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March 19 - 22, 2026| TradeWinds Island Grand Resort |
Revitalize your spirit, refresh your skills and renew your dedication at CU Conferencesʼ 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 the best conference rates!
On or Before January 8, 2026: $1395
January 9, 2026 – February 12, 2026: $1445
February 13, 2026, 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 TradeWinds Island Grand Resort at (800) 808-9833. Be sure to mention CU Conferences' Spring Training 2026 to receive special rates starting at $344.
Rates are based on availability. If you are unable to book a room, call CU Conferences at 888-465-6010 for assistance.
New Restaurants Now Open!
Experience the newly opened coastal American bistro and bar that provides an upscale, yet casual atmosphere. Delight in all-day dining with a diverse selection of food and drinks. Enjoy both indoor and outdoor seating options with scenic views, complemented by an impressive craft cocktail selection.
The Hall - Perfect for When You're "On The Go"
Coastal Pizza: A casual spot to enjoy a classic or specialty pizza, perfect for any relaxed meal with family or friends.
Sunshine Ground N' Goods: The perfect way to start the day. Savor freshly brewed Kahwa coffee and handcrafted pastries or grab a tasty sandwich, salad, or cold beverage.
Ice Cream Shop & Candy Bar: Treat yourself to sweet creamy goodness. Indulge in handcrafted ice cream made with rich, local ingredients.
A casual taqueria and tequila bar featuring a vibrant ambiance and ample seating. Revel in the high-energy, bar-centric vibe with handcrafted food and an exceptional tequila selection, all in a unique beachside setting. Open for lunch and dinner
And of course... Palm Court Italian
Experience Palm Court Italian, where classic red-sauce American Italian cuisine and fine wine come together in a relaxed ambiance for a welcoming dining experience. Their menu is perfect for large parties and sharing, making every meal a memorable gathering of friends and family. Savor perfectly grilled meats and seafood, alongside expertly prepared classic pasta dishes. Each dish is crafted with the finest ingredients, delivering a taste that is both authentic and delicious. With their extensive wine list, you'll find the perfect pairing for every dish. The beautiful outdoor patio is ideal for al fresco dining, offering a charming courtyard and starry night views.
This charming eatery is a favorite among locals and visitors alike, regularly ranking as one of the top restaurants in St. Pete Beach.
And also... RumFish Grill at their Sister Property, RumFish, a block away!
Don't miss the extraordinary RumFish Grill - the ultimate marine dining experience. Here you'll dine on sustainable seafood in an under-the-sea atmosphere which features a 33,500-gallon aquarium featured on Animal Planet's “Tanked” TV show!
Airport and Ground Transportation
Airport and Ground Transportation
Tampa International Airport (TPA) and St. Petersburg-Clearwater International Airport (PIE) are both 40 minutes from the Tradewinds Island Grand Resort
Bats Taxi is approx. $54 from the airport to the hotel
**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 St. Petersburg during the month of March is downright nice. That may be why so many major league baseball teams call the area home during spring training. The average temperature reaches a high of about 76° during the day and 63° in the evenings.
Speaker Information
Speaker Information
Bill Farley, Principal/CEO
aCUmen America, LLC
Tammy O'Hara, Executive Benefits Consultant
PARC Street Group
Deron Rossi, President
DJR Consulting
Conference Agenda
Conference Agenda
Schedule subject to change.
Registered guests are welcome during these (GP) credit union conference events.
Earn 10.8 CPE credits while attending this conference.
Thursday, March 19, 2026
Thursday, March 19, 2026
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.
U.S. Economic Outlook & Its Impact on CUs
U.S. Economic Outlook & Its Impact on CUs
Bill Farley
Principal/CEO
aCUmen America, LLC
GDP, Interest Rates, Unemployment, Housing, Inflation, Recession…all of these are top of mind when navigating our credit unions into the future. More than ever, as credit union leaders we must solve for how we maintain safety and stability, execute strategy, and help members help themselves. We’ll review key economic indicators as well as an analysis of the credit union marketplace to help you make better strategic decisions through 2026 and beyond.
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.
Succession Planning – it is the Rule Now. Are you Ready?
Succession Planning – it is the Rule Now. Are you Ready?
Deron Rossi
President
DJR Consulting
Leadership transitions are no longer optional—they’re mandated. The National Credit Union Administration (NCUA) now requires federally insured credit unions to develop and maintain written succession plans for key roles. This session will unpack the rule, explore its implications, and provide actionable strategies to help your credit union stay compliant and future ready.
What You’ll Learn:
The core requirements of the NCUA succession planning rule
How to identify and prepare for critical leadership roles
Real-world case studies of successful and failed transitions
Budgeting and board engagement best practices
Tools to assess your credit union’s readiness
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 20, 2026
Friday, March 20, 2026
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.
