The EDGE Tech ‘25 conference at the Aria in Las Vegas wasn’t just another gathering of credit union professionals and providers. It was a curated glimpse into the future of our movement. Co-hosted by Trellance, Filene Research Institute, and the Credit Union Data Exchange (CUDX), the event was designed to explore what is truly driving transformation: data, AI, human-centered innovation, and bold collaboration.
I had the opportunity to connect with both Tom Davis, CEO of Trellance, and Mark Meyer, CEO of Filene, on multiple occasions. Their vision to bring together leading voices from within and adjacent to their organizations for this event should be applauded. I also spoke with dozens of attendees and vendor representatives, and what stood out most was the shared sense of momentum. There is recognition that credit unions do not have the luxury of “waiting and seeing” with the rapid technological change, and those at this conference were there to discuss and share how the industry can and is moving forward accordingly.
We heard that the future is arriving faster than ever, and it is being shaped by those willing to experiment, partner, and lead with purpose. Filene Research Fellow, Professor Gerald Kane, took that point even further, urging credit unions to focus less on what might be coming and more on the current moment. As he put it, “The challenge is not adapting to the future, it’s adapting to the present!”
That sense of urgency was evident from the start of the conference in the EDGE Exchange Tech Demos, where fintechs and solution providers delivered rapid-fire pitches to showcase the wide range of tools and technologies available today. Companies like LemonadeLXP and Vertice AI demonstrated how AI integration and digital transformation are evolving from project-based efforts into a strategic mindset. LemonadeLXP highlighted its AI-powered, gamified training tools that help staff onboard and build confidence. Vertice AI showed how data-driven personalization and marketing compliance can support growth strategies through analytics and automation.
Throughout the event, the themes of AI and futurism remained front and center. Whether in keynote addresses or hallway conversations, one message was clear, artificial intelligence is no longer a fringe topic. It must be at the heart of a credit union’s strategy, not just in IT, but across the entire enterprise. Filene Fellow, Dr. Lamont Black, delivered a compelling presentation on this idea, advocating for AI strategy across the C-suite. He coined the phrase “Artificial Business Intelligence” (ABI) to describe an approach where business intelligence is informed and powered by AI across all areas of the organization.
Conversations in the expo area were enlightening as well, highlighting specific applications of this thinking. I learned more about Algebrik’s AI-based loan decisioning platform and how CoNetrix is bringing AI into cybersecurity and compliance strategies. Even Dormakaba, a global leader in locks and access control, demonstrated how intelligent systems are transforming physical security in an increasingly digital world.
The EDGE Tech ’25 general sessions impressed throughout the event. Marc Randolph, co-founder and former CEO of Netflix, inspired with stories about experimentation, perseverance, and innovation. Mick Ebeling of Not Impossible Labs delivered a powerful and moving keynote rooted in human purpose, creativity, and technological ingenuity. Crystal Washington, a dynamic and entertaining futurist, led the room through engaging exercises and storytelling that illustrated how emerging technologies and better decision-making can drive stronger strategic direction.
Filene Fellows and other industry experts added valuable depth throughout the conference. Their insights connected research to practice in ways that sparked meaningful conversations. Many shared real-world examples, showing that innovation is not only about what is new, but also about what is necessary to thrive in today’s competitive and highly regulated environment. Panel discussions included credit union professionals from a variety of roles, as well as subject matter experts covering topics such as payments, regulatory compliance, and attracting and retaining talent.
CUES was on site as well, emphasizing the role of leadership development in advancing innovation and aligning organizational transformation with education. Meanwhile, Boucoup addresses education at the member level and captured my attention with its family-focused approach to youth account management. Their solution incorporates familiar digital platforms and practice loan tools to educate and engage young members in ways that feel natural and accessible.
Even the closing event carried through the theme of technological advancement and digitization. Attendees were buzzing throughout the immersive experiences at the Illuminarium and Area 15 complex just off the Las Vegas strip. From 360-degree views of lunar landings and the solar system, to 8 foot tall lighted robot guides, the activities of the evening were fun and apropos of the time we all spent together.
EDGE Tech ’25 left me encouraged, not only by the quality of the content and caliber of the attendees, but also by the spirit of collaboration and curiosity that was present throughout. What I appreciated most was how the event stayed focused on purpose. It never slipped into tech-for-tech’s-sake. Throughout the event, the sessions, exhibitor interactions, and hallway conversations carried a consistent undercurrent of relevance and practicality. While tools and technology are important, it was clear that a member-focused mindset and collaborative leadership within our industry matter even more.
