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Strategic
Compensation
Summit
Agenda
The Strategic Compensation Summit provides three days of data-driven learning, peer collaboration, and practical insights specifically designed for HR and compensation leaders in financial institutions. The agenda combines expert-led sessions from Blanchard Consulting Group with interactive peer groups, sponsor presentations, and a banker panel discussing real-world compensation strategies.
Tues. Oct. 27, 2026
DAY 1
Omni Viking Lakes Hotel
Eagan, Minnesota
12:00 - 1:00 PM
1:00 - 4:30 PM
4:45 - 5:45 PM
Registration & Check-In
HR Peer Groups
Kick off the conference with focused peer discussions designed to foster connections, collaboration, and the sharing of practical ideas. These small-group sessions bring together HR and compensation leaders from similar institutions to exchange strategies, challenges, and success stories in a confidential, engaging setting.
Networking Mixer
Wed. Oct. 28, 2026
DAY 2
Omni Viking Lakes Hotel
Eagan, Minnesota
7:30 - 8:30 AM
8:30 - 9:00 AM
9:00 - 10:00 AM
10:15 - 11:15 AM
11:30 - 12:15 PM
12:15 - 1:15 PM
1:00 - 3:45 PM
3:45 - 4:30 PM
5:00 - 6:00 PM
Breakfast & Registration
Introduction & Welcome
Base Salary & Salary Administration
Learn how to design and maintain a competitive salary structure that aligns with your organization’s compensation philosophy. This session explores current salary trends, pay grade administration, and market-based strategies to ensure fair, equitable, and sustainable compensation practices.
Cash Incentives
Discover how to create effective incentive programs that drive performance and reinforce organizational goals. We’ll cover annual bonus plan design, performance metrics, and best practices for rewarding both executives and employees in today’s financial services environment.
Equity-Based Incentives
Explore how equity and long-term incentive programs can be used to retain top talent. We will illustrate plan design options, valuation approaches, and compliance considerations specific to financial institutions.
Lunch
Sponsored Sessions
Engage with leading industry partners and subject matter experts during these sponsor-led sessions. Discover emerging legal considerations, executive talent strategies, and leadership development trends that are shaping the future of HR and compensation.
Executive & Employee Benefits
Gain insight into benefit plan strategies that attract and retain high-performing teams while managing cost and complexity. This session covers executive benefit trends and creative approaches to employee benefits that strengthen your total rewards offering.
Reception & Cocktail Hour
Thurs. Oct. 29, 2026
DAY 3
Omni Viking Lakes Hotel
Eagan, Minnesota
7:30 - 8:30 AM
8:30 - 9:30 AM
9:45 - 10:45 AM
11:00 - 12:00 PM
12:00 - 12:15 PM
Breakfast
Board Compensation & Comp Committee Best Practices
Examine the governance and oversight responsibilities of board and compensation committee members in today’s regulatory environment. This session outlines best practices in board pay, committee structure, and communication to ensure strong alignment between leadership and organizational goals.
Software Solutions & Surveys
Discover how technology and data can transform your compensation processes. Learn how to leverage survey data, analytics, and compensation software tools to streamline administration, improve accuracy, and make data-informed pay decisions.
Banker Panel
Hear directly from a panel of senior bank leaders as they share firsthand experiences on pay strategies, retention, and talent challenges in the financial industry. Gain valuable peer insights and practical lessons you can take back to your institution.
Closing Remarks
*Agenda Subject to Change*