Elevate. Empower. Engage. – The 2025 CONNECT Convention Preview

Are you ready to take your impact in the community banking world to the next level? Join the Community Bankers Association of Georgia for CONNECT—the state’s premier event where innovation, leadership, and opportunity converge.

CONNECT isn’t just a conference—it’s a catalyst! Designed exclusively for Georgia’s community banking professionals, this event brings together the brightest minds and boldest ideas shaping the future of community finance. From visionary keynote speakers to in-depth educational sessions led by industry experts, CONNECT offers a transformative experience that will inform, inspire, and empower.

Engage with a dynamic network of Bank Executives, Directors, Preferred Service Providers, Associate Members, and more all gathered under one roof to share insights, showcase solutions, and forge meaningful partnerships. As the largest community banking expo in Georgia, CONNECT provides the ultimate platform to exchange ideas, discover the latest innovations, and elevate your bank’s performance.

Whether you’re a seasoned executive or an emerging leader, this is your moment to ignite progress—for yourself, your team, your institution, and the communities you serve.

Bring your “A” game, fuel your ambition, and accelerate your success. Don’t just attend—CONNECT! Registration is $1,400 for Bank Members and $1,750 for Associate Members. If this is your first time coming to a CBA Convetion, we have a special rate of $1,000 for you. Come see what CBA has to offer!!

Agenda

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 10

1:00 pm - 3:00 pm                    CBA Board Meeting

3:00 pm - 5:00 pm                    Convention Registration Desk Open

3:00 pm - 5:00 pm                    Exhibitor Set-Up

5:30 pm - 6:15 pm                    Sponsorship Reception (invitation only)

6:30 pm - 8:00 pm                    CBA Board Leadership Dinner (invitation only)

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 11
7:30 am - 8:00 am                     Breakfast (Hot)

8:00 am - 8:15 am                     Welcome Kickoff 

Kick off the CBA convention in style with the dynamic Pat Dix as our emcee! With his engaging presence and infectious energy, Pat will set the stage for an exciting, inspiring, and unforgettable few days. Don’t miss this electrifying start to an incredible convention experience!

8:15 am - 9:15 am                     Opening Session with Billy Boughey "Journey to Success!"

An engaging conversation about the important "signs" we encounter on the path to success. Billy will  explore eight key signs—like Yield, Detour, and Stop—and how they relate to leadership and personal growth. By understanding and applying these signals, we can navigate challenges, make better decisions, and stay on course. This is one of his most requested talks. 

9:15 am - 9:30 am                     Stretch Break

9:30 am - 10:15 am                  General Session – "The State of the State" - Shawn O'Brien

Review analysis on how Georgia banks are performing and trending both nationally and within the state in areas such as deposits, loans, net interest margins, efficiency and other key metrics. Discuss the current credit landscape and outlook ahead. Cover key demographic and economic trends shaping the state and its future.

10:15 am - 11:00 am                Exhibit Break Time

11:10 am - 11:50 am                General Session – "Building Resilient Succession Plans: A Competency-Based Approach" – Dawn Gehring

Succession planning is more than just a list of names. It’s a strategic imperative for ensuring business continuity and supporting smooth leadership transitions. How can organizations create succession plans that are proactive, sustainable, and adaptable to both planned and unplanned departures? Join FHLBank Atlanta’s Dawn Gehring for an engaging discussion on designing a robust, competency-driven succession framework that aligns with your institution’s current and future business needs.

11:50 am - 12:00 pm              CBA Business Meeting and Announcements

CBA Chair Frank Griffin and CBA CEO John McNair

Afternoon and Evening on Your Own

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 12
7:30 am - 8:00 am                     Breakfast (Hot)

8:00 am - 8:05 am                     Advocacy Day Kickoff

Get ready for an inspiring and high-energy Advocacy Day featuring our own dynamic Chief Operating Officer and Lobbyist, Lori Godfrey, as our emcee! She will set the stage for impactful conversations, powerful insights, and a call to action that drives real change at the Gold Dome and on Capital Hill. Don’t miss this day to connect, engage, and be part of something bigger!

8:05 am - 9:00 am                     Regulatory Panel: Navigating the Evolving Landscape

Stay ahead of the curve with this year's insightful Regulatory Panel, where industry experts and policymakers discuss the latest updates, challenges, and trends shaping the regulatory environment. This engaging session will cover key compliance issues, emerging policies, and best practices to help your banks adapt and thrive.  

Expect thought-provoking discussions and a chance to ask pressing questions as our panelists share their expertise. Whether you're navigating new regulations or preparing for future shifts, this session will provide the clarity and strategies you need to stay compliant and competitive.                                                                               

9:00 am - 9:10 am                    Stretch Break

9:10 am - 9:40 am                    Legislative Panel: Policy Trends & Industry Impact

Join this year’s Regulatory Panel, where industry experts and policymakers explore the latest updates, challenges, and trends shaping the regulatory landscape. This session will cover key compliance issues, emerging policies, and best practices to help your bank remain agile and competitive. We are pleased to announce Senator Carden Summers, Representative Demetrius Douglas and Representative Noel Williams, Jr. will be participating in this informed session.

