BEGIN:VCALENDAR
VERSION:2.0
X-WR-CALNAME:nefma2026fallconference
X-WR-CALDESC:Event Calendar
METHOD:PUBLISH
CALSCALE:GREGORIAN
PRODID:-//Sched.com NEFMA 2026 Fall Conference//EN
X-WR-TIMEZONE:UTC
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260912T181043Z
DTSTART:20261008T120000Z
DTEND:20261008T130000Z
SUMMARY:Breakfast
DESCRIPTION:Start your day with breakfast while connecting with fellow attendees! Take time to network\, catch up with colleagues\, make new connections\, and explore our exhibitors to learn more about their products\, services\, and resources.
CATEGORIES:MEALS & BREAKS
LOCATION:Pre-Assembly\, The Verve Hotel\, Natick\, MA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:cc917a0f823d89a48e1e0c99b26ca68c
URL:http://nefma2026fallconference.sched.com/event/cc917a0f823d89a48e1e0c99b26ca68c
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260912T181043Z
DTSTART:20261008T120000Z
DTEND:20261008T210000Z
SUMMARY:Registration
DESCRIPTION:Stop by the Registration Desk to check in\, pick up your name badge and conference materials\, and get ready for the conference. Staff will be available to answer questions and assist with registration needs.
CATEGORIES:REGISTRATION
LOCATION:Pre-Assembly\, The Verve Hotel\, Natick\, MA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:eb22f14315a63554e406a50391ff6966
URL:http://nefma2026fallconference.sched.com/event/eb22f14315a63554e406a50391ff6966
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260912T181043Z
DTSTART:20261008T130000Z
DTEND:20261008T131000Z
SUMMARY:Welcome & Conference Opener
DESCRIPTION:Join us as NEFMA President Kerri Madnick officially opens the conference and welcomes attendees. Kerri will share opening remarks and set the stage for the days ahead.
CATEGORIES:GENERAL SESSION
LOCATION:Apollo I-IV\, The Verve Hotel\, Natick\, MA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:127b43907e82c14d9c5b97321bdca5d4
URL:http://nefma2026fallconference.sched.com/event/127b43907e82c14d9c5b97321bdca5d4
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260912T181043Z
DTSTART:20261008T131000Z
DTEND:20261008T140000Z
SUMMARY:A Look Behind the Scenes: Digital Transformation with a Member-First Mindset
DESCRIPTION:For decades\, the credit union industry has earned the trust of its members and built its reputation by delivering on a clear and consistent promise of transparency\, integrity\, personalized service and an unwavering commitment to the communities it serves. These values have long distinguished credit unions from other financial institutions\, strengthening their brands\, attracting new members\, and establishing lasting loyalty among existing ones. They remain the foundation of the credit union movement because they continue to resonate with consumers and because credit unions consistently deliver on that promise.\n \n Today\, we must also fully understand and adapt to members’ expectations and needs by embracing innovation\, technology\, creativity\, and a willingness to take calculated risks\, all while preserving the people-first philosophy that defines the credit union experience. The challenge for today's credit union leaders is determining how to advance digital transformation to meet members’ expectations without sacrificing the personal relationships and trust that members deserve. These are not competing priorities\; they must exist together.\n \n Credit unions across the country are investing in thoughtful\, member-centered digital transformation initiatives designed to improve both service delivery and the overall member experience. For me and my organization\, this work has become a strategic priority\, not simply to remain competitive but to better serve our members while staying true to our mission and values.\n \n At its core\, the Clutch initiative was designed to create a faster\, more seamless experience for BrightBridge members. Members can now complete an online deposit account or loan application in three minutes or less\, reducing friction and helping lower application abandonment. The improved digital experience has already increased completed deposit and loan applications and significantly increased engagement across checking accounts\, certificates of deposit\, high yield savings accounts and consumer lending products.\n \n The platform has also been a major driver of our organic growth strategy\, which I can share to illustrate the benefits of building a digital platform. Results include:\n \n • Online application conversion rates increased from 18% to 45%\, which is a 150% improvement that has directly contributed to new member growth.\n \n • Digital deposit applications reached 39% of total applications\, exceeding the organization's 30% target.\n \n • Average deposit funding amounts increased from $352 to $2\,022\, demonstrating stronger member engagement and higher-value relationships.\n \n • Applications requiring manual fraud review declined from 100% to 23%\, significantly improving efficiency for the BrightBridge team while maintaining strong risk controls.\n \n • Auto loan decision workflows were reduced from 272 steps to 83\, a 69% reduction in process complexity.\n \n Teams can now devote greater attention to complex lending decisions and more personal member service.
