Embedded Files
Credit Union
Conference Details
Conference Details
Revitalize your spirit, refresh your skills and renew your dedication at CU Conferences' annual Credit Union Spring Training Conference. Held during two different weeks in March and in two invigorating & scenic locations.
And, you will have valuable networking time with fellow board of directors, board chairs, supervisory committee members, senior managers, marketing and business development managers and other credit union professionals from across the country.
Earn 10.8 CPE credits while attending this conference.
Conference Quick Links:
Registration & Hotel Information
Registration & Hotel Information
Conference Registration
Conference Registration
We offer an excellent educational return on your conference investment. Register early for greatest savings.
On or Before January 7, 2027: $1395
January 8, 2027 – February 11, 2027: $1445
February 12, 2027, and Beyond: $1495
Guest Program: $259
Guest Program
Guest Program
Our guest program enables your registered guest(s) to join you during the following conference events: ($259 additional per guest)
Thursday's Welcome Reception
Friday's Breakfast
Friday's Sit-Down Luncheon
Saturday's Breakfast
Hotel Reservation
Hotel Reservation
Call the Kimpton Miralina Resort & Villas* at (800) 832-2025 or Book Your Room Online. Be sure to mention CU Conferences to receive rates starting at $359. The daily resort fee (currently $38) is waived when you book through CU Conferences' room block.
Rates are based on availability. If you are unable to book a room, call CU Conferences at 888-465-6010 for assistance.
*Formerly Scottsdale Plaza Resort
Airport and Ground Transportation
Airport and Ground Transportation
Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) is approximately 30 minutes from the Scottsdale Plaza Resort. Self-parking at hotel is available at no additional cost.
**All rates listed are subject to change and are estimates. Please check rates with the ground transportation taxi and shuttle booth prior to departure.
Weather
Weather
The weather in Scottsdale during the month of March is rather pleasant. The average temperature reaches a high of about 80° during the day and 50° in the evenings. We suggest a light coat for the cooler evenings.
Speaker Information
Speaker Information
Peter Fugaro, CMB
President
Prymak LLC
Nicolette Lemmon, President,
LemmonTree Marketing Group
& Board Director, Arizona Central Credit Union
Tammy O'Hara, Executive Benefits Consultant
PARC Street Group
Rob Smith, VP & Regional Investment Director
LPL Financial
Agenda
Agenda
Thursday, March 18, 2027
Thursday, March 18, 2027
Schedule subject to change.
Registered guests are welcome during these (GP) credit union conference events.
Earn 10.8 CPE credits while attending this conference.
11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Conference Registration
Conference Registration
1:00 – 1:15 p.m.
1:00 – 1:15 p.m.
Opening Remarks
Opening Remarks
1:15 – 2:15 p.m.
1:15 – 2:15 p.m.
Evaluating Executive Service Providers: Recruiting, Compensation & Benefits
Evaluating Executive Service Providers: Recruiting, Compensation & Benefits
Tammy O'Hara
Executive Benefits Consultant
PARC Street Group
Executive recruiting doesn't end with the hire—it requires thoughtful due diligence across compensation, payroll, and executive benefits. This session explores how organizations can evaluate vendors, identify potential risks, and build a seamless, compliant executive experience from recruitment through ongoing rewards and benefits administration.
2:15 – 2:30 p.m.
2:15 – 2:30 p.m.
Networking and Refreshment Break
Networking and Refreshment Break
2:30 – 3:30 p.m.
2:30 – 3:30 p.m.
Attracting and Retaining Talent
Attracting and Retaining Talent
Rob Smith
VP & Regional Investment Director
LPL Financial
Rob Smith
VP & Regional Investment Director
LPL Financial
A non-traditional look at attracting and retaining the talent that will take your credit union into the future. We will discuss things outside of pure compensation that our next generation of leaders are incented by and how credit unions and organizations are adapting.
3:30 – 3:45 p.m.
3:30 – 3:45 p.m.
Daily Wrap Up
Daily Wrap Up
5:00 – 6:00 p.m. (GP)
5:00 – 6:00 p.m. (GP)
Welcome Reception
Welcome Reception
Join us for cocktails, light dining, and great conversation. Paid registered guests are welcome to attend.
CU Conferences is grateful for the support of its sponsor, PARC Street Group, and would like to thank them for sponsoring the reception.
Friday, March 19, 2027
Friday, March 19, 2027
8:00 – 9:00 a.m. (GP)
8:00 – 9:00 a.m. (GP)
Breakfast
Breakfast
Join us for a hearty breakfast. Paid Registered guests are welcome to attend.
9:00 – 9:15 a.m.
9:00 – 9:15 a.m.
Opening Remarks
Opening Remarks
9:15 – 10:15 a.m.
9:15 – 10:15 a.m.
Understanding Cyber Security and Protecting Member Data
Understanding Cyber Security and Protecting Member Data
Peter Fugaro, CMB
President
Prymak LLC
The ability for credit unions to use the cloud and online technologies creates the power to add new products, improve service for existing members and attract new membership. But online hacking, data breaches and identity theft are present in cyberspace and add risk to a credit union’s operation. This session is designed to present in a straightforward manner how credit union executives and board members can understand how the institution can take advantage of the web while limiting risks and protecting member data.
10:15 – 10:30 a.m.
10:15 – 10:30 a.m.
Networking and Refreshment Break
Networking and Refreshment Break
10:30 – 11:30 a.m.
10:30 – 11:30 a.m.
Sales & Service Culture – One in the Same?
Sales & Service Culture – One in the Same?
