GAC 2026 Session Descriptions

From Policy to People: Advocacy Storytelling That Resonates on Capitol Hill

Policymakers don’t just vote on policy. They respond to people, communities, and stories they can understand and remember. This session introduces credit union leaders to the fundamentals of advocacy storytelling and how personal, authentic stories can shape policy outcomes. Designed for new and emerging advocates, the discussion will focus on how to translate complex issues into clear, compelling narratives that resonate with lawmakers and their staff.

Agentic AI Redefining Banking (Presented by Interface AI, Inc.)

AI has passed a tipping point, and it's arriving faster than most leadership teams, policies, and operating models can absorb. This thought-leadership session reframes AI from buzzword to board-level lever for resilient growth in community finance. We'll ground the conversation in today's member reality-fragmented finances, rising stress, and demand for proactive, always-on guidance-then unpack the headwinds facing credit unions: siloed data, cost pressure, talent constraints, and rising churn. We'll close with a pragmatic roadmap for pairing local trust with agentic AI to deliver personalization at scale, accelerate service and product innovation, strengthen compliance and fraud defenses, and win younger members with a 'high-tech, high-touch' model. CEOs will leave with a clear agenda, priority use cases, and guardrails to act now.

CDFIs at a Crossroads: Advocacy, Impact, and the Future of Financial Access

Explore why CDFI credit unions are essential to the nation’s cooperative financial ecosystem and what emerging threats to CDFI funding mean for communities. Hear real examples of CDFI-driven impact—expanding credit access, housing, and small business growth—and learn how credit union leaders can effectively advocate for a strong, sustainable CDFI Fund.

Councils Panel: One Industry, Many Perspectives (Presented by Councils)

This cross‑councils panel brings together senior leaders across key credit union functions to examine how major industry trends—AI, fraud, mergers, non‑interest income, workforce shifts, and regulatory complexity—affect their disciplines. Panelists will share where collaboration is essential and how teams translate strategy into action to support growth, resilience, and the member experience.

From Messages to Momentum: Advanced Grassroots Advocacy That Shapes Policy

This advanced-level panel explores how credit unions are evolving their grassroots efforts to shape the future of advocacy. Panelists will share proven strategies for activating members and employees in more targeted, authentic, and story-driven ways—aligning outreach with key policy priorities and the realities policymakers face.

Designed for experienced advocates*

AI at the Crossroads of Innovation, Data Privacy, and Third-Party Risk Management

AI innovation continues to accelerate, and four states have passed laws that go into effect in 2026 regulating AI. Credit unions want to take advantage of this new technology while balancing data privacy concerns and the safety of members, and most credit unions will leverage solutions from third parties.  Attendees will learn practical frameworks for evaluating AI vendors, implementing governance structures, and ensuring compliance with emerging state regulations. We'll also explore real-world case studies of credit unions successfully deploying AI tools while maintaining robust third-party risk management programs. This session will explain the issues and how credit unions can strike the right balance between innovation and risk management to maximize performance for members.

Strategic Partnerships That Define the Future of Credit Union Growth (Presented by Upstart)

As credit unions pursue growth and high-quality members, fintech partnerships are becoming critical. In this session, Stephani Foss, EVP, Chief Operations Officer at Alliant Credit Union, shares lessons on turning fintech vendors into strategic partners that drive sustainable growth, strong credit performance, and long-term member value through AI.

Winning Where It Counts: The Political Playbook for Credit Unions (Closed to Press)

Midterms, engagement, and smart political investments—what works now. With credit union champions on the ballot this November in a volatile election year, it's crucial we level up our game on political engagement. Hear from peers on successful strategies and tactics that empower credit union employees and members, build stronger relationships with lawmakers, and ensure our champions win elections this fall.

Note: Requires a valid 2026 PAC permission agreement for attendance.

Looking Through the Periscope: Key Regulatory Compliance & Litigation Insights

In 2026, regulatory compliance has shifted from strict oversight to strategic risk management amid evolving supervisory policies. Emerging litigation trends as well as ongoing risks also pose compliance and operational challenges. Join a panel of compliance and legal experts for an in‑depth look at major risk areas, the operational pressures shaping the year ahead, and litigation trends your credit union should be monitoring.

The Future of Payments: Stablecoins, Regulation, and Consumer Protection

Discover how stablecoins and digital assets are reshaping policy conversations on payments, innovation, and consumer protection. This session breaks down what stablecoins are, their implications for lending and financial access, the regulatory questions defining their future, and how credit unions can advocate for responsible innovation and strong consumer safeguards.

