-focused general sessions, education tracks and facilitated peer discussions covering the issues most relevant to community banks today — including board governance, payments modernization, fraud and scam prevention, artificial intelligence, commercial and CRE lending, talent strategy and the economic outlook. Signature networking events, receptions and dedicated CEO and board-member exchanges give leaders ample time to connect banker-to-banker.
The 2027 conference takes place February 14–16, 2027 at the Gaylord Pacific Resort & Convention Center in Chula Vista, California (San Diego area). It is well suited to community bank CEOs, C-suite executives and directors seeking practical strategies, industry insights and relationships that help their institutions stay competitive and future-ready.
Show Highlights
Highlights drawn from the conference program include:
- High-profile general sessions — recent programs have featured Federal Reserve Vice Chair for Supervision Michelle Bowman (a former community banker) in conversation with ABA President and CEO Rob Nichols, plus economic outlook sessions with leading economists.
- Notable keynote speakers — past speakers have included former Walt Disney head of innovation Duncan Wardle, AI and technology expert Crystal Washington, and a closing session from The Big Quiet founder Jesse Israel.
- Dedicated board governance track — special pricing for board members, a governance-focused track and meeting space for boards.
- Peer Exchanges — facilitated CEO exchanges segmented by asset size, plus CFO, board member and mutual savings bank exchanges.
- The Hub — the exhibit and networking area hosting receptions, coffee breaks and sponsor showcases.
- Signature features — the "Spark!" storytelling session, "Partner Game Changers" rapid-fire solution pitches, Master Class sessions, a golf outing and the closing "A Toast to Community Banking."
Registration
Registration is open and completed online through the ABA website; attendees sign in to an ABA account to register. Published 2027 registration fees are:
- ABA Member: $1,595 before Dec. 4 / $1,995 after
- Team rate (ABA Member only, each subsequent registrant): $1,395 before Dec. 4 / $1,795 after
- Nonmember: $3,495
- ABA Partner Network Member: $1,995
- Board Member: $995 before Dec. 4 / $1,995 after
- Spouse/Guest: $395
The December 4 deadline is the key date for early-bird savings. The special Board Member rate is available only to current financial institution board members serving in a governance role who are not employed by the institution; ABA may verify eligibility. Team discount pricing is available for banks registering a group.
History
The Conference for Community Bankers is the American Bankers Association's long-running annual gathering for community bank CEOs and senior leaders. A signature tradition of the event is the recurring appearance of Federal Reserve leadership — the program notes that Federal Reserve Vice Chair for Supervision Michelle Bowman, herself a former community banker, has shared her perspective with attendees for the eighth straight year, underscoring the conference's standing as a national platform for community banking. Recent editions have drawn more than 125 industry providers as sponsors and exhibitors. The 2027 conference marks the event's debut at the newly opened Gaylord Pacific Resort & Convention Center in Chula Vista, California.
Exhibitors
Exhibitor Information
Detailed exhibitor list is being compiled. Check back soon or visit the official show website for the most current information.
Last updated: August 16, 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
When and where is the 2027 ABA Conference for Community Bankers?
The conference takes place February 14–16, 2027 at the Gaylord Pacific Resort & Convention Center in Chula Vista, California, in the San Diego area.
Who should attend the Conference for Community Bankers?
It is designed for community bank CEOs, senior executives and board members. The American Bankers Association describes it as the premier event developed for and by community bank CEOs, with a dedicated track and special pricing for board members.
How much does registration cost and how do I register?
Registration is completed online through the ABA website. ABA Member registration is $1,595 before December 4 and $1,995 afterward; nonmembers pay $3,495; board members pay $995 before December 4; and a spouse/guest pass is $395. Team and ABA Partner Network rates are also available.
What topics and speakers are featured?
Sessions cover board governance, payments modernization, fraud prevention, artificial intelligence, CRE lending, talent strategy and the economic outlook. Past programs have featured Federal Reserve Vice Chair Michelle Bowman, ABA CEO Rob Nichols, and keynote speakers such as former Disney innovation head Duncan Wardle.
What are the parking and travel options for the venue?
The resort offers on-site parking, with published rates around $45 per night for self-parking and $65 for valet. The nearest major airport is San Diego International Airport, and the resort is roughly seven miles south of downtown San Diego, reachable by rideshare, taxi or rental car.
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