Breaking Barriers Symposium

Tuesday, Dec. 1 – Wednesday, Dec. 2, 2026
Conrad Washington, DC

At ICBA, we're committed to empowering and advancing community banks nationwide. That's why we host an exclusive invitation-only event in Washington, D.C., where you will gain insights on current issues facing banks like yours, discuss solution opportunities, and ways to strengthen our advocacy voice.

Engage with experts on the latest issues facing community banks, from the current market environment to how new technologies like AI are transforming the banking industry.
Network with other large community bank leaders facing the same decisions you are.
Gain insights on the political landscape heading into 2026 and how it will impact your community bank.
Learn about ICBA's latest initiatives to support large community banks in Washington, D.C.

Registration for the 2026 Breaking Barriers Symposium will open this summer. Register your interest to save your spot and be the first to know when registration and hotel details become available.

Event Hotel

The Conrad Washington, DC is located at 950 New York Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20001.

Closest airport: Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA), approximately 4.5 miles away

Recommended transportation: Taxi or rideshare; travel time from DCA is about 15–20 minutes

Distance to Metro Center Station: 2.5 blocks

Distance to Gallery Place Station: Just over 3 blocks

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11:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Registration

12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Attendee Lunch

1:00 - 1:45 p.m.

Opening Session & Advocacy Update

Welcome Remarks – Jason Jones, Chairman, Large Community Bank Council, ICBA

President’s Message – Rebeca Romero Rainey, President & CEO, ICBA

Regulatory Update - Lilly Thomas, EVP Regulatory Relations & Strategy, ICBA

Congressional Update - Stephen Keen, Senior Vice President, Congressional Relations, ICBA

1:45 p.m. – 2:15 p.m.

From Readiness to Resilience: Preparing Your Bank
for Responsible AI Adoption-A Practical Guide for Community Banks

Tim Dively, National Digital Growth Manager, CLA

Susan Sabo, Managing Partner of Industry, CLA

2:25 – 3:30 p.m.

Breakout Sessions

(30-min sessions / 5-min break in between)

AI Community Bank Use Cases - National Digital Growth Manager,, CLA

AI Risk & Operational Considerations - Susan Sabo, Managing Partner, CLA

3:30 – 4:00 p.m.

Break

4:00 – 4:45 p.m.

Keynote Address

A Fireside Chat with Jonathan Gould, Comptroller of the Currency, OCC and Rebeca Romero Rainey, President & CEO, ICBA

4:45 – 5:30 p.m.

Break

5:30 – 6:15 p.m.

Networking Reception

6:15 – 8:00 p.m.

Dinner

(Brief Remarks from ICBA Chairman Jack Hopkins)

7:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Registration

Grand Ballroom Foyer

7:30 – 8:30 a.m.

Breakfast Session

Breakfast: 7:30-8:00 a.m.

Session: 8:00-8:30 a.m.

Sen. Katie Britt (R-Ala.)

8:30 – 9:30 a.m.

Navigating the Shifting Enforcement and Litigation Landscape for Community Banks

As regulatory agencies recalibrate their enforcement priorities, class action lawsuits are surging to fill the void—reshaping the legal terrain for financial institutions. This session will unpack the evolving litigation risks banks face, with a spotlight on the growing popularity of consumer and investor-led class actions.

Participants will explore how these lawsuits are increasingly serving as de facto regulatory mechanisms, and what that means for compliance, reputation, and bottom-line exposure.

We'll also dive into proactive risk mitigation strategies, equipping legal and compliance teams with the insights needed to stay ahead in a rapidly changing environment.

Heather Archer Eastep, Partner, Hunton Andrews Kurth

John Delionado, Partner, Hunton Andrews Kurth

9:30 – 9:50 a.m.

Break

9:50 – 10:50 a.m.

A New Year’s Resolution for Margin Performance

2026 has the potential to be a great net interest margin year for many banks as legacy loan and bond cashflows roll into today’s higher rate environment, while funding costs look to decline as the Fed eases on rates. How good a year could depend on a couple factors and ALCO being keyed in on them sooner versus later could make a big difference.

Jeff Reynolds and Eric Poulin from DCG share observations from the field on how the loan and deposit game may play out and offer strategic balance sheet considerations to optimize margin improvement in 2026 and beyond.

Jeff Reynolds, Managing Director, Darling Consulting Group

Eric Poulin, Director, Darling Consulting Group

10:50 – 11:50 a.m.

Workforce Intelligence: Legal Trends Shaping Employer Decisions

In an era of rapid change, employers must navigate a landscape shaped by evolving regulations, technological disruption, and shifting workforce expectations.

This session unpacks key legal and labor trends—from the integration of AI tools and the rise of skills-based hiring to the push for flexible work arrangements and holistic employee well-being. Participants will walk away with practical strategies and forward-looking insights to help their organizations stay agile, compliant, and competitive in today’s dynamic employment environment.

Jennifer Nodes, Principal, Jackson Lewis

12:00 – 1:00 p.m.