ASCEND Insights Exchange is an invite-only event for OptimaFI clients and senior leaders at community financial institutions. These forward-thinking leaders are the key decision makers who drive strategy and shape their institutions. The guest list already includes Chief Executive Officers, Chief Credit Officers, Chief Financial Officers, Presidents, and many more.

Community banking is in a more demanding environment than ever — compressed margins, CRE stress, agricultural headwinds, deposit competition, and renewal risk for borrowers who refinanced at peak rates. Most institutions look fine on paper, but the real risk is what's moving beneath the surface. The ones that see these shifts early have time to act.

ASCEND exists to close that gap by getting senior leaders in a room to share how they're navigating these pressures, using data to answer more precise questions and gain clearer sight lines.

You'll hear from two keynote industry speakers, join roundtables with peers facing the same credit and balance sheet challenges, attend panels on stress testing, loan review, liquidity, and profitability, and see demos of data tools that are helping to uncover growth opportunities and turn raw portfolio information into defensible decisions.

Rise above the noise — not with more information, but with better perspective.

ASCEND Insights Exchange will take place October 13-15 at the Hotel Commonwealth in Boston’s Kenmore Square. We’re looking forward to hosting you at this beautiful hotel. (Fun fact: it’s the Official Hotel of the Boston Red Sox).

ASCEND features two keynote speakers:

• The Honorable Rodney E. Hood, one of the nation's most distinguished leaders in financial services with over 30 years of experience in banking, financial regulation, risk management, innovation, and financial inclusion.
• Yelena Shulyatyeva, CFA, Senior US Economist for The Conference Board's Economy, Strategy & Finance Center. She analyzes macroeconomic developments and trends for C-suite executives, brings 20 years of experience as a U.S. economist at BNP Paribas and Bloomberg L.P., and regularly appears on business television and radio.

We want you to be as comfortable as possible, so the dress code is business casual. October in Boston—think crisp air, colorful leaves, and temps that fluctuate between cool mornings and milder afternoons. We suggest layering and bringing a lightweight raincoat or umbrella, just in case. Comfortable shoes are a great choice since you'll be walking around the hotel, the neighborhood and during our social activities.

Registration is complimentary, including all receptions, group meals, and social activities.

Yes, after registering, you’ll receive an email with hotel room block information. The room block closes on September 22, 2026.

We’ve created the agenda to accommodate a Tuesday or Wednesday arrival, based on your proximity to Boston and your schedule.

Join us on Tuesday evening, October 13 at 5:30 p.m. for a Welcome Reception on the stunning Fenway Terrace of Hotel Commonwealth featuring a Meet and Greet with The Honorable Rodney E. Hood. Wednesday morning begins with a light breakfast and personal time with our industry experts in the Solutions Showcase followed by the Opening Session at 10:30 a.m.

The closing session ends on Thursday, October 15 at 2:00 p.m.

Don't worry — we've got you fed and caffeinated so you can focus on what matters: connecting with fellow leaders. See the agenda above for specific details, including the Tuesday evening reception with drinks and hors d'oeuvres, breakfast and lunch on Wednesday and Thursday, and a cocktail reception and dinner on Wednesday evening after our offsite social activity.

Yes, please provide specific details on the registration form.

Networking and engaging with your peers is one of the core objectives of the ASCEND Insights Exchange. From roundtables to receptions and social activities, we've built in plenty of opportunities for you to exchange new ideas and best practices with other senior leaders.

Yes, we have dedicated three hours on Wednesday afternoon for a fun social activity. See above for more information on the Old Town Trolley Tour and Tour of Fenway Park. Attendees will choose their favorite, compliments of OptimaFI.

ASCEND is an invitation-only event designed for OptimaFI clients. If you would like to refer a peer, please email ascend@optimafi.com.

For any questions about the event, please submit here. We’ll respond as quickly as possible.

Yes, spots are limited, but we'll keep a waitlist in case of a cancellation.