The 2026 Credit Union Conference Where Leaders Spark Growth & Innovation

The Best Credit Union Conference in 2026. Register Today!

  • 00Days
  • 00Hours
  • 00Minutes
  • 00Seconds

Real Dialogue. Real Strategies. A Credit Union Conference That Delivers

The 2026 CU Growth & Innovation Summit is the credit union conference where leaders come to participate, not just listen.

Designed exclusively for credit union executives, technology leaders, and strategic partners, this standout among credit union events replaces traditional presentations with peer-driven dialogue. The agenda is built around interactive sessions and expert-led panels where today’s challenges are unpacked and tomorrow’s strategies are exchanged.

You won’t find boring presentations here. Instead, you’ll engage in dynamic, solutions-focused conversations around growth, digital transformation, and member-centric innovation tailored to credit unions of every size. Whether you’re modernizing your tech stack, reimagining member experiences, or expanding your service model, you’ll leave with actionable insights and a powerful network to support your next strategic move.

Executives speaking during a panel on credit union innovation
Small group peer session focused on CU growth strategies

Featured Speakers

Aanand Kapadia CUGI Speaker

Aanand Kapadia

CMO at MarketGenius

Dan Carmody, President of Converge Events

Dan Carmody

President, Converge Events

Nathan Grossenbach, CEO of Shoreline Credit Union

Nathan Grossenbach

CEO, Shoreline Credit Union

Cris Mattoon, Chief Risk & Compliance Officer at Michigan First Credit Union

Cris Matoon

Chief Risk & Compliance Officer, Michigan First Credit Union

Key Topics on the 2026 Conference Agenda

Strategic Conversations That Are Reshaping the Credit Union Landscape

Creating Frictionless Member Journeys

Hear real-world strategies for building unified experiences across digital, branch, and call center channels that strengthen loyalty and retention.

Lending Analytics that Drive Growth

Explore how leading CUs are using data to uncover new lending opportunities, assess performance, and refine credit strategies in real time.

Staying Ahead of Regulation Risk

Learn how forward-looking compliance teams are managing regulatory complexity and preparing for new examiner scrutiny and enforcement trends.

M&A Trends: Growth or Identity Risk?

Engage in high-level conversations during a private networking reception and formal meal.

Lending in a Risk-Averse Economy

Examine what’s working in consumer and business lending today, with a focus on sustainable growth and portfolio performance.

Redefining the CU Value Proposition

Discover how credit unions are evolving their brands and positioning to stay relevant and competitive in the financial landscape of 2026.

Scaling Business Banking Effectively

Understand how mergers are reshaping the CU space—and how to navigate cultural fit, brand preservation, and long-term strategic alignment.

AI 2.0: From Automation to Insight

Learn how credit unions are moving beyond simple automation to use AI for predictive insights and member engagement at scale.

Event Registration Information

What's Include with Registration

Admission on February 9th - 11th
Zero Boring Presentations
Opening Reception with Refreshments and Appetizers
Scheduled Networking Events with Refreshments
Keynote Panel Discussions
Peer-to-Peer Executive Roundtables
Admission to the CUGI Award Ceremony
Exhibit Hall with Leading Solution Providers
Access to the Networking Lounge
Access to the Work Lounge
Lunch Buffet on February 11th
Use of the CUGI Event App
Onsite Help Desk & Staff Support
Coffee all day!
...and more!

Small Credit Union Practioner

Less Than $100 Million T.A.
$595
$ 495
  • No Risk Registation
  • Fully Refundable Until December 1, 2025
Early Bird

Credit Union Practitioner

More than $100 Million T.A.
$745
$ 595
  • No Risk Registration
  • Fully Refundable Until December 1, 2025
Early Bird

Solution Provider / Vendor

Organzations that Sell to CUs
$1295
$ 1,095
  • No Risk Registration
  • Fully Refundable Until December 1, 2025
Early Bird

Non-Profit / Government

Special Discounted Rate
$ 595
  • No Risk Registration
  • Fully Refundable Until December 1, 2025

Upgrade to the VIP Experience During Registration

Exclusive VIP dinner on February 10th featuring a private cocktail hour and formal seated dinner with fellow senior executives, speakers and sponsors
VIP badge & printed briefing pack which includes a VIP ribbon, a printed agenda, WiFi login instructions and more
Complimentary Conference WiFi
Access to the VIP lounge, a private space stocked with refreshments and snacks throughout the day
Early on-site registration on February 9th
Reserved seating in the front rows for all keynote and general sessions
Pre-event VIP orientation Zoom meeting to answer any event questions

A Credit Union Conference Worth Talking About...

