WELCOME TO PHILADELPHIA !
On May 3-5, 2024, join your CCUA credit union colleagues in the City of Brotherly Love for the 2024 CU Accelerate at the Sheraton Philadelphia Downtown Hotel in Philadelphia, PA. The CU Accelerate conference delivers a line-up of speakers that will spark imaginations and inspire conversations among your fellow peers.
The CU Accelerate website gives you a look at the agenda, speakers, hotel, and registration information along with a list of local activities and restaurants to be explored in a new destination. Be sure to check the site often for the updated agenda and speaker list.
CU Accelerate Title Sponsor, TruStage, will be among a great line-up of sponsors who will be on hand to meet with credit union attendees to discuss products and services from companies that understand the importance of supporting the credit union system.
Don’t miss out, come hear the experts, gain new insights, make new discoveries, find new motivation, and most of all, accelerate your credit union forward for 2024 in delivering member excellence in the financial services marketplace.
Discover the national treasure of Pennsylvania at the Sheraton Philadelphia Downtown. The hotel in the heart of Downtown Philadelphia offers everything you need to stay connected during travel. Unwind in their guest rooms and suites with upscale furnishings, ergonomic workspaces, and inspiring city views. Savor American cuisine and specialty drinks in a friendly atmosphere at one of their two on-site dining options or try restaurants nearby. During your stay, enjoy easy access to museums like Philadelphia Museum of Art along Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, the Pennsylvania Convention Center, LOVE Park, and more. Easily get to attractions via 30th Street Station just five minutes away.
Explore Philadelphia and the Countryside
Famous as the birthplace of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness, Philadelphia delivers one destination, five counties and countless things to do: fascinating museums, vibrant parks, national historic sites and famous (and delicious) food.
Explore the many attractions, things to do and see, along with a list of many restaurants by visiting Philadelphia’s official tourism and visitor website. – https://www.visitphilly.com
Guests may also inquire about local attractions and restaurants by checking at the hotel front desk and/or concierge.
Friday, May 3, 2024
| 10:00 am - 5:00 pm Independence Foyer | Registration |
|---|---|
| 11:15 am – 11:30 am Independence AB | Welcome Remarks Ron McLean, President/CEO |
11:30 am – 12:30 pm Opening Keynote | From ChatGPT to the Future: A Deep Dive Into Generative AI Brent Dixon, Designer, Facilitator, and Strategist Take a journey through the transformative world of Generative AI. Beginning with the story of ChatGPT, an AI tool revolutionizing our approach to tasks, Brent highlights its diverse applications and its potential to reshape our interactions. The narrative then expands, exploring how AI is leaving its footprint on the financial sector, enhancing efficiency and opening new avenues. Brent also takes a critical look at the accompanying challenges, discussing the ethical quandaries and practical obstacles that arise with technological advancement. Concluding with a peek into what the future might hold, he explores the idea of AI-driven financial institutions, prompting us to consider the shape of things to come. This session is an exploration, a reflection, and a preview of the exciting intersection of AI and finance. |
| 12:30 pm - 2:00 pm Independence CD | Lunch |
2:00 pm - 3:00 pm Panel Discussion | Adapting for Relevance Moderator: Melissa Pomeroy, EVP & Chief Operating Officer, CCUA Panelists |
| 3:00 pm - 3:30 pm Independence Foyer | Break with Sponsors |
| 3:30 pm - 4:30 pm Independence AB | Elevate Leadership Excellence: Building High-Performance Teams Kaplan Mobray, Award-Winning Author, Motivational Speaker and Career Consultant With his extensive experience in improving leadership effectiveness, building high-performing teams, navigating change, and promoting inclusive leadership, Kaplan will provide invaluable insights and actionable strategies that will transform your approach to leadership. |
| 4:00 pm Main Lobby | Hotel Check-In |
| 5:00 pm - 6:00 pm Horizons Rooftop Ballroom | Reception |
| 6:00 pm | Dinner on Own |
Saturday, May 4, 2024
| 7:30 am - 3:30 pm Independence Foyer | Registration |
| 7:30 am – 9:00 am Independence CD | Breakfast |
9:00 am – 10:00 am General Session | Cultivating Innovation Becky Reed, former CEO, Lone Star Credit Union/Thought Leader How do you instill a culture of innovation at your credit union? Learn from a seasoned forward thinking credit union CEO how she did it. |
| 10:00 am - 10:30 am Independence Foyer | Break with Sponsors |
