MBA IMB Conference 2027
Organized by Mortgage Bankers Association
January 25, 2027–January 27, 2027 — MBA’s Independent Mortgage Bankers Conference, taking place January 25-27, 2027 at the Tampa Marriott Water Street, brings IMB leaders toget
–
Tampa Marriott Water Street
4 attending on Jetyze
Official website Official registrationAgenda
Agenda last updated
- – Hospitality and Registration Area registration — The Ritz-Carlton Ballroom Foyer
Pick up your badge, enjoy welcoming refreshments, and connect with other attendees in the open seating area. We're here to provide any information you need to make the most of your conference experience, including how to use the MBA Events mobile app.
- – Member Engagement Suite session — Kings Bay
Drop by for a break and beverage, hosted by MBA's Membership Team, and enter to win a locally-inspired gift. Meet with us to ensure you are optimizing your MBA membership through your company's engagement, education, research and networking opportunities in the year ahead. Contact Laura Hopkins, Senior Vice President of Membership, Meetings and mPower at [email protected] or 202-557-2757.
- – Exhibit Area Open exhibit — The Ritz-Carlton Ballroom Foyer
- – Robert D. Broeksmit, CMB session — The Ritz-Carlton Ballroom
OPENING GENERAL SESSION: Beachfront Briefing from MBA's Chairman and CEO Start your conference experience with a clear view of the industry horizon. MBA's 2026 Chair Christine Chandler and President and CEO Bob Broeksmit set the stage with updates on the key developments in Washington and how they impact IMBs, from shifting regulatory currents to the association's latest advocacy efforts. Catch the wave of what's ahead and anchor your conference experience with insights that matter.
- – Mike Fratantoni, Ph.D. session — The Ritz-Carlton Ballroom
GENERAL SESSION: Tides & Trends -MBA's Forecast for IMBs Wade into the latest data with MBA's signature quarterly report and forecast. This market scan provides the insights IMBs need to navigate what's now and what's next.
- – CMB Meet & Greet session — The Ritz-Carlton Ballroom Foyer
Meet up during the cocktail hour with fellow CMBs or drop by to ask them more about MBA's Certified Mortgage Banker Designation.
- – Coastal Cocktail Hour session — The Ritz-Carlton Ballroom Foyer
Kick off your conference experience with local fare while reconnecting with IMB friends and making new ones.
- – MORPAC Reception (Open to all conference registrants and active MAA members) meal — Courtyard Lawn
Make the most of your IMB26 experience by attending MBA's MORPAC Reception. Connect with industry peers, exchange valuable insights, and discover how collective influence strengthens our ability to reach policymakers and advocate for the issues that shape your business success. Enjoy an evening of live musical entertainment, heavy hors d'oeuvres, and refreshments, all set beneath the night sky with the gentle scent of the ocean in the air. It's the perfect blend of networking, learning, and coastal ambiance. To RSVP and join/renew your annual MAA membership, contact [email protected] or sign up is available at the door. A special thanks to our advocacy event sponsors: Eustis Mortgage and Standard Mortgage Corporation.
- – MBA's Sunrise 5K Run/Walk session
MBA's Sunrise 5K Run/Walk
- – Hospitality and Registration Area registration — The Ritz-Carlton Ballroom Foyer
Registration services are available all day, as well as refreshments and space to connect with other attendees in the open seating area. We're here to provide any information you need to make the most of your conference experience, including how to use the MBA Events mobile app.
- – Breakfast meal — The Ritz-Carlton Ballroom Foyer
Fuel up for the day with a variety of breakfast favorites, plus plenty of coffee and open seating to network with other attendees.
- – Exhibit Area Open exhibit — The Ritz-Carlton Ballroom Foyer
- – Member Engagement Suite session — Kings Bay
Drop by for a break and beverage, hosted by MBA's Membership Team, and enter to win a locally-inspired gift. Meet with us to ensure you are optimizing your MBA membership through your company's engagement, education, research and networking opportunities in the year ahead. Contact Laura Hopkins, Senior Vice President of Membership, Meetings and mPower at [email protected] or 202-557-2757.
