Conferences are one of the best educational opportunities for credit union executives to stay on top of changing regulations, collaborate with other credit unions and check out the latest advancements in technology. Training conferences are vital to leaders in this industry and we want to ensure our clients and CU colleagues have access to relevant information to decide which conferences are not to be missed. Here are our ratings and reviews of the top credit union training conferences. We hope they will help guide your decision on which ones to attend:
1. Annual League Meetings: 4-5 Star Rating - Thousands of credit union professionals attend their annual league meetings, training and events each year across the US. With relevant topics and locations that won't break your travel budget, these are highly recommended for credit union management to receive training as well as network with other area credit unions in their area. Unlike banks, credit unions thrive in a collaborative environment and are more willing to share best practices with each other.
Convenience - 5 Stars
Networking - 5 Stars
"Whether you are in California, New York, Ohio, Texas, or somewhere in between, the annual league meetings always work to deliver actionable insights to its attendees. Some of the best I have attended in California really bring together the sense of community that is behind the CU philosophy." - Brandon Bushman, FLEX Regional Sales Manager, California Region.
2. CUNA GAC in Washington DC: 5 Star Rating - Nearly 5,000 people attend the Credit Union National (CUNA) Governmental Affairs Conference (GAC). Of the 5,000 attendees, 954 credit unions are represented.
Location - 5 Stars
Keynote Speakers - 5 Stars
"Not only did we have the opportunity to network in our nation's capital, the conference was home to some of the best key note speakers I've ever had the chance to hear in our industry. After attending the conference I'm confident that all attendees obtained the skills to avoid the increasing threat of cyber attacks and better serve their members. Washington DC was the perfect location for team bonding after conference hours, and we visited 3 local treasures for each meal, that the foody in me handpicked from the time I lived there." - Preston Packer, FLEX Director of Sales and Marketing
3. Directors & CEOs Leadership Convention in LV, Nevada: 5 Star Rating - The convention will be celebrating its 40th year in 2017. This conference is specially designed for CEO's, board chairs, directors, supervisory committee members and senior managers.
Experience - 5 Stars
Industry Knowledge - 5 Stars
"This leadership convention has been leading the industry for years because of the quality of CU knowledge CEO's and directors can obtain from these 4 jam-packed days. CU's that attend this convention with their board receive major benefits because of the critical strategies discussed and take-home tools they receive. Additionally, I've never been disappointed with the experience and entertainment this convention provides to the industry leaders." - Joe Shelby, FLEX Regional Sales Manager, Mountain Region
4. Core System User Conference: 5 Star Rating - Core data processing is at the heart of credit union operations and is typically the second largest expense CUs have next to payroll. Credit union core processors offer user conferences with the primary objective of providing an educational and informative environment that will enhance credit union's use of the system.
Networking - 5 Stars
Technical Knowledge - 5 Stars
"FLEX is unique in that we offer a national user conference and 3 regional conferences alternating every other year. The best core won't do you any good unless you know how to leverage its power. Credit union core systems are always changing and evolving, making it vital to stay up-to-date with the technology credit unions offer their members. These events provide a great opportunity to network with each other and be informed of the new products and features without the pressure of a sales environment." - Sean Holcomb, FLEX COO.
As you enter the budgeting stages of the year for 2018, consider the value these conferences will bring to your management team. If you ever need further advice, our sales team is very familiar with just about every conference and training program made available, as we feel it's important to understand the challenges CU executives face in the industry and realize the benefit of face-to-face time. Feel free to reach out and ask!
