2024 SFBTA Charity Night, January 31, 2024

The SFBTA hosted a networking charity event at Bru’s Room in Delray Beach the evening of Wednesday, January 31, 2024. Attendees participated in a friendly fundraising bartending competition benefitting The Jimmy Graham Foundation in support of its mission to provide life changing and impactful experiences through the freedom of flight.

SFBTA 2024 Charity Night photos

2024 SFBTA Conference at The Boca Raton, February 1-3, 2024

We would like to thank our sponsors, speakers, event staff, volunteers, and over 450 attendees for your participation in our 13th Annual Conference! We would also like to thank our Premier Sponsor Bloomberg L.P. and this year’s SFBTA Corporate Partners InspereX, JVB Financial Group, Mesirow, Multi-Bank Securities, and Zeus Financial, whose contributions support the SFBTA throughout the year. The event kicked off with our mortgage bond talks and luncheon, then continued with a breakfast with the GSEs and Supras, a Keynote Address by New York Times best-selling author Stephen Mansfield, an Economic Update by President of Bianco Research Jim Bianco, a Compliance and Regulatory Update, and a municipal luncheon. In addition to the education and networking opportunities at the conference, we were proud to share this year’s selected charities were BATI School, LifeNet4Families, and A Second Chance Puppies and Kittens Rescue.

2024 Conference Program (PDF)
2024 Conference Full Agenda (PDF)
2024 Conference Sponsors (PDF)
2024 Conference Speakers (PDF)
2024 Conference Photos

Speaker Presentations

• “MBS Market: Opportunities and Risks”, Walt Schmidt, 2/1/24 (PDF)
• “Identifying MBS Risks and Actionable Opportunities in 2024”, Dan Dujmic, 2/1/24 (PDF)
• The Fixed Income Group at RJ O’Brien, John Coleman, 2/1/24 (PDF)
• “The Road to Machine Learning and AI”, David Rios, 2/1/24 (PDF)
• “The Bond Bear Market Continues”, Jim Bianco, 2/2/24 (PDF)

2024 SFBTA Holiday Happy Hour Charity Event, December 11, 2024

The SFBTA hosted a networking charity event at Tap 42 in Boca Raton the evening of Wednesday, December 11, 2024. The event benefited Open Hearts for Orphans, a local organization that provides resources for orphaned and abandoned children in the U.S. and abroad through medical intervention, meeting basic needs, and adoption assistance.

SFBTA 2024 Holiday Happy Hour Charity Event photos

Dolphins Challenge Cancer Charity Event, February 1, 2023

The SFBTA partnered with the Miami Dolphins to raise money for cancer research. Hosted at the Bru’s Room in Delray Beach, members of the South Florida Bond Traders Association, Miami Dolphins Alumni and Executives, and guests participated in a friendly bartending competition to help raise money for innovative cancer research at Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, part of the University of Miami Health System. Congratulations to the winning team of Ian Burdette, Kate Ogawa, Rick Perez and Amy Steele. Our Dolphins Challenge Cancer Charity event raised over $10,000 and in its 13-year history, the DCC has raised over $63mm towards the common goal of challenging cancer and supporting those impacted by cancer through the work of Sylvester.

Team SFBTA Donation Website
Dolphins Challenge Cancer Press Release
Dolphins Challenge Cancer Event Photos

2023 SFBTA Conference at The Boca Raton, February 2-4, 2023

We would like to thank our sponsors, speakers, event staff, volunteers, and almost 450 attendees for your participation in our 11th Annual Conference! We would also like to thank our Premier Sponsor Bloomberg L.P. and this year’s SFBTA Corporate Partners InspereX, Mesirow, Multi-Bank Securities, and Zeus Financial, whose contribution supports the SFBTA throughout the year. We welcomed Chicago Cubs Chairman Tom Ricketts along with special guest speakers Jim Bianco, President of Bianco Research and Robert Cook, President and CEO of FINRA. Attendees also got in-depths insights from Bengahzi at a Fireside Chat with Sarah Adams and Dave “Boon” Benton. In addition to the education and networking opportunities at the conference, we were proud to share this year’s selected charity was Every Mother’s Advocate.

