The Illinois Credit Union League welcomed over 650 attendees and nearly 200 exhibitors to the Renaissance Schaumburg Hotel & Convention Center, April 19-21, for their 88th Annual Convention. This year’s theme, “Make Amazing Things Happen” reflected the League’s mission to help credit unions and their members spread the credit union difference and continue to inform, engage, and inspire through the incredible work they do within their communities.
The 88th Annual Convention featured a wide array of fun and informative events and presentations. Guest speakers included Dennis Watkins, an award-winning magician, mentalist, and entertainer who amazed Convention attendees during the Celebration Luncheon on Friday. Watkins has appeared on the television show “Penn & Teller: Fool Us,” and his critically-acclaimed one-man-show, The Magic Parlour, has been running at the Palmer House Hilton Hotel in Chicago for over five years.
Those who attended Friday’s Luncheon also helped recognize credit unions and credit union staff from across Illinois for their dedication to community service and outreach. The following awards were distributed: the Desjardins Financial Education Award, the Dora Maxwell Social Responsibility Community Service Award, and the Louise Herring Philosophy-in-Action Award.
This year, attendees had a large number of breakout sessions to choose from, with topics including data & analytics, leadership, fraud prevention, state and federal advocacy, digital membership, board training, compliance, and more.
“We are always excited to host our Annual Convention and provide continuing education, networking, and strategic business opportunities to Illinois credit unions and their partners,” said Tom Kane, President/CEO of ICUL. “The convention is an excellent way to recognize the people and organizations that continue to demonstrate an amazing level of dedication to their members and communities.”
The final night of Convention culminated with the annual Chairman’s Reception, featuring great food, cocktails, and live-band karaoke entertainment. Attendees had the opportunity to join the band on stage or sit back and enjoy networking while watching their credit union friends perform.
The three day Convention concluded on Saturday at the Schaumburg Renaissance Convention Center. Breakout sessions on Saturday morning featured free board training and a special forum for advocacy volunteers.
Tom Kane, ICUL President/CEO, with Mascots from several Illinois credit unions
Entertainer in the exhibit hall