Conference · Feb 7 to Feb 9, 2027

Acquire or Be Acquired 2027

JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge, Phoenix, Azerbaijan (Phoenix, AZ area)

Tickets & registration

About Acquire or Be Acquired

The Acquire or Be Acquired Conference, organized by Bank Director, is the financial industry’s premier growth and strategy conference for bank CEOs, senior executives, and board members. Since its inception in 1995, it has been widely regarded as the leading M&A and growth event in the financial industry. The 2027 edition marks the 33rd annual gathering, demonstrating its long-standing presence and relevance. The conference aims to provide senior leadership teams with numerous opportunities for networking and exploring financial growth, strategic initiatives, and business partnerships. Historically, bankers and financial executives have attended this event for over 27 years to receive advice from knowledgeable speakers and explore various growth options, with the conference consistently addressing critical and timely issues facing banks. [3][1][4]

Key facts

Dates
Feb 7 to Feb 9, 2027
Venue
JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge
Address
JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge
Location
Phoenix, AZ
Organizer
Bank Director
Website
www.bankdirector.com/event/acquire-or-be-acquired-2027/

What to expect in 2027

The Acquire or Be Acquired 2027 conference will provide unparalleled networking opportunities for senior leadership teams eager to explore financial growth, strategic initiatives, and business partnerships. This is particularly relevant as the M&A market accelerates, technology reshapes every corner of the business, and Washington continues to rewrite the rules. The event is celebrated as the industry’s foremost conference for CEOs, board members, and executive teams, serving as a gateway to discovering new avenues for growth. Over three days, bank officers and directors will delve into the current economic and regulatory climate, explore ways to enhance shareholder value, and gain insights into an evolving competitive landscape that includes big tech, fintechs, private lenders, neobanks, and emerging players in digital currency. Exclusive FinXTech sessions will also be offered, crafted for executives driving digital strategies and technology partnerships, as well as board members seeking a deeper understanding of technology. These sessions will cover artificial intelligence, digital growth strategies, stablecoin use cases, core contracts, and the essentials of being a strategic partner while enhancing customer experiences. The conference will also connect senior leaders with influential peers to explore growth avenues, strategic initiatives, and valuable partnerships. [1]

  • Banking

Who attends

The Acquire or Be Acquired Conference is specifically designed for executives leading U.S. financial institutions. This includes Chief Executive Officers, Chair of the Board, Board Members, Presidents, Chief Operating Officers, Chief Financial Officers, Chief Risk Officers, Chief Compliance Officers, Chief Technology Officers, Chief Marketing Officers, Heads of Retail, Heads of Lending, Heads of Strategy, and Senior Management. The conference attracts senior leaders who are eager to explore financial growth, strategic initiatives, and business partnerships. [1][4]

Why it matters

Attending the Acquire or Be Acquired Conference offers senior leadership teams unparalleled networking opportunities to explore financial growth, strategic initiatives, and business partnerships. This is particularly crucial given the accelerating M&A market, the transformative role of technology in business, and the continuous evolution of Washington's regulatory landscape. As the industry's foremost conference for CEOs, board members, and executive teams, it serves as a gateway to discovering new avenues for growth. [1]

Over three days, bank officers and directors will delve into the current economic and regulatory climate, gaining practical insights into enhancing shareholder value and understanding the evolving competitive landscape. This includes insights into challenges and opportunities presented by big tech, fintechs, private lenders, neobanks, and emerging digital currency players. The conference offers exclusive FinXTech sessions for executives focused on digital strategies and technology partnerships, providing deep dives into artificial intelligence, digital growth strategies, stablecoin use cases, and core contracts, all aimed at enhancing customer experiences and strategic partnerships. [1]

WON's point of view

WON's take

  • The financial services industry is in a period of intense strategic change, driven by accelerating M&A, technological disruption (AI, digital currencies, neobanks), and evolving regulatory frameworks. Events like Acquire or Be Acquired are critical for leaders to navigate these shifts.
  • The focus on FinXTech sessions, digital strategies, and technology partnerships underscores the importance of technological integration for enhancing customer experiences and operational efficiency. Financial brands must proactively engage with emerging technologies like AI to remain competitive.
  • Networking opportunities with diverse industry professionals, including investment bankers, legal, accounting, consultants, technology founders, private equity, and venture capitalists, are essential for identifying strategic growth initiatives and business partnerships beyond traditional banking circles.

