Since 1885 when Texas Bankers Association was founded as the nation’s first state banking association, an annual convention has been held for bankers and financial professionals to gather, exchange ideas and discuss trends and developments in the banking sector. TBA’s Annual Convention is one of the longest-running banking events in Texas. Over the years, the convention has evolved and grown in significance, attracting a wide range of participants from the banking industry and becoming a prominent platform for networking and learning. With the inevitable change that comes with growth, TBA’s Annual Convention looks very different today than from when it first started.
100 years ago
In 1923, TBA’s 39th Annual Convention was held from May 15-17 at the Adolphus Hotel in Dallas. Known as the city’s first true luxury hotel, Adolphus was referenced in the Texas Bankers Record, now known as the Texas Banking magazine, as the hostelry named as “general Convention headquarters.”
The committee found that attendees enjoyed more and shorter speeches, so the Convention had timed sessions lasting no more than 30 minutes. Transportation via railroad was organized for attendees; a special rate was granted for one and one-half fare for the round trip to Dallas on account of the Convention. The special rate was granted as 2,000 attendees were expected to ascend on the city for Convention. The most “elaborate affair” of the Convention was an outdoor dinner with a theatrical performance and a concert.
75 years ago
In 1948, TBA’s 64th Annual Convention was held from May 24-26 in San Antonio. T. C. Frost, former president of Frost Bank and known as a legendary banker in San Antonio, gave opening remarks and thanked attendees for meeting in his hometown. Texas Gov. Beauford H. Jester gave a prepared address on “bankers are builders.” His speech praised those in finance and touched up with vivid colors the economic history of the state, reflecting on the cattle industry, oil, farming and how Texas bankers played a role in the growth of the state.
The Convention held several informative talks from lending to pensions and retirement. Attendees enjoyed the history and culture that makes up downtown San Antonio.
50 years ago
In 1973, TBA’s 89th Annual Convention was held from May 6-8 in El Paso. The convention was held at the city’s new Civic and Convention Center, a $20-million addition at the time. The preview highlighted the “colorful” city of El Paso; a city of influence by two countries that has grown into a large metropolitan area.
A thriving time for the Association, TBA’s former president Leon Stone said in a message at the Convention that only five banks in the entire state were not TBA members, and one of those five banks decided not to join during its first year of operation. Stone said total membership was 99.6% of banks in Texas — an association record at the time.
25 years ago
In 1998, TBA’s 114th Annual Convention was held in Las Vegas from May 4-6. A convention out of state attracted Texas bankers with the slogan “Seize the day!” at the Caesars Palace in Las Vegas. Bankers certainly seized the day with more than 1,000 attendees at Viva Las Vegas. TBA marketed the convention by including fun facts of Las Vegas in the Texas Bankers Record:
“Las Vegas has approximately 50 wedding chapels and in 1996, 104,927 wedding licenses were issued. Join in the fun! Renew your vows or take the plunge during TBA’s 114th Annual Convention and Exposition!”
No doubt the shining lights of Las Vegas drew in a large attendance, but bankers were mostly drawn to the top-notch speakers. Named one of USA Today’s most requested speakers, Barry Asmus, a former senior economist at the National Center for Policy Analysis, gave a motivational speech on the complex economic system that left a renewed sense of pride for business people creating wealth.
Robert Kriegel, author of “Sacred Cows Make the Best Burgers,” gave an entertaining speech on bold, innovative strategies for keeping ahead of changes, challenges and competition.
While TBA’s Annual Convention has changed over time, the purpose remains the same: a dynamic and informative event that brings together the Texas banking community.