On May 10-12, 450 attendees including 16 HYPE (Helping Young Professionals Engage) participants and over 90 exhibitors joined us in the Wisconsin Dells for the 2023 League Convention & Expo!
This year's Convention--with a focus on Culture & Climate--kicked off with opening remarks (and an opportunity to "Jump Around") from League President & CEO Brett Thompson, followed by a funny and inspiring keynote from Comedian & Network Television Host Ross Shafer. CUNA President & CEO Jim Nussle then took the stage before The League & Corporate Central Credit Union's annual meetings and a town hall where Brett Thompson and Corporate Central CEO Chris Felton discussed achievements and what's currently keeping them up at night about the industry. Thursday morning keynotes closed out with National Credit Union Foundation's Executive Director Gigi Hyland discussing the important of putting Financial Wellbeing for All into practice.
From there, attendees had their choice of over 16 breakout sessions and a new "Choose Your Own Educational Adventure" experience with various roundtables, certification series, and peer-to-peer meetups. Additionally, WILD (Wisconsin Ideation & Local Development) returned to Convention this year, with two teams presenting prototypes for better serving marginalized communities and better utilizing employee wellness programs. A closing keynote was given on leadership lessons by JP Enterprises CEO James Pogue, Ph.D.
Convention was far from all work and no play, too! An exciting social event was hosted each night--the Welcome Reception on Wednesday night, CUNA Mutual Group's Cocktail Lounge & Social on Thursday night, and a Farwell Badger Reception on Friday night featuring UW athletes Braelon Allen, Caroline Crawford, and Sydney Reed.
The legislative PAC for Wisconsin's credit unions--WCULAF--was well supported throughout Convention with over $20,000 raised! On Wednesday, May 10, WCULAF hosted a golf outing attended by 80 golfers (who again enjoyed unseasonably warm weather), a bowling event which attracted 45 bowlers, and a Silent Auction in the Expo Hall. These funds help support credit union-friendly candidates and legislators!
Besides funds for WCULAF, Convention goers supported credit union wellness and gave back to their communities. This year’s Foundation bucket raffle raised over $5,000 and featured experiential prizes like Brewers tickets, Summerfest tickets, a Southwest gift card, a trip to Destination Kohler, Wisconsin State Fair tickets, and much more. Outgoing Foundation Chair Kevin Hauser (WCCU) was also recognized for his years of service to the Board and was notified of his induction into the CU House Hall of Leaders during The Foundation Reception. Finally, attendees also supported our host city by donating & preparing 500 snack bags for Spring Hill Elementary!
View Highlight Reel!
Photos Now Available On Facebook!
Thank you to all who attended, and a very special thank you to our sponsors who made it all possible: