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2026 SDBA NEXT STEP: Emerging Leaders Summit

Wednesday, October 28, 2026 to Thursday, October 29, 2026

Category: SDBA Events

2026 SDBA NEXT STEP: Emerging Leaders Summit

October 28 & 29, 2026

The Lodge at Deadwood | 100 Pine Crest Lane| Deadwood, SD

Thank you to our sponsors!

ABOUT

NEXT STEP: Emerging Leaders Summit is more than a conference—it's a leadership experience designed to cultivate, connect, engage and empower South Dakota's future bank leaders. Combining thought-provoking presentations, interactive workshops and meaningful networking, the Summit creates space for emerging leaders to step away from their daily responsibilities, invest in their personal and professional growth, and build lasting connections with peers from across the state.

Throughout the day, participants will strengthen their leadership skills, discover new perspectives, exchange ideas and gain practical tools they can immediately apply within their banks and communities. Whether developing greater self-awareness, tackling real-world challenges or expanding their professional network, attendees will leave inspired, better connected and prepared to take the next step in their leadership journey.

EVENT LOCATION

The Lodge at Deadwood
100 Pine Crest Lane | Deadwood, SD 57732

EVENT HOTEL

The Lodge at Deadwood
100 Pine Crest Dr. | Deadwood, SD 57732
877.393.5634
Rate: $89.00
Cut-off date: September 4, 2026

REGISTRATION FEES

Early Bird through September 10: $275.00 members; $400.00 non-members
General Rate, September 11-October 27: $285.00 members; $425.00 non-members
Onsite Fee: $295.00 members; $440.00 non-members
Cancellation Policy: 100% refund if cancelled October 12or sooner; 75% refund if cancelled October 13-19; no refund October 19 or later.

ATTIRE

Suggested casual to business casual. We recommend layers; bring a sweater or jacket as meeting spaces tend to vary in temperature.

AGENDA

ALL TIMES LISTED BELOW ARE MDT.

DAY 1: WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 28

5:15 p.m. | Welcome Reception at Preacher Smith’s Taproom & Commons | 100 Pine Crest Lane | Deadwood, SD 57732

DAY 2: THURSDAY, OCTOBER 29

7:30 a.m. | Breakfast & Optional Networking

8:15 a.m. | Welcome Remarks & Housekeeping

8:30 a.m. | The Engaged Leader: Why Advocacy Isn’t Optional Anymore | Karl Adam, SDBA President & CEO | Pierre, SD | Community banking doesn’t operate in a vacuum — and neither can its leaders. In an environment where legislative and regulatory decisions are made quickly and with real consequences, engagement is no longer optional. The next generation of bank leaders must understand that advocacy isn’t political theater — it’s strategic leadership. In this opening session, SDBA President & CEO Karl Adam will challenge emerging leaders to step into their influence. From telling your bank’s story to building relationships with policymakers, engaged leadership protects your institution, strengthens your community, and shapes the future of our industry. The question is no longer “Should I get involved?” It’s “Can we afford not to?”

9:30 a.m. | Staying Ahead in an Evolving Fraud Landscape | Patrick Smith, Senior Vice President of Fraud Operations Management Organization | American Bankers Association (ABA) | Washington, DC | As fraud schemes grow more sophisticated, banks face an ever-changing mix of persistent threats and emerging risks. This session provides a comprehensive look at today’s most pressing fraud challenges – from traditional scams fueled by social engineering to the rise of AI-driven schemes and the resurgence of check fraud. Attendees will gain practical insights into evolving prevention strategies, innovative industry tools, and best practices to strengthen defenses. The discussion will also explore the longer-term implications of emerging technologies, including quantum computing, and what banks should be considering today to prepare for future cybersecurity and fraud-related risks. Together, these topics offer a comprehensive view of the tactics reshaping the modern fraud environment and the tools needed to combat them.

10:20 a.m. | Break

10:40 a.m. | The Gift of Grief | Dusty Petersen, VP/Retail Manager III | First Interstate Bank | Rapid City, SD -| Grief touches each of us in different ways, shaping not only our personal lives but also how we lead, connect and support others. In this heartfelt session, Dusty Petersen shares her personal journey through loss and the unexpected lessons it has offered in resilience, perspective and purpose. Participants will leave with a deeper appreciation for leading with empathy and embracing life's challenges as opportunities for growth.

11:25 a.m. | The Solution Room: Part I | Back by popular demand, The Solution Room returns with a new twist. In this session, you'll connect with fellow emerging leaders who share your area of expertise—whether that's lending, compliance, operations, retail, risk, marketing, finance or another banking specialty. Together, you'll discuss the opportunities and challenges unique to your role, exchange practical solutions and learn how peers across the state are tackling similar issues. Come ready to share your experiences, ask questions and leave with fresh ideas you can bring back to your bank.

11:45 a.m. | Lunch

12:35 p.m. | Integrity Behavior Styles | Nate Franzen, President of Ag Banking & SDBA Chair | First Dakota National Bank | Yankton, SD | No two leaders communicate the same way—and understanding those differences can transform the way you work with others. Join Nate Franzen as he explores the Integrity Behavior Styles® model, helping you identify your own behavioral tendencies while learning how to recognize and adapt to the styles of those around you. Discover how greater self-awareness, adaptability and intentional communication can strengthen relationships, improve teamwork and make you a more effective leader.

*Please note: All attendees are required to complete a brief pre-event Behavior Styles® assessment prior to the Summit. Assessment instructions will be provided in advance.

2:00 p.m. | Break

2:15 p.m. | Next Chapter: Emerging Leaders in Banking - A Fireside Chat with Emerging Bank Leaders
MODERATOR: Derek Nolan, Vice President - Marketing | Compliance Officer | Rivers Edge Bank | Marion, SD
PANELISTS: Cody Byrum, VP, Commercial Loan Officer | Black Hills Community Bank | Spearfish, SD; Krista Tschetter, General Counsel, VP | First Bank & Trust | Sioux Falls, SD; Sarah Wilson, VP, Community Banking Manager | Central Bank | Brookings, SD | Building on the momentum of SDBA’s NEXT STEP: Emerging Leaders programming, this interactive fireside chat brings together rising professionals from across South Dakota’s banking industry for an honest conversation about leadership growth, career paths, and community impact. Led by Derek Nolan of Rivers Edge Bank, this session will explore each panelist’s journey from aspiring professional to emerging leader within their bank, community, and civic organizations. Panelists will reflect on the pivotal experiences, relationships, and opportunities that helped shape their leadership identity.

Conversation will also highlight the role of staying engaged with the South Dakota banking community through the South Dakota Bankers Association, and how involvement in industry programming, peer networks, and professional development has influenced their “next step” into leadership. Designed as an extension of the NEXT STEP: Emerging Leaders experience, this “Next Chapter” discussion offers practical insights, relatable stories, and encouragement for attendees who are actively shaping their own leadership journeys.

2:55 p.m. | The Solution Room: Part II | Wrap up the Summit by reconnecting with fellow emerging leaders from across all areas of banking for one final round of candid conversation, collaborative problem-solving and meaningful networking. Share a challenge you're facing in your bank, community or leadership journey, and gain fresh insights from peers with diverse experiences and perspectives. As you rotate tables throughout the session, you'll expand your network, exchange practical ideas and leave inspired with new connections and actionable takeaways to carry forward long after the Summit concludes.

3:15 p.m. | Adjourn & travel home safely!