CATEGORIES:GENERAL SESSION
LOCATION:Apollo I-IV\, The Verve Hotel\, Natick\, MA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:143a67a5b1764d028ed62328e891eda8
URL:http://nefma2026fallconference.sched.com/event/143a67a5b1764d028ed62328e891eda8
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260912T181043Z
DTSTART:20261008T140000Z
DTEND:20261008T142000Z
SUMMARY:Power Session 1: The Modern CMO Playbook: Proving ROI and Driving Deposits in the Northeast
DESCRIPTION:Today’s bank marketers face a difficult challenge: driving core deposit growth\, defending market share against aggressive regional and digital competitors\, and deploying cutting-edge tech...all while traditional boards and C-suites ask\, "But what is the actual ROI?"\nThis session breaks down The Modern CMO Playbook\, offering a practical blueprint to bridge the gap between creative brand-building and bottom-line performance. The presentation explores how New England’s community banks can leverage data-driven personalization\, align internal cultures\, and use smart marketing attribution to prove that marketing is a powerful revenue center\, not an expense. Designed specifically for the challenges of the regional financial landscape\, this session provides the tools needed to gain a seat at the strategic table\, command bigger budgets\, and drive measurable balance-sheet growth.\n\n
CATEGORIES:POWER SESSION 1
LOCATION:Apollo I-IV\, The Verve Hotel\, Natick\, MA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:670b47fb7bc55919ce1f3f82b509c7cd
URL:http://nefma2026fallconference.sched.com/event/670b47fb7bc55919ce1f3f82b509c7cd
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260912T181043Z
DTSTART:20261008T142000Z
DTEND:20261008T144000Z
SUMMARY:Power Session 1: How Inclusive Marketing Can Reduce Redlining Risk & Drive Growth
DESCRIPTION:No bank or credit union wants to be accused of redlining. Beyond the serious compliance implications\, redlining can damage your institution’s reputation and weaken community trust. Every member of your community deserves equitable access to credit\, and your institution should be part of the solution\, not the problem.\nIn this session\, Charles LeFevre\, marketing and compliance expert and Kadince’s Director of Compliance\, will share how to identify redlining risk and create an action plan to address it quickly. You’ll explore inclusive marketing strategies that reach the whole community\, identify outreach opportunities that mitigate risk\, and ensure that your institution is aligned with fair lending expectations—before redlining becomes an issue.\nWhether your institution has already faced redlining scrutiny\, this session will give you the tools you need to protect your institution’s reputation\, build trust\, and stay ahead of regulatory risk.\n\n
CATEGORIES:POWER SESSION 1
LOCATION:Apollo I-IV\, The Verve Hotel\, Natick\, MA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:fa10926ed64af482473bc06e61e8089a
URL:http://nefma2026fallconference.sched.com/event/fa10926ed64af482473bc06e61e8089a
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260912T181043Z
DTSTART:20261008T144000Z
DTEND:20261008T150000Z
SUMMARY:Power Session 1: Q&A
DESCRIPTION:Live Q&A
CATEGORIES:POWER SESSION 1
LOCATION:Apollo I-IV\, The Verve Hotel\, Natick\, MA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:58b1cdd49e680fa95713920d93585bae
URL:http://nefma2026fallconference.sched.com/event/58b1cdd49e680fa95713920d93585bae
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260912T181043Z
DTSTART:20261008T150000Z
DTEND:20261008T151500Z
SUMMARY:Break
DESCRIPTION:\n
CATEGORIES:MEALS & BREAKS
LOCATION:Pre-Assembly\, The Verve Hotel\, Natick\, MA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:75a5ecb1306a705c9a2345bc15eff017
URL:http://nefma2026fallconference.sched.com/event/75a5ecb1306a705c9a2345bc15eff017
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260912T181043Z
DTSTART:20261008T151500Z
DTEND:20261008T161500Z
SUMMARY:7 Winning Deposit Campaigns - and Why They Work
