2027 AGENDA

The 2027 CU Growth & Innovation Summit brings together credit union executives, technology leaders, and strategic partners for two days of peer-driven, executive-level conversations focused on real growth and execution. Topics include growth strategy, M&A and long-term positioning, member experience, loan growth and liquidity, AI-driven results, core modernization, operational efficiency, and balancing growth with risk in today’s environment.

February 8th, 2027

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Monday 4:00 - 6:00 PM

VIP Early Registration Opens

Get a head start on the summit experience with VIP Early Registration. Skip the lines, pick up your materials, and enjoy a smooth check-in process before general registration begins. This exclusive window sets the tone for a premium, stress-free event experience.

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Monday 5:00 - 6:00 PM

Regular Registration Opens

Kick off your summit experience with a smooth and efficient check-in. General registration gives you access to all conference materials and sets you up for two productive days of learning, networking, and strategic conversations. Arrive early to settle in, explore the venue, and make the most of your time at the CU Growth & Innovation Summit.

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Monday 6:00 - 8:00 PM

Opening Evening Reception

Get a head start on the summit experience with VIP Early Registration. Skip the lines, pick up your materials, and enjoy a smooth check-in process before general registration begins. This exclusive window sets the tone for a premium, stress-free event experience.

February 9th, 2027

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Tuesday 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Optional: Pre-Scheduled Vendor Meetings

Take advantage of curated one-on-one meetings with leading solution providers, tailored to your credit union’s interests and goals. These scheduled sessions allow for focused, efficient conversations about tools, services, and strategies that can support your growth and innovation initiatives. Participation is optional, but highly recommended for attendees looking to make strategic vendor connections.

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Tuesday 12:00 - 5:00 PM

Registration Opens

Welcome to the CU Growth & Innovation Summit! Pick up your badge, event materials, and get oriented with the venue. It’s the perfect time to meet fellow attendees and prepare for two days of impactful sessions and networking.

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Tuesday 1:00 - 1:50 PM

Panel Discussion: The Future of Credit Unions: Where Are the Biggest Opportunities Right Now?

This opening panel sets the stage by exploring where credit unions can drive meaningful growth in a rapidly evolving landscape. Panelists will discuss competitive pressures, emerging opportunities, and how institutions are positioning themselves for long-term success. Attendees will leave with a clear view of where the industry is heading and where to focus next.

Speakers: 

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Tuesday 2:00 - 2:50 PM

Peer-to-Peer: CU M&A in 2027: Where Are the Strategic Opportunities?

This session explores how credit unions are approaching M&A as a growth strategy, including when it makes sense and when it does not. Participants will share real-world perspectives on partnerships, acquisitions, and long-term positioning. The discussion will focus on identifying opportunities rather than reacting to consolidation trends.

Moderator: 

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Tuesday 2:00 - 2:50 PM

The CU Executive Working Session:
Aligning Your Team for Growth in 2027

This facilitated working session brings credit union leadership teams together to align on their top priorities for the year ahead. Teams will collaborate on growth strategy, risk tolerance, and investment focus across key areas like technology and member experience. Attendees will leave with a clearer, shared direction and actionable next steps for their organization.

Moderator: 

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Tuesday 2:50 - 3:30 PM

Take a Break Networking Event in Exhibit Hall

This informal networking break offers attendees a chance to recharge while connecting with peers, solution providers, and industry leaders in a relaxed exhibit hall setting. Enjoy complimentary refreshments and light snacks as you continue conversations sparked during earlier sessions. It’s the perfect opportunity to build new relationships and discover innovative solutions at your own pace.

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Tuesday 3:30 - 4:30 PM

Panel Discussion: Designing Member Experiences That Drive Growth and Loyalty

This panel examines how leading credit unions are using member experience as a primary driver of growth and retention. Speakers will share what is working today across digital, branch, and personalized engagement strategies. The session will focus on practical approaches that connect experience improvements directly to measurable business outcomes.

Speakers: 

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Tuesday 5:00 - 7:30 PM

The VIP Private Networking & Formal Dinner
(VIP Upgrade Required)

This exclusive evening event brings together VIP attendees, speakers, and senior executives for a private cocktail hour followed by a formal seated dinner. Designed for high-impact relationship building, the evening fosters candid conversations in an upscale, intimate setting. It’s a unique opportunity to deepen connections with key industry leaders ahead of the main conference sessions.