2023 Conference Program (PDF)
2023 Conference Full Agenda
2023 Conference Sponsors
2023 Conference Speakers
2023 Conference Photos

Presentations

• The MBS Market Post-Fed: The Aftershocks Reverberate, Walter Schmidt (2023-02-02)
• Can We Fight The Fed? James Bianco (2023-02-03)
• Pick Up the Sword or Pick Up the Shield? John Coleman and Evan Vollman (2023-02-02)

Americas Community Center Toy Drive, December 17, 2023

SFBTA Board Member Alain Troadec was honored to participate in the Americas Community Center 8th Annual Toy Drive in Immokalee. The Americas Community Center was created in 2001 to support and complement immigrants’ efforts to facilitate their adaptation in the American environment and support their aspirations and desire for progress. The Immokalee Toy Drive started in 2017 when the community of farm workers and their families were hit and lost the little they had during Hurricane Irma.

Americas Community Center Toy Drive Photos

2022 SFBTA Conference at The Boca Raton, February 3-5, 2022

We would like to thank our sponsors, speakers, event staff, volunteers, and over 300 attendees for your participation in our 10th Annual Conference!  Your enthusiasm helps us continue to deliver on our mission of providing a valuable, thought-provoking event for our industry.  We would also like to thank our Premier Sponsor Bloomberg L.P. and this year’s SFBTA Corporate Partners InspereX, Mesirow, Multi-Bank Securities, and Zeus Financial, whose contribution supports the SFBTA throughout the year. We welcomed Navy SEAL Commander and NY Times Bestselling Author Rorke Denver along with special guest speaker Jim Bianco, President of Bianco Research.  In addition to the education and networking opportunities at the conference, we were proud to share this year’s selected charity was Freedom Hunters.

2022 Conference Program (PDF)
2022 Conference Full Agenda
2022 Conference Sponsors
2022 Conference Speakers
2022 Conference Photos
2022 Conference Intro Video

Presentations

• Walter Schmidt – The MBS Market in Transition
• Jeff Hingst – TOMS Mortgages
• Dan Dujmic – MBS Risks and Actionable Opportunities
• Baynes & Vollman – Hedging Through the Libor Transition
• Jim Bianco – Inflation, The Fed and Markets

SPi | USA Forum, October 26-27, 2022

The South Florida Bond Traders Association was honored to be selected as the SPi | USA Forum Charity Partner. We were able to share our story and participate in a live charity auction which raised over $15,000 for The Hands and Feet, a local organization that serves the needs of children and families with an open child welfare case so that they can know the support of a caring, loving community. We would like to thank SPi for including us and helping us make a difference and give back to our community!

SPi | USA Forum Website
SPi | USA Forum Agenda
SPi | USA Forum Photos
The Hands and Feet Photos

Americas Community Center Toy Drive, December 18, 2022

SFBTA Board Member Alain Troadec was honored to participate in the Americas Community Center 7th Annual Toy Drive in Immokalee. The Americas Community Center was created in 2001 to support and complement immigrants’ efforts to facilitate their adaptation in the American environment and support their aspirations and desire for progress. The Immokalee Toy Drive started in 2017 when the community of farm workers and their families were hit and lost the little they had during Hurricane Irma. We would like to thank Alain for including us and for his leadership in helping us make a difference and give back to our community!

Americas Community Center Toy Drive Flyer
Americas Community Center Toy Drive Photos

2021 SFBTA Virtual Conference, February 4-5, 2021

We would like to thank our sponsors, speakers and attendees for your participation in our virtual Conference!  We would also like to thank our Platinum Sponsors Bank of America, Fenics UST and Tradeweb and this year’s SFBTA Corporate Partners Incapital, Mesirow, Multi-Bank Securities, and Zeus Financial, whose contribution supports the SFBTA throughout the year. We welcomed back special guest speakers Jim Bianco, President of Bianco Research, Robert Cook, CEO of FINRA and Mike Nicholas, CEO of Bond Dealers of America.  In addition to the education and networking opportunities at the conference, we were proud to share this year’s selected charitable organization was Feeding America through Feeding South Florida.