The New Regulatory Landscape: Understanding NCUA Deregulation

In this session, we’ll examine the NCUA’s ongoing deregulatory efforts, including its Deregulation Project, and the scope of regulatory changes currently underway. With multiple proposals at various stages, the discussion will cover what has been proposed to date, what may be forthcoming, and what these changes could mean for your credit union, including the underlying goals of the project and the practical effects of the proposals. The session will also touch on where stakeholder input fits into the process and what to watch for as the project continues.

Compensation & Succession: Preparing Your Credit Union for 2026 and Beyond (Presented by TriscendNP)

Executive pay and succession planning have always been sensitive topics, but now they're front and center. As recently discussed with America's Credit Union's CEO, Scott Simpson, credit unions are under more public scrutiny than ever. From stadium naming rights to acquisition of bank assets, the headlines often come back to what leaders are paid and how those decisions are defended. This session will look at the new succession rules coming in 2026 and what they mean for boards, auditors, and examiners. We'll also address a growing challenge in the marketplace: providers who both implement executive benefits and position themselves as compensation consultants. With Mike Patrick offering perspective on why this 'one-stop shop' approach to executive compensation and benefits can create conflicts of interest, attendees will learn what true independence looks like. Participants will leave with practical steps to defend compensation plans, strengthen governance, and stay credible in today's spotlight.

The Economy Ahead: What 2026 Will Demand of Credit Unions

2026 will test how credit unions plan, advocate, and lead. This forward-looking economic forecast goes beyond traditional indicators to examine the forces shaping the year ahead—from inflation and interest rates to labor markets, consumer financial health, regulatory pressures, and federal policy decisions. Drawing on insights from economists and industry experts, this session will explore what the economic environment means for credit unions and the members they serve.

Open Banking at a Crossroads: Litigation, Costs, and the CFPB’s New Direction

The CFPB’s 2024 Personal Financial Data Rights Rule—once positioned as a cornerstone of “open banking”—is now in flux. Litigation and renewed rulemaking efforts are reshaping the rule’s original intent, raising fundamental questions about consumer data access, cost structures, and long-term viability. For some credit unions, these shifts may reduce regulatory burden and infrastructure costs; for others, they could disrupt existing investments and business strategies built around open banking. This session translates regulatory uncertainty into executive-level insight—clarifying what’s changing, why it matters, and how credit union leaders and boards should assess risk, opportunity, and strategic positioning as the CFPB’s priorities evolve.

Shape the Future on Capitol Hill: Turning Credit Union Stories into Advocacy Impact

Learn how to make Hill meetings count as credit unions advance key advocacy priorities on Capitol Hill. This session explores effective do’s and don'ts, the power of storytelling to humanize policy issues, and strategies for framing your credit union’s impact in ways that resonate with lawmakers and their constituents.

The New Front Line: How Credit Unions Are Confronting Fraud and Cyber Threats

Fraud and cyber threats are evolving faster than ever and credit unions are on the front lines of protecting members, institutions, and trust in the financial system. This panel brings together industry experts to explore the current fraud and cybersecurity landscape facing credit unions, why these threats are escalating, and what leaders can do to stay ahead. Panelists will discuss real-world trends, emerging risks, and practical strategies for strengthening defenses—while also examining the broader industry and policy implications shaping the future of financial security.

How Credit Unions Stand Out—or Fade Out—Now (Presented by Eltropy)

Differentiation is now a survival skill. In a world where every institution can buy the same AI, credit unions can no longer rely on tools to set them apart. The real competitive edge comes from what others can’t replicate: human capital, cultural courage, strategic pace, and the ability to fuse AI-driven technology with mission-driven intelligence.

Join Eltropy, Filene, and industry leaders as we dig into uncomfortable truths and redefine the strategies that will determine who grows—and who gets forgotten.

CEO Briefing: Navigating the Forces Reshaping Credit Unions (Presented by Councils)

This session gives credit union CEOs a clear, strategic view of the forces reshaping financial services. Mark Sievewright will brief attendees on key trends affecting risk, growth, and relevance, followed by a CEO fireside conversation offering real‑world insights. Leaders will gain perspective on emerging risks, revenue impacts, and critical questions for boards and executive teams.

Fostering Strategic Board Culture

Equip your board to think future forward. This session delivers actionable tools to elevate your credit union’s board culture and strengthen its strategic focus. Discover the director competencies, board systems, and dynamics that power a truly strategic board and help shape your credit union’s future.

50 States, 50 Front Lines: The Local Battles Shaping Our National Future

Examine state‑level policy trends and their potential impact on the national landscape and federal decision‑making. This session highlights emerging state issues affecting credit unions, the ripple effects on federal priorities, and strategies for engaging effectively at both levels to ensure aligned, impactful advocacy in a rapidly evolving regulatory environment.