Gain insights, engage in discussions, and get answers to your most pressing questions, as our panelists share their expertise. Stay ahead of regulatory changes with strategies designed to ensure compliance and success.

9:40 am - 10:30 am                  Exhibit Break Time

10:35 am – 11:30 am              The Latest on the Political Landscape with Brian Robinson and Tharon Johnson

Are you hungry for Georgia politics? WABE’s Political Breakfast podcast team – Democrat consultant Tharon Johson and Republican consultant Brian Robinson – will provide a lively discussion into Georgia politics as our competitive state enters a consequential election year.

11:30 am - 12:05 pm               General Session – "Legislative Lens - Exploring Policy Through Dual Perspectives"

This session will be a conversation bringing together advocates on the state and federal levels that represent our community banks. This will be a unique, behind-the-scenes look at the legislative and regulatory landscapes from both the statehouse and Capitol Hill. Join Lori Godfrey, CBA of GA, and Paul Merski, ICBA, for this informative session. 

Through candid dialogue and expert insight, they will shed light on the challenges, opportunities, and evolving priorities that impact community banking at every level of government. This platform not only highlights the intersection of state and federal advocacy but also deepens understanding of how policy decisions shape the future of local financial institutions.

This session will give attendees meaningful perspective on the issues that matter most to community banks—straight from the advocates on the front lines.

Afternoon On Your Own

8:00 pm - 10:00 pm                  Advocacy Celebration / Silent Auction

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 13
7:30 am - 8:00 am                     Breakfast (Hot)

8:00 am - 8:05 am                     Saturday Kickoff

Pat is back as our Emcee for the day as he brings everyone together one last time until 2026.

8:05 am - 8:35 am                     Morning Boost with ICBA

Rise and shine with our Morning Boost with ICBA—the perfect way to energize your day! Join us for a session filled with fresh insights, engaging conversations, and the latest in ICBA updates, all designed to fuel your success. We are thrilled to have Quentin Leighty, ICBA Treasurer, who will share some coffee and hopefully spill some tea on all things ICBA. So start your morning with inspiration and momentum and power up your day with ICBA!

8:35 am - 9:35 am                  General Session - "Artificial Intelligence in Banking?  Are You Ready for the Future?"

The rise of generative AI and intelligent virtual assistants is transforming how banks deliver customer service. Join this exploration of how AI is redefining both customer and employee experiences across the banking sector.

Through a blend of visionary insights and practical demonstrations, Karan Kashyap, CEO at POSH AI, will show you how generative AI, including emerging agentic AI systems, can enhance service, streamline operations, and empower teams. More importantly, you’ll see how Posh’s platform is built with the controls, transparency, and auditability that financial institutions require. From permissioned access to conversation logs, every interaction is designed with risk and regulatory expectations in mind.

With secure, explainable AI solutions that boost efficiency and engagement, discover how banks can confidently deploy intelligent, always-on support while retaining oversight and accountability.

This session is ideal for banking leaders looking to adopt AI responsibly—enhancing service, elevating staff, and staying ahead of the curve with confidence.

9:35 am - 9:45 am                     Stretch Break

9:45 am - 10:45 am                 General Session – “What a Community Bank Executive Needs to Know” -Greyson Tuck, Gerrish Smith Tuck 

10:45 am - 10:55 am                Stretch Break

10:55 am - 11:55 am                Closing Session with Don Yaeger - "What Makes the Great Ones Great!"

As a sportswriter and author of more than two dozen books, Don has had a front row seat with some of the greatest winners in athletics, including Walter Payton, Jimmy Connors, Michael Jordan, John Wooden, Pat Riley and Dale Brown. They are all legends in their own right, but does anyone believe the athletes mentioned above are really the GREATEST athletes of their time, physically? Remember, Jordan wasn’t even the first pick in the draft. Payton had to go to a small black college because bigger schools didn’t want to risk a scholarship on him. Each became a champion through strength and skills that had nothing to do with physical prowess.

Using rich personal accounts gathered from more than twenty-five years of interviews with many of today’s sports legends and business leaders, Don has distilled Sixteen Consistent Characteristics of Greatness. Don shares some of these characteristics with audiences, in an easy, engaging style, which helps participants realize that they, too, can achieve a higher level of personal success.

11:55 am - 12:00 pm                 Closing Announcements

Afternoon On Your Own

3:00 pm – 5:00 pm                     Tailgate Event

Get ready to don your red and black and rally with your fellow community bankers as we cheer on the Dawgs in the ultimate SEC showdown—UGA vs. Tennessee! Join us for the first half of a spirited tailgate party filled with great food, cold drinks, and unbeatable networking opportunities. Whether you're a die-hard fan or just in it for the fun, this is the perfect chance to connect with peers, celebrate community, and enjoy game day in true Georgia style.

6:00 pm - 6:45 pm                      Reception

7:00 pm - 8:30 pm                     Chairman's Dinner and Installation of Officers

8:30 pm - 9:30 pm                     Entertainment – Coming Soon


SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 14
Departure