Instead of preserving our tried-and-true ways of doing things, we must adapt and innovate quickly, and in real time, to what will be an entirely new world. Using macro technological, sociocultural and economic trends as a catalyst, Erica Orange will put these changes within a broader context and discuss several emerging trends that are shaping and impacting the future landscape. She will also delve into a discussion about how AI will help shape the human experience, particularly at a time when the lines between what is real, fake, true and false are becoming more blurred.

Much of what leaders rely on today (e.g., how we work, measure success, make decisions, and even define our identities) was built for a world that no longer exists. The problem isn’t a lack of learning; it’s the assumptions, habits, and routines that quietly anchor us to the past. Erica will take the audience through several practical future-focused mindset and behavioral shifts that allow people to unlearn with intention, navigate disruption, and reclaim independent judgment.

The future of lending competition isn't the credit union or bank down the street — it's an algorithm. Today's members are being found by loans before they ever think to apply, as fintechs, AI-powered lenders, and embedded finance platforms quietly reshape how, when, and where borrowing happens.

In this fast-paced 60-minute session, we'll take a wide-angle look at the trends redefining credit union lending: artificial intelligence in underwriting and member acquisition, the emergence of crypto-backed loans, the renewed strategic importance of small dollar lending, and the fintech disruptors taking share from traditional financial institutions.

Volunteers will leave with a clearer view of what's already here, what's coming next, and the questions every credit union board should be asking to stay relevant in a market where speed, data, and convenience are winning.

Engaging and retaining the next generation of membership is no longer optional for credit unions — it is essential to the long-term sustainability of the movement. Yet today, only a small percentage of Gen Z actively banks with a credit union. In this session,

Sparrow CEO and credit union board director Harrison Hochman will share practical frameworks and actionable strategies credit unions can use to build meaningful relationships with younger generations. Drawing from conversations with hundreds of institutions nationwide, attendees will learn how Gen Z and Millennials evaluate financial institutions, what drives loyalty in a digital-first environment, and how credit unions can position themselves as trusted long-term financial partners.

Boards are busy with full agendas and thick pre-read materials, covering emerging topics like AI, fraud, regulatory shifts, talent gaps, cyber threats, economic uncertainties, and growth strategies. Each demands an increasing level of attention. But busyness is not the same as effectiveness. This session argues that many boards struggle not because they lack effort, but because risks and opportunities are presented one silo at a time without any integration with strategy, leaving directors reactive instead of deliberate.

Challenging the view of enterprise risk management (ERM) as just another compliance exercise, this session will draw on many of the risk topics covered at the conference to illustrate how ERM can help boards engage proactively with increasing uncertainty, ask better questions, offer effective challenge in a more meaningful and productive way, surface emerging risks, and recognize strategic opportunities—not just avoid downside threats—so they can prioritize what truly matters and make more confident decisions in an increasingly complex environment.

GDP, PCE, ISM, … Economists use a dizzying array of indicators to gauge the economy’s health. We'll review a number of major indicators used to track the economy. What do they measure, and what can they tell us about where the economy is headed?