The 2027 Credit Union Conference Where Leaders Spark Growth & Innovation

The 2027 Credit Union Conference
Where Leaders Spark Growth & Innovation

Join these great CUs at the 2027 CU Growth & Innovation Summit

1st Advantage Federal Credit Union

Credit Union 1

CoastHills Credit Union

First Northern Credit Union

Fox Communities Credit Union

Global Federal Credit Union

GO Energy Credit Union

Great Lakes Credit Union

Hudson Valley Credit Union

Kohler Credit Union

Municipal Credit Union

Texas DOW Employees Credit Union

TruStone Financial

Veridian Credit Union

Verve, a Credit Union

West Community Credit Union

And More!

The Best Credit Union Conference in 2027. Register Today!

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

The 2027 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.

credit union conference 2026 panel discussion session
credit union conference 2026 peer-to-peer session

2027 Featured Speakers

Dylan Braun

Senior Vice President
Director of Commercial Lending
TruStone Financial

Dan Carmody, President of Converge Events

Dan Carmody

Founder / Producer
Converge Events

Chief Lending Officer Great Lakes Credit Union

Fred Campobasso

Chief Lending Officer
Great Lakes Credit Union

Dave Cogozzo

VP Strategic Partnerships
Credit Union 1

Matt Fehrmann is the Chief Information Officer at Kohler Credit Union

Matt Fehrmann

Chief Information Officer
​​​​ Kohler Credit Union

Brian Gruender serves as Senior Vice President of Technology for Fox Communities Credit Union

Brian Gruender

SVP Technology
Fox Communities
Credit Union

Erin Hennessy is a financial services executive whose career spans banking, credit unions, fintech and mortgage

Erin Hennessy

Chief Experience Officer
PSECU

Saahil Kamath is a leading voice in AI-powered fintech, serving as VP of Products and Head of AI at Eltropy, where he drives transformative AI solutions that empower community financial institutions to reimagine member engagement and operations.

Saahil Kamath

VP of Products and Head of AI
Eltropy

Cristina “Cris” Karekar is Vice President of Product Delivery at Texas Dow Employees Credit Union (TDECU)

Cris Karekar

Vice President, Product Delivery
Texas Dow Employees Credit Union

EJ Kritz is the Chief Experience Officer at DBSI

EJ Kritz

Chief Experience Officer
DBSI

Laura (Lori) Moore is a technology executive and transformation leader serving as Senior Vice President of Technology Engineering at Global Credit Union.

Laura Moore

SVP Technology Engineering
Global Federal
Credit Union

Head of US Market Development ebankIT

Paul Provenzano

Head of US Market Development
ebankIT

Josh Rodriguez is the Assistant Vice President of Fintech and Mission Integration at West Community Credit Union

Josh Rodriguez

Vice President of Fintech and Mission Integration
Global Federal
West Community
Credit Union

Jeffrey L. Rothmeyer EVP & Chief Lending Officer, Credit Union 1

Jeff Rothmeyer

EVP/Chief Lending Officer
Credit Union 1

Toni-Ann Sforza serves as Chief Operating Officer at Municipal Credit Union (MCU)

Toni-Ann Sforza

Chief Operating Officer
Municipal Credit Union (MCU)

Jason Tilley Chief Information Officer at 1st Advantage Federal Credit Union

Jason Tilley

Chief Information Officer
1st Advantage Federal Credit Union

As Chief Operating Officer at CoastHills Credit Union on California’s Central Coast, Chris focuses on expanding access to financial tools, education, and resources that empower every person in the community to bring their dreams within reach.

Chris Turnley

Chief Operating Officer
CoastHIlls CU

Key Topics From the 2027 Conference Agenda

Strategic Conversations That Are Reshaping the Credit Union Landscape

AI-Driven Member Personalization at Scale

Explore how credit unions are using AI and data to deliver hyper-personalized experiences that drive engagement, loyalty, and product adoption across every channel..

Next-Gen Lending: Automation, Speed, and Smarter Risk Decisions

Discover how leading institutions are combining automation, analytics, and AI to accelerate lending while maintaining strong risk controls and portfolio performance.

Data Strategy & Analytics as a Growth Engine

Learn how top-performing CUs are transforming data into actionable insights that drive lending, marketing, and member growth initiatives.

Navigating Regulatory Pressure in a Digital-First Environment

Understand how compliance leaders are adapting to evolving regulations while enabling innovation, speed, and competitive differentiation.

Competing for Member Growth in 2027

Examine how credit unions are redefining their value proposition to attract and retain members in an increasingly competitive landscape.

Scaling Business Banking & Commercial Services for Sustainable Growth

Explore how credit unions are expanding into business banking while maintaining operational efficiency, risk discipline, and member focus.

Strategic Partnerships: Fintech, Vendors, and Ecosystem Growth

Learn how CUs are selecting, managing, and scaling partnerships to accelerate innovation and unlock new revenue opportunities.

M&A, Consolidation & Growth Strategy in the Evolving CU Landscape

Engage in executive-level discussions on consolidation trends, cultural alignment, and strategic decision-making in a rapidly changing market.

Event Registration Information

Everything you need to learn, connect, and grow at the 2027 CU Growth & Innovation Summit

What's Included in Registration

Admission on February 8th - 10th

Opening Reception with Refreshments and Appetizers

All Conversations with Zero Presentations

Scheduled Networking Events with Refreshments

Keynote Panel Discussions

Use of the CUGI Event App

Earn Continuing Education Credits

Peer-to-Peer Executive Roundtables

Lunch Buffet on February 10th

Admission to CUGI Award Ceremony

Coffee All Day

... and More!