Questions to ask

  • How can financial brands leverage the insights gained from discussions on economic and regulatory climate, shareholder value, and competitive landscape to inform their long-term strategic planning and adapt their customer experience and operations?
  • Given the emphasis on AI, digital growth strategies, and stablecoin use cases in FinXTech sessions, what specific capabilities and partnerships should financial institutions prioritize to accelerate their digital transformation and enhance customer engagement?
  • How can financial leaders attending this conference translate networking opportunities into actionable collaborations and partnerships that drive innovation and competitive advantage in a rapidly evolving market?
Meet WON during Acquire or Be Acquired weekGet a free CX teardown before Acquire or Be Acquired

Organizer & leadership

Organized by Bank Director.

Tickets & pricing

  • Golf tournament (attendee)USD 295
  • Golf club rentalUSD 125
  • Guest programUSD 595
  • Golf tournament (guest)USD 295
  • Bank Director magazine subscriptionUSD 150

Check current prices with the organizer

Prior-edition recap

The Acquire or Be Acquired Conference in 2023 was the 29th annual conference. In 2022, the standard individual registration rate for bankers was $2,295, which included all conference activities, materials, meals, and beverages at the event site, but excluded travel or hotel accommodations. For the 2022 event, the JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge was sold out, and alternative hotels like Holiday Inn Express and Suites Phoenix North – Scottsdale and Cambria Hotel – Phoenix were suggested for attendees. [4][5]

Related

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FAQ

What is included in the conference rate?
The conference rate includes all conference activities, materials, meals, and beverages at the event site. However, travel and hotel accommodations are not included.Source
Who is the Acquire or Be Acquired Conference for?
The Acquire or Be Acquired Conference is designed for bank executives and members of the board. The distinguished audience includes officers and directors from public and private financial institutions, fintech experts, law firm partners, investment bankers, accounting partners, management consultants, and investors.Source
What are the dates and location for Acquire or Be Acquired 2027?
Acquire or Be Acquired 2027 is scheduled for February 07 – 09, 2027, and will take place at the JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge.Source
What are the dates and location for the Acquire or Be Acquired 2027 conference?
The Acquire or Be Acquired 2027 conference is scheduled for February 07 – 09, 2027, and will be held at the JW Marriott Phoenix Desert Ridge.Source
Who should attend the Acquire or Be Acquired conference?
The conference is the financial industry’s premier event for bank executives and members of the board. The distinguished audience includes officers and directors from public and private financial institutions, fintech experts, law firm partners, investment bankers, accounting partners, management consultants, and investors.Source
What is included in the conference registration rate?
The conference rate includes all conference activities, materials, meals, and beverages at the event site. However, it does not include travel or hotel accommodations.Source
What additional activities are available and what do they cost?
Attendees can participate in the golf tournament on Tuesday, February 9th, for an additional $295, or pickleball for $50. There is also a guest program for $595, which covers Sunday's lunch and all receptions; guests can also join the golf tournament for an extra $295 or pickleball for $50. An M&A Simulation is available exclusively for 45 bank attendees, allowing one banker per institution, and is not open to investment bankers.Source
What is the history of the Acquire or Be Acquired Conference?
The Acquire or Be Acquired Conference has been widely regarded as the financial industry’s premier bank M&A and growth event since 1995. Bankers and financial executives have attended the conference for the past 27 years.Source
What issues does the Acquire or Be Acquired Conference address?
The conference addresses the most critical and timely issues facing banks, helping attendees explore a variety of growth options.Source
What topics will be covered at the 2027 Acquire or Be Acquired conference?
Over three days, bank officers and directors will delve into the current economic and regulatory climate, explore ways to enhance shareholder value, and gain insights into an evolving competitive landscape that now includes big tech, fintechs, private lenders, neobanks, and emerging players in digital currency. Exclusive FinXTech sessions will cover artificial intelligence, digital growth strategies, stablecoin use cases, core contracts, and the essentials of being a strategic partner while enhancing customer experiences.Source
Meet WON during Acquire or Be Acquired weekGet a free CX teardown before Acquire or Be Acquired

Conference week guides

Sources

  1. [1]https://www.bankdirector.com/event/acquire-or-be-acquired-2027/ · retrieved Oct 18, 2026
  2. [2]https://www.bankdirector.com/product/acquire-or-be-acquired-2027/ · retrieved Oct 18, 2026
  3. [3]https://www.bankdirector.com/event-listing/ · retrieved Oct 19, 2026
  4. [4]https://www.bankdirector.com/event/acquire-or-be-acquired-conference-2022/faqs/ · retrieved Oct 19, 2026
  5. [5]https://www.bankdirector.com/conferences/acquire-or-be-acquired-conference-2023/ · retrieved Oct 19, 2026

Details change. Confirm on the official site.