ICBM to showcase technology at upcoming TechXpo

Northwestern Financial Review, Aug 1-Aug 14, 2003

The Independent Community Bankers of Minnesota is planning a two-day technology trade show to be held October 28-29 at St. Paul's downtown RiverCentre. The show, billed as the Upper Midwest Community Banking Technology Expo, or TechXpo, is expected to attract employees from banks and credit unions from Minnesota and surrounding states.

This is the association's second foray into developing a technology-focused trade show; it launched Future-Bank in 1994. ICBM's first Future-Bank show featured about 300 exhibitors and was attended by approximately 3,500 people representing about 630 banks. ICBM sold the rights to FutureBank to Toronto-based Thompson Corp., in 1998. The last FutureBank show was held in Boston in 2000.

"The sale contract called for Thompson to hold a FutureBank in Minneapolis in 2002; when that did not happen our bankers and vendors asked for a new show," said Beverly Dwyer, ICBM senior vice president.

ICBM will charge banks and credit unions a flat fee for unlimited staff attendance - $495 for ICBM members and $695 for non-ICBM members. ICBM members who register before Sept. 5 receive a $100 discount.

In addition to technology displays from more than 100 vendors, attendees have an opportunity to visit education sessions on topics such as: Check 21, check fraud or data security. A display for biometric technology - retinal scans, handprints or facial recognition that work off feedback from the human body - is in the works for TechXpo, said Dwyer. Also, ICBM is planning to assemble a "security laboratory" on the show floor.