Hugs, Hometown Pride, and a Hankering to Learn: My Key Takeaways from Year Two of Jack Henry™ Connect

Last year, I attended my very first Jack Henry Connect conference in Indianapolis as an experience ambassador. And in a serendipitous turn of events, I was invited back this year for round two. Who says no to that!?

Let me be clear … financial institution friends: You need to experience this conference at least once in your lifetime (hopefully more).

While the cities, venues, and themes may change, there are some constants that make Jack Henry Connect truly special: the warm hugs, palpable hometown pride, and insatiable desire to learn how financial institutions can leverage technology to better serve their communities.

Here are the key takeaways from my sophomore stint as a swag slinger, convention center sherpa, and dyed-in-cobalt-blue Jack Henry cheerleader.

My Perspective

When I arrived in Indy for my first #JHConnect experience, I proudly pinned a first-time attendee button on my lanyard and hopped right into the fray.

I made friends, learned more about the many ways Jack Henry serves banks and credit unions, and relished watching old friends rekindle long-running relationships and new friends … well … connect.

Jack Henry Connect 2024 in Phoenix was no different (although plenty of attendees I spoke with said it was even better).

I was blown away by the sheer magnitude of the event: so many people from so many places, an abundance of tasty food, aisles of amazing vendors, and a continuous stream of smiles.

The undercurrent of joy was everywhere, and it quickly became apparent why.

Hugs Over Handshakes

The way people greet each other at Jack Henry Connect isn't like your typical business conference. Instead of the usual handshakes and head nods, attendees go right in for hugs.

That welcoming atmosphere sets the tone for the entire event. Round after round of genuine embraces gave me an idea, so be on the lookout for a "hug cam" at next year's conference.

Move over kittens, these good vibes are going viral!

Not surprisingly, conference attendees have formed lasting friendships with Jack Henry's executives, tech minds, and marketers, as well as with each other. It feels like a summer camp for open banking - where everyone's eager to reconnect each year and share their experiences.

Eager First-Timers Bring Fresh Energy

For me, one of the highlights of this year's conference was chatting with the many first-timers.

Their excitement was contagious and covered a wide range of interests: exploring the latest news about the Jack Henry Platform™, delving into AI and its many applications, and meeting peers to discuss the challenges their financial institution faces every day.

Every first-timer I spoke with saw it as a privilege to attend Jack Henry Connect.

Some had been wanting to attend for years and were elated to finally get the green light, feeling a strong sense of responsibility to report back to their colleagues about what they'd learned, while others returned to the conference to build on the insights they had gained from years past.

Representing Your Communities and Accountholders

Working the LEGO^® station was my favorite assignment this year.

Very few people passed up the opportunity to design their minifigure and place it on the map. It was a fantastic way to engage with attendees and learn about where they're from.

Michiganders (yep, that's what they're called) showed up in force. Texans were happy to see there were plenty of cowboy hats for their minifigs, and a couple of cordial Alaskans told me it was 32 degrees and snowing back home as Phoenix temps sizzled in the 100s.

This activity highlighted how financial services unite us, regardless of regional differences.

I'm from Arkansas and was thrilled to discover how many folks from my home state were attending. It was a reminder that, despite our different backgrounds, we all share a common goal: to improve the financial well-being of our communities through technology.

A Real Blast

Year two at Jack Henry Connect was just as enriching and inspiring as the first.

The hugs, hometown pride, and eagerness to learn are what make this conference stand out. It's not just about the sessions and the speakers; it's about the connections we make and the shared commitment to bettering financial institutions and the people they serve.

I'm already looking forward to next year's event and the new experiences it will bring.

Recap and Save the Date

Don't take it from me, though. See for yourself … I dare you to watch the conference recap video below and not catch the Jack Henry Connect bug.

When you do, be sure to swing by your CFO's office to see if there's a little bit of that learning and development budget available for you to attend next year. Did I mention it's going to be in sunny (but not as hot) San Diego?

Save the date for September 8 - 11, 2025.

We can't wait to connect with you at #JHConnect next year. Cheers!

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