Written by Angelica Assim on 2019/10/25
MBA Annual Convention is Coming to Austin

Each year, the Mortgage Bankers Association holds an annual conference where experts in the industry gather to get inspired, share insights, experience new products, and network with fellow innovators.
Here, we're unpacking the details of what was sure to be an incredible event for everyone who didn't get to attend.
Who attended the MBA Conference?
At the MBA Convention, top industry professionals in the mortgage business are encouraged to attend. It's a chance for brokers from around the country to meet up. Plus, you never know the little tricks and tips you'll pick up from a casual conversation over lunch or drinks.
With curated programming for women, millennials, multi-family businesses, and more, anyone in the real estate finance industry should consider attending in the future if you missed out this year.
People you might expect to see at the MBA Annual Convention include:
CEOs, VPs, and Senior Managers
Managers and executives of loan products and services
Bank and independent mortgage bank managers and executives
Mortgage investors
Regulators
BSEs
Technology providers and vendors
Attorneys and other industry service providers
Industry leaders
What was on the schedule?
Programming started on Saturday, October 26th although the official even didn't kick off until the 27th lasting until the 30th. Attendees got the chance to hear from notable speakers and networking sessions to boost their careers to the next level.
Sunday through Tuesday, the schedule lasted from roughly 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and on Wednesday, things were finished by 10:30 a.m. With so much going on, there was surely something for everyone.
Noteworthy Panels
The MBA plans all year to bring together this amazing event and some of the panels on this year's schedule got many attendees super excited.
Although it requires separate registration, MBA's Summit for Women in Real Estate was on the first Saturday which was sure to be insightful and a Special Session on Sunday with U.S. Women's National Soccer Team Captain Carli Lloyd was undoubtedly inspiring.
On Monday, young people in the real estate field could sit in for a Millennials in Mortgage Round Table after hearing from Admiral William H. McRaven at the General Session.
THE HUB features networking opportunities and countless new products were on display at THE DISCOVERY STAGE throughout the convention.
Attendees also had the opportunity to get their books signed by authors like Chris Christie and Terry McAuliffe on Tuesday before dancing the night away at the four-time Grammy Award-winning artist, Keith Urban's concert that night.
Wednesday concluded at 10:30 a.m. with a Closing General Session before everyone headed home full of inspiration and an even fuller cup.
How to Prepare for Next Year
If you're planning to attend next year's MBA Convention, make sure to register early! With early bird prices that are hard to beat, it's worth it to get a good deal. Plus, this year's Austin hotels in the area were sold out, so book your rooms early too if you're coming from out of town.
Once at the convention, you'll meet a lot of people so be prepared to make meaningful connections with your fellow industry professionals. Before you check into your hotel room and make your way to the Austin Convention Center, make sure you have:
Business cards
A curated elevator pitch
Pen and paper
Registration receipt
Breath mints (just in case)
It should also be noted that these conventions can be exhausting. Especially if you're traveling to Austin for the occasion, there are some things you can do to keep your health in check during the event:
Stay hydrated and avoid too much alcohol
Take breaks
Eat as well as you can
Stretch in your hotel room after long periods of sitting or standing