10:30 am - 11:30 am Panel Discussion | In Hindsight: Things We Wish We Knew Earlier & Lessons Learned in Collaborative Ventures Moderator: Kyle Stutzman, Janusea CEO Executives from leading fintechs will share invaluable lessons learned from their partnerships with Credit Unions. From understanding mutual expectations to overcoming challenges along the way, dive into real-world success stories uncovering the rewarding yet uncharted aspects of partnering with fintechs and adapting to new solutions. Discover how these insights can inform and enhance your own collaborations with fintechs, paving the way for future success. Panelists |
| 11:30 am - 1:00 pm Independence CD | Lunch |
1:00 pm - 2:00 pm Closing Keynote | Hope is a Verb Amy Downs, President/CEO, Allegiance Credit Union Amy Downs survived a bomb exploding in the building of the credit union where she was working, which killed 168 people, including 18 of her 33 co-workers. Today, she is President and an award-winning CEO of that same organization. Allegiance Credit Union has grown by 400% and is thriving. Drawing on her book Hope Is A Verb, Amy is excited to share how you can respond to a crisis in a way that will make your organization come out of this even stronger than before you went in. |
| 2:00 pm - Evening Grand Ballroom | Free Time to Explore Philadelphia and Dinner on Own |
Sunday, May 5, 2024
| 12:00 pm Main Lobby | Hotel Check-Out |
Amy Downs
President/CEO, Allegiance Credit Union
Amy Downs was one of the last survivors to be pulled from the rubble of the 1995 Oklahoma City bombing in which a total of 168 people were killed, including 18 of her 33 co-workers. While buried alive and waiting to die, she realized she had never really lived. Once freed from the rubble, Amy launched a self-improvement campaign.
Amy shares how to apply what she learned on her journey from a 355lb teller who dropped out of college to obtaining her Masters in Business Administration, becoming the CEO, and completing an Ironman Triathlon. This call to action keynote will leave attendees inspired, ignited with hope, and with new ideas on how they can achieve their goals.
Becky Reed
Former CEO, Lone Star Credit Union
Thought Leader
Becky Reed, a credit union industry veteran and leader with over two decades of experience, is renowned for her unique perspective as both a credit union executive and CUSO leader. In her recent role as CEO of Lone Star Credit Union, she spearheaded a complete digital transformation, embracing a remote-first philosophy. Becky is also the co-founder of PureIT CUSO, and serves as the Board Chairman of NACUSO. Known as the 'CUSO Queen,' she volunteers as the President of BlockAdvocates, a non-profit dedicated to Crypto education. Becky, a Summa Cum Laude graduate from Concordia University, now supports the credit union industry through her consulting service, BRaaS, and serves as COO of BankSocial. She is a coach, mentor, published author, and active speaker with a focus on Credit Unions, CUSOs, Crypto, and Collaboration.
Brent Dixon
Designer, Facilitator and Strategist
Brent Dixon, a seasoned interdisciplinary designer, transitioned from his role as Chief Design Officer at Trabian to spearhead technology innovation for new ventures at MVB Bank. With over 15 years in consumer finance, Brent is celebrated for his ability to distill complex ideas into actionable plans. His impactful career includes leading initiatives at the United Nations, collaborating with the Filene Research Institute to address young adults' financial needs, and creating interactive learning experiences for children with organizations like PBS Kids and TEDxAustin.
As a Future of Finance Teaching Fellow at Singularity University, Brent mentored entrepreneurs globally, emphasizing disruptive technology solutions for pressing global challenges. His diverse career showcases a commitment to innovation and positive societal impact.
Kaplan Mobray
Designer, Award-Winning Author, Motivational Speaker and Career Consultant
Recognized by Meetings & Conventions magazine as one of the nation’s top business speakers, Kaplan Mobray is one of the world’s most dynamic and inspirational business speakers and best-selling author of The 10Ks of Personal Branding. An innovative mastermind, Kaplan has inspired and transformed countless lives through his insightful and groundbreaking approach to personal branding and leadership development. Kaplan has been a frequent main platform speaker at the prestigious Million Dollar Roundtable (MDRT) national and global conferences.
Adapting for Relevance Panel Discussion
In Hindsight: Things We Wish We Knew Earlier & Lessons Learned in Collaborative Ventures
Sheraton Philadelphia Downtown
Philadelphia, PA
May 3-5, 2024
Room Rate
CU Accelerate registration fees do not include overnight room accommodations.
Guest Room Rate @ $269.00 per night.
