Inaugural InnoVAte Conference Unites Credit Union Professionals to Explore FinTech Innovation

The Virginia Credit Union League’s inaugural InnoVAte Conference brought credit union professionals from across the Commonwealth to Virginia Beach from October 9-11, 2024, for a dynamic event focused on emerging trends in FinTech and technology. The conference, held at the Hilton Garden Inn, provided a platform for League members to engage with industry leaders, share insights, and explore new ways to enhance credit union operations and member services.
 

Empowering Credit Unions with Technology

The event opened with a keynote from Keith Dunlap, managing director of TruStage, who shared valuable lessons on how credit unions can embrace FinTech advancements to stay competitive and serve members effectively. Attendees also participated in sessions like “Cracking the Code: How Credit Unions Can Win Over Gen Z” by Sparrow and “Unlocking New Non-Interest Income” by Constant AI, both of which provided practical strategies for enhancing operations and better serving members.
 

Frederick Haywood, vice president of customer learning at Baylands Family Credit Union, expressed enthusiasm for learning how technology can help meet evolving member expectations. “What I look forward to most about these events is gaining new ideas to take back and implement in ways that benefit our members,” he said.
 

Fostering Collaboration and Networking

The conference emphasized the power of collaboration, as members from credit unions of all sizes gathered to exchange ideas. “These types of conferences are a great opportunity to meet industry peers and learn from one another,” said Sue Thrash, marketing manager at Hampton Roads Educators Credit Union. “It’s always valuable to see how other credit unions are tackling similar challenges.”
 

Attendees also took advantage of the valuable networking opportunities throughout the event, connecting one-on-one with exhibitors like FHLB Atlanta and Open Lending, as well as building relationships with their peers across the credit union movement.
 

Looking to the Future of the League

One of the most anticipated sessions was the Tidewater Town Hall, which addressed the upcoming strategic partnership with the League of Southeastern Credit Unions & Affiliates  (LSCU). The session featured insights from Samantha Beeler, President of LSCU, and Karima Freeman, Interim CEO of VACUL, who provided members with an overview of what to expect as the two organizations come together.
 

Building on Success

The League is already planning next year’s InnoVAte Conference to continue supporting credit unions as they navigate new technologies and industry developments. We look forward to growing this event in the coming years and providing even more opportunities for members to collaborate, innovate, and lead the way forward.