Conferences & Education

Bank growth and return to shareholders. Minimizing and managing risk across the enterprise. The board’s role in defining a strategic course to tie it all together. These are the pressing issues and critical responsibilities of community bank boards today. Our Annual Directors Conference will arm you with the knowledge, tools and resources to chart the course and lead the way as a top performing bank. 

Why Attend?

Understanding the three elemental responsibilities of a community bank board – growth, risk and strategy – is the key to being a great bank director. The Annual Directors Conference guides interaction with community bank directors and pairs you with industry experts who inspire you to think beyond your current assumptions. Through our popular presentation/peer group discussion conference format, attendees will take a deep dive into these three learning areas to chart a path toward growth, minimize risk, maximize shareholder return and create synergies with executive leadership in setting strategic plans to tie it all together.  

Who Should Attend

Optional Pre-Conference Workshop

Compliance is the new risk. And the directors’ role as risk managers for the bank is now more critical than ever. Our pre-conference workshop on the 2014 Regulatory Exam Focus & Training Guidance for Directors will help your board understand what areas directors should be seeking education and training for during the coming year and how the board should be working with bank leadership to ensure the institution is focusing on the right things and getting the proper training in place for staff. 

Tentative Agenda

CPE & Continuing Education Credits (CEU)

Up to 17.5 CPE/CEU Credits for the Conference and 3.5 CPE/CEU Credits for the Pre-Conference Directors Workshop may be available. CEU hours are based on a 50-minute education credit hour and pending approval by your accrediting institution. Western Independent Bankers is registered with the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) as a sponsor of continuing professional education on the National Registry of CPE Sponsors.

Program Level: Basic
Prerequisites: None
Advanced Preparation: None
Method of Presentation: Group – Live

Registration Information

Early Bird Registration Fees (before September 2)

 
Regular Registration Fees (after September 2)

Registration includes all meals and receptions (see schedule).

*Banks in Organization, Groups in Formation or WIB Member Banks opened less than seven years from the date of the Workshop.

Pre-conference Workshop

Cancellation Policy
Registration fees minus $75 processing fee per registrant will be refunded if cancellation is received by October 17, 2013. No refund if cancellation is received after October 17, 2012. Substitutions welcomed. WIB is not responsible for airfare penalties incurred due to the cancellation of this program.

Our Guarantee
If you are not completely satisfied with this conference, please contact us within 10 days following the conference and we will provide a full refund of your registration fees. 

Banker/Director Team Savings!

• Register 5 or more and receive 10% rebate
• Register 8 or more to receive 15% rebate
• Register 10 or more to receive 20% rebate

Applies to on conference registration fees only. Refund issued to the bank after the conference. Season Passes used will count toward the total number of registrations, but the rebate will be paid only on those registrations made not using a Season Pass. Discount does not apply to guest registration or optional event tickets.

Hold Your Board Meeting Prior to the Conference
This is a great opportunity to bring your entire board together for a meeting and learning experience. If you are interested in a securing a meeting room for your own board meeting, please contact Ray Smith at (415) 352-3224 or ray@wib.org by October 1.

Hotel & Travel

Hilton San Diego Bayfront
1 Park Blvd.
San Diego, CA 92101

www.hiltonsandiegobayfront.com

Phone: (619) 564-3333
Reservations: 1-800-HILTONS (445-8667)

Room Rates
$209 Single/Double

Rates valid October 27-November 4, 2013. Hotel tax is currently 12.5% +.20 cents per room and is subject to change. Contact the hotel directly and mention Western Independent Bankers to obtain our group rate.

Reservation Deadline: October 1, 2013

Rental Car Discounts
Discount rates are available for:

• AVIS: (800) 331-1600 – www.avis.com; AWD number J990669
• Hertz: (800) 654-2240 – www.hertz.com; convention code 04DT0007
• Thrifty: 1-800-THRIFTY (847-4389) – www.thrifty.com; CD# 004C007855 

Air Travel Discounts
Flights from all points throughout the West to San Diego are convenient and affordable. Our aim is to help you get the professional development you need while minimizing travel expenses.

