2026 Agenda
The Great River MBA Conference (GRC26) brings together top mortgage professionals for three days of learning, networking, and collaboration. Enjoy keynotes, breakout sessions, receptions, and special events designed to help you grow, connect, and make an impact.
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Agenda At a Glance:
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Golf Tournament – Kick off the conference with friendly competition and networking on the course.
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Continuing Education Class – Earn your CE credits while staying current on mortgage industry trends.
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Keynotes & Breakouts – Gain insights from industry leaders and explore timely topics across three dynamic sessions.
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Networking Receptions – Build relationships, reconnect with peers, and celebrate being Better Together.
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New for 2026:
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Sips, Sparks, and Quick Connects: Uncork Your Networking Potential
Blend business and fun with this interactive networking event featuring whiskey, wine, and conversation. Move between curated tables to connect with companies, speakers, and peers in a lively, engaging atmosphere.
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Glow Up Power Hour: Pathways to a Thriving Future
A high-energy hackathon experience where small groups tackle key industry challenges and spark innovative ideas. Walk away with fresh strategies and a renewed sense of collaboration.
Day 1
Tuesday, May 5, 2026
8:00 am - 9:00 am
9:00 am - 2:00 pm​​
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​8:00 am - 5:00 pm
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9:00 am - 3:30 pm
1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
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4:00 pm - 6:00 pm​
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6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Golf Classic Registration
Location: Memphis National
Location: Memphis National
Continuing Education (CE) Course
Location: Peabody Venetian Room
Exhibitor Setup
Location: Peabody Grand Ballroom
Location: Chez Philippe
Sips, Sparks, and Quick Connects: Uncork Your Networking Potential
Location: Peabody Grand Ballroom
Rooftop Welcome Reception
Location: Peabody Rooftop
Day 2
Wednesday, May 6, 2026
8:30 am - 5:30 pm
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8:30 am - 5:45 pm
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8:30 am - 9:15 am
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9:00 am - 10:00 am
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10:00 am - 10:30 am
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10:30 am - 12:00 pm
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12:30 pm - 1:30 pm
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1:45 pm - 2:45 pm
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2:45 pm - 4:15 pm
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2:45 pm - 4:15 pm
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4:15 pm - 5:45 pm
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8:00 pm - 11:30 pm
Registration
Location: North Foyer
Exhibit Hall Open
Location: Peabody Grand Ballroom
Location: Peabody Grand Ballroom
Morning Keynote:
Lead Analyst | HousingWire
Location: Peabody Grand Ballroom
Puppy Chow Break
Location: Peabody Grand Ballroom
Breakout Sessions
Locations: Hernando, Continental, Venetian
Strategic Track:
The Evolution of Mortgage Production: Strategy Meets Uncertainty
James Baublitz/Brad Eskridge/Alex Temple/Paul Yarbrough
Sales Track:
Chris Simms/Jim Carroll/Suha Zehl/Tim Elkins
Operational Track:
Transforming Mortgage Lending: From Credit Innovation to Appraisal Evolution
Julie Huber/Anthony Hutchinson/Mary Kay Scully
State Lunches & Installations
Locations: Hernando, Continental, Venetian, Forest
Keynote Session:
President & Chief Executive Officer | MBA
Location: Peabody Grand Ballroom
Glow Up Power Hour: Pathways to a Thriving Future
Location: Peabody Grand Ballroom
Breakout Session
Location: Venetian
Strategic Track:
Mike Duncan/Nick Pabarcus, MD
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Network Reception
Location: Peabody Grand Ballroom
Disco Party - Mortgage Moves & Disco Grooves
Let's Glow Together!
Location: Paula Raiford's
Day 3
Thursday, May 7, 2026
8:00 am - 11:00 am
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8:00 am - 11:00 am
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9:00 am - 10:15 am​
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10:15 am - 11:00 am
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11:00 am
Registration
Location: North Foyer
Exhibit Hall Open
Location: Peabody Grand Ballroom
Brunch & Learn Keynote
Finish Empty Leadership: Charting the Course to Success
Location: Peabody Grand Ballroom​
Conference Recap
Steve Richman
Location: Peabody Grand Ballroom
Closing Remarks -$1,000 Giveaway
Location: Peabody Grand Ballroom
Elevate your mortgage industry networking with this captivating session. Blending interactive discussions, expert-led presentations, and premium spirit and wine tastings, this unique format promises to stimulate both the palate and the mind.
Attendees will move between curated tables, engaging with different companies and speakers on relevant topics. Don't miss this exceptional opportunity to expand your industry knowledge, build strategic partnerships, and enjoy a truly memorable networking experience. Register now to secure your spot and unlock the full potential of your professional connections. Because at GRC26, we're all Better Together.
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SPONSORSHIP ADD-ON:
Showcase your company and connect with industry leaders at Sips & Sparks. Reserve your table now and be part of this exclusive networking experience at GRC26.
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Take a break from the conference and indulge in a classic English afternoon tea at Chez Philippe, the only location in Memphis offering this elegant experience. Guests will enjoy a three-course menu featuring savory tea sandwiches, warm scones from the Peabody Pastry Shop, and a selection of assorted sweets, all perfectly paired with a variety of fine teas.
This intimate and relaxing gathering is the perfect way to network with fellow attendees, enjoy a refined culinary experience, and savor the charm of the Peabody Hotel.
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Sponsorship Opportunity: An Associate-level sponsorship is available for this event, offering visibility and recognition among attendees in an exclusive, elegant setting.
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Step into a fast-paced, collaborative experience designed to spark bold ideas and fresh solutions for today’s mortgage industry challenges. This high-energy, 90-minute hackathon invites attendees to roll up their sleeves, tackle pressing issues, and explore innovative strategies for a thriving future.
Guided by industry insights and the spirit of Better Together, this interactive session isn’t about finding a single “right answer.” It’s about generating actionable strategies you can take back to your organization and implement immediately.
Here’s what to expect:
✔ Choose a challenge that resonates with your work
✔ Collaborate in small, dynamic groups to problem-solve in real time
✔ Share ideas and gain fresh perspectives from peers across the industry
✔ Walk away with concrete, forward-thinking strategies to elevate your team and business
Start your day with something sweet — and a little bit of puppy love! Join us for Pups & Pastries, a lighthearted breakfast experience featuring delicious pastries and a special Puppy Chow Break before breakout sessions. Attendees can enjoy a Puppy Chow Mix Station, create their own take-home “doggie bag” of treats, and savor breakfast bites served with logo’d napkins and treat bags from our generous sponsor.
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Sponsorship Opportunity: Sponsor the Pups & Pastries Breakfast and make your brand part of this playful, memorable morning event. It’s a feel-good way to start the day, connect with attendees, and show that at GRC26, we’re all Better Together!
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Step into a colorful, high-energy disco experience at Paula Raiford’s. This after-hours event brings together music, movement, and connection for a memorable night with fellow GRC26 attendees. Complimentary entry; beverages available for purchase.
