CEO Council Conference 2026
CEO Council Conference 2026
Overview
Elevating leadership through insight, strategy, and connection
CEO Council Conference is the ultimate opportunity for credit union executives to connect, exchange insights, and engage in candid discussions about the forces shaping financial services. Designed exclusively by and for credit union CEOs, this event brings together leaders from institutions ranging from tens of millions to multi-billions in assets.
Attendees will engage with thought leaders from both inside and outside the industry, gaining strategic perspectives on economic pressures, regulatory shifts, technological advancements, and leadership priorities. Discussions focus on relevant issues, idea generation, and problem-solving, leveraging the collective expertise of peers.
This is a space to step away from daily demands and engage in meaningful conversations that inform high-level decision-making. If you are looking to sharpen your strategy, expand your network, and refine your approach to navigating change, CEO Council Conference is designed for you.
See what's in store
Who should attend
- Designed for credit unions of all sizes
- Built for CEOs leading institutions that are growing, adapting, and positioning themselves for long-term success
- Past attendees of CUNA CEO Council Conference.
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There's not much out there that is CEO specific, and this conference did a great job relating to the role of the CEO.
Past attendee -
This was my first CEO Council Conference, and I thought it was tailored to CEOs perfectly.
Past attendee -
This conference had great networking and connections between CEOs that we don't normally get at other conferences.
Past attendee
Keynote Speakers
John Burrows is a Senior Lecturer at the University of Chicago’s Harris School of Public Policy and an Associate Fellow at Oxford University’s Saïd Business School. He teaches leadership, negotiations, decision-making, strategy, and organizational psychology to degree-seeking undergraduate and graduate students and senior executives in open enrollment and custom executive-education programs. At Harris, John is also the Academic Director for Part-Time Programs and Leadership, and at UChicago more broadly, John is a founding faculty member of the McKeon Center.
Matt Seitz leads the AI Hub for Business at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, where he works with organizations to translate AI into practical business outcomes. He advises Fortune 500 companies, including Google, Walmart, Medtronic, Kimberly-Clark, and 3M, and teaches AI strategy to senior executives and MBA students.
He is the founder of Ground Truth: AI for Business, an annual summit that brings together industry leaders, academics, and practitioners to address the challenges of enterprise AI adoption. He authors AI InSeitz, a newsletter on AI in business with over 3,000 subscribers. His perspectives have been featured in the Wall Street Journal and the AP, and regularly delivers keynote presentations on AI and business strategy.
Matt's session at CEO Council Conference, Adoption isn't a Strategy―AI for Competitive Advantage, will cover how businesses can build a durable competitive advantage when everyone has the same tools.
Scott's session at CEO Council Conference, Advocacy & Political Landscape: What's Coming and What It Means for Your Credit Union [bold], will cover where key legislation and regulatory activity stands right now, what the current political dynamics mean for the industry's most consequential hot-button issues, and how different electoral outcomes could shift the landscape heading into the next cycle.
Whether you're planning a merger, evaluating your product roadmap, or preparing your board for what's ahead, understanding the political environment isn't optional—it's part of running your credit union.
Schedule
This preliminary schedule offers a first look at the exclusive programs and experiences available to conference guests. From culinary adventures and offsite events to inspired networking moments, these highlights are designed to complement the full conference schedule, which will be released soon!
Here are a few of the topics that will be covered at this year's event:
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What high-performing credit unions are doing
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Balancing mission and balance sheet
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Managing the CEO & board relationship
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Growth strategies
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Cybersecurity, fraud, and the CEO’s role
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Compensation and/or succession planning
Pricing & Registration
Early bird price until August 21, 2026
Members in multiple categories receive the lowest price.
Member discounts
All credit unions are invited to register for this event. Members are eligible for significant discounts.
Small CU Pricing: Available to members of America’s CUs with assets of $50M or less.
Multi-attendee discount: Register 4 attendees and get the 5th free (please include all registrations in the same order for the discount to apply).
Note: Only one discount can be applied per registration. If a registration qualifies for more than one discount, the highest-value discount will automatically be applied at checkout. Unsure of your eligibility or need help accessing member pricing? Contact us at (800) 356-9655 or [email protected].
