ECUC Vegas

Join our fast paced introductions of Exhibitors during the Exhibitor's Showcase with $50 Cash Drawing. 

National Author & Keynote Speaker Andy Masters opens our conference with research and best practices from his award winning book Kiss Your Customer. Andy will provide key insights from his experience, having presented to over 250 colleges across the U.S. and Canada, and as keynote speaker for many primary/secondary education conferences.

Andy will help us greater understand our current and potential education members, outlining both new challenges and opportunities. He will also illustrate how to foster a “positive service culture” with education SEGs; an opportunity for you to create a transformation in your credit union - from doing a job - to creating a bond with education administrators, staff, faculty, and students.

Learning Objectives:
Understand the growth phases of business and member relationships; how to transform your work from doing a job to creating a bond; learn what students and educators are challenged with today so you can identify how your credit union can connect and support each.

We've invited John Felton, CEO of Southern Chautauqua FCU and Jim Casini, Community Development Officer back after rave reviews following their presentation in 2024 in Nashville.  During this session they will delve deeper into their strategic member process to capture opportunities to serve each individual member, beginning with signing the member and through the important 'honeymoon phase'.   John and Jim will share their proven tactics to develop a sincere trusted relationship with every member which grows with every interaction and touchpoint, both in person and in digital.   The importance of removing friction for members, the critical role of staff, and management fostering a unique culture found at this small but mighty credit union.

John will share their template for success on how ROA happens naturally at his credit union by striving to meet the needs of members and engaging staff... Every Member, Every Time!
   

Creating internal talent mobility requires commitment of time, effort, resources, and oversight. Learn how your credit union can leverage internal talent mobility best practices to comply with upcoming NCUA updates around succession planning and more. In this session, we’ll discuss how to get your internal talent efforts to pay off with an engaged, adaptable, and loyal  workforce.

Join Curt Long, Head of Emerging Issues and Deputy Chief Economist at America's Credit Unions, for a comprehensive economic update as we approach 2025 and what looks like massive political shifts. This session will explore the latest economic trends, regulatory developments, and market dynamics that could impact the financial landscape this year and beyond. Gain valuable insights to guide your strategic planning, manage risk, and seize opportunities in a rapidly changing environment as Curt addresses:  

• The Economic Outlook
• Interest Rate Forecast
• Credit Union Industry Trends
• Data Driven Advocacy

Private Lunch reserved for CEOs with special invite to ECUC Business Partners and Gold Sponsors wishing to attend.  

Network with your peers and visit exhibit booths over lunch.  Registered Guests are welcome to enjoy lunch in the ballroom.  

In an era where digital engagement defines member loyalty and shapes how potential members perceive you, your credit union’s brand isn’t just a logo—it’s your strongest competitive advantage. A well-executed brand strategy drives checking account growth, organic loan expansion, and membership acquisition, making it a fundamental pillar of long-term success.

This session unpacks the secrets to building a resilient, high-tech brand that not only attracts and retains members but also differentiates your institution in an increasingly crowded financial landscape. We’ll explore the intersection of brand identity, digital storytelling, and strategic positioning, with a focus on education-focused credit unions. More than just ideas, this session is about execution—you’ll walk away with clear strategies, practical implementation plans, and real-world tactics that you can put to work the moment you return to your credit union.

The Current State of Private Student Loans - 2025
The private student loan market plays a critical, though comparatively smaller, role in U.S. higher education financing, complementing federal student aid. As of early 2025, the private student loan market is estimated at $146 billion, representing around 8% of the total student loan market.

This session will provide an insider view of the private student loan industry. We will explore the ripple effects of the following topics, which could reshape how private lenders operate, address capacity, market products, and manage credit access.

1. Market Landscape
2. Legislative Developments: CCRA
3. Borrower Credit Profiles & Challenges
4. Borrower Behavior
5. Fraud & Risk: Synthetic Identity Fraud

(This session has been updated to provide attendees with the latest given the rapidly changing student lending industry.  Bill Ayers of College Ave will incorporate some of the key points outlined in the original session topic - retaining members after college and the importance of a strategic student loan program.  He will also be available at the College Ave Booth to discuss the topic deeper.) 

As the financial landscape evolves, so too must the role of credit union boards in ensuring organizational success. This session will delve into the best practices, strategies, and emerging trends in credit union board governance for 2025. Attendees will explore key topics such as:

• The Evolution of Governance: Understanding the shifting responsibilities of board members in an increasingly complex regulatory and financial environment.
• Serving Members & the Community: Understanding the credit union membership and their changing financial service needs; continually assessing how the credit union is fulfilling the mission of serving members and the community.
• Risk Management and Oversight: The essential role of the board in overseeing risk management strategies in a world of digital transformation and cybersecurity challenges.
• Board Development and Succession Planning: Strategies for nurturing the next generation of credit union leaders and ensuring board effectiveness through thoughtful succession planning.
• Technology and Innovation: Embracing the role of technology in board operations, from virtual meetings to using data for decision-making.

This session will provide board members, executives, and governance professionals with practical tools, thought leadership, and actionable insights to optimize board effectiveness and drive credit union success in 2025 and beyond.

Regulation isn’t just a compliance issue—it’s a strategic challenge that affects every facet of your credit union’s future. As the regulatory landscape continues to shift, credit unions must not only adapt to new rules but also proactively insulate themselves from uncertainty.

This dynamic, peer-driven discussion will break down the latest updates from the NCUA, CFPB, and other key regulatory bodies, with a specific focus on succession planning, non-interest income, and emerging regulatory trends that are reshaping the industry. But this session goes beyond just reporting the latest changes—we’ll focus on practical solutions that empower you to navigate complexity, mitigate risk, and stay ahead of the fray. Walk away with actionable strategies to fortify your institution against the ever-changing regulatory winds.