Meggan Schwirtz
Meggan Schwirtz
Chief Experience Officer - St. Cloud Financial Credit Union
A great first day at the CU Growth & Innovation Summit in Illinois! A great panel to end the day on AI & Automation in Lending led by Michael F Abernathy, Jr., Jason Tilley, Jack Chawla, and St. Cloud Financial Credit Union’s very own CLO Chase Larson. Thank you to all the vendors and sponsors for being here! Appreciate all the conversations I’ve had so far, and looking forward to tomorrow!
Ryan McEleney
Ryan McEleney
Chief People & Culture Officer - American Eagle Financial Credit Union
Headed home from the inaugural CU Growth & Innovation Summit with… 💡 Deepened perspective in key areas ⏭️ Actionable practices for AEFCU ❤️ More confidence that the CU Movement is in good hands given the brilliant, passionate, and talented leaders I met - including fellow panelists Jack Chawla, Matt Monge, Meggan Schwirtz, and Michael Ogden.
Michael Ogden
Michael Ogden
Editor-in-Chief - Credit Union Times
It’s always so great to get out and speak with dedicated & extremely smart credit union leaders. Thank you CU Growth & Innovation Summit for having me join Meggan Schwirtz, Tim Boike, Ryan McEleney, Matt Monge, Jack Chawla, Jason Tilley, & Chase Larson for some deeply important conversations.
Matt Monge
Matt Monge
Chief Experience Officer
Jason Tilley has talked about both Plato's Cave Allegory and Systems Thinking in this CU Growth & Innovation Summit session. This. Is. Awesome.
Karla Fernandez Parker
Karla Fernandez Parker
Managing Director - Sensis
Great insights at the 2025 Credit Union Growth & Innovation Summit in Chicago. Really like the format of break out sessions vs. PowerPoint talks! Tackling depth of training frontline staff on financial wellness, small business credit score mentorship programs, and appealing to Gen Z as the new customer base.
Hours of Strategic Networking
0 +
Interactive Sessions
0 +
Industry Expert Speakers
0 +
CU Industry Executives
0 +

Time Well Spent

Every Session Designed for Impact

0 Hours of Boring Presentations

Every session is built for engagement – no lectures or sales pitches, just strategic conversations.

8+ Hours of Peer-to-Peer Strategy Sessions

Engage in authentic, unscripted discussions on lending, AI, compliance, and growth — no slides, just solutions.

4.5+ Hours of Expert-Led Panel Discussions

Gain a competitive edge from curated panels tackling today’s most pressing challenges.

5+ Hours of Strategic Networking

Connect through curated experiences designed for high-impact, strategic networking.

12+ Hours of Exhibit Hall Access to Discover New Solution Providers

Explore cutting-edge solutions from leading technology providers and trusted innovation partners.

3+ Hours of VIP-Only Dialogue & Dining

Engage in high-level conversations during a private networking reception and formal meal.

Connect. Engage. Learn.

Great Executive Networking

Great Executive Networking

Connect with credit union leaders, innovators, and solution providers through curated networking events designed to spark collaboration, deepen industry relationships, and inspire growth-focused conversations.

Industry Panel Discussions

Industry Panel Discussions

Engage in expert-led panel discussions where industry pioneers share strategic insights, real-world case studies, and forward-thinking solutions to the most pressing challenges in the credit union space.

Expert Led Conversations

Expert Led Conversations

Participate in interactive peer-to-peer sessions that foster candid, executive-level conversations around shared challenges, bold ideas, innovative strategies, and practical solutions tailored to sustainable credit union growth.

The CU Growth & Innovation Summit Red Carpet

Jack Chawla and Connor Tollus on red carpet at CU Growth Summit
Meggan Schwirtz and Kacy Cutler at CU Summit red carpet
Corey Gabler on the CU Growth & Innovation Summit Red Carpet

No Boring Presentations. Only Meaningful Conversations

Latest Event News

CUGI 2025 Welcomes Jack Chawla for Expert Discussions on AI & Digital Banking
  • June 29, 2025

CUGI 2025 Welcomes Jack Chawla for Expert Discussions on AI & Digital Banking

​The CU Growth & Innovation Summit (CUGI) is proud to announce that Jack Chawla, VP of Product Marketing at interface.ai, will be joining us as a keynote panelist for two critical discussions on AI-driven lending and the future of digital banking.

Fred Campobasso to Moderate Lending Risk & Growth Discussion at CUGI 2025
  • June 27, 2025

Fred Campobasso to Moderate Lending Risk & Growth Discussion at CUGI 2025

​The CU Growth & Innovation Summit (CUGI) is proud to announce that Jack Chawla, VP of Product Marketing at interface.ai, will be joining us as a keynote panelist for two critical discussions on AI-driven lending and the future of digital banking.

  • September 18, 2023

Planning and Executing a Successful Event: A Step-by-Step Guide

Events play a vital role in our personal and professional lives. From weddings and birthday parties to corporate conferences and product launches, events bring people together, foster connections, and create lasting memories.

Thank You to Our...

Platinum Sponsors​

Gold Sponsors

Silver Sponsors

Bronze Sponsors

  • Date

    February 9th - 11th, 2026

  • Venue

    DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Chicago - Oak Brook
    1909 Spring Road
    Oak Brook, IL 60523