DESCRIPTION:Rate pressure isn't going away. Neither is the competition for deposits. So what's actually working right now?\nThis session reviews seven deposit campaigns that community banks are running today\, with real results to show for it. We break down what made each one work: the data behind the targeting\, the offer structure\, the channel mix\, and the outcomes achieved. These are not case studies from 2019 or generic best practices assembled from surveys. These are current campaigns with current results\, and the specific decisions that drove them. If deposit growth and higher campaign ROI are board priorities\, and you want to see what peers are doing beyond matching the rate down the street\, this is where to start.\n\n
CATEGORIES:GENERAL SESSION
LOCATION:Apollo I-IV\, The Verve Hotel\, Natick\, MA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:e357cbebbb16de8888078b5a16408737
URL:http://nefma2026fallconference.sched.com/event/e357cbebbb16de8888078b5a16408737
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260912T181043Z
DTSTART:20261008T161500Z
DTEND:20261008T171500Z
SUMMARY:Lunch
DESCRIPTION:\n
CATEGORIES:MEALS & BREAKS
LOCATION:Pre-Assembly\, The Verve Hotel\, Natick\, MA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:38740182a6b57adb0f4a0ef29a42479c
URL:http://nefma2026fallconference.sched.com/event/38740182a6b57adb0f4a0ef29a42479c
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260912T181043Z
DTSTART:20261008T171500Z
DTEND:20261008T181500Z
SUMMARY:Linking Marketing to Results: Building Dashboards That Connect Campaigns to Deposits\, Loans\, and Revenue
DESCRIPTION:Bank marketers are under growing pressure to prove that campaigns drive real business results\, not just impressions\, clicks\, or leads\, but deposits\, loans\, and revenue. Yet many institutions still struggle to connect marketing activity to financial outcomes in a way that holds up in front of senior leadership and the board.This session focuses on how to build meaningful dashboards that link campaign activity directly to deposit growth\, loan production\, and revenue. We'll cover what data banks need\, where it typically lives\, and how to bring it together despite common obstacles like disconnected systems\, inconsistent account-opening attribution\, and gaps between marketing\, sales\, and finance data. Attendees will see practical examples of dashboard structures that connect the dots from campaign to funded account to financial outcome\, and will leave with a clearer roadmap for building\, or improving\, their own measurement infrastructure.\n
CATEGORIES:GENERAL SESSION
LOCATION:Apollo I-IV\, The Verve Hotel\, Natick\, MA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:dfee79d8c0a7179230a447b0f03f93d5
URL:http://nefma2026fallconference.sched.com/event/dfee79d8c0a7179230a447b0f03f93d5
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260912T181043Z
DTSTART:20261008T181500Z
DTEND:20261008T191500Z
SUMMARY:Unpacking Chime's Paid Social Media Strategy
DESCRIPTION:Chime spends over half a billion in marketing a year learning what works in digital financial marketing. Credit Unions and Community Banks do not need to copy them\, but they should absolutely learn from them.\nWe've analyzed over 300 ads from Chime’s paid social campaigns his year\, uncovering the patterns behind how they simplify messaging\, build trust\, and move consumers toward action. We're back again to re-look at this data now that we're at the end of the year!\nIn this live diagnostic-style presentation\, Dean will break down Chime’s current advertising strategy and explore what credit unions and community banks should learn from it before budget season.\nThis is a practical breakdown of what fin-tech brands are doing differently and where financial marketing strategies are falling behind.\nWe’ll walk through:\nHow Chime structures its messaging systemWhy simpler positioning is outperforming cluttered campaignsHow modern financial brands shape demand before consumers searchThe role of paid social in building considerationWhat credit unions and community banks should pressure-test in their own marketingYou’ll leave with practical insights your team can apply immediately to improve:\nMarketing clarityFunnel alignmentPositioningDemand generation strategy\n
CATEGORIES:GENERAL SESSION
LOCATION:Apollo I-IV\, The Verve Hotel\, Natick\, MA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:dc232d531ce7cc1c1eef16657d466f27
URL:http://nefma2026fallconference.sched.com/event/dc232d531ce7cc1c1eef16657d466f27
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260912T181043Z
DTSTART:20261008T191500Z
DTEND:20261008T200000Z
SUMMARY:Break
DESCRIPTION:\n
