Acquire or Be Acquired (AOBA)
The worldwide catalyst for travel and the global authority on the meetings, events, and incentive travel industry.
Yellow AI Summary
The banking M&A conference for executives navigating consolidation, focusing on connecting with decision-makers at community banks and credit unions.
Yellow Score Breakdown
Yellow's Take
Targeting over 1,900+ C-suite executives at community banks and credit unions, this event's sharp fintech M&A focus and high-caliber speaker roster from Bank Director and top financial institutions represent a prime opportunity for B2B event marketers. While the deep industry niche and audience quality are clear strengths, the absence of exhibitor pricing or specific networking event details requires proactive outreach to gauge full marketing potential.
Attendee/Press Sentiment
Attendee Feedback Sentiment
Press Reviews Sentiment
“Over 70-80% of the audience consists of CEOs, board chairs, and senior executives from both public and private financial institutions — the 2026 conference brought together leaders from roughly 550 distinct banks”
Press Reviews
“AOBA 2026: Strategic urgency meets execution risk for U.S. bank mergers — easing margin pressures and a more predictable regulatory posture have accelerated bank merger conversations”
“Attendees consistently praise AOBA as one of the few events where senior bankers are not just in the room but highly accessible for hallway conversations, dinners, and deal-making”
“Bank Director's 2026 AOBA conference in Scottsdale wrapped up with over 2,000 attendees — defined by the return of optimism in the banking M&A landscape”
“Energy, optimism and the need for relationship banking — this year's event delivered with record attendance and a strong wave of M&A optimism among community bank leaders”
“AOBA 2026 Takeaways: AI, Deposits, Data — the conference revealed a turning point as banks focus on AI for process automation and combating sophisticated AI-driven fraud”
Topics
Speakers
Thomas Michaud
President & CEO, Keefe, Bruyette & Woods
Michelle King
CEO, Bank Director
Laura Schield
President & COO, Bank Director
Mark Kanaly
Partner, Alston & Bird LLP
Brian Leibfried
Managing Director, Performance Trust Capital Partners
Mandi Simpson
Partner, Crowe LLP
Nathan Stovall
Director, S&P Global Market Intelligence
Falguni Desai
Managing Director, Microsoft
Past Speakers (2026)
Be Acquired
AOBA
Michelle King
CEO, Bank Director
Laura Schield
President & COO, Bank Director
Emily McCormick
Vice President of Editorial & Research, Bank Director
Bank Executives
CEOs and Board Chairs from public and private financial institutions.
Legal Experts
Partners from law firms like Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough LLP and Alston & Bird.
Financial Advisors
Managing Directors from firms such as Cornerstone Advisors and Mercer Capital.
Fintech Founders
CEOs and technology leaders from innovative financial technology companies.
Sponsors
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