They say everyone should experience the vibrant energy of Las Vegas at least once. I finally got my chance at the American Banker Small Biz Banking (SBB) Conference — and let me tell you, it did not disappoint! From insightful sessions to delicious meals and meaningful conversations, our Vertical IQ team had an absolute blast connecting with colleagues and customers. This event was truly one for the books.
The SBB Conference was full of valuable insights, but there was one theme that stood out to me in every session and conversation: trust. It’s no secret that small business bankers place a huge emphasis on the importance of building trust and deepening client relationships. It was inspiring to hear from so many banking professionals sharing their success stories on how trust has transformed their client relationships.
Becoming a local economist
One of the major highlights of our time in Vegas was the session led by our very own CEO, Bobby Martin, alongside RelPro’s CEO, Martin Wise. Together, they unpacked why “Becoming a Local Economist is Essential to Identify and Win New Business Opportunities with Small Business Owners.”
In today’s competitive banking environment, being more than just a banker means everything. Bobby and Martin broke down how understanding localized economic data and industry trends positions bankers as trusted partners who can help small business clients thrive. This session showed the importance of speaking not only the business owner’s industry lingo but also the local economic language to stand out and earn that invaluable trust.
Supporting women and diverse small business owners
This session was one of my favorites. Banking professionals Devon Bray from U.S. Bank and David Femi from M&T Bank led a fantastic session, “Developing Small Biz Banking Programs for Women and Diverse Small Business Owners,” which discussed the challenges banks face in creating integrated programs for diverse groups.
One comment from David that really stood out to me was, “Don’t JUST be a lender; be a relationship manager.” Instead of just pushing product, when a banker is trained to be multiculturally conscious, provide salient resources, and offer a helping hand to these unique groups, both the banker and the business owner will enjoy increased success.
The full Vegas experience
Make no mistake: The SBB Conference was definitely a “work hard, play hard” kind of experience! After the conference, I made sure to stroll along the famous Vegas Strip and even got to explore the iconic Venetian Hotel. Unfortunately, I missed out on trying In-N-Out Burger, which was a bit of a bummer, but this just means I’ll have to plan another trip!
Overall, this conference was a great opportunity for us to share insights, and learn more about how Vertical IQ is making a difference for small business bankers. Whether you stopped by our booth or attended our session, it was wonderful to meet so many passionate professionals committed to helping small businesses thrive. Looking forward to next year already!
Book some time with us to see for yourself how Industry Intelligence can help provide more value to your team and clients!