Jump to Content
ABA: The American Bankers Association
Skip Section Navigation
ABA Annual Convention

Attendee Checklist | Annual Convention

View Program

It’s almost time to head to New York, New York! Make sure you’re prepared to get the most out of your ABA Annual Convention experience with a few tips and tricks, and make sure you watch our Know Before You Go webinar.

Before the Conference

Make Your Travel Plans:

Plan to arrive in time for the conference kickoff! Here are our recommendations:

  • Plane: New York LaGuardia Airport (LGA) is the closet airport to the venue.
  • Train: Amtrak provides several lines that stop in New York City. Please visit Amtrak’s website to view routes.
  • Local: If traveling by New York City Subway, the E train on the blue line and the B/D trains on the orange line will provide stops closest to the hotel on Fifth and Seventh Avenues. You may also choose to taxi or rideshare to the New York Hilton Midtown hotel.

Check out our Travel and Housing page for more details.

Plan Your Agenda

  • Use the conference app to build your schedule, network and download conference materials. Keep an eye out for upcoming attendee emails for more app instructions.

Bring or Create Business Cards

  • Be prepared for every networking opportunity that comes your way, especially at our receptions! Bring your business cards or create a digital version using an app such as HiHello, Popl, Linq or Blinq.

Pack Comfortable Shoes and Layers

  • Plan to be on your feet – the New York Hilton Midtown is spacious! Pack comfortable shoes for moving between sessions and for attending receptions, and bring a sweater for any chilly conference rooms.

During the Conference

First Things First: Pick Up Your Badge

  • Pick up your badge and conference materials upon your arrival. Visit registration on Sunday between 7:00 AM and 7:00 PM, on Monday from 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM, or on Tuesday from 7:00 AM to 1:30 PM. Your badge admits you to all sessions, meals and social events.
  • Pro tip: To keep yourself safe, take off your badge when venturing outside the conference hotel.

Post on Social Media!

  • Let the world know you’re here by posting to your favorite social media platforms.

Keep Your Devices Charged

  • Feel free to take notes during sessions! You can use your phone, laptop or iPad to access the free Wi-Fi. Use your devices mindfully, respectfully and silently. 

Find the Sessions that Matter Most to You and Your Bank

  • Our conference app and platform now allow you to search using key industry terms such as profitability, innovation and talent management. Choose relevant sessions, view industry partners by what they offer and discover relevant ABA resources.

Divide and Partner

  • With 20 concurrent Knowledge Sessions, it’s not possible to be everywhere at once. In advance, decide with your team, or new friends and colleagues, who will attend each session. Take notes for each other! Meet up after the sessions – while the content is still fresh – to regroup and discuss. 
  • Pro tip: Remember that Annual Convention offers development opportunities just for Emerging Leaders.

Ask Questions

  • Speakers usually reserve time at the end of their sessions for audience questions. Write down any questions in advance so you don’t forget them. When you ask questions, state your name and your institutional affiliation so people can remember you.

Introduce Yourself!

  • Networking is a huge part of this conference. Before a session begins, introduce yourself to folks sitting around you. Make a game of it and challenge yourself to meet three new people each day. Be sure to attend the conference networking events, too!

Visit The Hub

  • The Hub has been redesigned and carefully curated to place connections and conversations at the forefront. Seventy-five top-tier companies, each presenting innovative products and services, are waiting to help you with your specific challenges. Be sure to visit our partners during the designated breaks.
  • Win Big! This year’s Annual Convention will offer you the chance to win a night out in NYC every time The Hub is open. You’ll have the chance to win tickets to:
    • Bernadette Peters at Carnegie Hall
    • Knicks at Madison Square Garden
    • The Great Gatsby
    • Hell’s Kitchen
    • Our Town
    • SIX: The Musical
    • Left on Tenth

After the Conference

Nourish Your New Connections

  • Be sure to follow up with all your new contacts — send a follow-up email or connect on social media. 

Complete the Survey

  • Let ABA know about your experience at Annual Convention. ABA carefully reviews all survey responses as part of planning next year’s conference.

Keep Me Informed

Get updates on ABA Annual Convention as we develop this year's program. Contact Traci Leiva if you have any questions.