If you’ve already signed up for the 2019 edition of Future Branches Boston, you’re in for an action-packed two days of networking with senior retail banking executives.
This year’s conference will take place at the Westin Boston Waterfront from July 23-24 and will explore how leading financial institutions are revamping retail banking technology, retooling front line associates, and creating the branch experience of the future.
The agenda is filled with several noteworthy keynote speakers who will touch upon a variety of topics – from customer experience to wealth management strategy. Though there are over 30 keynotes to choose from, we think these are the top 5 sessions you won’t want to miss.
Day 1: Tuesday, July 23
The Benefits of Bringing Retail and Operations Under One Leadership Team to Streamline Your Consumer Facing Business
Speaker: Aleda Amistadi, SVP / Retail and Operations at PeoplesBank
Time: 9:00 am
Why attend: If you’ve been contemplating putting retail and operations under one roof in your organization, this is the talk to attend. Aleda Amistadi will take you step by step through the strategy behind bringing these two parts of the business under one leader, and how it will influence the holistic customer experience. She will cover a range of topics under this umbrella—from growing pains of the transition to the benefits and efficiencies of it.
You’ll get to hear first-hand Amistadi’s experience-based advice on making this transition worthwhile and effective for your organization.
Making Customer-Centric Branch Technology Investments
Speaker: Shon Aguero, Executive Vice President of Retail at Landmark Bank
Time: 9:25 am
Why attend: It’s easy to get caught up in the latest piece of banking technology, but choosing the right piece of technology isn’t always that simple. Aguero’s case study will take you through commonly asked questions about making branch technology investments. He’ll ask you the tough questions about potential investments such as, “How can it be useful for your customers? And how can it help your employees service your customers?”
For example, choosing modern banking technology that has RESTful APIs rather than SOAP APIs is a beneficial investment for your company. You’ll save time and money by having control from the corporate/administration management side—such as adding services, staff, etc.—without having to rely on a vendor.
Day 2: Wednesday, July 24
Planning the Ultimate Branch Experience: Can You Read Your Customer’s Mind?
Speaker: Jeremy Balkin, Head of Innovation at HSBC
Time: 8:40 am
Why attend: How do you know what your customer expects from you? This session will explain the importance of personalizing your customer experience to better understand what your customers need and expect.
Balkin will walk you through how to make your customers feel heard throughout the entire customer journey - from point A to point Z. You will leave with the necessary tools to improve customer experience and overall branch strategy.
Finding the Right Mix of Employees and Technology in Branch
Speaker: Mark Sanchioni, SVP / Director of Retail Banking at UnitedBank
Time: 9:05 am
Why attend: This session dives into an important element of technology: how does technology influence human interaction, and how does it help customers feel physically connected to your business?
Financial institutions are constantly searching for a balance between the convenience of technology and the desire for customers to have self-service. Today, not every customer has switched to digital - there are still plenty of baby boomer customers who prefer completing transactions in branch. How can your branch balance the use of technology while preserving the human element of in-store visits? In this session, you will hear Sanchioni’s strategy of how to ensure quality customer service while innovating with modern technology.
Planning Your Wealth Management or Private Wealth Strategy
Speaker: Ronald Belle, Chief Experience Officer at AmeriCU
Time: 11:25 am
Why attend: If you’re a retail bank or credit union that provides wealth management services alongside typical retail products, this is the session for you. If your clients are specifically requesting face-to-face interaction, you’ll be intrigued by Belle’s discussion of the following questions:
- What are the needs of those clients?
- What technology do they want to see?
- What kind of staff do they require?
- How specialized are their roles?
- What should the design be?
Ultimately, you’ll walk away from this fireside chat knowing more about the on-site wealth management strategy of banks and credit unions.
Now that you have five great sessions to attend at Future Branches Boston, we look forward to seeing you there!
Stop by booth #17 to discuss the latest technology trends in banking and see the latest innovations we’ve made to JRNI.
