Katie BaileyThe League of Credit Unions & Affiliates concluded its highly anticipated ENGAGE 2025 Conference last week on Friday, June 13, in Orlando, Florida. The event welcomed a record-breaking crowd of over 1,300 attendees, bringing together credit union leaders, volunteers, professionals, and vendors from across Alabama, Florida, Georgia, and Virginia for four days of collaboration, advocacy, innovation, and recognition.
ENGAGE 2025 featured over 50 educational sessions, hosted over 200 vendors in the expansive exhibit hall, and showcased world-class speakers—all designed to empower attendees to lead with purpose and adapt to the evolving financial services landscape.
“ENGAGE 2025 surpassed our expectations, uniting credit union professionals across our region to share insights, forge connections, and drive meaningful change,” said Samantha A.M. Beeler, President of The League of Credit Unions & Affiliates. “We are constantly inspired by the collective energy and dedication of our members to build a brighter financial future for their members. It is an honor to be their partner in the process and watch as credit unions collaborate to drive member success.”
The conference featured a powerful lineup of keynote speakers who brought insight, inspiration, and bold vision to the credit union movement. The event opened with internationally acclaimed author and digital leadership expert Erik Qualman, whose keynote, “Future Proofing via Innovation to Transformation,” challenged attendees to embrace agility and forward-thinking leadership in a rapidly evolving digital world. Samantha Beeler offered strategic direction for the movement’s future, while Steven W. Rick, Chief Economist at TruStage, delivered a timely and data-driven economic outlook. Amy Downs, Oklahoma City bombing survivor and retired CEO of Allegiance Credit Union, shared a moving message of resilience, reinvention, and purpose.
Tim Tebow and Maya Stancil at CMN Night of Miracles Gala
The inaugural Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals (CMN) Night of Miracles Gala was a highlight of the conference, offering attendees an opportunity to connect, support charitable causes, and celebrate the credit union difference. The event featured a silent auction and live entertainment, raising $750,000+ for CMN Hospitals. It was a testament to the credit union community’s commitment to making a positive impact beyond financial services.
State advocacy was a focal point at ENGAGE 2025, with dedicated sessions and receptions for Alabama, Florida, Georgia, and Virginia. Attendees engaged directly with key state and federal issues during Joint Advocacy Committee Meetings and state-specific sessions. These discussions allowed credit union professionals to collaborate on legislative strategies and regulatory developments, ensuring their voices were heard in shaping the future of the movement.
Renee Sattiewhite, President and CEO of the African-American Credit Union Coalition, inspired attendees with a call for inclusive leadership and equity. Mark Meyer, President and CEO of Filene Research Institute, provided forward-looking research insights, and Nigel Rabbitts and Paul Norgrove of the UK’s Serve and Protect Credit Union brought valuable international perspectives. Closing out the lineup, Joe Thomas of Apple Federal Credit Union and Executive President of the World Council of Credit Unions, alongside Eric Broome of Georgia’s Own Credit Union, offered both global and regional insights into the future of cooperative finance.
Additional keynotes included Bobbi Grady, Executive Director of the Credit Union Impact Foundation, who highlighted the sector’s growing role in community transformation, and Karima Freeman and Lindsey Cole, Chief Operating Officers at The League, who addressed operational innovation and strategic alignment. Industry leaders Mike Akers of Hello Credit Union, Mark Littleton of Kinetic Credit Union, and Tony Hernandez of the Defense Credit Union Council shared executive perspectives on navigating change, while Grace Newcombe Colvin and Tobi Weingart from The League emphasized the importance of advocacy, policy, and member impact.
ENGAGE offered a diverse array of breakout sessions covering critical industry topics, including: Lending Growth Strategies, Credit Union Branding and Branch Return On Investment (ROI), Member Engagement and Generational Trends, Performance Analytics and Data Insights, Regulatory and Compliance Updates. These sessions provided attendees with actionable insights and strategies to navigate the complexities of the credit union sector.
As ENGAGE 2025 comes to a close, The League of Credit Unions & Affiliates extends its sincere thanks to the sponsors, speakers, exhibitors, and attendees who contributed to the event’s success.
Planning is already underway for ENGAGE 2026, which will be held on June 9 – 12 in Orlando, Florida.