2021 Conference Program (PDF)
2021 Board of Directors Welcome Video
2021 Economic Update with Jim Bianco Video
2021 Regulatory Update from the Top with Robert Cook and Mike Nicholas Video
2021 Breakfast with the GSEs and Supras
2021 Conference Presentation

Desmond Clark Zoom Meeting, February 17, 2021

We would like to thank our SFBTA Corporate Partner, Mesirow, for including us in their recent series of events recognizing Black History Month. On February 17th, Mesirow welcomed former Chicago Bear star and leadership coach, Desmond Clark. Desmond shared poignant moments from his early childhood to a Super Bowl career, with a focus on “Principles of Winning: 5 Keys to Create a Standard of Excellence” on and off the field.

Letter From Governor Rick Scott
Desmond Clark Zoom Meeting Replay

2021 SFBTA Charity Poker Tournament, April 14, 2021

Congratulations, Al Raphael! Mr. Raphael, of S3, emerged victorious as champion of the SFBTA 6th Annual Charity Poker Tournament on April 14, 2021. Sponsored by S3, the virtual poker tournament raised $15,000 for BATI School. Participants were asked to make a donation in exchange for chips, with all money raised from the event – along with donations from SFBTA Board Members and S3 – benefiting BATI School. Since 2010, the BATI School has been building a sustainable model for education through the use of agriculture. BATI School allows Ayitian children to dream of a new future and enriches the local community by providing access to free education. Congratulations to Tobin Griser from S3 on finishing 2nd and Jonathan Ferrell of Janney for finishing 3rd. Thank you to S3 for your sponsorship and to all that attended!

Fireside Chat with Daron K. Roberts, May 6, 2021

We would like to thank #1 Best Selling Author and Motivational Speaker, Daron K. Roberts for joining us for a Fireside Chat. Daron talked about his journey from Texas to Harvard Law School to coaching in the NFL. Daron is now the founding director of the Center for Sports Leadership and Innovation at the University of Texas. Listen to the pivotal talk on leadership, vulnerability and empathy from Daron K. Roberts.

Daron K. Roberts Bio
Daron K. Roberts Fireside Chat Replay

SPi | USA Forum, November 9-10, 2021

The South Florida Bond Traders Association was honored to be selected as the SPi | USA Forum Charity Partner. We were able to share our story and participate in a live charity auction which raised almost $10,000 for Sheridan House, a local organization that serves the needs of children and families, especially single mothers. We would like to thank SPi for including us and helping us make a difference and give back to our community! 

SPi | USA Forum Website
SPi | USA Forum Agenda
SPi | USA Forum Photos

Tips for Parkinson’s Delray, February 5, 2020

Tips for Parkinson’s traveled to Delray Beach where members of the South Florida Bond Traders Association and its guests participated in a friendly bartending competition, Tips for Parkinson’s Delray, to help raise money for the Michael J. Fox Foundation on its mission to put an end to Parkinson’s disease.  Congratulations to the Team Half Pints (Lori Terrazi, Alina Velazquez, Nicole James, Kathleen Moran, Phil Marinello, and Nick Scarpello) on winning the 14th Annual Tips for Parkinson’s event.  The Tips for Parkinson’s Delray event raised over $36,000 and in its 13-year history, Tips for Parkinson’s has raised nearly $3,000,000 for the Michael J. Fox Foundation.

Tips for Parkinson’s Photos

2020 SFBTA Conference at Boca Raton Resort & Club, February 6-8, 2020

We would like to thank our sponsors, speakers, event staff, volunteers, and over 400 attendees for your participation in our 9th Annual Conference! Your enthusiasm helps us continue to deliver on our mission of providing a valuable, thought-provoking event for our industry. We would also like to thank our Premier Sponsor Bloomberg L.P. and this year’s SFBTA Corporate Partners Incapital, Mesirow Finanical, Multi-Bank Securities, and Zeus Financial, whose contribution supports the SFBTA throughout the year. We welcomed 13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi hero Dave “Boon” Benton along with special guest speakers Jim Bianco, President of Bianco Research, and Mike Nicholas, CEO of Bond Dealers of America. In addition to the education and networking opportunities at the conference, we were proud to share this year’s selected charitable organizations were Bru’s Buddies, The Michael J. Fox Foundation, Lights 4 Hope, Operation Healing Forces, and Pens With A Purpose.