- – Daymond John session — The Ritz-Carlton Ballroom
GENERAL SESSION: Swim with the Shark: Daymond John's Keys to Success Get ready to meet entrepreneur Daymond John, founder of lifestyle brand FUBU and star of ABC's Shark Tank. A phenomenally successful businessperson for over 25 years, his journey began when he took out a $100,000 mortgage on his mother's house and moved his business operation into its basement. During this high-energy session, he shares his approach to establishing the right mindset and following a few fundamental principles he calls his "S.H.A.R.K Points." His story will resonate with your own and leave you energized for your next challenge! Speaker , Founder and CEO of FUBU; Star of ABC's Shark Tank
- – Mid-Morning Refreshment Service session — The Ritz-Carlton Ballroom
Refuel for the sessions ahead.
- – GENERAL SESSION: The Wave of Industry Consolidation general — The Ritz-Carlton Ballroom
The integration of property search, origination and servicing is leading the headlines and impacting the bottom lines of IMBs today. Hear the perspective of market participants and how they have used this strategy to meet today's challenges and driving future growth.
- – GENERAL SESSION: Fishing for ROI on Tech Investment general — The Ritz-Carlton Ballroom
MBA Chairman-Elect Owen Lee interviews industry veteran Mark Cunningham about measuring ROI on your tech investment.
- – GENERAL SESSION: Charting the Policy Waters general — The Ritz-Carlton Ballroom
A milestone year of policy activity is behind us, but the real work is just beginning. Hear from leading policy voices on what's changing, what's still in play, and how year two could affect lenders, consumers, and the market. This session delivers clear, actionable insight into the regulatory and legislative trends that will define the next chapter, including topics like the GSEs, credit scores, the CFPB, and activities on the Hill
- – Coastal Connections Lunch meal — Ocean Front Lawn
Catch up with peers over lunch and enjoy the inspiring ocean vista. Sponsored by EverBank
- – mPower Lunch: Anchored Together: The Power of Mentorship meal — Plaza Ballroom
In a fast-changing industry, mentorship can be an anchor—providing stability, direction, and confidence. Hear from dynamic mentor-mentee duos as they discuss the guidance, trust, and shared purpose that shaped their journeys. Through honest stories and actionable advice, participants will discover how to cultivate grounding, meaningful relationships that support growth and resilience. Join Laura Hopkins, the new face of MBA's mPower community, as she leads an engaging conversation. Enjoy a delicious lunch and meaningful networking and leave feeling inspired, mPowered and connected.
- – GENERAL SESSION: Navigating Your Business with FHA and Ginnie Mae general — The Ritz-Carlton Ballroom
Learn about the current priorities of HUD's single-family housing programs and the latest priorities at FHA and Ginnie Mae. Gain insight on charting a course through today's market challenges, affordability pressures and technology modernization.
- – GENERAL SESSION: Take a Deep Dive into the Market Dynamics of M&A general — The Ritz-Carlton Ballroom
Be part of this interactive session that explores the market dynamics behind M&A and why it's happening across business sizes and models. Dig into key valuation variables, non-financial factors, and deal structures. Leave with your own blueprint to prepare your 12-month checklist for readiness to buy or sell.
- – GENERAL SESSION: Build Your Own Lifeboat -AI Use Cases general — The Ritz-Carlton Ballroom
GENERAL SESSION: Build Your Own Lifeboat -AI Use Cases
- – Refreshment Break session — The Ritz-Carlton Ballroom Foyer
Recharge between sessions with refreshments.
- – Roundtable: Working with the GSEs (Closed to Media) session — Talbot EFGH
Mortgage lenders rely on strong, transparent relationships with the GSEs to navigate evolving market conditions, credit standards, and policy changes. This session explores how mortgage bankers can effectively collaborate with Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to enhance loan quality, streamline processes, and respond to shifting guidelines. Industry leaders and GSE representatives will discuss updates to credit policy, technology integrations, repurchase frameworks, servicing expectations, and the tools available to support lenders.
- – Peer-to-Peer Roundtable (IMBs Only, Closed to Media) session — Talbot EFGH
Join this in-person meeting of MBA's Independent Mortgage Bankers (IMB) Network to exchange ideas with your peers on top issues. The IMB Network meets virtually on a regular basis and serves as a valuable forum for independent mortgage banker executives to share information on emerging industry trends, challenges, and solutions.
