# Make the Most of MBA Annual ‘23 with Our Conference Strategy Guide ###### Stay in the loop Written by Truework Team Published on 10 Oct 2023 ## Contents - [Making the most of MBA Annual23](/content/resources/blog/mba-annual-2023-conference-guide#making-the-most-of-mba-annual23-f8f4ab24aabd/index.html) - [Operational Transformation Sessions](/content/resources/blog/mba-annual-2023-conference-guide#operational-transformation-sessions-fb5bcd592066/index.html) - [Inspirational Sessions](/content/resources/blog/mba-annual-2023-conference-guide#inspirational-sessions-654086527e80/index.html) - [Enjoy the MBA Annual Convention & Expo 2023](/content/resources/blog/mba-annual-2023-conference-guide#enjoy-the-mba-annual-convention-&-expo-2023-2d7787061af9/index.html) ### Making the most of MBA Annual23 As the largest gathering of mortgage professionals in the United States, the [MBA Annual Convention & Expo](https://www.mba.org/conferences-and-education/annual-convention-expo) is a crucial event for all industry members, especially this year. With [mortgage rates hitting the highest level](https://www.bankrate.com/mortgages/analysis/) since November 2000, hovering around 7%, and housing shortages as high as [2.3 million homes](https://www.cnn.com/2023/03/08/homes/housing-shortage/index.html), it’s no secret that 2023 has been a year of challenges. Attendees who don’t have a strategy coming into the conference risk missing out on crucial insights and information that can set them up for success in 2024 and beyond. To help you seize every moment at MBA ‘23, we’ve combed through the agenda, identified key themes, and highlighted the absolute must-see sessions to attend when you get to the Pennsylvania Convention Center. #### Leadership Sessions Given the [market challenges of the past year](https://www.spglobal.com/marketintelligence/en/news-insights/latest-news-headlines/brutal-mortgage-industry-presents-challenges-opportunities-for-banks-in-2023-73458312), it’s no surprise to see the MBA Conference 2023 schedule stacked with sessions tailored to help mortgage executives navigate upcoming changes. **American Leadership** **_Monday, October 16, 2023, 10:30 AM-11:45 AM 400 Level, Terrace Ballroom_** The [American Leadership](https://www.mba.org/conferences-and-education/annual-convention-expo/schedule/session-detail/general-session-american-leadership-77271) session is a valuable opportunity for lenders to hear from Rohit Chopra, Director of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), especially since the CFPB is preparing its regulatory compliance proposal for [open banking](https://www.consumerfinance.gov/about-us/blog/laying-the-foundation-for-open-banking-in-the-united-states/). The growth of open banking aims to help consumers find lower loan rates and secure higher interest rates for savings, but it will also have serious implications for lenders and consumer data rights. Expect there to be strong attendance here. **GSE Update** **_Monday, October 16, 2023, 11:45 AM-12:30 PM 400 Level, Terrace Ballroom_** The [GSE Update](https://www.mba.org/conferences-and-education/annual-convention-expo/schedule/session-detail/general-session-gse-update-77270) will be relevant for lenders looking to reduce risks and speed up turnaround times using [Fannie Mae’s Day 1 Certainty®](https://singlefamily.fanniemae.com/applications-technology/day-1-certainty) tools. Fannie Mae’s CEO and Freddie Mac’s President will detail their plans and vision for the upcoming year. **Staying Financially Viable** **_Monday, October 16, 2023, 1:30 PM-2:30 PM 200 Level, Exhibit Hall E_** At [Staying Financially Viable in a Tough Mortgage Market](https://www.mba.org/conferences-and-education/annual-convention-expo/schedule/session-detail/market-opportunities-and-operations-track-staying-financially-viable-in-a-tough-mortgage-market-77281), lenders will be able to hear from an excellent panel of industry veterans who have decades of experience dealing with the ups and downs of the mortgage market. #### Economic Outlook Sessions With split opinions on the [likelihood of a 2024 recession](https://www.visualcapitalist.com/united-states-recession-in-2024-economic-forecasts/), lenders must be prepared for any situation, ranging from the continuation of a high-rate market to a potential housing boom. **Market Outlook** **_Sunday, October 15, 2023, 4:00 PM-5:00 PM 400 Level, Terrace Ballroom_** In the [Market Outlook special