2025 Fall Summit Agenda
(tentative and subject to change)
11:00 AM - 7:00 PM (Riverview Lounge - Mezzanine Level 2)
AFT Registration
11:30 PM - 5:00 PM
Optional Activities (separate registration required):
Banff Gondola: Experience the breathtaking beauty of the Canadian Rockies from new heights with a ride on the Banff Gondola. Ascend to the summit of Sulphur Mountain, where panoramic views of snow-capped peaks and picturesque valleys stretch as far as the eye can see. After taking in the unforgettable scenery from the observation decks and scenic boardwalks, indulge in a delicious lunch at the summit’s mountaintop restaurant. With chef-inspired cuisine and sweeping vistas as your backdrop, the Banff Gondola promises an unforgettable journey for both the senses and the spirit—a must-do adventure during your stay in Banff.
Lake Louise & Lake Moraine: Set out on an unforgettable tour of two of the Canadian Rockies’ most iconic destinations—Lake Louise and Lake Moraine. Bask in the awe-inspiring turquoise waters framed by towering mountain peaks and ancient glaciers as you explore these breathtaking natural wonders. Relax and enjoy the convenience of a boxed lunch along the way, allowing you to savor the journey as much as the destinations. With ample opportunities for photos, sightseeing, and making memories, a tour of Lake Louise and Lake Moraine is the perfect way to experience the beauty and tranquility of Banff National Park.
6:15 PM - 7:00 PM
Spouse/Guest Reception (Ivan Petrak Room - Mezzanine Level 2)
We warmly invite all spouses and guests to join us for a special reception designed just for you. This unique gathering offers a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere to meet fellow attendees, connect over shared interests, and start building new friendships. This is the perfect opportunity to learn more about the exciting activities and attractions available throughout the area, exchange recommendations, and even make plans to explore Banff together during the days ahead.
6:15 PM – 7:00 PM (Upper Terrace (outside) - Mezzanine Level 1)
VIP/First Time Attendee Reception
It is a long-standing AFT tradition to welcome all first-time attendees with a dedicated pre-summit gathering before the official launch of the event. This special welcome session is designed to ensure that new participants feel at home from the very start. During this time, first-time attendees have the opportunity to ask questions, and gain helpful tips that will make their experience seamless and enriching. It’s also a chance to meet their ambassadors—friendly, experienced members who serve as guides and resources throughout the conference—and to personally connect with members of the AFT board. This tradition embodies our commitment to an inclusive and supportive community, helping first-time attendees build new connections and feel confident as they embark on their summit journey.
7:00 PM – 8:00 PM (Garden (outside) - Mezzanine Level 1)
Welcome Reception
This is the official kick-off of the AFT Summit—a highly anticipated event where all attendees are invited to gather and celebrate the start of our time together. The welcome reception is the perfect setting to reconnect with old friends, meet fresh faces, and build new relationships within our vibrant community. Enjoy a delightful selection of heavy appetizers and refreshing drinks as you mingle, network, and share exciting plans for the days ahead. The lively, relaxed atmosphere encourages conversation and camaraderie, and many participants often make dinner plans together afterward, allowing connections to deepen beyond the reception. Whether you’re a returning member or joining us for the first time, the welcome reception sets a warm and inviting tone for the summit, ensuring everyone feels included and energized for a memorable experience.
6:30 AM - 7:30 AM (Garden - Mezzanine Level 1)
Bobby Childs Memorial Workout led by Sara Scott
7:30 AM - 4:00 PM (Riverview Lounge - Mezzanine Level 2)
AFT Registration
8:00 AM - 9:00 AM (Alhambra Ballroom - Mezzanine Level 2)
Group Breakfast
8:00 AM - 9:00 AM (Alberta Room - Mezzanine Level 2)
VIP/First Time Attendee Breakfast
First time attendees are invited to join this breakfast to learn more about the AFT organization and our bi-annual summits. Current and past board members as well as past presidents will be in attendance as well.
9:00 AM - 9:05 AM (Cascade Ballroom - Mezzanine Level 2)
Opening General Session
Our AFT President welcomes all attendees to the AFT 2025 Fall Summit.
9:05 AM - 10:15 AM (Cascade Ballroom - Mezzanine Level 2)
General Session Keynote: Automation, Artificial Intelligence and the Future of Fintech
Byron Reese, Speaker, Author, Entrepreneur, & Futurist
For the last year or two pundits and prognosticators have spoken with one voice, claiming that AI will transform fintech... and society as a whole. But what does that really mean? How? And when? And assuming it is true, how does someone get started with a technology as broad as artificial intelligence? In this entirely new talk, AI author and two-decade AI practitioner Byron Reese moves beyond the hype and tries to demystify this technology and provide concrete steps for applying this powerful technology to your business.
10:15 AM - 10:30 AM (Oval Room - Mezzanine Level 2)
Stretch Break
10:30 AM - 11:30 AM (Cascade Ballroom - Mezzanine Level 2)
General Session: Platforms and Digital Disruption in Banking
Megan Caywood Cooper, Founder & CEO, Caywood
11:30 AM - 1:30 PM (Alhambra Ballroom - Mezzanine Level 2)
Lunch and Networking
11:30 AM - 1:30 PM (New Brunswick Room - Mezzanine Level 2)
CEO Lunch
Facilitated by Tom Shen, Board Member, CSI
Every fall summit we invite the CEOs of our member companies to attend this lunch to discuss the most pressing issues being faced by their companies and our industry from the view of their given role.