Choose Your Registration Type

Select the option that best reflects your role.

Credit Union Professional

$ 795
  • Professionals Working at a CU

Credit Union Professional - Team

$ 695
  • 3+ Registrations Receive 1 VIP Upgrade

Solution Provider / Vendor

$ 2,295
  • Organizations that Sell to CUs

Non-Profit / Government

$ 595
  • Government & 501(c)(3) Organizations
Exclusive VIP dinner on February 9th 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 8th
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...

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, Missouri Central Credit Union
Not every conference earns a permanent spot in my notebook. This one did. The conversations at CU Growth and Innovation were the kind that actually move our industry forward. Honest, ambitious, and grounded. Every session felt like a real conversation with people who live this work every day. It was credit union leaders rolling up their sleeves and talking through the hard stuff together. The CU Growth and Innovation Summit was designed for dialogue and it delivered.
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.
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.
Aileen Brennan
Aileen Brennan
★★★★★
VM Specialist II, Foundation Finance Company, LLC
Attending this event reinforced something I’ve been seeing firsthand in Vendor Management and Risk Management: Strong governance is no longer just about compliance — it’s about operational resilience, cross-functional alignment, and proactive risk visibility. One of the best parts of the conference was hearing how other organizations are approaching similar challenges while continuing to evolve their programs and processes.
Josh Rodriguez, West Community Credit Union
Josh Rodriguez, West Community Credit UnionAVP Fintech and Mission Integration
The CUGI Conference is quickly becoming one of my favorite conferences. Ditching PowerPoint and dry sales-ly presentations is the way to go. Congrats Dan and team for building so much value and relevant discussion into just 2+ days.
Cris Mattoon, Michigan First Credit Union
Cris Mattoon, Michigan First Credit Union@username
Successful leaders swapping success stories centered around membership growth, product innovation, third-party partnerships, and developing that next generation of key talent! The Credit Unions that will lead the industry into the future converge in Oak Brook in February.
Nathan Grossenbach, Shoreline Credit Union
Nathan Grossenbach, Shoreline Credit UnionPresident/CEO
I was a first-time attendee to the CU Growth & Innovation Summit in 2025. The event was everything it was billed to be. Unique topics. Genuine conversation. No slide decks. Incredible lineup of speakers and guests. Not a second was wasted at this conference, I highly recommend it!

The CU Growth & Innovation Award

Now Accepting Nominations

The CU Growth & Innovation Award recognizes a credit union that is not just adapting to change, but leading it. This prestigious honor will be presented at the CU Growth & Innovation Summit to highlight breakthrough achievements that are redefining what’s possible in the credit union industry.

Whether you’re scaling new services, launching bold innovations, or driving sustainable growth, this award provides a platform for your work to be acknowledged by peers, partners, and industry leaders.

Winning the CU Growth & Innovation Award highlights your credit union’s leadership in growth, innovation, and member impact It’s a high-impact platform for visibility, recognition, and executive-level connections. Winners will receive:

Nominations open until December 14, 2026

Hours of Strategic Networking
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Interactive Sessions
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Industry Expert Speakers
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CU Industry Executives
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Time Well Spent

Every Session Designed for Impact

0 Hours of 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.

A Conference Focused on Credit Union Success!

Join These Credit Unions at the Conference

1st Advantage Federal Credit Union Logo
BCU Logo
Citadel Credit Union Logo
Empeople Credit Union Logo
Mountain America Credit Union Logo
Nuvision Credit Union Logo
Logos displayed represent companies with registered attendees at this event. All trademarks and logos are the property of their respective owners. Appearance does not imply endorsement or sponsorship.

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 Presentations. Only Meaningful Conversations

Latest Event News

CU Growth & Innovation Summit Welcomes AI Innovator Saahil Kamath
  • October 29, 2026

CU Growth & Innovation Summit Welcomes AI Innovator Saahil Kamath

For credit unions investing in artificial intelligence, the conversation is increasingly focused on results. Institutions want to understand where AI is improving efficiency, strengthening member engagement, reducing risk, and delivering measurable returns.

Eltropy Announced as Gold Sponsor of the 2027 CU Growth & Innovation Summit
  • October 27, 2026

Eltropy Announced as Gold Sponsor of the 2027 CU Growth & Innovation Summit

Artificial intelligence is becoming an increasingly important part of how credit unions serve members, manage operations, and support growth. As institutions explore new AI capabilities, finding the right balance between automation, human interaction, and responsible oversight remains a key consideration.

LemonadeLXP Returns as Gold Sponsor of the 2027 CU Growth & Innovation Summit
  • October 27, 2026

LemonadeLXP Returns as Gold Sponsor of the 2027 CU Growth & Innovation Summit

The 2027 CU Growth & Innovation Summit is pleased to welcome back LemonadeLXP as a Gold Sponsor. Following its sponsorship of last year’s event, LemonadeLXP is continuing its support of the credit union industry by joining us February 8 to 10, 2027, in Oak Brook, Illinois.

Thank You to Our 2027 Sponsors and Partners!

Platinum Sponsor

Gold Sponsors

Silver Sponsor

Networking Lunch Sponsor

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Strategic Alliance Sponsor

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The CU Growth & Innovation Summit

  • Date

    February 8th - 10th, 2027

  • Venue

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

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