Strategic Growth Conference 2026
Strategic Growth Conference 2026
Overview
Lead transformative change for your credit union's growth.
Set your strategy in motion at Strategic Growth Conference in Cleveland, Ohio. It is the ideal setting to discover bold strategies, cutting-edge technology, and future-focused insights that will drive your credit union’s growth for years to come. Connect with experts and your credit union colleagues as you discover innovative growth approaches and best practices.
What you’ll gain
- Strategies to adapt to industry shifts, harness emerging technologies, and anticipate future member needs
- Actionable methods to align leadership, foster collaboration, and produce measurable growth
- Peer-driven insights from executive leaders tackling challenges in culture, talent, digital transformation, and competitive positioning
- Approaches to enhance member engagement and create long-term value for your credit union
Home to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Cleveland is a city where legends have always left their mark. Discover new ways to make yours when you attend this June.
Who should attend
- Credit union chief executives, including Presidents and CEOs
- Senior leaders, including Vice Presidents, overseeing community engagement, outreach, operations, marketing, and development
- Previous attendees of the NAFCU Strategic Growth Conference
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If you care about where your credit union can go from here and are wondering how to get there, this is the conference for you!
Past attendee -
Don't hesitate! My mind is still treading through the content and my takeaways because it was that impactful.
Past attendee
Keynote Speakers
In the last decade, Dubai Future Foundation, Walmart, Coca-Cola, and others have called on Jonathon to maximize their innovation potential. The through-line of his keynote work derives from his decade-long research project interviewing hundreds of innovation leaders globally to uncover methods for sparking systematic innovation. In his day-to-day, Jonathon guides the vision of Trend Hunter, the world's largest trend-spotting platform. Helping global Fortune 500s to build research and training programs, he's driven his own "crash course" in corporate innovation and plucked the best practices for the benefit of the audiences he speaks to. As an event emcee and international business keynote speaker, Jonathon is renowned for his magnetic delivery, executive presence, and divergent storytelling style. His best-known keynotes include "How to Innovate like a Rap Star," "Top Innovators in Business," and "Innovation Tactics from Fortune 500s."
Erin Stafford is a powerhouse author, speaker, and leader with a career as diverse as it is impactful. From Paris and London to Los Angeles and San Diego, Erin has excelled as an MTV advertising executive, celebrity stylist, journalist, and marketing guru. She has worked with iconic brands such as Apple, Nike, Coke, and American Express and styled celebrities for the Emmys, Grammys, and Academy Awards.
Erin’s most transformative role was as the head of marketing for the largest healthcare staffing company in the U.S., where she helped lead a 27x growth trajectory and supported the largest healthcare personnel deployment in history. This experience cemented her expertise in leading through complexity and driving high performance in high-stakes environments.
As a recovering Type A overachiever who has faced and overcome burnout, Erin blends her personal experiences with insights gleaned from working alongside top performers, including Fortune 100 executives, Olympians, and renowned creatives. She’s on a mission to help leaders and teams unlock extraordinary results without compromising their energy or well-being.
Through her signature entertaining and high-energy keynotes, Erin shares actionable strategies to redefine success, reignite purpose, and build resilience. Her talks are rooted in decades of research, personal stories, and a deep understanding of what it takes to thrive in today’s demanding world.
Audiences leave inspired, equipped, and ready to sustain peak performance with balance and clarity. Erin is the best-selling author of The Type A Trap: Five Mindset Shifts to Beat Burnout and Transform Your Life, endorsed by bestselling author, Mel Robbins, Olympian, Amy Purdy, and Chris Barton, the founder of Shazam. As a Forbes Business Council member, Erin’s thought leadership on burnout and peak performance is featured regularly, and her expertise has been highlighted by outlets including The Wall Street Journal, Vogue, Vanity Fair, and MSN. Erin’s core message resonates with leaders and teams across industries: success is sustainable when rooted in energy, purpose, and balance. Her practical tools and inspiring insights empower organizations to burn bright, not out, and achieve extraordinary outcomes that not only look good, but feel good.
Schedule
The 2026 schedule is now live, giving you a first look at sessions designed to help your credit union drive sustainable growth in a rapidly evolving market. Sessions feature timely conversations on innovation, digital transformation, AI, fintech, cybersecurity, and member engagement, with insights from highly regarded credit union leaders.
Some sessions are still being finalized, and the schedule will be updated as additional speakers and topics are confirmed.
Pricing & Registration
Members in multiple categories receive the lowest price.
Member discounts
All credit unions are invited to register for this event. Members receive a significant discount. Additional discounts available to member credit unions:
- Less than $50 million in assets save 20%
- Council members save 10%
- League staff save 20%
- Multi-attendee discount - Register four attendees and get the 5th free (Note: Please include all registrations in the same order for the discount to apply)
Only one discount can be applied per registration. If a registration qualifies for more than one discount, the highest-value discount will be applied. Unsure of your eligibility or need help accessing member pricing? Contact us at (800) 356-9655 or [email protected].