CATEGORIES:MEALS & BREAKS
LOCATION:Pre-Assembly\, The Verve Hotel\, Natick\, MA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:20d4f42d645b2f825df79c7232ddeb6e
URL:http://nefma2026fallconference.sched.com/event/20d4f42d645b2f825df79c7232ddeb6e
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260912T181043Z
DTSTART:20261008T200000Z
DTEND:20261008T210000Z
SUMMARY:Your Customers Are Buying a Feeling. Now\, You Can Measure It
DESCRIPTION:We sell the same products as every other institution. Same checking\, same rates\, roughly the same everything. So\, we compete on the products\, the way we always have. But\, our ideal customers or members do not choose us because of a rate sheet. Let's face it: banking products aren't interesting or all that different from one another. They choose based on how we make them feel. Safe. Understood. Like someone's paying attention.\nWe've known that as marketers\, but we haven't been able to act on it at scale. That has changed. The language your customers use in survey comments\, service calls\, and reviews can now be turned into something you can actually use in a fraction of the time. The feeling became data.\nI'll be straight about what this takes. Depending on your infrastructure and staffing\, it's not a quick project\, and I'll tell you honestly where the bar is. But that's exactly why it matters. The institutions that learn to hear what their customers feel\, and not just what they bought\, will know their people better than the megabanks ever could\, because closeness was always the community banking advantage. This session is the case for why that's where the next decade is won\, what it really takes to get there\, and how to start making the argument inside your own walls.\nI've spent nearly two decades on both sides of this\, the data and the marketing. I'll show you what's now possible\, what it costs\, and why it's worth it.\n\n
CATEGORIES:KEYNOTE
LOCATION:Apollo I-IV\, The Verve Hotel\, Natick\, MA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:cfdf6fd33f07a199abef1d06eaf7070e
URL:http://nefma2026fallconference.sched.com/event/cfdf6fd33f07a199abef1d06eaf7070e
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260912T181043Z
DTSTART:20261008T213000Z
DTEND:20261008T230000Z
SUMMARY:NEFFIES Reception & Awards Show
DESCRIPTION:\n
CATEGORIES:AWARDS
LOCATION:Constellation Ballroom\, The Verve Hotel\, Natick\, MA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:f100c9e06ad057374b214a0adefec1da
URL:http://nefma2026fallconference.sched.com/event/f100c9e06ad057374b214a0adefec1da
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260912T181043Z
DTSTART:20261009T120000Z
DTEND:20261009T130000Z
SUMMARY:Breakfast
DESCRIPTION:Start your day with breakfast while connecting with fellow attendees! Take time to network\, catch up with colleagues\, make new connections\, and explore our exhibitors to learn more about their products\, services\, and resources.
CATEGORIES:MEALS & BREAKS
LOCATION:Pre-Assembly\, The Verve Hotel\, Natick\, MA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:9dbad44c1e4cdfae0b899ab401e3485b
URL:http://nefma2026fallconference.sched.com/event/9dbad44c1e4cdfae0b899ab401e3485b
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260912T181043Z
DTSTART:20261009T131000Z
DTEND:20261009T135000Z
SUMMARY:Awards Panel
DESCRIPTION:Join us the morning after the NEFFIE Awards to hear from a selection of this year’s winners.\nFollowing their recognition at the awards ceremony\, our panelists will share the stories behind their winning work\, the ideas and strategies that brought it to life\, and lessons they’ve learned along the way.\nIt’s a chance to go beyond the award and hear directly from the people behind some of this year’s standout work in financial marketing.\n\n\n
CATEGORIES:GENERAL SESSION
LOCATION:Apollo I-IV\, The Verve Hotel\, Natick\, MA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:19a65fbfd5231c6a54785ab8c5fb17e2
URL:http://nefma2026fallconference.sched.com/event/19a65fbfd5231c6a54785ab8c5fb17e2
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260912T181043Z
DTSTART:20261009T135000Z
DTEND:20261009T141000Z
SUMMARY:Power Session 2: Brand-Driven Branch Experiences That Drive Growth