Hotel & Travel
Delight in discovery at Renaissance Esmeralda Resort and Spa, Indian Wells. This unique setting features modern guest rooms with private balconies and scenic views.
Recommended travelArrive: Monday, October 19, Sessions begin Tuesday, October 20 Nearest airport: Palm Springs International Airport (PSP) |
Nearby attractions
This Palm Springs resort and spa is set within Coachella Valley, minutes from tennis courts, two championship golf courses, Indio and Coachella festival grounds, and Palm Springs shops.
ACCOMMODATIONS
Renaissance Esmeralda Resort & Spa
44400 Indian Wells Ln
Indian Wells, CA 92210
(760) 773-4444
Hotel reservation deadline
October 2, 2026*
Room rate
$289+ taxes & fees
*Room rates and availability cannot be guaranteed. Rooms may sell 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 to make a reservation 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 are committed to making every event experience welcoming, respectful, and safe.
Cancellations and substitutions
- Cancellations must be submitted in writing to [email protected] with a brief explanation. Cancellations received more than 30 days before the event are subject to a 25% administrative fee. 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 fees may apply. Please include the event name, current participant, and new participant name when requesting a substitution to [email protected].
Tee Time and Talk
Join us for Tee Time & Talk at the Indian Wells Golf Resort!
(Separate fee & registration required)
Start your networking early with a relaxed morning of golf and conversation alongside fellow CEOs at the beautiful Indian Wells Golf Resort, and maybe incorporate some friendly competition. This Palm Springs-area golf course offers manicured greens and inspiring views, and it was featured in Golfweek's "Top 20 Courses to Play" in California. This 18-hole experience offers the perfect backdrop for exchanging ideas, sharing strategic insights, and building lasting connections. Enjoy a cart, two drink tickets, and a takeaway lunch. Golf club rental is available for $85.
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.
If you are interested in sponsorship opportunities for this event, please reach out to [email protected].
Guest Program
The guest program ($325) includes access to the following experiences. Seats are limited. Attendees are welcome to bring multiple guests.
Tuesday, October 20, 2026
Access to the Executive Exchange: Welcome Reception & Dinner
5:30 - 7:30 p.m.
Kick off the event with a relaxed evening of conversation and connection. This welcome reception and dinner present a perfect opportunity to meet fellow attendees, spark new relationships, and set the stage for meaningful networking throughout the conference. Enjoy delicious food, engaging company, and the beginning of something impactful.
*Please note that the pasta and wine tasting experience takes place during scheduled attendee sessions.
The Nightcap
7:30 - 8:30 p.m.
Unwind at The Nightcap—a relaxed evening setting for connection and conversation. Enjoy decadent desserts and refreshments while continuing the day’s discussions or making new introductions in an inviting, intimate atmosphere.
Wednesday, October 21, 2026
An Exclusive Culinary Experience at Trio Palm Springs, California
10:45 a.m. - 2:15 p.m.
Join us for an unforgettable afternoon for this private, hands-on culinary experience — reserved exclusively for conference guests — that takes place at Trio Restaurant, one of Palm Springs' most celebrated dining destinations. Led by Chef Gladis, you'll roll up your sleeves and learn the art of making gnocchi from scratch. From mixing and shaping to the perfect cook, Chef Gladis guides you through every step with warmth and expertise, making this as approachable as it is memorable. After the class, settle in for a fresh pasta lunch paired with wine — a well-earned reward for your culinary efforts and a perfect setting to connect with fellow conference guests.
An Evening in the Wild at The Living Desert Zoo & Gardens Palm Desert, California
6:00 - 9:00 p.m.
Bring out your wild side at The Living Desert Zoo & Gardens — one of the top-ranked zoos in the country and a stunning showcase of desert wildlife and botanical beauty nestled at the base of the Santa Rosa Mountains. Conference attendees and guests will gather for a private reception as the desert air cools and the setting sun casts its glow across the savanna. Then comes a moment you won't soon forget: a giraffe feeding experience, where these gentle giants crane their long necks and take food right from your hand — eye to eye, up close, and completely unforgettable. As the evening winds down, gather together for a lovely dinner in this one-of-a-kind setting, surrounded by the sights and sounds of the desert come to life.