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2025 Arizona & Colorado Banker Summit: Insight, Innovation & Industry Unity
Held June 1–3 at the Ritz Carlton at Dove Mountain, the 2025 Banker Summit brought together a dynamic cross-section of the banking community for two packed days of connection, strategy, and inspiration. The event was co-hosted by the Arizona and Colorado Bankers Associations and emceed by Evan Behm of Equipment Leasing Services.
By the Numbers:
This year’s Summit welcomed 164 attendees, including:
- 49 bankers from Arizona, Colorado, and dual-state institutions
- 76 sponsors, showcasing solutions and resources at 27 exhibit tables
- 21 associate attendees, 7 featured speakers, 8 staff, and 3 strategic partners
Representatives hailed from across the Southwest, with 99 from Arizona, 57 from Colorado, and 8 affiliated with both states.
Summit Highlights:
- Keynote from Naomi Camper (ABA) on national banking trends
- AI and innovation insights from Steve Cosentino (Stinson)
- Leadership strategy with Christopher Thompson (CORE), sponsored by PCBS
- Economic and macro trend sessions from PNC, Access/Macro, and others
- Forward-thinking sessions on stablecoins, smart budgeting, and the future of banking
- Political insight from Rick Davis, and state-level leadership updates from Paul Hickman and Jenifer Waller
Sponsors Made It Possible:
Special thanks to Marquis sponsors Equipment Leasing Services and Veridus, along with Platinum sponsors Quarles & Brady LLP., Pacific Coast Banking School, and Bankers Bank of the West. From Wi-Fi (sponsored by Olsen Palmer) to charging stations (FHLBank Topeka), coffee service (Engelman Berger), and PAC engagement (ABA), the event was fully powered by industry partners.
Engagement & Connection:
The Summit featured breakout networking during meals and the Chairman’s Reception, and attendees were encouraged to visit every exhibitor for prize drawings and meaningful conversations. A golf tournament and BankPAC luncheon rounded out the experience.
Thank you to all who attended and contributed to the success of the 2025 Banker Summit. We look forward to reconvening in 2026!
- Dates & Location: June 1–3, 2025, at the Ritz Carlton at Dove Mountain
- Emcee: Evan Behm, Equipment Leasing Services
- Keynote Speakers: Naomi Camper (ABA), Paul Hickman (AzBA), Jenifer Waller (CBA)
- Session Topics: AI in banking, leadership, macroeconomic trends, stablecoins, political update, financial literacy
- Sponsor Recognition:
- Marquis Sponsors: Equipment Leasing Services, Veridus
- Platinum Sponsors: Quarles & Brady, LLP., Pacific Coast Banking School, Bankers Bank of the West
- WiFi Sponsor: Olsen Palmer
- Exhibitors: 29 total, inside and outside ballroom
2025 Bankers Cup Golf Tournament Winners:
Closest to the Pin (Wild Burro 8) - Nick Lane
Save The Date
2026 Colorado & Arizona Banker Summit
May 20-22. 2026
The Broadmoor Hotel
Travel Justification Summary
Event: 2025 Arizona & Colorado Banker Summit
Dates: June 1–3, 2025
Location: Ritz Carlton, Dove Mountain – Marana, Arizona
Hosted by: Arizona Bankers Association & Colorado Bankers Association
Total Event Duration: 3 Days
Total Attendees: 164 (including bankers, sponsors, speakers, staff, and strategic partners)
Purpose of Attendance: Professional Development, Regulatory & Industry Updates, Strategic Networking
Justification for Travel
The 2025 Banker Summit provided a critical opportunity for banking professionals to engage directly with industry leaders, policy experts, and peer institutions. Attendance was vital for:
- Gaining insights into emerging regulatory and economic trends
- Learning best practices in AI integration, financial literacy, digital currency, and strategic leadership
- Networking with peer banks, industry solution providers, and sponsors supporting regional banking success
- Participating in sessions aligned with professional development, compliance, and innovation in banking operations
Attending the Summit ensured our institution remains informed, competitive, and aligned with the rapidly evolving financial landscape.
Meals Provided by the Conference
The following meals were included in the event registration.
| Date | Meal | Sponsor / Notes |
|---|---|---|
| June 2 (Monday) | Lunch | Provided during mid-day break, courtesy of Fortner Bayens |
| June 2 (Monday) | Reception Appetizers | Chairman’s Reception, sponsored by Quarles |
| June 3 (Tuesday) | Breakfast Buffet | Sponsored by Womble Bond Dickinson |
| June 3 (Tuesday) | Lunch | ABA BankPAC Presentation & Lunch, sponsored by ABA |
Note: Any additional meals (e.g., dinner on June 2 or meals during travel) may be submitted according to your institution’s reimbursement policy and federal/state per diem guidelines.