San Diego Activities

While you are in San Diego for the Directors Conference why not make it a family vacation? The conference hotel is centrally located and is convenient to anything you or your family plans to do before, during and after the program. Below are some suggestions that can meet any budget. Everything can be easily reached on foot or the convenience of public transportation, saving you money on renting a car.  

Free and inexpensive

Balboa Park – This gateway to San Diego culture and activities is home to 15 museums, art venues and gardens, as well as the San Diego Zoo. The park itself is open 24 hours and offers free admission to the grounds, Botanical Building and most gardens.

Old Town San Diego – Discover San Diego’s historical Mission Valley Neighborhood where the Kumeyaay Indians prospered. You’re invited to enter Old Town’s historic buildings for free, including the oldest schoolhouse in San Diego, the Estudillo House. Visiting Bazaar del Mundo is a must, where you can pick up one-of-a-kind and exotic items. While it is 3 miles outside of downtown, taking the Trolley or Coaster to Old Town is quick, easy and affordable.

Seaport Village – Every day you’ll find free entertainment in Seaport Village, from Shakespeare to blues music. Find the schedule of outdoor performances HERE. Enjoy the view of the bay, browse over 50 shops and choose from 17 unique dining venues. You can even sign up for coupons to use on your visit to Seaport Village.

Moderate

Mission Beach Boardwalk – Stroll along 3 miles of beach with fun shops and food selections. Take the family to Belmont Park, the beachfront amusement park and entertainment center. It’s famous for its oldest wooden coaster called the Giant Dipper. Unlimited ride passes are available. Get discounts for Belmont Park HERE.

Birch Aquarium – See the wonders of the Pacific Ocean with over 60 habitats, including hands-on exhibits and the soon-to-open Boundless Energy exhibit which explores the groundbreaking ways we can use the power of the sun, wind and water for natural power. The aquarium brings amazing aquatic creatures to the surface and educates you on their habitats and preservation.

Go Golfing – If golf is your game of choice, you can hit the links for discounted tee times at over 40 San Diego courses. Choose from the most convenient location, the most challenging or one that includes free club rental and save up to 75% with GolfNow. Book your tee time in advance online for these reduced rates.

Splurge

San Diego Zoo – Explore one of the nation’s largest and most innovative zoos with your family. At 100 acres, it houses over 4,000 animals and also offers a guided bus tour that can give you an overview of the entire zoo. You can reach the zoo by Coaster from downtown. Children 11 and under are admitted free when accompanied by an adult in the month of October.

Sea World – Visit with Shamu and his ocean pals. Sea World offers live shows, touch tanks and underwater viewing of some of the coolest aquatic animals you have ever seen, including beluga whales, hammerhead sharks, manatees and sting rays. Mix this with traditional theme park rides and you have a fun-filled day in San Diego. In October you will get to experience special Halloween-themed shows as well.

Wild  Animal Park – Observe herd animals from Asia and Africa, such as giraffes, rhinos and cheetahs. Choose from the original tram safari and walking tour or from seven other more unique safari tours (unique tours have unique prices). The Safari Park is located 35 miles from the San Diego Zoo in Escondido. It’s possible to get there via public transportation.

(Save money by purchasing a multi-pass ticket to two or all three of these attractions HERE.)

If you’re really looking to make a vacation of your time before or after the Education Summit, you might want to think about picking up a San Diego GoCard for you and each member of your traveling party. For a discounted price, you can gain admission to your choice of 50 of San Diego’s top attractions, including the San Diego Zoo, LEGOLAND California, Sea World (with the purchase of a 3-, 5- or 7-day pass), Birch Aquarium at Scripps and many more. The pass allows you to skip the ticket lines and go right to the front gate. Each comes with a full-color guidebook and shopping and dining discounts, giving you even bigger savings. Have it shipped to you before you leave or pick it up at designated locations when you get to San Diego.

San Diego information provided by Shereen Rayle, author of budget travel blog Shereen Travels Cheap.