Where are the credit union people at SXSW?
I first attended the SXSW Interactive Festival in Austin, Texas in 2012.
“The South by Southwest® (SXSW®) Conferences & Festivals offer the unique convergence of original music, independent films, and emerging technologies. Fostering creative and professional growth alike, SXSW® is the premier destination for discovery.”
Every year since, I’ve attended with Gene Blishen, the General Manager of Mount Lehman Credit Union, where I am the board chair. While this is not a credit union conference, I can think of no better place for the leadership of my credit union to learn about the future and what role our small credit union will play in it. And yet, when I scan through the more than 70,000 people on the attendee list, I do not see many other credit union professionals in attendance. I see plenty of bankers and fintech players on the list. However, where are the credit union people at SXSW?
It’s by no fault of my own. I can’t tell you how many credit union people I have encouraged to go. “Wow, that sounds awesome, I’d love to go someday,” is the common refrain.
For an industry full of people that feel threatened by the coming fintech disruption and feel the need for fresh ideas and reinvention, you’d think SXSW would be a natural place to get the creative juices flowing. Instead, the industry continues to naval gaze. While local, regional and national credit union events are fine, what are you doing to get outside of your own industry?
Discussion