2020 Conference Program (PDF)
2020 Conference Full Agenda
2020 Conference Bond Talks Agenda
2020 Conference Speaker Bios
2020 Conference Photos

Presentations

• Jim Bianco’s Economic Update Presentation
• SOFR Futures, Term Rates & Adding the Credit Component

Dr. Kevin Elko Zoom Meeting, March 26, 2020

We would like to thank Top-Rated Keynote Motivational Speaker & Bestselling Author Dr. Kevin Elko for hosting a Zoom meeting for our members and clients. We are all dealing with uncertainty during these difficult times. The decisions we make today can impact us for years to come. Listen to the amazing talk from Dr. Elko, “How to Swim Your Best Race in Choppy Waters.”

Dr. Kevin Elko Zoom Meeting Replay

2018 SFBTA Conference at Boca Raton Resort & Club, February 1-3, 2018

We would like to thank the over 420 attendees of our 7th Annual Conference for making our event the best yet!  We would also like to thank this year’s SFBTA Corporate Partners Amherst Pierpont, Incapital, JVB Financial, Mesirow Financial, and Multi-Bank Securities, and the rest of our sponsors, coordinators, volunteers, and event staff.  With the help of our attendees and sponsors, we were able to raise over $40,000 for the BATI School and our golf tournament raffle went to support the Blue Missions Group.

2018 Conference Program (PDF)
2018 Conference Bond Talks Agenda
2018 Conference Speaker Bios
2018 Conference Photos

2018 SFBTA Charity Poker Tournament, April 11, 2018

Congratulations, Gage Olcott!  Mr. Olcott, of CIBC, emerged victorious as champion of the SFBTA 4th Annual Charity Poker Tournament on April 11, 2018.  Sponsored by mtn-i as part of their 12th mtn-i Americas Structured Note Showcase & Awards, the cocktail reception-style event was held at the Four Seasons on Brickell Avenue in Miami.  Those participating in the charity poker tournament were asked to make a donation in exchange for chips, with all money raised from the event – along with donations from SFBTA and mtn-i – benefiting Lauren’s Kids, a non-profit organization based right here in South Florida.  Thank you to all that attended Charity Poker Tournament Photos

Tips for Parkinson’s New York, October 10, 2018

The Trophy is moving to Florida!  On October 10th at Printer’s Alley in New York City, members of the South Florida Bond Traders Association participated in a friendly bartending competition, Tips for Parkinson’s NYC, to help raise money for the Michael J. Fox Foundation on its mission to put an end to Parkinson’s disease.  Congratulations to the SFBTA Team (George Barbar, Beau Brudzinski, Patrick Leary, Krista Martin, Claude Seide, John Tessar, and Laura Trimarco) on winning the 13th Annual Tips for Parkinson’s event.  The Tips for Parkinson’s event raised over $83,000 and our very own Krista Martin was the top fundraiser with over $10,000.  In its 13-year history, Tips for Parkinson’s NYC has raised over $2,500,000 for the Michael J. Fox Foundation.

Tips for Parkinson’s Photos

2017 SFBTA Conference at Boca Raton Resort & Club, February 9-11, 2017

We would like to thank the over 350 attendees of our 6th Annual Conference for making our event a success once again!  We would also like to thank this year’s SFBTA Corporate Partners Amherst Pierpont, BNY Mellon, Incapital, JVB Financial, Mesirow Financial, and Multi-Bank Securities, and the rest of our sponsors, coordinators, volunteers, and event staff.  With the help of our attendees and sponsors, we were able to raise money for the Anthony Rizzo Family Foundation and Blue Missions Group.

2017 Conference Program (PDF)
2017 Conference Speaker Bios
2017 Conference Photos
2017 SFBTA Conference Agenda

2017 SFBTA Charity Poker Tournament, April 5, 2017

We held our 3rd Annual Charity Poker Tournament at the Four Seasons on Brickell Avenue in Miami. The cocktail reception-style event was sponsored by mtn-i, as part of their 11th mtn-i Americas Structured Note Showcase & Awards.  Those participating in the poker tournament were asked to make a donation in exchange for chips.  All money raised from the event, along with donations from SFBTA, benefited Cycle for Survival, in memory of CIBC’s Brennan O’Brien. SFBTA would like to congratulate poker tournament champion Ross O’Daly (mtn-i).

