PreConference Registration

(Those attending the main conference are welcome to register at this time as well)

Opening Remarks

In this detailed PreConference, Tom Glatt, Jr., will lead workshop participants deep into the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) principles, and in the process, showcase what today’s boards must concern themselves with to avoid poor organizational performance and governance liability.

Topics Covered in this Session Include:

• Board and board member responsibilities

• Board member recruitment and development

Networking and Refreshment Break

Additional Topics Covered in this Session Include:

• Governance accountability and liability

• Self-assessment

• And More!

PreConference Wrap Up

Conference Registration

Welcome Reception

Welcome Reception – Join “The Ones In Red,” and your credit union conference peers from across the country & their guests for cocktails, light dining & great conversation! 

CU Conferences is grateful for the support of its sponsor, OM Financial, and would like to thank them for co-sponsoring the reception. Learn more about OM Financial.

Conference Registration

Sit-Down Breakfast

Join us for a hearty sit-down breakfast. Registered guests are welcome to attend.

Opening Remarks

Igniting Change: Developing Our People

Sundeep Kapur, Founder, Digital Credence

In a survey of board directors about key initiatives at their credit unions, the top three initiatives were investments in technology, new financial products to compete effectively, and a modern infrastructure. However, in an industry focused on people serving people, what are we doing to attract, retain, and nurture our very own people talent?

This thought-provoking discussion will focus on some key people development initiatives undertaken by progressive financial institutions, many of whom are our very own - credit unions! From fundamental skill development, to technology to guide conversations, to driving continuous improvement – this session will share powerful lessons from many of our peers.

While our overall goal is to be a desired organization that can assist our members with their financial needs, we need to enable and empower our people to deliver on our value promise. Listen, learn, and get inspired to drive change in your credit union’s people development initiatives so we can continue to serve the evolving needs of our membership.

Networking and Refreshment Break

Compensation Changes in Today's Credit Union Market

Kirk Kordeleski, Executive Benefit Consultant, OM Financial

Kirk will present 2023 data on executive compensation trends. The last three years have dramatically changed executive compensation as a generation of credit union leaders retire (baby boomers). Credit unions have experienced significant growth and their executive teams have grown with the addition of new senior positions. 

Building The Credit Union of Tomorrows - Part I

Dr. Brian Smith-Vandergriff, Chief Financial/Strategy Officer, OUCU Financial

After reviewing the “Credit Union Philosophy”, we will explore the modern credit union landscape and discuss various strategies for fostering member loyalty. As credit unions look for strategies for serving all members throughout the membership lifecycle, this session will provide discussion of various approaches to attracting and retaining core members.

Group Luncheon

Join us for lunch. Registered guests are welcome to attend.

Building The Credit Union of Tomorrows - Part II

Dr. Brian Smith-Vandergriff, Chief Financial/Strategy Officer, OUCU Financial

Join Dr. Smith-Vandergriff for the continuation of his presentation after lunch.

Calling All Fraud Fighters!

Chelsea Treboniak, Owner, Critical Ops

Steven Spielberg’s 2002 film featured Frank Abagnale, Jr. and his mastery of deception. Unfortunately, fraudsters such as Frank continually work 24/7 to identify and exploit opportunities for malicious acts. Models, such as Donald R. Cressey’s model called the Fraud Triangle, outline conditions leading to higher instances of fraud. Job descriptions highlight responsibilities associated with fraud. How do these conceptual findings relate to our credit unions? What are we doing to prepare for all phases of fraud, from awareness to response and recovery? This session connects concepts to procedures and resources to help you navigate the complexities of fraud.

Daily Wrap-Up

Sit-Down Breakfast

Join us for a hearty sit-down breakfast. Registered guests are welcome to attend.

Opening Remarks

Economic Outlook

Steven Rick, Chief Economist, CUNA Mutual Group

Will the economic recovery have legs despite the fastest increase in interest rates in 40 years? Can expansion restore the pre-crisis economy? Are fundamental changes in the jobs market apt to cause long-term disparities? Will inflation return to the Federal Reserve’s target anytime soon? Get answers to these and other questions while gaining a better understanding of impacts on your credit union and its members. Steve’s session will include a review, from three perspectives, of the principal forces shaping the economy and financial markets. Plan to join Steve’s session as he gives us this and more; you don’t want to miss out!

Networking and Refreshment Break

Roundtable Discussion By Asset Size

One of the most valuable aspects of attending a conference is the opportunity to network with other credit union professionals from across the country. Networking with those from credit unions of similar asset size is even a greater benefit. Join fellow attendees for a roundtable session to discuss the pressing issues facing credit unions. 

