Our "a little different, a little UNconventional" Virtual Convention & Expo this September 7-10 will feature a variety of high-profile, industry-leading speakers from across the country. We recently checked in with a few League staff members to see who they're excited to hear from:
Joe Sullivan’s two presentations at this year’s Convention are both related to human-behavior; an always fascinating topic! Since we’ve all been affected by the past 18-months, how we act, interact, spend, and save has, too. I can’t wait to hear Joe address consumer attitudes and how the resulting behaviors will impact credit unions (and my finances). Joe will also discuss the need to embrace technology without forgetting the needs of the humans who use it. Both of these concepts, in Joe’s dynamic presentation style, get right to the top priority of our credit unions – understanding their members to serve them better. - Jenny Klamm, Meeting & Event Manager
Cryptocurrency feels like a secret club that might be make-believe with terms like HODL, Whale, Moon, and Lambo. James Carroll’s breakout session “Cryptocurrency & the Blockchain: Digital Dollars or Counterfeit Currency” sounds like an exciting opportunity to demystify this currency and find out what kind of impact it might have as it becomes more mainstream and more widely accepted. - Missy Dickson, Office Manager
I look forward to FBI Special Agent Byron Franz's presentation on "Protecting Wisconsin from the Cyber Threat." He is a Wisconsin native and will draw on some Wisconsin incidents. He will talk about what we can do about spearfishing, protecting our mobile devices, VPNs, ransomware, ad more. His presentation will help our credit unions, our personal lives, and our national security. - John Engel, Director of Legal Affairs
I am looking forward to “The Next Big Thing in Data Analytics” session, presented by Emily Engstrom from AdvantEdge Digital. Data and analytics are critical for success as they can help credit unions drive member acquisition, engagement, retention, and so much more. Knowledge is power. It’s important to know what data to collect and how to use it. AdvantEdge Digital has helped credit unions leverage their data to grow and compete, and they are leaders in offering data-driven solutions for credit unions. I am excited to hear about what’s new with data analytics and how these trends can help our credit unions with their digital strategies. - Tara Krejcarek, Senior Vice President of Strategic Partnerships
So many credit union professionals hear economic reports that are dry and boring, and put the listener to sleep. That is not the case with Steve Rick from CUNA Mutual Group! Steve has a knack for discussing economic trends that make sense, for credit unions of all sizes. Not only does the information that Steve shares make sense and have a practical application for credit unions, but he’s also an economist in The Credit Union Movement. I have had the pleasure of hearing from Steve many times and I learn something new every time. I hope you tune into his session at this year’s Unconventional Convention and learn something new, too! - Josh Roberts, Vice President of System Collaboration & Development
If you were anything like me, over the last year you were (safely, amid a pandemic) sitting on your couch lamenting what you would otherwise be doing – what you COULD be doing. I am bringing a renewed enthusiasm for living my best life when I tune into Ben Nemtin’s keynote, Make the Impossible Possible. You and every member that walks into your credit union has a bucket list, written down or as a half-developed thought in their mind. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn how to turn even farfetched dreams into reality and bolster your people-helping-people culture.- Sarah Wainscott, Senior Vice President of Advocacy
Check out a full list of speakers here!
Our UNconventional Convention is made possible by the generous support of our premier sponsors, CUNA Mutual Group, Corporate Central Credit Union, Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago, and LaMacchia Group.