ECUC Vegas

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.

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

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.

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.

Consumers are changing the game, and credit unions need to keep up to stay relevant! Join us as we unpack five big trends reshaping what members expect—from homeownership and side hustles to financial freedom. Discover how aligning with these trends can boost member loyalty, attract new audiences, and future-proof your credit union. Get ready to spark fresh ideas and strategies because it’s time to align—or risk falling behind!"

Consumer credit has seen tremendous upheaval in the aftermath of the pandemic, with many traditional trends and norms seemingly altered or even reversed. A growing number of consumers are struggling, but many resilient borrowers can be found in surprising places using the right insights. Lenders trying to understand current market conditions and plan for the future no longer have the luxury of looking at just their own portfolios, or at single lines of business for insights.

To compete and grow while maintaining profitability, lenders must have a perspective of the entire consumer credit market – an industry point of view – to identify both risks and opportunities. In this session, credit industry expert Charlie Wise from TransUnion will share an overview of key market trends and provide an in-depth look at the consumer wallet, to provide critical strategic insights and separate facts from myths around the health of the US consumer.

This session provides a unique look at the economy with valuable insights for directors, CEOs, lenders. marketers and financial educators at your credit union.

More Q&A than Presentation... In this session tech, financial services and credit union expert Samantha Paxson opens up the floor to hear what education-focused credit union leaders are asking, and to give her best insight on how your credit union can successfully embrace tech while keeping it human.

Founded, designed, and nurtured by Paxson, for over 16 years CO-OP THINK has served as the premier thought leadership and growth strategy platform bringing relevant change to the credit union industry. A true human-centered market shaper, Paxson brings this same fire, vision, and influence from THINK and her deep C-suite experience to all businesses that she touches. From uncovering and activating new growth opportunities for fintechs and community-focused FIs to leading and consulting a variety of non-profit boards and advisories.

In this session Paxson will discuss...
- How AI can be integrated into credit unions while maintaining trust and transparency with member
- Strategies for using AI to tailor services and improve member satisfaction
- Emerging AI technologies and their potential to revolutionize member engagement strategies

Sharpen your communication skills in just 90 minutes during our last session in Vegas, filled with audience engagement,  interaction and laughs.  

Through a series of interactive challenges, learn to: Ditch filler words and weak phrases. Learn the top culprits and how to purge them. Harness confident body language and read what other people are “saying.” Listen to retain. Take the temperature of your tone.

The ROI is smoother communication, relationships strengthened, misunderstandings prevented, deals closed and a stronger perception of confidence shaped.

What Happens in Vegas...take these skills home !