Hotel & Travel
Nestled in the heart of downtown Cleveland, Hotel Cleveland blends timeless elegance with the city’s vibrant spirit. From the moment guests arrive, they are welcomed with historic charm, warm hospitality, and curated luxury that capture the essence of Cleveland.
Recommended travelArrive: Sunday afternoon, June 14 Nearest airport: Cleveland Hopkins International Airport (CLE) |
Nearby attractions
Step outside and explore downtown Cleveland. Visit Cleveland Public Square, the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, and the Greater Cleveland Aquarium, all just minutes away. Enjoy hands-on fun at the Great Lakes Science Center or admire art at The Cleveland Museum of Art. For outdoor escapes, stroll along Lake Erie or visit Cuyahoga Valley National Park, a short drive from the city.
ACCOMMODATIONS
Hotel Cleveland
24 Public Sq.
Cleveland, OH 44113
Hotel reservation: (216) 696-5600
Room rate: $239 + taxes & fees
Hotel reservation deadline: May 15, 2026*
*Room rates and availability cannot be guaranteed. Rooms may be sold out before the reservation deadline, so make your reservations early! Room reservations and fees are the responsibility of the registrant. To claim this room rate, call for reservations and reference America's Credit Unions.
BOOK YOUR FLIGHT
Discounted airfare through our airline partners:
Delta Airlines
- Book your Delta flight online
- Call to book: (800) 328-1111
- Use code NY3XT
- Mon – Fri | 8:00 a.m. – 6:30 p.m. ET
*Please note there are no service fees for reservations booked and ticketed via our reservation 800 number.
United Airlines
- Book your United flight online
- Call to book: (800) 426-1122
- Use code ZR7G651311
- Mon – Fri | 8:00 a.m. – 6:30 p.m. ET
Attendee Info
Code of Conduct
We want everyone's event experience to be welcoming, respectful, and safe. For more information, see our Code of Conduct.
Cancellations
All cancellations must be received in writing. Please explain the cancellation briefly and submit it via email to [email protected]. Cancellations received more than 30 days before the event are subject to a 25% administrative fee on the order total. No refunds will be granted for cancellations received on or after 30 days before the event. Substitutions are accepted before the start of the program. Additional costs may apply. Please provide the event name, current participant name, and new participant name to [email protected].
Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Experience
Spend Monday, June 15, from 6:00 p.m.- 8:00 p.m. exploring the evolution of music inside the legendary Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Included as part of your conference experience, this private evening offers exclusive access to one of Cleveland’s most iconic landmarks, complete with music history, immersive exhibits, and a lively atmosphere.
What to expect
- Full museum buyout with exclusive access for conference attendees
- Food, drinks, and live entertainment throughout the evening
- Explore exhibits at your own pace, including the interactive Garage with hands-on instruments and guided instruction
- Transportation provided to and from the venue
- 10% discount at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Museum Store
This Rock & Roll Hall of Fame experience is included with your conference registration at no additional cost. Attendees are welcome to bring a guest to join the fun for an additional fee. Register a guest here to secure their spot for this one-of-a-kind evening.
Sponsors
Sponsor this event
America’s Credit Unions events provide great opportunities to build relationships and get your brand in front of credit union leaders around the country.
FAQs
Strategic Growth Conference is a national event designed for credit union executives, including CEOs, COOs, CMOs, strategy leaders, growth leaders, and transformation teams. If you focus on growth, member value, digital transformation, or long‑term strategy, this conference is for you.
Key themes include credit union growth strategies, digital transformation, AI, fintech partnerships, risk, cybersecurity, fraud prevention, member acquisition and retention, and Gen Z and Millennial engagement.
Credit unions face rapid change in technology, competition, member expectations, and growth channels. This event helps leaders gain proven growth frameworks, peer insights, and strategies to stay competitive and future‑ready.
Strategic Growth Conference features a mix of credit union thought leaders, industry experts, and your peers from across the credit union movement. Many sessions highlight real-world strategies and lessons learned from executives and credit union teams who are actively driving growth, innovation, and transformation.
This conference is primarily lecture‑style. Most sessions are delivered as general sessions or expert‑led breakouts, which are presentation‑focused rather than hands‑on. However, there are many opportunities for discussion and networking through scheduled breaks, receptions, and social events.
No. All credit unions are invited to register for this event. Members receive a significant discount.
- Additional discounts available to member credit unions:
- Less than $50 million in assets save 20%
- Council members save 25%
- League staff save 20%
- Multi-Attendee discount - Register four attendees and get the 5th free