On May 19, 2026, hundreds of the sharpest minds in community banking arrived in downtown Omaha, Nebraska to connect, learn, recharge, inspire, and be inspired at Haberfeld Symposium 2026. The Haberfeld team was there as hosts and presenters, but our chief role was to facilitate the abundance of wisdom our clients brought to every conference room, ballroom, and lunch table during our time together.
“Every penny that sits in your institution has a purpose. There are a lot of organizations out there that make a difference, but you’re making an impact every day that is emotional for those you serve.”
– Carmen Schwab (Senior Consultant & Director of Cultivate™ at Haberfeld) speaking at Symposium 2026
From the moment guests began to arrive at Tuesday’s Welcome Reception, we knew this event would be something special, a notion that was confirmed as attendees and speakers generously shared ideas and stories with one another in the days that followed. By the time we said goodbye on Friday morning, we’d heard from remarkable leaders, formed new memories, discussed transformative new ideas, and forged meaningful relationships—many of which will last a lifetime.
Simply put, we learned a whole lot in a few short days. While it would be impossible to list everything we gained from this event, we can share a few key takeaways from Haberfeld Symposium 2026: Illuminate What’s Next:
1. Banking is changing—fast.
The reasons for this abound, but some of the biggest factors include increased competition that is no longer limited to large financial institutions, changing and pending regulations, fintechs (many of whom are applying for bank charters), a host of mergers and acquisitions, and accelerated technological advances. Many of these changes are here to stay, and there will certainly be more to come.
2. Institutions that thrive will adapt without losing sight of relationship banking.
The core tenets of our HPG™ strategy are as relevant today as they were 35 years ago, but the strategy remains effective precisely because we’ve been proactive about meeting consumers where they are rather than waiting for them to come to us. One example: The advent of smartphones has drastically altered banking (and life!), which is why we’ve built technologies like MobilePredict™ and launched a robust digital marketing strategy to reach your best prospects on their own terms. On the retention and engagement side, we’ve introduced products like Fisionary™ and Fisionary+™ to ensure your accountholders feel engaged, valued, and supported. Core relationship growth will always be the goal, but we must constantly fine-tune our strategy for optimal results.
3. We can illuminate and shape what’s next.
Despite ongoing industry challenges, your partnership with Haberfeld means your institution is better positioned to navigate change with a proven growth strategy and a committed partner. As experts in growth, Haberfeld will be with you every step of the way, continually refining our approach based on your unique institution’s specific goals. We’re not just following trends, either; together, we’re taking a lead role in shaping them, thereby ensuring your continued success.
If you joined us in Omaha for Symposium 2026, we are very grateful and hope you plan on joining us again. If you couldn’t make it this time, we hope you’ll strongly consider attending in 2027 and adding your voice to the conversation. The future of community banking will be shaped by institutions willing to learn, adapt, and collaborate—and Symposium 2026 reinforced just how much progress is possible when industry leaders come together.
“Every conversation should be about a meaningful solution. Do we always get exactly what we want? No. But we’re there for each other.”
– Carmen Schwab speaking at Symposium 2026