The above rate is subject to applicable state and local taxes, currently 16.37% (subject to change).
- Complimentary internet in guestroom.
- Secure underground parking is available at the Hotel. Current daily rates are $39.00 for self-parking and $60.00 for valet parking (in/out privileges included), plus applicable taxes (currently 22.5%).
- Complimentary Fitness Center
The room rate will be offered, based on room and rate availability, two days pre- and post-conference.
Room Reservations Methods and Deadline
To be assured of accommodations, please make Sheraton Philadelphia Downtown guest room reservations online using the following link: Book your group rate for CCUA - Accelerate Conference May2024 . Reservations may also be made by calling via toll free 888-236-2427 and must be identified as part of the Cooperative Credit Union Association-CCUA when booking in order to receive the special rate for the CU Accelerate Conference.
All reservations must be accompanied by a first night room deposit or guaranteed with a major credit card. If a guest does not cancel a reservation within forty-eight (48) hours before the guest’s check-in date, then Hotel may charge the credit card one night’s room fee plus any applicable taxes.
Sheraton Philadelphia Downtown guest room reservations must be made on or before the cut-off date of Tuesday, April 16, 2024, by 11:59 PM EDT. Reservations made after Tuesday, April 16, 2024, may be accepted on availability and prevailing room rate.
All group attendees will be responsible for their own room, tax, and incidental charges.
Federal Tax Exemption
To qualify for the federal tax exemption, federal credit unions must print and submit the Federal Tax Exemption Form to Sheraton Philadelphia Downtown.
Click HERE to access the Federal Tax Exemption Form. Click HERE to access the NCUA Tax Exemption Letter.
Check-In/Out
On the day of arrival, room availability cannot be guaranteed until 4:00 pm On the day of departure, check-out time is 12:00 pm All attendees arriving early will be accommodated as guestrooms become available. The Front Desk can arrange to check luggage for those arriving early when guestrooms are unavailable and for guests attending functions on the day of departure. Guests requesting a late check-out will need to notify the Front Desk for availability and applicable charges will apply.
Transportation to Hotel
Sheraton Philadelphia Downtown
201 North 17th Street
Philadelphia, PA 19103
(215) 448-2000
Travelling by Air
The Hotel is 8 miles from the Philadelphia International Airport and is accessible by taxi, bus, train, vehicle rental.
Travelling by Car
Sheraton Philadelphia Downtown is accessible using the following directions:
CU ACCELERATE 2024 - PHILADELPHIA, PA MAY 3 - 5, 2024
Credit Union Registrant: $725 per person
Small Credit Unions Registrant (Credit Union Assets less than $200 Million) : $550 per person
We are pleased to offer our small credit unions one complimentary ticket to attend the highly anticipated CU Accelerate 2024 conference. To claim your free ticket, simply use the exclusive small credit promotional code "PHILLY2024" at checkout to enjoy the $550 discount.
YP Registrant: $550 per person
The registration fee includes conference materials, general sessions, lunch and reception on Friday, breakfast and lunch on Saturday, and all breaks for the credit union registrant only. Registrants’ guests may attend for the guest fee listed below.
Guest: $395 per person
The guest registration fee includes conference lunch and reception on Friday, breakfast and lunch on Saturday, and all breaks for the credit union registrant’s guest only.
REGISTRATION DEADLINE
Deadline for all registrations is Monday, April 22, 2024 at 11:59 pm.
Be sure to note any special dietary needs, any special health requirements, and any mobility concerns in the “Special Requirements” box of the online registration.
Conference Cancellation Policy
Cancellations must be received in writing. If received by CCUA on or before Wednesday, April 24, 2024, registrant is entitled to a full refund. No refunds on cancellations received after Wednesday, April 24, 2024. Substitute registrants will be accepted at any time.
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
Welcome to CU Accelerate – your premier platform connecting credit union professionals with top-notch national speakers. This exclusive event also presents an excellent opportunity for business partners to secure exclusive sponsorships.
At CU Accelerate, we bring together credit unions and business partners in a dynamic shoulder-to-shoulder networking experience. Sponsors gain exclusive access to over 200 credit union leaders during general sessions, breakfast, lunch, and breaks. The opening reception night further facilitates relationship building and enhancement. Join us for a unique event that fosters meaningful connections and insights for credit union professionals and their business partners.
The CCUA thanks the following sponsors for their participation and support of CU Accelerate 2024
Click a sponsor logo to learn more.
Title Sponsor
Event Sponsors