Best of the Best
Best of the Best
Bill Farley
Principal/CEO
aCUmen America, LLC
The responsibilities of leadership today have never been so important or complicated while at the same time, never so challenged. In the Leadership Challenge we have an enlightening exploration into the 5 most important characteristics for today’s most successful leaders.
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.
Questions You Should be Asking Management
Questions You Should be Asking Management
Deron Rossi
President
DJR Consulting
Boards today have evolved to being more strategic, and modern governance states that is the best practice. Boards need to migrate from oversight to insight. Why this matters:
Rapid Change in the Credit Union Landscape: Member expectations are rising and fintech disruptions are accelerating. Boards face a fast-changing environment where strategic leadership is more critical than ever.
Boards as Strategic Partners: To guide credit unions through change, boards must go beyond basic oversight. Visionary boards act as agile strategic partners, helping lead their institutions toward future success.
The Power of Asking the Right Questions: Great governance isn’t about having all the answers – it’s about asking insightful questions. “Knowing the right things to ask is a key governance skill,” and questions should drive boardroom conversations. This presentation will show how asking the key strategic questions can transform routine oversight into visionary leadership.
11:35 a.m. – 12:35 p.m.
11:35 a.m. – 12:35 p.m.
The 3 Rs Just Aren’t for School. When it comes to Your Credit Union it Means Recruiting, Retaining and Rewarding Key Executives – Part I
The 3 Rs Just Aren’t for School. When it comes to Your Credit Union it Means Recruiting, Retaining and Rewarding Key Executives – Part I
Tammy O'Hara
Executive Benefits Consultant
PARC Street Group
Join Tammy as she highlights the best practices for identifying and securing leaders who align with your mission and values, as well as touching on how to develop a compensation package that helps attract and recruit top talent.
12:35 – 1:35 p.m. (GP)
12:35 – 1:35 p.m. (GP)
Group Luncheon
Group Luncheon
Join us for lunch. Paid registered guests are welcome to attend.
1:35 – 2:35 p.m.
1:35 – 2:35 p.m.
The 3 Rs Just Aren’t for School. When it comes to Your Credit Union it Means Recruiting, Retaining and Rewarding Key Executives – Part II
The 3 Rs Just Aren’t for School. When it comes to Your Credit Union it Means Recruiting, Retaining and Rewarding Key Executives – Part II
Tammy O'Hara
Executive Benefits Consultant
PARC Street Group
During the second part of her presentation, Tammy will address additional compensation structures and retirement plans that are designed to retain and reward the executives you’ve put in place. These practices play a key part in succession planning.
2:40 – 3:40 p.m.
2:40 – 3:40 p.m.
Blind-Sided Risks
Blind-Sided Risks
Bill Farley
Principal/CEO
aCUmen America, LLC
From insurance, to policies and procedures, to disaster recovery manuals, credit unions can identify and manage most risks. Unfortunately, risk is a moving target. In this session we will review two unconventional risks and how to mitigate them effectively.
3:40 – 3:45 p.m.
3:40 – 3:45 p.m.
Daily Wrap-Up
Daily Wrap-Up
Saturday, March 21, 2026
Saturday, March 21, 2026
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.
Fraud and Internal Controls – Who is Watching for This?
Fraud and Internal Controls – Who is Watching for This?
Deron Rossi
President
DJR Consulting
In today’s rapidly evolving financial landscape, fraud is becoming increasingly sophisticated, posing serious threats to credit unions of all sizes. This presentation explores the critical role of internal controls in detecting, preventing, and responding to fraudulent activity. Attendees will gain insights into the types of internal fraud most commonly targeting credit unions.
We’ll examine real-world case studies, discuss red flags and warning signs, and highlight the importance of a strong control environment. The session will also address the responsibilities of staff, management, and auditors in maintaining vigilance and accountability. Most importantly, we’ll answer the question: Who is watching for this? —emphasizing the shared responsibility across all levels of the organization to safeguard member assets and institutional integrity. EVERYONE plays a role!
Whether you're on the supervisory committee, management, or the board, this presentation will equip you with practical strategies to strengthen your fraud defenses and foster a culture of transparency and trust.
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.
Who Are These People?
Who Are These People?
Bill Farley
Principal/CEO
aCUmen America, LLC
Consider the average age of your credit union membership and if it is like most, it’s aging rapidly. In this session we will learn more about the next generation of credit union members and how to attract and retain them.
11:30 – 11:45 a.m.
11:30 – 11:45 a.m.
Conference Wrap-Up
Conference Wrap-Up
Sunday, March 22, 2026
Sunday, March 22, 2026
Travel Day - Have a Safe Trip Home!
Travel Day - Have a Safe Trip Home!
Register Early and Save!
Register Early and Save!
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