Top 10 reasons to attend CUNA CFO Council Conference
What is it about CUNA CFO Council Conference that brings together hundreds of leaders in credit union finance every single year?
Honestly, it isn’t just one thing; at a multi-faceted event like this, there are countless reasons to attend. When it comes to this year’s event—May 21-14, 2017, in Orlando—these are the ten things I’m most excited about:
1. The inspiration to change
Kicking off the conference this year is Mike Robbins, an acclaimed speaker and bestselling author who has devoted his life to helping professionals and businesses achieve their best. In his keynote presentation, Robbins will unpack core concepts from his latest book “Nothing Changes Until You Do,” revealing how to drive change in yourself, your finance department and beyond.
2. The financial issues you care about
CUNA CFO Council Conference’s breakout sessions are focused squarely on the issues that finance professionals face day in and day out. Highlights of this year’s lineup include:
- 7 Competencies of a Strategic CFO
- Implementing CECL
- Fundamentals of Credit Union Investment Management and Strategy
- Preparing Your ALM Model and Process for Rising Rates
- Employee Engagement Meets Talent Development
3. The networking
Speaking of fellow attendees, the networking potential of this event is impossible to ignore. Opportunities to meet and converse with peers are built into the schedule, with all-inclusive networking lunches on both full days of the conference.
Plus, there are dedicated networking breaks with our sponsors, giving you the opportunity to discover new products and services that will strengthen your approach to finance.
4. The CPE Credits
If you’re itching to make progress on a designation or a continuing education requirement, you can make serious headway at CUNA CFO Council Conference. By completing the event, you’ll earn 18 CPE credits you can use to meet your professional development needs. Plus, you can earn an extra three credits for completing the pre-conference workshop and one credit for the Thomson-Reuters session.
5. The celebration of finance excellence
The 2017 CUNA CFO Council Awards, which honor outstanding achievements in the field of credit union finance, will be presented live at the conference. This ceremony is a way to meet professionals who represent the best of the finance field. You’ll also discover interesting new solutions in areas like risk management, financial literacy and expense reduction.
6. The neuroscience of success
Achievement psychology expert Scott Halford, CSP, CPAE, has a unique perspective on leadership, through an expertise in how the human mind processes information and makes decisions. In his closing keynote, “The Neuroscience of Success,” Halford will provide insight into the brain to help finance professionals maximize their impact and results.
7. The pre-conference workshops
Before the proceedings even officially get underway, we have two fun workshops for attendees who come to the conference early. “Creating a Better Version of Yourself” will show you how to ignite your personal growth to become your credit union’s game-changer, while “In the Weeds with Derivatives” will offer an insightful overview of the NCUA derivative service. Also, you’ll earn three CPE Credits for either of the Pre-Conference Workshops.
8. The Thomson-Reuters training
As one of their many benefits, CUNA CFO Council members gain access to a host of Thomson-Reuters resources. This access includes: Checkpoint, their portal for research, tools and guidance for tax and accounting issues. In a special session on May 22, Council members can learn the many ways they can make use of Checkpoint at their credit union. (The GAAP library, another benefit for Council members, will also be discussed.) This session qualifies for one CPE Credit.
9. The exam insights
Finance examinations vary by the size of the credit union. That’s why the conference is hosting three separate exam discussion groups for credit unions of low, mid and high-asset levels. Best practices and past experiences with examiners will be shared freely and openly at these informal sessions.
10. The location
Finally, there’s Orlando, our host city. Because the conference convenes at the award-winning Rosen Centre Hotel, attendees will be only minutes away from major attractions such as Walt Disney World, Sea World and a bevy of restaurants and stores.
Of course, that’s just my list—there are plenty of other reasons that make this conference such a major draw. Join us this May, and you’ll see why CUNA CFO Council Conference is more than an event—it’s an investment in your development as a financial leader.
To learn more about CUNA CFO Council Conference, please visit cunacoucnils.org/cfoconference.