session](https://www.mba.org/conferences-and-education/annual-convention-expo/schedule/session-detail/special-session-market-outlook-77240), real estate finance professionals can hear from MBA’s own chief economist, Mike Fratantoni, and his team on the current state of the mortgage and housing markets, along with company performance and what to expect in 2024. **Housing Market and Policy Trends** **_Tuesday, October 17, 2023, 10:30 AM-11:00 AM 400 Level, Terrace Ballroom_** ### Operational Transformation Sessions Digital tools, AI, and the continued rise of fintech providers have led to an unprecedented rate of change in the mortgage banking industry. Here are the best sessions for lenders looking to embrace digital transformation while maximizing their ROI and minimizing risk. **Promise and Peril of AI** **_Monday, October 16, 2023, 3:00 PM-4:00 PM 200 Level, Exhibit Hall E_** The [Promise and Peril of AI for Mortgage Lending](https://www.mba.org/conferences-and-education/annual-convention-expo/schedule/session-detail/innovation-and-tech-track-the-promise-and-peril-of-ai-for-mortgage-lending-77282) session will help attendees adjust to a future of AI-powered lending by discussing the current uses of AI as well as future implications. **Latest in Digital Solutions** **_Tuesday, October 17, 2023, 1:30 PM-2:30 PM 200 Level, Exhibit Hall E_** The [Latest in Digital Solutions](https://www.mba.org/conferences-and-education/annual-convention-expo/schedule/session-detail/innovation-and-tech-track-the-latest-in-digital-solutions-77261) session is an excellent way for lenders to get a high-level overview of new solutions that can help reduce friction in the lending process and improve customer experiences. **Make the Most of Your Tech Stack** **_Monday, October 16, 2023, 1:30 PM-2:30 PM 200 Level, Exhibit Hall E_** [Make the Most of Your Tech Stack](https://www.mba.org/conferences-and-education/annual-convention-expo/schedule/session-detail/innovation-and-tech-track-make-the-most-of-your-tech-stack-77279) will help lenders learn how to evaluate existing and potential vendors, find opportunities to reduce costs, and maximize the return on technology investments. **Digital Identification** **_Tuesday, October 17, 2023, 3:00 PM-4:00 PM 200 Level, Exhibit Hall E_** In [Digital Identification](https://www.mba.org/conferences-and-education/annual-convention-expo/schedule/session-detail/innovation-and-tech-track-digital-identification-77264), lenders will hear from leading identity verification and fraud prevention experts on how to reduce risk when adopting new technologies. ### Inspirational Sessions Along with valuable industry insights, MBA Conference 2023 gives attendees a chance to connect with like-minded individuals and hear inspiring stories from outside the mortgage world. Here are the best sessions to hear from some inspirational heroes with different backgrounds. **mPower with Geena Davis and Nina Tassler** **_Tuesday, October 17, 2023, 8:30 AM-10:00 AM 400 Level, Terrace Ballroom_** Hear from Academy Award-winning actor Geena Davis and former chairman of CBS Entertainment, Nina Tassler, at this year’s [mPower event](https://www.mba.org/conferences-and-education/annual-convention-expo/schedule/session-detail/general-session-mpower-event-with-geena-davis-and-nina-tassler-77254). **Sports Talk with Vince Papale** **_Tuesday, October 17, 2023, 10:00 AM-10:30 AM 200 Level, Exhibit Hall E_** At [Sports Talk with Vince Papale](https://www.mba.org/conferences-and-education/annual-convention-expo/schedule/session-detail/hub-stage-sports-talk-with-vince-papale-77976), attendees can hear from the iconic Philadelphia Eagles player about his firsthand experience in the NFL and get tips for building success both on and off the playing field. **Concert MBA: Tim McGraw** **_Tuesday, October 17, 2023, 6:00 PM-7:30 PM 400 Level, Terrace Ballroom_** Cap off the annual conference by taking in the sound of country music legend [Tim McGraw](https://www.mba.org/conferences-and-education/annual-convention-expo/schedule/session-detail/concert-mba-doors-open-at-530-pm-convention-badge-required-77251), where you can let the week soak in as you recharge your batteries for 2024. ### Enjoy the MBA Annual Convention & Expo 2023 If you want to get the most out of your time in Philadelphia, make sure to plan ahead and go in with a shortlist of your top sessions. We also recommend leaving some time to check out the exhibitors in the conference hall, attend breakout sessions, and take advantage of networking opportunities.