Rob Smith
VP & Regional Investment Director
LPL Financial
We will take a look at why the word sales has such a negative connotation and assess where your credit union lands on the sales / service culture continuum.
11:35 a.m. – 12:35 p.m.
11:35 a.m. – 12:35 p.m.
Discover Your Credit Union Story to Enhance Member Recruitment – Part I
Discover Your Credit Union Story to Enhance Member Recruitment – Part I
Nicolette Lemmon
President, LemmonTree Marketing Group
& Board Director, Arizona Central Credit Union
Technology has pushed the financial industry into new competitive arenas and given consumers more choices than ever before. The result has been the emergence of a new member dynamic because of the many options in the marketplace. This market demands the development of new strategies to meet the challenges of attracting and retaining members.
From the front line to the board of directors, your credit union can thrive when everyone takes on the role of cheerleader with personal stories.
Your Connection – Why did you join your credit union and what services have you used? The idea is that personal stories are among the credit union's most powerful branding tools.
Your Personal Values – What values are important to you that may also be a trigger for someone new to join? When a staff person, management team member, or board member can confidently explain why they serve and why the credit union matters, they become credible ambassadors who reinforce the organization's mission every time they speak in the community.
Your Member Experience – To personalize the credit union to members as a trusted financial partner, can you share a couple good experiences you have had? Facts and financial products inform people, but authentic experiences inspire trust.
Nicolette will lead the group in fun exercises to help attendees build their own story that others can relate to in choosing a financial services provider. Plus, the group will explore how to share their stories on social media, in volunteer opportunities, during special events and more.
Ultimately, the session is about discovering personal credit union stories to contribute to your credit union’s success. Attendees will be reminded of the benefits and processes of how staff, management and board can easily discuss why others can choose the credit union as a financial services partner.
12:35 – 1:35 p.m. (GP)
12:35 – 1:35 p.m. (GP)
Group Luncheon
Group Luncheon
Join us for lunch. Registered guests are welcome to attend.
1:35 – 2:35 p.m.
1:35 – 2:35 p.m.
Discover Your CU Story to Enhance Member Recruitment – Part II
Discover Your CU Story to Enhance Member Recruitment – Part II
Nicolette Lemmon
President, LemmonTree Marketing Group
& Board Director, Arizona Central Credit Union
Join Nicolette after lunch for the continuation of her presentation.
2:40 – 3:40 p.m.
2:40 – 3:40 p.m.
Understanding Fintech’s Use of AI and How You Can Easily Use It
Understanding Fintech’s Use of AI and How You Can Easily Use It
Peter Fugaro, CMB
President
Prymak LLC
Artificial intelligence and machine learning have become some of the most talked-about topics in financial services. But what exactly is AI? How are fintech companies using it to improve credit union operations? What guidance are regulators providing? And how can leaders safely and effectively take advantage of these emerging capabilities? This session will cut through the buzzwords and explain AI in practical, business-friendly terms.
We’ll explore what AI is — and what it is not — while sharing real-world examples of how credit unions and fintech platforms are applying AI to enhance efficiency, member experience, risk management, and decision-making. We’ll also discuss why boards and executives need to begin establishing governance, policy, and oversight frameworks to ensure responsible use of AI across their organizations. Finally, attendees will receive a brief, hands-on introduction to everyday AI tools such as Copilot, Gemini, and ChatGPT, with simple examples showing how these platforms can improve productivity in day-to-day life.
3:40 – 3:45 p.m.
3:40 – 3:45 p.m.
Daily Wrap-Up
Daily Wrap-Up
Saturday, March 20, 2027
Saturday, March 20, 2027
8:00 – 9:00 a.m. (GP)
8:00 – 9:00 a.m. (GP)
Breakfast
Breakfast
Join us for a hearty sit-down breakfast. Registered guests are welcome to attend.
9:00 – 9:15 a.m.
9:00 – 9:15 a.m.
Opening Remarks
Opening Remarks
9:15 – 10:15 a.m.
9:15 – 10:15 a.m.
Wealth Management – Is It Right For Your Credit Union?
Wealth Management – Is It Right For Your Credit Union?
Rob Smith
VP & Regional Investment Director
LPL Financial
Rob Smith
VP & Regional Investment Director
LPL Financial
We will discuss the great wealth transfer and how credit unions can potentially attract and retain members and stay competitive in an ever-consolidating financial environment. We will look at how wealth programs are structured and pros and cons of each. At the end of the session you will have questions to go back and challenge your team with to determine next steps for your organization.
10:15 – 10:30 a.m.
10:15 – 10:30 a.m.
Networking and Refreshment Break
Networking and Refreshment Break
10:30 – 11:30 a.m.
10:30 – 11:30 a.m.
Digital Transformation and Strategy for Credit Unions
Digital Transformation and Strategy for Credit Unions
Peter Fugaro, CMB
President
Prymak LLC
Technology and digital innovations continue to improve both our personal and business lives. What is Digital Transformation? How should my credit union develop a digital focused strategy? Peter will break this down so board members and executives can help their IT leadership navigate the right path. Also, during this session, you will learn about the latest digital tools and technology trends in financial services to help enhance productivity, efficiency and create a simpler yet robust online experience for your members.
11:30 – 11:45 a.m.
11:30 – 11:45 a.m.
Conference Wrap-Up
Conference Wrap-Up
Sunday, March 21, 2027
Sunday, March 21, 2027
Travel Day - Have a Safe Trip Home!
Register Early and Save!
Register Early and Save!
Report abuse