NEW FOR 2025
CALL FOR PROPOSALS!

Have a bold idea for a breakout session?

We invite you to share your expertise, stories, and strategies with our 800+ credit union practitioners, investors, policymakers, and
community development leaders. This is your chance to influence, connect, and inspire a diverse audience that’s passionate about empowering communities through financial inclusion.


Proposals should align with our 2025 conference theme: Transformation with Purpose and contribute to at least one of the following key tracks: 

  • Transforming Green Lending Access: This track explores how credit unions are driving the adoption of clean energy solutions by transforming access to green lending. With climate change impacting communities—particularly low- to moderate-income (LMI) households—the need for sustainable financial products is greater than ever. Sessions will dive into the tools, partnerships, and strategies needed to expand green lending, from financing energy-efficient homes to supporting renewable energy projects. Attendees will learn how to integrate sustainable finance into their lending portfolios while fostering environmental and economic resilience for the communities they serve.

Key Topics:

Green loans for affordable housing, small businesses, and individual consumers
Financing renewable energy projects in underserved communities
Building partnerships to drive clean energy initiatives
Creating sustainable, mission-driven financial products

 

  • Transforming Lives: At the core of financial inclusion is the power to transform lives. This track focuses on how credit unions are changing the financial futures of individuals and families through access to affordable, responsible financial services. From offering financial literacy programs to increasing access to credit for traditionally underserved populations, this track showcases best practices, success stories, and strategies for empowering communities. Participants will explore how their institutions can enhance their role as change agents in improving financial health and well-being.

   Key Topics:

   Expanding access to credit for underserved populations
   Financial education and literacy programs that empower communities
   Supporting small businesses and entrepreneurs
   Tackling the racial wealth gap through inclusive financial products

 

  • Transforming Credit Union Movement: The credit union movement has always been rooted in the philosophy of "people helping people." This track will examine how the movement itself is evolving in response to new challenges and opportunities, including regulatory changes, digital transformation, and shifting member needs. Participants will explore strategies to strengthen the cooperative model, increase membership diversity, and reinforce the credit union mission of social responsibility. Sessions will focus on building a more inclusive and resilient credit union system that can lead the way in financial empowerment.

                  Key Topics:

                  Digital transformation in credit unions: balancing innovation with mission
                  Strengthening the cooperative model for the future
                  Increasing membership diversity and inclusion
                 Advocacy and regulatory trends shaping the credit union landscape

 

  • Transforming Financial Systems: In a time of rapid economic and technological change, financial systems must evolve to better serve communities and promote equity. This track delves into how credit unions are modernizing their operations, adopting new technologies, and innovating to create more inclusive financial systems. Topics include leveraging fintech for financial inclusion, developing data-driven strategies for impact, and improving member services. Attendees will gain insights into how these transformations can create a more resilient and accessible financial ecosystem, particularly for LMI communities and communities of color.

Key Topics:

Fintech innovation and its role in financial inclusion
Data-driven decision-making for better member outcomes
Building financial systems that prioritize equity and resilience
Enhancing member services through technology and operational improvements

Submission Guidelines

To ensure your proposal is considered, please review the following requirements:

  1. Session Format: Sessions should be designed to engage attendees. Panel discussions, fireside chats, debates, and deep dives are all welcome. Sessions range from 60-75 minutes and should include allotted time for Q&A or discussion. 
  2. Diversity of Speakers: We encourage proposals that include presenters with diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and expertise. Consider including practitioners, community members, and partners to create a well-rounded session. Proposals should not include any more than three speakers per session. 
  3. No Sales Pitches: Sessions should provide value through information and knowledge sharing. Proposals that focus on selling products or services will not be accepted.
  4. Language: Translation services are not guaranteed for all breakout sessions. Sessions must be presented in English. 
  5. Accepted Proposals: Individuals will receive a discount on registration fees and are responsible for all costs related to travel, accommodation & expenses. 

Don't miss your chance to contribute to the dialogue on
shaping the future of our credit union movement! 

Proposals are due by November 22, 2024

Accepted speakers will be notified by January 10, 2025