2026 Conference Agenda

Agenda

9:00 am Registration and Breakfast with Exhibitors
   
9:30 am Welcome
   
9:35 am Economic Update

Join Chris Lux, economist with the National Association of REALTORS®, for a timely look at the trends shaping today’s housing market. Drawing on his research into home sales, new construction, the impact of global trade on state economies, and the long-term wealth-building benefits of homeownership, Chris will provide valuable economic context and practical insights for mortgage professionals navigating a changing marketplace.

Speaker: Chris Lux
Economist, National Association of Realtors



Chris's Bio
   
10:00 am Capital Markets Update: How Today’s Market Environment Impacts Pricing Strategy

Today’s market environment brings a host of new considerations for even the most experienced mortgage professionals. But what are the things that matter most? Join us for a candid conversation between Valerie Tucker Ausband, Senior Vice President, National Field Sales at Arch MI and James Baublitz, head of Capital Markets for First Home Mortgage. James will discuss how today’s market environment has influenced lender pricing strategy and will separate fact from fiction in terms of what will actually move the needle for originations in Q4 and beyond. Attendees will come away with a deeper understanding of the landscape of today’s market and new insights they can bring to their business.

 Speakers:
James Baublitz
Senior Vice President, Capital Markets, for First Home Mortgage Corporation		 Valerie Tucker Ausband
Senior Vice President, National Field Sales, Arch MI
  Speaker Bios

Session Sponsor:


 
10:30 am Panel: Post-closing Client Engagement

Panelists:
Janine Carpenter
Local Flavor Love		 Rebekah Murray
Dare Gift Boxes
Michael Phelan
Chief Marketing Officer
LoLo
Locals Supporting Locals
 Jake Ryon
SWBC
Moderator
Panelist Bios
   
11:45 am From Followers to Clients: The Power of Trust in Modern Home Lending

Homebuyers have more information than ever before, yet many feel less confident making financial decisions.So solves that problem? Trusting who you are working with. 
In this session, Ally Carty explores the psychology behind how consumers choose financial partners and why traditional mortgage marketing often misses the mark. Combining research on next-generation buyers, consumer behavior, and lifecycle marketing, she'll share actionable ways loan officers and lenders can communicate with greater authenticity, reduce friction in the buying journey, and build relationships that last well beyond the closing table.

Attendees will walk away with fresh insights into the future of mortgage marketing and practical ideas they can immediately apply to their business.

Speaker: Ally Carty
Growth Marketing & Brand Strategy, Home Lending at SoFi


Ally's Bio

Session Sponsor:
   
12:30 pm Lunch
   
1:15 pm Marketing in Action: Collaborative Strategy Roundtables 

Get ready to think outside the box in this interactive, collaborative session hosted by the MBAMW Marketing Committee!
 
In this session you will be breaking out into groups to tackle real-world marketing challenges facing today's professionals. Guided by a table moderator, your group will dissect a specific industry scenario, brainstorm tactical solutions, and map out a winning strategy.
 
To wrap things up, each group will share their top insights with the entire room, leaving you with a diverse toolkit of fresh, actionable ideas to bring back to your business. Come ready to collaborate, connect, and talk strategy!

Session Faciilitators:
Jelaire Grillo
Director of Mortgage Marketing
at SocialCoach and the founder of the brand consultancy
Staying on Brand with Jelaire Anne.		 Erica Goodwin
SVP of Marketing at First Heritage Mortgage
Cotton Walsh
Digital Marketing Manager
at First Heritage Mortgage		 Eric Mullis
Branch Manager / Senior Loan Officer at CMG Home Loans
  Facilitator Bios
   
2:00 pm The AI-Leveraged Mortgage Professional: Winning Through Human Connection in a Digital Age

Technology is moving quickly, social media is part of the fabric of connection, and today’s borrowers and referral partners expect more from their experience with you.

In this live, engaging and highly demonstrative 90-minute keynote, national sales trainer Tim Hooper will show mortgage professionals how to leverage AI to improve communication, simplify workflows, strengthen sales and marketing, and create more time for genuine human connection. You’ll see exactly where to click, what to ask, and how to build practical AI habits that give you a slight edge in your marketplace.

Whether you love technology or feel overwhelmed by it, be in the room. This isn’t more AI madness, it’s getting our focus and traction back.

Speaker: Tim Hooper
SVP, Sales Enablement, FNF Family of Companies — Agency Division



Learn more about this session and Tim

Session Sponsor
   
3:30 pm Networking Reception


Upcoming Events

View All Events