Agenda

2026 Fall Summit Agenda
(tentative and subject to change)

11:00 AM - 7:00 PM (Aragon Ballroom Prefunction Area)

AFT Registration

12:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Optional Activities (separate registration required): 

• Golf at Rancho Bernardo

• San Diego Safari Park

6:15 PM - 7:00 PM (Aragon Ballroom Prefunction South)

Spouse/Guest Reception 

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 San Diego  together during the days ahead. 

6:15 PM – 7:00 PM (Aragon Terrace West - Outside)

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 (Aragon Lawn - Outside)

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. 

8:30 PM - 10:30 PM (TBD)

Women in FinTech Dinner (separate registration is required)

According to Deloitte, startups founded or co-founded by women have risen 2% over the past decade but still account for just 12% of FinTechs. As technology speeds global finance, demand for highly tailored banking is surging, institutions need specialized FinTech partners, and diverse leadership is key to spotting and solving these opportunities.

AFT is helping close the gap through our Women in FinTech forum at the Fall Summits. Kathleen Craig, former AFT Board Member and founder/CEO of Plinqit, invites members of every gender to join—learn, connect, and help move the industry forward together.

6:00 AM - 7:00 AM (TBD)

Bobby Childs Memorial Workout led by Sara Scott

7:30 AM - 4:00 PM  (Aragon Ballroom Prefunction Area)

AFT Registration

8:00 AM - 9:00 AM (Aragon Lawn - Outside)

Group Breakfast 

8:00 AM - 9:00 AM (Catalina Ballroom)

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 (Aragon Ballroom)

Opening General Session 

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

9:05 AM - 10:15 AM (Aragon Ballroom)

General Session Keynote: Track Your Life

Boyd Varty, Storyteller, Coach, and Wildlife and Literacy Activist 

10:15 AM - 10:30 AM (Aragon Lawn)

Stretch Break

10:30 AM - 11:30 AM (Aragon Ballroom)

General Session: Cognitive Futures: Building a Blueprint for an Intelligence-Amplified Workforce

Annie Hardy, Founder & Chief AI Architect and Futurist, Split Futures 

11:30 AM - 1:00 PM (Aragon Lawn)

Lunch and Networking 

11:30 AM - 1:00 PM (Catalina Ballroom)

CEO Lunch

Facilitated by Mike Alles

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.

1:00 PM - 1:30 PM (Aragon Ballroom)

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.

1:30 PM - 2:30 PM (Aragon Ballroom)

General Session: 

Todd Buchholz, Economist, Author, and Keynote Speaker 

2:30 PM - 2:45 PM (in Breakout Rooms)

PM Refreshment Break

2:45 PM - 3:30 PM (Bernardo West)

Deep Dive #1: The Job Lab: Re-Architecting the Cognitive Workforce

Annie Hardy, Founder & Chief AI Architect and Futurist, Split Futures 

2:45 PM - 3:30 PM (Bernardo East)

Deep Dive #2: Economic Impact of AI

Dr. Ranjit Tinaikar, Former Chief Executive Officer, Ness Digital Engineering (2020-2026) 

3:45 PM - 4:30 PM (Bernardo West)

Deep Dive #3: Bank AI Strategy: Nobody Ever Got Fired for Buying Copilot, But is Good Enough Your AI Strategy?

Marc Rehberger, Founder & Principal Advisor, Anvil & Forge Advisory 

3:45 PM - 4:30 PM (Bernardo East)

Deep Dive #4: AI Showcase

4:30 PM - 6:00 PM 

Intersections

5:30 PM - 6:00 PM (Castillo Presidential Suite)

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. 

6:00 PM - 10:00 PM (Stone Brewing World Bistro & Gardens - Escondido)

Monday Night Dinner Event

After a full day at the AFT Fall Summit, cap it off with a night of fun and entertainment at Stone Brewing World Bistro & Gardens – Escondido. Mingle with fellow attendees, sip iconic Stone craft brews, and enjoy delicious bites in a stunning, open‑air garden setting. Expect lively energy, great conversation, and the perfect backdrop to unwind and make new connections. Don’t miss the Summit’s can’t‑miss evening. See you at the Gardens!

6:00 AM - 7:00 AM (TBD)

Bobby Childs Memorial Workout led by Sara Scott

7:30 AM - 2:00 PM (Aragon Ballroom Prefunction Area)

AFT Registration

8:00 AM - 9:00 AM (Aragon Lawn - Outside)

Group Breakfast 

9:00 AM - 9:05 AM (Aragon Ballroom)

General Session: Welcome Back / Updates

9:05 AM - 10:15 AM (Aragon Ballroom)

General Session CEO Keynote: 

Greg Adelson, President and Chief Executive Officer, Jack Henry 

10:15 AM - 10:45 AM (Aragon Lawn)

Stretch Break

10:45 AM - 10:55 AM (Aragon Ballroom)

Dave Mayo Tribute

10:55 AM - 11:45 AM (Aragon Ballroom)

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.

11:45 AM - 12:00 PM (Aragon Ballroom)

Partnership of the Year Award

If AFT has taught us anything, it's that we are better together. Announcing the AFT Partnership of the Year Award! This is a celebration of the ways in which relationships founded at AFT have strengthened both parties. Please submit your nominations by August 14. The first AFT Partnership of the Year recipient will be recognized at the Fall Summit.

12:00 PM - 1:30 PM (Aragon Ballroom)

Group Lunch

1:30 PM - 2:30 PM (Aragon Ballroom)

General Session: How Does One Find Meaning in the Age of AI?

Dr. Marc Brackett, Founding Director, Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence, Professor, Child Study Center, Yale University 

2:30 PM - 3:00 PM (Aragon Lawn)

PM Refreshment Break

3:00 PM - 4:00 PM (Aragon Ballroom)

General Session: Drumroll, Please...

You won't miss a beat when you attend a closing session that brings us together to ensure we stay in sync as we transition back to the rhythm of our jobs and lives, filled with the inspiration found only at AFT.

4:00 PM – 5:30 PM (Aragon Lawn)

Farewell Reception 

It’s time to relax, unwind, and enjoy one last time to gather together as AFT members before heading home.