Charity Poker Tournament Photos

Habitat for Humanity Work Day, April 22, 2017

We had a very successful Habitat for Humanity Work Day on April 22, 2017.  Over 20 SFBTA members participated in painting two new homes for local families.  It was a great team-building day while giving back to our community.

Habitat for Humanity Work Day Photos

American Cancer Society’s Making Strides Walk, October 28, 2017

We participated in The American Cancer Society’s Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk at Huizenga Plaza in Fort Lauderdale on Saturday, October 28th.  Over 30,000 walkers including 580 cancer survivors attended the walk this year, which was a record.  Our SFBTA team is currently ranked #28 out of 505 teams that participated.  By the end of the year, the project is expected to raise over $800,000.  To help the fight against breast cancer, please visit our SFBTA team page.

Making Strides Walk Photos

2016 SFBTA Conference at Boca Raton Resort & Club, January 28-30, 2016

We would like to thank the 350 attendees of our 5th Annual Conference for making our event a success once again!  We would also like to thank this year’s SFBTA Corporate Partners Amherst Pierpont, BNY Mellon, Incapital, JVB Financial, Mesirow Finanical, and Multi-Bank Securities, and the rest of our sponsors, coordinators, volunteers, and event staff.

2016 Conference Program (PDF)
2016 Conference Photos

2016 SFBTA Charity Poker Tournament, April 6, 2016

We held our Annual Spring Event in the form of a charity poker tournament at the Four Seaons on Brickell Avenue in Miami. The cocktail reception-style event was sponsored by mtn-i, as part of their 10th mtn-i Americas Structured Note Showcase & Awards.  Those participating in the poker tournament were asked to make a donation in exchange for chips.  The proceeds from the event, along with donations from SFBTA, benefited Kids In Distress (KID), an organization that prevents child abuse, preserves the family, and treats children who have been abused and neglected.  SFBTA would like to congratulate poker tournament back-to-back champion John Tessar (JVB Financial).

Charity Poker Tournament Photos

SOS Children’s Villages – Florida “Steps for SOS,” November 5, 2016

We held our fall Work Day volunteering at the SOS Children’s Village – Florida “Steps for SOS” 5k. SOS Children’s Villages – Florida is a foster care neighborhood in Broward County focusing on sibling group placement.  The SFBTA and other volunteer participation in this fundraising event helps and allows the brothers and sisters living at the village to reunite and maintain their family connection.

“Steps for SOS” Photos

2015 SFBTA Conference at Boca Raton Resort & Club, February 5-7, 2015

We would like to thank the almost 400 attendees of our 4th Annual Conference for making our event a success once again!  We would also like to thank the event’s Premier Sponsor, BNP Paribas, this year’s SFBTA Corporate Partners Amherst Pierpont, BNY Mellon, Incapital, JVB Financial, Mesirow Finanical, and Multi-Bank Securities, and the rest of our sponsors, coordinators, and event staff.

2015 Conference Program (PDF)
2015 Conference Photos

2015 SFBTA Charity Poker Tournament, April 23, 2015

We held our Annual Spring Event in the form of a charity poker tournament at the Four Seaons on Brickell Avenue in Miami. The cocktail reception-style event was sponsored by mtn-i, as part of their 9th mtn-i Americas Structured Note Showcase & Awards. Those participating in the poker tournament were asked to make a donation in exchange for chips. The proceeds from the event, along with donations from SFBTA and mtn-i, benefited the Children’s Diagnostic & Treatment Center, an organization that serves more than 11,000 children with special health care needs in Broward County. SFBTA would like to congratulate poker tournament winner John Tessar (JVB Financial), 2nd Place Jeff Lew (Mesirow Financial), and 3rd Place Cal Walters (Multi-Bank Securities).

Charity Poker Tournament Press Release
Charity Poker Tournament Photos

Habitat for Humanity Work Day, November 7, 2015

We had our second Habitat for Humanity Work Day on November 7, 2015.  SFBTA members participated in painting a new home for a local family. It was a great team building day while giving back to our community.

