ABA School of Bank Marketing slated for May 19-24 in Dallas.

• Position: MARKETING EDGE: TAP INTO THE NETWORK

The next ABA School of Bank Marketing and Management (SOBMM) has been scheduled for May 18-24, 2010 at Southern Methodist University in Dallas.

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Students are taught bank marketing by a faculty of industry experts and experienced instructors who are leaders in their fields. The curriculum is completed in two intensive one-week sessions spaced a year apart. The first session is focused on marketing essentials: planning, return-on-investment and market research. Between the first and second years, students are directed to complete a marketing plan or research report that can be utilized by their organization.

In the second year's session, marketers learn how to be credible member's of the bank's management team. In groups, students work through a simulation of managing the financial side of banking, known as BankExec[R]. In the process, they learn the terminology and business decisions needed to run a successful bank. Students also learn about asset-liability management, profitability and strategic issues. How to implement a bank brand is also covered.

The two-year curriculum prepares marketers to sit for their Certified Financial Marketing professional (CFMP) designation.

Christopher Pesce, the 2010 SOBMM class president, says that the school's value lies both in the education and in the networking. "No matter how many years of experience they have, marketers who attend this school will learn relevant, practical tips and obtain advice and counsel from some of the nation's top marketing experts. The information shared here is invaluable." Pesce is the assistant vice president, marketing officer at North Shore Bank, Peabody, Mass.

He says that the networking opportunity may be even more important than the training. "This school will allow students to share ideas and solve problems with financial marketing executives from banks across the country. The friendships and connection they develop here will last for a lifetime."

The campus is located in the University Park section of Dallas, convenient to both Dallas/Fort Worth and Love Field airports, and a short ride to the downtown. The campus offers and state of-the-art learning facilities. To ensure comfortable accommodations, all students will stay at the Radisson Hotel Central Dallas, which is located adjacent to the campus.

Members of the ABA Marketing Network are eligible for a substantial discount on SOBMM tuition fees.

Founded in 1948, the SOBMM is the only national...