- – IMB Party: Sunset in the Keys session — Ocean Front Lawn
Come find that "Lost Shaker of Salt" and experience the unmistakable charm of Key West, where vibrant color, coastal character, and laid-back island living set the tone. Capture the spirit in unapologetically relaxed surroundings where time slows down and the margaritas come easy. Enjoy the sounds of live island music that echo the rhythms of Duval Street while enjoying your Key West cuisine in a festive, tropical atmosphere. As the sun dips below the horizon, join your IMB colleagues in a celebration of coastal culture and carefree energy that defines Key West living. No passport required—just bring your best island state of mind.
- – Exhibit Area Open exhibit — The Ritz-Carlton Ballroom Foyer
- – Hospitality and Registration Area registration — The Ritz-Carlton Ballroom Foyer
Registration services are available, as well as refreshments and space to connect with other attendees in the open seating area. We're here to provide any information you need to make the most of your conference experience, including how to use the MBA Events mobile app.
- – Breakfast meal — The Ritz-Carlton Ballroom Foyer
Finish strong with a healthy start before the day's sessions.
- – Member Engagement Suite session — Kings Bay
Drop by and enter to win a locally-inspired gift, hosted by MBA's Membership Team. Meet with us to ensure you are optimizing your MBA membership through your company's engagement, education, research and networking opportunities in the year ahead. Contact Laura Hopkins, Senior Vice President of Membership, Meetings and mPower at [email protected] or 202-557-2757.
- – BREAKOUT SESSION: Growth in Non-Agency Lending breakout — Talbot D
Non-agency lending is rapidly gaining traction as borrowers seek alternatives to agency guidelines that do not meet their needs. Hear industry experts break down the drivers of this growth, the impact to their business, and what it means for a successful origination strategy going forward.
- – BREAKOUT SESSION: Winning Strategies for Small to Midsized Lenders breakout — Talbot EFGH
As larger players scale through technology and M&A, small and midsize IMBs must find new ways to differentiate. This breakout provides practical strategies around niche market focus, partnership models, technology investments, capital strategies, and talent approaches to stay competitive and resilient.
- – GENERAL SESSION: Big Bets by the Biggest IMBs general — The Ritz-Carlton Ballroom
Large IMBs are making bold moves to position themselves for the next market cycle. Hear senior executives discuss the major bets they're placing across 6 key strategies: multi-channel origination, product breadth and niches, secondary market innovation, servicing, non-mortgage, and of course tech playbooks to power it all. Discover where the industry's biggest players believe the future is headed.
- – GENERAL SESSION: Riding the Tides: Retaining Customers and Protecting Margins general — The Ritz-Carlton Ballroom
Hear how leading IMBs are reimagining borrower engagement, strengthening post-close relationships, and delivering seamless experiences that drive repeat and referral business. The discussion highlights practical, scalable approaches to building customer loyalty that enhance efficiency, protect margins, and support long-term success, regardless of whether your company retains servicing or sells servicing rights.
- – Mid-Morning Coffee Break session — The Ritz-Carlton Ballroom
- – BREAKOUT SESSION: Financial Management Hot Topics breakout — Talbot D
This session will focus on the key financial management challenges that IMBs will face in 2026 with respect to both origination and servicing. The panelists will deliver actionable insights to help lenders develop their tactics and strategies for the year ahead.
- – BREAKOUT SESSION: Streamline Your State Exam BEFORE the Regulator Arrives breakout — Talbot EFGH
Discover how you can identify and remediate compliance issues internally before the examination begins. MISMO and the Conference of State Bank Supervisors developed a dataset, released in December 2025, that represents a major step forward in modernizing and automating compliance exams. Learn how you can benefit from this initiative, supported by many state regulators, to reduce friction in the exam process.
- – GENERAL SESSION: Recap Lunch with Top Takeaways general — The Ritz-Carlton Ballroom
Complete your conference experience with a recap of the top takeaways from IMB26 while you enjoy a light lunch. Take your dessert to go to enjoy on your travels home!