DESCRIPTION:The branch is experiencing a renaissance. Three out of four consumers say branch access is critical when choosing their primary bank\, and Gen Z visits branches three times more frequently than Baby Boomers. As branches reassert their central role in starting and sustaining banking relationships\, institutions must close the gap between marketing and branch investments.\nAs branch purpose shifts toward advisory consultation\, the brand experience must turn every visit into greater value. Activating the branch with an intentional\, best practice marketing strategy to amplify its ability to acquire new customers and cross-sell existing ones is the difference between good branch experience — and transformative performance.\nThis session will educate banking leaders how to:\nEvolve the branch from a transaction hub into a catalyst for acquisition and cross-sellLeverage the branch as a key stop of the customer journeyGenerate advertising and marketing campaigns that support growth of the retail channelCreate effective branch marketing with right place\, right message\, right deliveryUse zonal planning to choreograph the customer journey and optimize dwell timeOptimize brand marketing opportunities to maximize communications effectivenessEstablish a balance between print\, fixture\, and digital signage marketing opportunitiesDevelop playlist strategies for cadence\, frequency\, and segmentation\n
CATEGORIES:POWER SESSION 2
LOCATION:Apollo I-IV\, The Verve Hotel\, Natick\, MA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:7df8ee4bbb589b8c4625da274e30736a
URL:http://nefma2026fallconference.sched.com/event/7df8ee4bbb589b8c4625da274e30736a
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260912T181043Z
DTSTART:20261009T141000Z
DTEND:20261009T143000Z
SUMMARY:Power Session 2: Capitalizing on Your Competitor's Acquisition
DESCRIPTION:As the M&A floodgates have opened\, community banks in markets across the country are being acquired\, almost always by larger banks\, often headquartered far away. This has created a host of opportunities for community and regional banks unions to proactively reach out to the customers of these acquired institutions.\nThis session will provide tactical advice as to how best approach and appeal to these customers who are at best nervous and at worst downright unhappy about changing banks.\n\n
CATEGORIES:POWER SESSION 2
LOCATION:Apollo I-IV\, The Verve Hotel\, Natick\, MA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:ece17161b5ca1c47699232bbfd485222
URL:http://nefma2026fallconference.sched.com/event/ece17161b5ca1c47699232bbfd485222
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260912T181043Z
DTSTART:20261009T143000Z
DTEND:20261009T145000Z
SUMMARY:Power Session 2: Q&A
DESCRIPTION:Live Q&A
CATEGORIES:POWER SESSION 2
LOCATION:Apollo I-IV\, The Verve Hotel\, Natick\, MA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:387ab1681bc13b7d365f82eeca02dba5
URL:http://nefma2026fallconference.sched.com/event/387ab1681bc13b7d365f82eeca02dba5
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260912T181043Z
DTSTART:20261009T145000Z
DTEND:20261009T151000Z
SUMMARY:Break & Hotel Check Out
DESCRIPTION:\n
CATEGORIES:MEALS & BREAKS
LOCATION:Pre-Assembly\, The Verve Hotel\, Natick\, MA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:405afd5881f21eb8b55fa43d5f19c745
URL:http://nefma2026fallconference.sched.com/event/405afd5881f21eb8b55fa43d5f19c745
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTAMP:20260912T181043Z
DTSTART:20261009T151000Z
DTEND:20261009T161000Z
SUMMARY:The Zen of Bank Marketing: Balance and Simplicity for the Modern Marketer
DESCRIPTION:Marketing in banking has never been more complex—or more personal. You're navigating shifting customer expectations\, relentless digital change\, and the daily pressure to do more with less. In this reflective keynote\, Joe Sullivan invites bank marketers to look inward as much as outward\, exploring how the Zen principles of Balance\, Simplicity\, and Adaptability can transform not just your marketing strategy—but the way you work and lead every day.\nThis isn't just about better campaigns. It's about becoming a clearer\, more grounded\, more resilient marketer in an industry that rarely slows down.\n\n
CATEGORIES:GENERAL SESSION
LOCATION:Pre-Assembly\, The Verve Hotel\, Natick\, MA
SEQUENCE:0
UID:aa0e06b1836fbc8ec636ffc86f0204b9
URL:http://nefma2026fallconference.sched.com/event/aa0e06b1836fbc8ec636ffc86f0204b9
END:VEVENT
END:VCALENDAR