Agenda

2026 Spring Summit Agenda
(tentative and subject to change)

11:00 AM - 7:00 PM:

AFT Registration (Conrad Foyer)

12:00 PM - 4:30 PM: 

Optional Activities (Separate registration required): 

Option 1: Honky Tonk Hat Bar (Departs the hotel at 12:00 PM)

Saddle up for a one-of-a-kind Summit add-on experience that blends creativity, flavor, and a little Western flair! Attendees are invited to join this optional activity featuring a hands-on custom cowboy hat–making session, where you’ll design a hat that’s uniquely yours. Refuel with a delicious taco lunch packed with bold, crowd-pleasing flavors, then kick up the excitement with the chance to test your skills on a mechanical bull (participation optional, bragging rights encouraged). It’s the perfect way to relax, connect with fellow attendees, and add a memorable twist to your Summit  experience. 

Option 2: Top Golf w/Golf Pro (Departs the hotel at 12:30 PM)

Join us for an exciting off-site experience at Topgolf, where Summit attendees are invited to enjoy three hours of high-energy practice, friendly competition, and pure fun. Whether you’re a seasoned golfer or picking up a club for the first time, a professional golf instructor will be on hand to offer tips and guidance to elevate your game. Enjoy a delicious lunch paired with an open bar as you relax, network, and take aim in a lively, social setting. It’s the perfect blend of learning, leisure, and connection—don’t miss this unforgettable Summit highlight.

6:15 PM – 7:00 PM 

VIP Toast (Terrace)

It is a long-standing AFT tradition to welcome all first-time attendees to gather prior to the kick-off of the summit. This allows our first-time attendees to learn the lay of the land, meet their ambassadors, and the AFT board.  

6:15 PM – 7:00 PM 

Spouse/Guest Reception (Conrad Foyer)

Join us for a relaxed reception created especially for Summit guests and spouses to connect, mingle, and get inspired for the days ahead. Enjoy light refreshments, great conversation, and the chance to meet fellow guests while swapping ideas and planning activities for the next two days. Whether you’re here to network, explore, or simply relax and enjoy the experience, this is the perfect way to get started. 

7:00 PM – 8:00 PM 

Welcome Reception (Thistle & Rye)

This is the official kick-off of the AFT Summit. All attendees are invited to come together to reconnect with friends and meet new ones. The welcome reception offers heavy appetizers and drinks. Many attendees make plans for a dinner after the welcome reception. 

6:00 AM - 7:00 AM

Bobby Childs Memorial Workout led by Sara Scott (Terrace)

7:30 AM - 4:00 PM 

AFT Registration (Conrad Foyer)

8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

Group Breakfast (Terrace)

8:00 AM - 9:00 AM 

VIP/First Time Attendee Breakfast (Opus 123)

9:00 AM - 9:10 AM

Opening General Session (Conrad Ballroom ABC)

Our AFT President welcomes all attendees to the AFT 2026 Spring Summit.

9:10 AM - 10:15 AM

Keynote: Great Leaders Live Like Drug Addicts (Conrad Ballroom ABC)

Michael Brody-Waite, Founder & CEO, Addictive Leadership 

10:15 AM - 10:45 AM

Stretch Break (Conrad Foyer)

10:45 AM - 12:00 PM

General Session: The State of Banking in FinTech

Emily McCormick, Vice President of Editorial & Research, Bank Director  

12:00 PM - 1:30 PM 

Lunch and Networking (Terrace)

1:30 PM - 2:15 PM

Deep Dive #1: Demystifying Stablecoin (Opus 123)

Pete Glyman, Founder & CEO, Coinbax  

1:30 PM - 2:15 PM

Deep Dive #2: A Culture Your Team Can't Turn Off (Mezzo Foyer)

Chris Walker, VP of Operations, Praxent 

2:15 PM - 2:45 PM

PM Refreshment Break (In Deep Dive Rooms)

2:45 PM - 3:30 PM 

Deep Dive #3: AI in Product Development (Opus 123)

Thomas Schlegel, Distinguished Engineer / VP of Engineering 

2:45 PM - 3:30 PM 

Deep Dive #4: Women in Leadership (Mezzo Foyer)

Kirsten Longnecker, Executive Vice President, York Public Relations

3:45 PM - 5:15 PM

Headshot Lounge (Conrad Foyer)

Need a new headshot? Here's your chance. Stop by the Headshot Lounge at your leisure for a free professional photo. Headshots are first come, first served. 

3:45 PM - 5:00 PM 

Intersections (Conrad Ballroom ABC)

6:00 PM - 6:30 PM 

Past Presidents/Past Board Members Reception (Country Music Hall of Fame)

6:30 PM - 10:00 PM

Monday Night Dinner Event (Country Music Hall of Fame)

Bus departs from the Hotel Lobby at 6:00 PM

6:00 AM - 7:00 AM

Bobby Childs Memorial Workout led by Sara Scott (Terrace)

7:30 AM - 2:00 PM

AFT Registration (Conrad Foyer)

8:00 AM - 9:00 AM 

Group Breakfast (Terrace)

9:00 AM - 9:10 AM

General Session: Welcome Back / Updates (Conrad Ballroom ABC)

9:10 AM - 10:15 AM

General Session: Brandon DeWitt Technology Keynote (Conrad Ballroom ABC)

How Data Happened: A History from the Age of Reason to the Age of Algorithms

Chris Wiggins, Author and Associate Professor of Applied Mathematics at Columbia University 

10:15 AM - 10:45 AM

Stretch Break (Conrad Foyer)

10:45 AM - 12:00 PM

General Session: How to Differentiate Yourself and Your Business by Building a StoryBrand (Conrad Ballroom ABC)

Donald Miller, StoryBrand and Coach Builder, CEO 

How do we talk about what we offer in such a way people are guaranteed to pay attention? Most leaders, marketers, and salespeople have trouble breaking through the noise. What’s the solution? Invite customers into a story that compels them to pay attention and take action. If you are tired of being ignored and want to grow your business, learn to get customers' attention, keep their attention, and increase orders using Donald Miller’s compelling storytelling framework.

12:00 PM - 1:30 PM

Group Lunch (Terrace)

1:30 PM - 2:30 PM

General Session: Panel with FINTOP Capital (Conrad Ballroom ABC)

Joe Maxwell, Co-Founder & Managing Partner at FINTOP Capital 

John Philpott, Partner at FINTOP 

Charles Potts

2:30 PM – 3:30 PM 

General Session: AFTerthoughts (Conrad Ballroom ABC)

3:30 PM - 4:00 PM

PM Refreshment Break (Conrad Foyer)

4:00 PM - 5:00 PM 

General Session: FEARLESS COLLABORATION & Team Building Through INTERACTIVE MUSIC CREATION  (Conrad Ballroom ABC)

Douglas Brown, Platinum Selling Recording Artist & Songwriter 

5:00 PM – 5:30 PM

Free Time

5:30 PM – 6:30 PM

Farewell Reception (Thistle & Rye)