Next week we’re heading to Las Vegas for the Financial Brand Forum, and we couldn’t be more excited. This event is packed with big ideas, industry trends, and some of the sharpest minds in banking and marketing. Plus, it’s a great opportunity to connect with fellow financial marketers and hear firsthand what’s keeping them up at night—and what’s helping them succeed.
While we’re looking forward to the energy of the event (and maybe a few good Vegas sites along the way), here are some of the key topics we’re especially eager to dive into:
1. AI: Hype vs. Reality
Generative AI has been everywhere this past year, and we’re ready to hear the real deal on how banks and credit unions are actively using it. Sessions like the Forum X Talk by Ann Handley and “Deploying Generative AI for Efficiency and Growth” will cover the practical side of AI—what’s working, what’s not, and how to manage the risks while still pushing innovation forward.
2. Rethinking the Branch Experience
Digital banking keeps growing, but branches aren’t going away anytime soon. We’re interested in the session on “Tellerless Branches” to see how financial institutions are redesigning their physical spaces to better meet today’s customer expectations. It’s all about making banking easier and more relevant for people, whether that’s through tech or a fresh approach to service.
3. Making Marketing More Human
Great financial brands don’t just sell products—they tell stories that matter. That’s why we’re excited for the Forum X talk from Swan Sit, who’s led digital marketing at Nike, Revlon, and Estée Lauder. Banks and credit unions may not be selling sneakers or lipstick, but the principles of emotional, authentic storytelling apply just as much in financial services.
4. Leadership Lessons from the C-Suite
Anytime we get a chance to hear from top banking executives, we’re all ears. The Executive Leadership Series will feature candid conversations about the big-picture challenges and opportunities facing financial institutions. It’s always valuable to hear what’s on the minds of senior leaders and how they’re making tough decisions in today’s economy.
5. Fintech and the Future of Banking
Fintech partnerships, embedded finance, open banking—there’s a lot happening in this space. We’ll be attending “Connecting the Dots: Fintech Innovations & the Future of Banking” to learn how banks and credit unions can leverage new technologies to enhance customer experience, streamline operations, and stay ahead of the curve.
6. The Power of Networking
Of course, one of the best parts of the Financial Brand Forum is simply talking to people—hearing about their biggest wins, their toughest challenges, and the ideas that have them most excited. The chance to trade insights (and maybe a few war stories) with other financial marketers is one of the things we look forward to most.
See You There!
We’ll be keeping our ears open for the hot-button issues on everyone’s mind and sharing what we learn along the way.
If you’ll be at the Financial Brand Forum, let’s connect! Whether it’s over coffee, a breakout
session, or an impromptu conversation in the hallway, we’d love to chat.