ABA Shaping 2003 Annual Convention for Success

WASHINGTON-The speakers’ list for the American Bankers Association 2003 Annual Convention is an eye-opener if the location-Waikoloa, Hawaii-does not command your attention. The conference, scheduled to run from Sept. 20-24, will feature news legend Walter Cronkite as well as journalism couple Steve and Cokie Roberts, who will offer political insights and lessons of marriage included in their book From This Day Forward. Additionally, Newsweek’s Howard Fineman will share his insider views and political outlook. Infamous con artist Frank Abagnale (Catch Me if You Can), who has been converted from the dark side, will also address the group. Of course regulars to bankers’ conferences will be there too, including Comptroller of the Currency John D. Hawke, Federal Reserve Board Chairman Alan Greenspan, and Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. Chairman Donald Powell. The convention will offer a new workshop this year for CEOs and directors to review new responsibilities. Working sessions taught by industry leaders will include TowerGroup President and CEO Mark Sievewright presenting the results of an ABA/TowerGroup survey on bank technology spending patterns; fighting money laundering and terrorist financing; leveraging technology; developing risk management systems and strategies; and supporting customers’ international business and the globalization of community banking.