Habitat for Humanity Work Day Photos

Second Annual Holiday Party, December 1, 2015

We had our second Annual Holiday Party on December 1, 2015 at Farmer’s Table in Boca Raton, with a toy drive benefiting The Spirit of Giving Network through the Boca Raton Fire Department.

2015 Holiday Party Recap
2015 Holiday Party Photos

Second Annual SFBTA Conference at Boca Raton Resort & Club, February 7-9, 2013

SFBTA would like to thank the over 400 people who attended our 2nd Annual SFBTA Conference at the Boca Raton Resort & Club.  We would also like to thank our Premier Sponsor, BNP Paribas, and Host Sponsors: Amherst Securities, BNY Mellon, Incapital, JVB Financial, Mesirow Finanical, and Multi-Bank Securities.

Welcome Letter from Governor Rick Scott
2013 Conference Recap
2013 Conference Photos

SFBTA Halloween Bowling Event at Strikes @ Boca, October 24, 2013

It was a fun night of costumes, networking and bowling.  SFBTA would like to congratulate the winning teams: Rick Perez, Beau Brudzinski, Nick Scarpello and John Anthony (Amherst), Cal Walters (Multi-Bank), Mario Tribioli (Intercoastal), and Les Horwitz (Oppenheimer).  The highest individual game was bowled by Nick Mazzeo (Mesirow).

• 50/50 Raffle was won by Jamie Fisk (Newbridge Securities), and 50% of the money was donated to Women In Distress
• Winning bowling teams donated $1,000 to Women in Distress

Halloween Bowling Event Flyer
Halloween Bowling Event Information
Halloween Bowling Event Photos

Inaugural SFBTA Conference at Boca Raton Resort & Club, February 10-11, 2012

SFBTA would like to thank the over 350 people who attended our inaugural Conference at the Boca Raton Resort & Club.  We would also like to thank the six local firms that joined together as Host Sponsors: Amherst Securities, Incapital, JVB Financial, Mesirow Financial, Multi-Bank Securities and Pershing. 

Welcome Letter from Governor Rick Scott
2012 Schedule of Events
2012 Conference Photos]

SFBTA Networking Meeting at Two Georges at the Cove, May 30, 2012

Over 50 people attended the SFBTA networking event at Two Georges at the Cove Waterfront Restaurant and Marina in Deerfield Beach.  We celebrated donations made by the SFBTA to local South Florida charities, and announced the 2nd Annual SFBTA Conference at the Boca Raton Resort & Club will be February 7-9, 2013.

K1 Speed Go-Karting Event, November 7, 2012

It was a great night of fun and competitive go-kart racing.  SFBTA would like to congratulate the winners: Alain Troadec, Incapital (1st Place), Bob Greenwood, Mesirow Financial (2nd Place), and Beau Brudzinski, Amherst (3rd Place). We were also very excited to announce that the SFBTA would be participating in a Habitat for Humanity Work Day on December 1, 2012.

K1 Speed Racing Event Flyer
K1 Speed Event Photos

Habitat for Humanity Work Day, December 1, 2012

We had a very successful Habitat for Humanity Work Day on December 1, 2012.  Over 40 SFBTA members showed up to volunteer and help build.  It was a fulfilling day to give back to our community.

Habitat for Humanity Work Day Flyer
Habitat for Humanity Work Day Photos
Press Coverage by Traders Magazine 

Inaugural SFBTA Networking Meeting at Two Georges at the Cove, May 4, 2011

SFBTA would like to express our thanks and gratitude to all of our generous sponsors that help make our events such a success.  75 people attended the inaugural SFBTA meeting at Two Georges at the Cove Waterfront Restaurant and Marina in Deerfield Beach.  After this event, more than 50 individuals registered to become members of the SFBTA.

SFBTA Networking Event at Strikes Bowling, September 7, 2011

SFBTA would like to thank all of the participants from 20 different South Florida firms that made this event successful.  Six of the firms represented at this event joined together in supporting the upcoming Inaugural SFBTA event at the Boca Raton Resort & Club on February 10-11, 2012, as host sponsors. Host firms include: Amherst Securities, Incapital, JVB Financial, Mesirow Financial, Multi-Bank Securities and Pershing.