Networking OPPORTUNITIES

While a tradition of quality speakers

According to last year's "Touch Screen" survey, nearly a quarter of convention attendees cited networking opportunities as their primary reason for attending the Convention. Networking opportunities ranked above the location of the Convention, keynote speaker, Exhibit Hall and overall education program by bankers taking this survey.

Because of the importance given to networking, this year's Convention features a variety of opportunities for bankers to mix and mingle with other bankers. These include receptions in the Exhibit Hall, a golf tournament and two spouse tours. Major social events include Party with PULSE, live and silent auctions and a reception benefiting BankPac and the gala Chairman's Dinner featuring The Pink Flamingos.

EXHIBIT HALL PREVIEW PARTY

May 11, 4 to 6:30 p.m.

Bankers won't want to miss this opportunity to get a sneak peak at the 150-booth Exhibit Hall, filled with the newest and most innovative products available for the banking industry. Light hors d'oevres will be served and open bars are situated throughout the Exhibit Hall.

PARTY WITH PULSE

May 11, 6:30 to 8 p.m.

Once again, PULSE kicks off the Convention experience with Party with PULSE, an opportunity for attendees to eat, drink and enjoy the company of fellow bankers. There will be a generous buffet and plenty of refreshments.

BANKPAC LIVE AUCTION & RECEPTION

May 12, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

(Westin Riverwalk Hotel)

This year's Live BankPac Auction and Reception has been moved from Friday evening to Thursday evening to give participants plenty of time to enjoy each other's company and to bid on items to benefit the Texas banking industry. Tiny bubbles and baubles are on the menu for this year's reception. Guests will have the opportunity to purchase a very special glass of champagne for $50. Each glass bought will have a pearl at the bottom - but only one will be real. The lucky person with the real pearl will win a set of pearl earrings and a necklace (valued at $3,000).

There will be a wonderful selection of auction items, including hunting trips, fishing gear, artwork, jewelry and much more. The TBA BankPac Silent Auction and Reception is May 13 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.

CHAIRMAN'S DINNER FEATURING THE PINK FLAMINGOS

May 13, 7:30 to 10:30 p.m.

Convention concludes with the gala Chairman's Dinner featuring America's #1 show band, The Pink Flamingos. The group's claim to fame is its ability to generate audience involvement. A favorite with other state banking associations, the Pink Flamingos combine audience participation with beautiful choreography, outrageous original costuming and the best music from the '60s, '70s and '80s.

"Our bankers really like them," said Paula Tignor of the Virginia Bankers Association. "They are high energy and a lot of fun." Alfred H. Griffith of the New Jersey Bankers Association echoed Tignor's comments: "I don't ever remember seeing so many people on the dance floor so early and remaining so late."

The Chairman's Dinner is presented by TIB-The Independent BankersBank.

OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES GOLF TOURNAMENT

May 11, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The Convention starts off on Wednesday, May 11, with a Golf Tournament and Luncheon at the Pecan Valley Golf Club. Carved out of magnificent woods on 200 acres of rolling, tree-covered terrain in San Antonio's beautiful Salado Valley, Pecan Valley has a rich storied past and a winning tradition of hosting championship golf. The $135 fee per player includes breakfast, lunch, green fees, cart and range balls. Prizes will be awarded.

MISSION TOUR AND BOOK REVIEW

Spouses and other banker guests will have the opportunity to select from two optional activities on Thursday, May 12: a San Antonio Mission Tour and a Texas Book Review. Both activities will culminate with lunch at The Guenther House, an elegant home built in 1860 and restored to a museum, restaurant and retail store.

The Mission Tour will take attendees to Mission San Jose, the "Queen of the Missions," and Mission Concepcion, the oldest unrestored Catholic church in the United States. The Texas Book Review will feature Mary Sue Koontz-Nelson, whose stories depict the colorful life she led while living on the historic HK Ranch. Her cook-book, "Stolen Recipes," is filled with recipes and stories collected from cattlemen's wives.