February 10th, 2027

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Wednesday 8:00 - 3:30 PM

Registration Opens

Our team will be on hand to welcome you, answer questions, and ensure you’re set for a productive and engaging event. Start networking early and get familiar with the space before sessions begin.

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Wednesday 845 - 9:00 AM

The CUGI Award Ceremony

Join us as we honor the winners of the CU Growth Award and CU Innovation Award, recognizing exceptional achievement in strategy, transformation, and member impact. This on-stage ceremony highlights the credit unions leading the way in growth and innovation, with brief remarks from recipients. Celebrate their success, gain insight into real-world impact, and be inspired to lead what’s next.

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Wednesday 9:00 - 9:50 AM

Keynote Panel Discussion: Liquidity Strategy in 2027: Using Loan Participation to Unlock Growth

This keynote panel explores how credit unions are managing liquidity while continuing to grow their loan portfolios. Panelists will discuss the role of loan participation, balance sheet strategy, and capital allocation in today’s environment. Attendees will gain a clear framework for supporting growth without overextending risk.

Speakers: 

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Wednesday 10:00 - 10:50 AM

Peer-to-Peer: Where Are Credit Unions Finding New Loan Growth Opportunities?

This session focuses on where credit unions are successfully generating new loan growth across products, channels, and partnerships. Participants will share what is working today, including emerging opportunities beyond traditional lending models. The discussion will highlight practical ways to expand portfolios while staying competitive.

Moderator: 

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Wednesday 10:00 - 10:50 AM

Peer-to-Peer: Where Is AI Driving Measurable Results Today?

This session explores how credit unions are using AI to deliver real, measurable outcomes across lending, fraud, operations, and member engagement. Participants will focus on practical use cases rather than theory or experimentation. The goal is to understand where AI is delivering ROI today and how to apply it effectively.

Moderator: 

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Wednesday 11:00 - 11:50 AM

Peer-to-Peer: Core Modernization: When Does It Actually Make Sense?

This discussion examines how credit unions are approaching core modernization decisions, including timing, risk, and long-term impact. Participants will share lessons learned from conversions, upgrades, and hybrid approaches. The session will help attendees determine when modernization is necessary and how to approach it strategically.

Moderator:

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Wednesday 11:00 - 11:50 AM

Peer-to-Peer: Growth vs Risk: Where Are Credit Unions Leaning In Right Now?

This session explores how credit unions are balancing growth ambitions with evolving credit and risk considerations. Participants will discuss where they are expanding, where they are pulling back, and how they are adjusting risk tolerance. The focus is on real-time decision-making in an uncertain environment.

Moderator:

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Wednesday 12:00 - 1:00 PM

Networking Lunch

Join fellow attendees for a fully catered lunch designed to spark conversation and connection. This shared dining experience combines great food with high-quality networking, offering a relaxed setting to deepen relationships and exchange ideas. It’s where business insights and industry connections come together—one plate at a time.

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Wednesday 1:00 - 1:50 PM

Peer to Peer: What Does a High-Performing Member Experience Actually Look Like Today?

This session dives deeper into what distinguishes top-performing credit unions in delivering exceptional member experiences. Participants will share specific strategies, tools, and organizational approaches that are driving results. The discussion will focus on execution and how to replicate success across teams.

Moderator: 

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Wednesday 1:00 - 1:50 PM

Peer-to-Peer: How Are Credit Unions Scaling Operations Without Increasing Costs?

This session explores how credit unions are improving efficiency while continuing to grow. Participants will discuss automation, process improvements, and organizational strategies that reduce cost without sacrificing performance. The focus is on practical ways to scale operations in a sustainable way.

Moderator:

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Wednesday 1:50 - 2:30 PM

Take a Break Networking Event in Exhibit Hall

This informal networking break offers attendees a chance to recharge while connecting with peers, solution providers, and industry leaders in a relaxed exhibit hall setting. Enjoy complimentary refreshments and light snacks as you continue conversations sparked during earlier sessions. It’s the perfect opportunity to build new relationships and discover innovative solutions at your own pace.

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Wednesday 2:30 - 3:30 PM

Panel Discussion: Inside the Executive Playbook: How Top Credit Unions Are Winning Right Now

This closing panel focuses on what leading credit union executives are actually prioritizing over the next 12 months. Panelists will share where they are investing, what they are changing, and how they are executing on strategy. Attendees will leave with clear, actionable insights they can apply immediately.

Speakers: 

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