1:30 PM - 2:30 PM (Cascade Ballroom - Mezzanine Level 2)
General Session: Board Candidate Presentations
During our Fall Summit, we elect three new board members from our membership group to serve a three-year term. At this session, we will have the opportunity to hear from each candidate prior to voting the next day.
2:30 PM - 2:45 PM (Oval Room - Mezzanine Level 2)
Stretch Break
2:45 PM - 3:45 PM (Cascade Ballroom - Mezzanine Level 2)
General Session: Cornerstone Panel
Mary Wisniewski, Director, Cornerstone Advisors, Derik Sutton, Chief Marketing Officer, Autobooks, Allison Netzer, Chief Strategist, BrandThnk, and Dave DeFazio, Executive Vice President - Strategy and Solutions, StrategyCorps
3:45 PM - 4:15 PM (Oval Room - Mezzanine Level 2)
PM Refreshment Break
4:15 PM - 5:00 PM
Deep Dives: Apply the concepts you just learned from the main stage to the real world. In Deeper Dives, you'll have an opportunity to ask questions, hear your peers' perspective, and exchange ideas, all within a moderated discussion that's as efficient as it is effective.
Analytics to Inform Your Product Roadmap. Facilitated by Trisha Price, Chief Product Officer, Pendo (Alberta Room - Mezzanine Level 2)
Partnership & Growth. Facilitated by Roger Amador, Vice President, Strategic Alliances, Q2eBanking, Inc. (New Brunswick Room - Mezzanine Level 2)
Panel: Jennifer Dimenna, SVP Enterprise Partnerships, Apiture, Sue Dumbauld, Director of Strategic Partnerships and GTM, SavvyMoney, & Don Parker, Executive Vice President, MX
5:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Business Break
5:30 PM - 6:00 PM (Norquay - Mezzanine Level 1)
AFT Past Presidents Reception
All AFT Past Presidents are invited to a special gathering honoring those whose leadership and dedication have shaped the foundation and future of our association. This event is a chance to recognize and celebrate the invaluable contributions and enduring legacy of our association’s past presidents. Their vision, commitment, and service continue to inspire and strengthen our community, making this reception a meaningful highlight of the summit.
6:30 PM - 10:00 PM (Alhambra Ballroom - Mezzanine Level 2)
Denim & Diamonds Monday Night Dinner Event
AFT is excited to host a Denim and Diamonds dinner—a spirited evening where casual meets glamorous for a truly memorable celebration. We encourage everyone to grab their most festive denim attire, embellish it with a touch of sparkle or bling, and get ready for a night filled with good fun and great company.
6:30 AM - 7:30 AM (Garden - Mezzanine Level 1)
Bobby Childs Memorial Workout led by Sara Scott
7:30 AM - 2:30 PM (Riverview Lounge - Mezzanine Level 2)
AFT Registration
8:00 AM - 9:00 AM (Alhambra Ballroom - Mezzanine Level 2)
Group Breakfast
9:00 AM - 9:05 AM (Cascade Ballroom - Mezzanine Level 2)
General Session: Welcome Back / Updates
9:05 AM - 10:00 AM (Cascade Ballroom - Mezzanine Level 2)
General Session CEO Keynote: Leading Through Times of Change
Dave Culbertson, Vice Chairman, CSI, Tom Shen, Board Member, CSI, and Tara Schultz, SVP Strategic Insights & Industry Relations, CSI
Join us for Leading Through Times of Change, a leadership-focused session featuring David Culbertson’s personal and professional journey through one of the most pivotal transitions in CSI’s history. From stepping into the CEO role to leading the company through its move from public to private, and now serving as Vice Chairman, David will share insights on guiding an organization through significant change, maintaining a strong culture, and navigating uncertainty.
The second half of the session will feature a moderated conversation with David Culbertson and Tom Shen, led by Tara Schultz. This panel will explore lessons in leadership, the evolution of the financial services industry, and the challenges and opportunities facing the industry today. This session offers a unique opportunity to hear firsthand reflections on transformation, leadership, and vision, from those who helped shape the financial services industry and continue to influence its future.
10:00 AM - 10:30 AM (Oval Room - Mezzanine Level 2)
Stretch Break
10:30 AM - 11:30 AM (Cascade Ballroom - Mezzanine Level 2)
Annual Business Meeting
As an association, we use our Fall Summit to host our annual business session. It is important that at least one member of each AFT member company attends. We will be sharing important business updates regarding the association as well as voting for the three new board members. Each member company in attendance will have one vote.
11:30 PM - 1:00 PM (Alhambra Ballroom - Mezzanine Level 2)
Group Lunch
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM (Cascade Ballroom - Mezzanine Level 2)
Instant Connection: Lasting Impact, Showmanship for Leaders
Robert Strong, Speaker, Comedy Magician, & Author
2:00 PM - 2:30 PM (Oval Room - Mezzanine Level 2)
PM Refreshment Break
2:30 PM - 4:30 PM (Cascade Ballroom - Mezzanine Level 2)
Intersections
A dedicated time for companies to connect, collaborate, and spark new ideas. Step away from the agenda and into meaningful conversations that drive partnership and progress.
4:30 PM – 5:00 PM
Free Time
5:00 PM – 6:00 PM (Mt. Stephen Hall - Mezzanine Level 1)
Farewell Reception
It’s time to relax, unwind, and enjoy one last time to gather together as AFT members before heading home.