Innovation Forum | Annual Convention

Demystify the future of AI in banking and harness it for growth.

The Innovation Forum brings the cutting-edge solutions your bank needs to compete effectively in an evolving industry. This year, discover the right way to embrace AI by learning the latest policy developments, how to implement AI while mitigating risk, and ABA resources designed to help you use AI effectively.

The Innovation Forum is included with your Annual Convention registration – make sure you and your team opt-in when you register, and maximize your time onsite. 

Innovation Forum sessions
Sunday, Oct. 19, 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM

KEYNOTE SESSION
The Next Renaissance

In this compelling keynote, explore the evolution of AI and how to harness the tech's potential. Zack Kass, the former Head of Go-To-Market at OpenAI, will highlight parallels between AI and the Renaissance, in terms of its power to transform industries, businesses, organizations and individuals. You'll walk away feeling inspired and with actionable strategies to use AI to future-proof your business. 

AI resources

ABA’s Office of Innovation this year launched a repository of materials on aba.com that banks can use to stand up or mature their AI governance programs. This session will walk you through the webpage, which includes a template that can inspire an AI usage policy, links to customizable frameworks from NIST, information about supervisory expectations from regulators and links to ABA advocacy materials.  

AI policy update from ABA

The ABA Office of Innovation’s policy team will provide an overview of the legal and regulatory landscape for banks’ AI deployment. They will cover the executive order on AI dominance and its resulting AI Action Plan, latest developments in Congress and state legislatures, and potential steps by regulators (such as updates to the seminal model risk management guidance).

Implementing AI

AI is changing what core platforms can deliver to banks and their customers. You need to be aware of all your options. Listen to a banker and two core providers provide key information on how AI is being used now, and what you should expect over the next two to five years as it continues to grow.

• Keith Fulton, chief data officer, Jack Henry 
• Trey Maust, executive chairman and co-founder, Lewis & Clark Bank 
• William Montgomery, chief technology officer, Thought Machine 

What’s next in AI for your bank: Partner Game Changers session

Join us for the NEW Partner Game Changers session — a fast-paced, high-energy event showcasing AI solutions built to meet the evolving needs of your bank. You’ll get a front-row seat to the technologies and ideas reshaping banking. Don’t miss your chance to: 

• Hear rapid-fire pitches from innovators addressing real banking priorities  
• Engage directly with solution providers focused on community and regional banks  
• Ask questions, share feedback and help shape the tools you need  
• Walk away with new ideas and practical insights to bring back to your team  

Be part of the conversation — and what’s next in banking.