‘Banking on branding’
Banker’s Conference Theme Development Case Study
How we helped a trusted banking organization build an unforgettable conference theme.
THE CONTEXT
ICBA Live is the premier annual event for the Independent Community Bankers of America, bringing together thousands of industry leaders, stakeholders, and advocates. But with each year’s conference, the challenge remains the same: how do you create a fresh, engaging theme that resonates deeply with attendees while reinforcing ICBA’s mission? With Nashville as the 2025 host city, ICBA needed a theme that not only captured the energy of Music City but also celebrated the incredible impact of independent bankers nationwide.
THE WORK
We developed “Impact. Amplified.” A powerful, music-inspired theme that gave ICBA Live a dynamic and cohesive identity. The concept encouraged attendees to turn up the volume on their impact, highlighting the ways they amplify the organization’s mission throughout the year. From event branding and messaging to on-stage moments, the theme provided a strategic throughline, building excitement and momentum even before the weekend. The conference experience culminated in a final celebration at the Grand Ole Opry, reinforcing the theme’s musical roots while giving a well-deserved standing ovation to the industry’s hard work.
WHAT WE DID:
Theme ideation and concepting
Theme messaging and narrative
Talking points and PR guidelines
Outreach and content strategy / execution
Stakeholder collaboration and consensus-building
THE OUTCOME
The “Impact. Amplified.” theme helped drive record-breaking attendance, with tens of thousands of attendees engaging in sessions, networking, and celebrations. The cohesive branding and messaging strengthened ICBA’s story, creating buzz across digital platforms and within the banking community. The theme resonated not only visually but emotionally—energizing attendees and making this the most successful ICBA Live yet. From high-profile speakers to electrifying performances, the conference embodied its theme, ensuring that every participant left feeling inspired to amplify their own impact.
THE TAKEAWAY
A great event theme isn’t just a slogan — it’s a unifying story that brings an experience to life from the very start, well before the actua event. By tapping into Nashville’s musical energy and aligning it with ICBA’s mission, “Impact. Amplified.” struck the perfect chord, driving engagement, attendance, and enthusiasm. This project proved that when a theme is more than just words — when it’s backed by strategy and emotion — it can shape an entire event, leaving a lasting impact long after the final encore.
