The Independent Mortgage Bankers Conference 2025 (IMB25) in Austin, Texas, runs from January 27–29. With so many great sessions on the agenda, choosing where to focus can feel overwhelming. To help, we’ve handpicked five sessions that offer high-impact content—ideal for professionals looking to sharpen their strategies, optimize operations, and stay on the cutting edge.
1. Opening General Session: IMB Quarterly Report and Forecast
Date & Time: Monday, January 27, 4:00 PM – 5:30 PM
Location: JW Grand Ballroom Salon 5&6
Why Attend
Begin your conference experience with an in-depth look at the financial performance of independent mortgage companies. Presenters include MBA leadership and top industry analysts like Robert D. Broeksmit, CMB and Mike Fratantoni, Ph.D. This session will arm you with the latest market intel, offering insights you can immediately apply to guide strategic decisions for 2025 and 2026.
Key Takeaways:
- Market Health Check: Performance metrics, origination volume, and servicing profitability for IMBs.
- Economic Outlook: Projections to help navigate economic fluctuations—vital for refining business plans.
- Strategic Insights: Where to invest in technology, talent, or new product lines for lasting success.
2. General Session: Crossing the Generational Divide in the Mortgage Industry
Date & Time: Tuesday, January 28, 8:30 AM – 10:00 AM
Location: JW Grand Ballroom Salon 5&6
Why Attend
Modern mortgage teams span multiple generations—from Baby Boomers to Gen Z. Generational researcher Jason Dorsey will dig into how each demographic views work, technology, and leadership differently, providing strategies to keep diverse teams engaged and motivated.
Key Takeaways:
- Bridging Communication Gaps: How each generation communicates and how to adapt leadership styles.
- Talent Retention: Practical strategies to reduce turnover and foster a collaborative culture.
- Boosting Productivity: Techniques to unify different work ethics and tech preferences under common goals.
3. General Session: Why Stan Middleman Is Betting Big on TPO
Date & Time: Tuesday, January 28, 11:15 AM – 11:35 AM
Location: JW Grand Ballroom Salon 5&6
Why Attend
Gain valuable insight into Stan Middleman’s growth strategy for Freedom Mortgage, which focuses on Third-Party Origination (TPO). In an era of market shifts and regulatory pressures, TPO can offer IMBs a streamlined pathway to diversify product offerings and increase profitability.
Key Takeaways:
- TPO Basics: What it takes to successfully partner with brokers and loan correspondents.
- Expanding Reach: How TPO opens new customer segments and reduces overhead.
- Scaling Smartly: Balancing TPO’s growth opportunities with risk management and compliance.
4. Breakout Session: Financial Management Strategies that Return Profitability
Date & Time: Tuesday, January 28, 3:00 PM – 3:45 PM
Location: JW Grand Ballroom Salon 3&4
Why Attend
Profitability remains top of mind for IMBs, especially in fluctuating markets. Get the inside scoop on how executives from Plaza Home Mortgage, Success Mortgage Partners, and Richey May are achieving profitability through cost-cutting measures, revenue expansion, and smart servicing decisions.
Key Takeaways:
- Expense Reduction: Real-world examples of trimming costs without sacrificing operational excellence.
- Revenue Growth Playbook: Effective marketing, product diversification, and leveraging data analytics.
- Servicing Success: Strategies to decide whether to retain or release servicing for maximum ROI.
5. General Session: Tech Trends We’re Watching
Date & Time: Wednesday, January 29, 8:30 AM – 9:15 AM
Location: JW Grand Ballroom Salon 5&6
Why Attend
Technology is rapidly reshaping the mortgage landscape, and IMBs that stay ahead of the curve reap the rewards. Hear from experts such as Julian Hebron (The Basis Point) and Ramesh Sarukkai (Rate) on how emerging tech—from AI-driven underwriting to digital lending platforms—is transforming lending operations and creating a more seamless borrower experience.
Key Takeaways:
- AI Applications: Automating workflows to reduce overhead and speed up decision-making.
- Big Data & Analytics: Using predictive models for risk assessment, retention, and lead generation.
- Future-Proofing: Tactics to integrate new solutions without disrupting current operations.
Your Conference Roadmap
By prioritizing these five sessions, you’ll gain high-level insights into industry economics, team leadership, third-party partnerships, financial optimization, and emerging technologies. These combined perspectives will give you a multifaceted view of how to thrive in the dynamic IMB landscape.
Don’t Miss Out on Networking:
While educational sessions are critical, remember to factor in coffee breaks, receptions, and the welcome party—excellent venues for building professional relationships.
Connect with Industry Leaders
Our co-founder and CEO, Murali Tirupati, will be attending IMB25. If you’re exploring ways to streamline loan origination and securitization through AI-powered document processing, don’t miss the chance to connect with Murali.
Schedule a Meeting: Click here to book a time.
About Vaultedge
Vaultedge specializes in AI-powered document processing solutions that help IMBs automate manual tasks, maintain compliance, and expedite the loan lifecycle.
- Vaultedge DocAI: Automate document indexing, data extraction, and validation for faster, more accurate loan reviews.
- Generative AI Chatbot: Tap into critical document insights through natural language, saving time for your underwriting and servicing teams.
- Digital Lending APIs: Speed up credit appraisal and approvals through automated financial data analysis.
Learn more at Vaultedge.com.
See You at IMB25!
Plan wisely and make room for these high-impact sessions in your IMB25 schedule. We look forward to helping you explore new strategies, technologies, and partnerships that will elevate your independent mortgage banking business in 2025 and beyond. Safe travels—and get ready for an unforgettable time in Austin!