A Skills Matrix for Your Credit Union

Chelsea Treboniak, Owner, Critical Ops

A skills matrix is a valuable map capturing skills and levels of proficiency within your credit union. Directors can use a skills matrix to better direct the credit union based on existing competencies. For example, recommendations from management for a new hire are easily understood or denied based on existing personnel. Directors can also use a skills matrix to help facilitate project completion. Teams are assembled, categorized by competencies, then aligned with individuals. This session introduces a skills matrix. Directors will learn how a skills matrix is constructed and understand how it can empower today's and tomorrow's workforce.

Sit-Down Luncheon

Join us for lunch. Registered guests are welcome to attend.

Reshaping Retail Banking: Branches of the Future and the Impact on Your Future Success

Kevin Blair, President, NewGround

The financial services industry has changed forever. With a continuously increasing digital marketplace and a rapid decent in the need for physical branch locations, the future of branches has reached the tipping point. F financial service companies are competing for limited retail space for consumer s to visit. Banking has shifted to an era less focused on physical presence and location and more inclined toward convenience, ease, and technological advance.

Branches of the future bridge the gap between the dwindling need for physical branch space and the increased reliance on technology and digital banking by combining them into one universal, physical location. The new branches of the future design includes a redefinition of the traditional hub & spoke strategies that have been used for decades to include more relevant consumer focused options. The new retail distribution platform focuses on consumer convenience while enhancing the institution’s branding and core messaging. Universal branches dramatically improve the consumer experience while maintaining traditional banking needs from multiple retail platforms. With this new approach to the consumer experience, banking of the future won’t remain a distant idea; it’s the oncoming present. 

Session Highlights:

• Identify the design differences between financial institution branches of the past, present, and future

• Discuss the role of the branches of the future and what key features will be included

• Learn a new approach to the traditional hub and spoke model

• Define which demographics will benefit the most from certain branch types

• Discuss the technological specialties of the different branches of the future and how they can benefit consumers of all types

• Understand how you can apply the Branches of the Future concepts to your network

10 Must Do Initiative to Drive Your 2024 Strategy

Sundeep Kapur, Founder, Digital Credence

1. We must optimize the in-person experience – branch, contact center, back office. Members expect personalized relevance, a conversation with an expert, and speedy insightful transactions.

2. We must drive a deep digital transformation – from digital first to digital integration to digital only. Members’ and team members’ experiences need to be enhanced. We must support “channel hopping.”

3. We must simplify “money movement” – how much, to whom, by when. By providing safe, simple, and value-based transactions we will have an opportunity to grow our share of wallet beyond payments.

4. We must secure data, transactions, and infrastructure by creating an omni-channel shield; utilize MFA techniques leveraging biometrics, AI, and traditional authentication in a real-time environment.

5. We must leverage member insight by combing data with analytics including predictive analytics that will help us anticipate ideal “next best conversations.” To serve well, we must observe and know.

6. We must personalize financial solutions for the members we serve. Our members’ needs vary by stages of life and financial wellness; we must understand what each member needs to serve them well.

7. We must complement our people’s expertise with artificial intelligence. From authentication, to service, to decisioning – driving cognitive collaboration will enhance our ability to serve.

8. We must develop our people into empathetic, technically savvy, financial counsellors who can serve our members by understanding their needs and personalizing financial solutions towards financial goals.

9. We must strive towards a secure open technology infrastructure that will allow us to be agile and innovative in the deployment of technology as we serve our members’ and team members’ needs.

10. We must drive continuous improvement through effective journey mapping. We need to enhance how our members can attain financial solutions across the different channels that we offer.

This fast-paced impactful session will highlight trends, identify challenges, and inspire a strategy to help you drive success.

Daily Wrap-Up

Sit-Down Breakfast

Join us for a hearty sit-down breakfast. Registered guests are welcome to attend.

Opening Remarks

Micro-Loans:  Essential to Economic Equity in Small Businesses

Sheilah Montgomery, President, Proactive Impact, LLC

Promoting economic equity starts with assisting small business owners with access to capital.  Individuals, families, and communities benefit from local businesses serving their unique needs within walking distance or short rides from home.  These small business owners have the skill set to produce products and provide services that will help them contribute to the economic viability of the community in which they live.  Micro-loans bring much needed funding to help small businesses with affordable rates, reasonable payments and most importantly money to grow and sustain their business. Investment in a small business is an investment into the financial well-being of persons who have the resources but have often been overlooked.

Networking Refreshment Break 

Structure: The Business Model Evolution

Tom Glatt, Jr., Principal/Strategy Consultant, Glatt Consulting, LLC

Most credit unions today operate with the same business model and organizational structure that they operated with ten or even 20 years ago. While the practice may make leaders comfortable, an old business model will all but ensure lackluster innovation and barely-average performance.

In this session, Tom Glatt will walk you through a modern method for developing and visualizing your credit union's business model - and in the process inspire you to move from maintaining the status quo to building for a sustainable future. 

Conference Wrap-Up