Inside the 2025 Tennessee Bankers Annual Meeting
Some conferences feel like business. Others feel like a reunion. The 135th Annual Meeting of the Tennessee Bankers Association (TBA) managed to be both—equal parts strategic insight, generational connection, and warm, Southern hospitality.
Hosted at the JW Marriott in Marco Island, Florida, the event brought together bank leaders from across the state, many of whom have known each other—and each other’s institutions—for decades.
While there were conversations about capital markets and regulatory trends, this wasn’t a high-pressure trade show. It was a relaxed, family-friendly gathering where discussions often started on stage and continued over dessert on the Sunset Terrace.
A Panel on the Future of Banking Tech
One of the most engaging sessions of the event was the “New Frontiers in Technology” panel, featuring Charles Potts (ICBA), John Clausen (Mendon Venture Partners), and our own Lee Easton. Moderated by Potts, the conversation spanned fintech adoption, innovation mindsets, and how smaller institutions can stay ahead of the curve without overextending.
Lee reflected:
“It was a smaller event, but a good one. The panel was really well received—and what stood out to me was how engaged folks were around the idea of succession planning through modernization. You could feel that tension between honoring tradition and preparing for the next wave.”
TBA’s Unique Culture
Unlike many national conferences, TBA’s Annual Meeting is deeply personal. Many of the banks represented are family-owned or multi-generational institutions. Attendees brought spouses, kids, and golf clubs—and the agenda made space for both business and downtime.
The TBA scheduled official sessions only in the mornings, reserving afternoons for the beach, golf at The Rookery, and informal networking. This structure created space for deeper conversations and a stronger sense of connection.
“You could tell these folks have been doing business together for years. The camaraderie in the hallways was just as valuable as the panels.”
The laid-back rhythm didn’t mean the content lacked weight. Speakers covered the economic outlook, succession strategy, and capital pressures facing regional banks over the next five years. From the State of the Industry opening session to Aron Ralston’s closing keynote, the throughline was clear: Tennessee banks are thinking hard about how to preserve independence while modernizing in meaningful ways.
Ralston—the mountaineer who famously amputated his own arm to survive a canyoneering accident in Utah (the story behind the film 127 Hours)—spoke about resilience, adaptability, and the mindset needed to make high-stakes decisions. His message resonated in a room full of leaders tasked with navigating uncertainty, legacy, and growth.
If You’ve Never Been to a TBA Event…
…this one gave us a glimpse into what makes it different. There’s a reason the association has served Tennessee institutions since 1890. It’s not just about advocacy or professional development (though there’s plenty of both). It’s about community—and about helping banks evolve with intention.
If you’re interested in what regional leadership looks like when it’s done with consistency, candor, and an open-door mindset, it’s worth keeping an eye on what the TBA is doing. Their next Annual Meeting will be in Colorado Springs, and we’re already looking forward to it.
