APEX 2024

Session Descriptions (More Coming Soon)

Wednesday, October 16, 2024

Pre-Conference Session: Board Fiduciary Duties and Responsibilities

Glory LeDu, President/CEO, CU Risk Intelligence / InfoSight

Being a credit union Director comes with many duties and responsibilities. This session is a great refresher for seasoned as well as newly appointed Directors. This training will review all duties, responsibilities, and best practices of highly effective boards. Learn how to avoid liability while ensuring fiduciary responsibilities are met.

Pre-Conference Session: Fintech Showcase 

Explore the future of financial technology at the Fintech Showcase, a featured event in APEX's pre-conference activities. Tailored for executives, young professionals, senior leaders, and board members alike, this showcase presents highlights of the latest innovations from leading fintech companies. Experience concise presentations on cutting-edge products designed to empower credit unions in this mini–Cyber Showcase. Discover solutions that enhance member services, streamline operations, and strengthen financial security. Engage with industry leaders and gain insights into the tools shaping the future of the credit union sector. Don't miss this chance to stay ahead in the ever-evolving world of fintech.  Featured Fintechs: Ascent, CoverRight, Ranqx, Salus, Starlight

Opening Keynote: Leadership Teamwork, Collaboration, Communication, and Creativity

Kenny Aronoff, Drummer (John Mellencamp, The Rolling Stones, The Smashing Pumpkins, Bruce Springsteen, and many more.)

As the man who has actually created some of the most iconic drum parts in rock history, (including the infamous drum solo on "Jack and Diane" with John Mellencamp), Kenny truly believes that sometimes going to the beat of a different drummer can be not just a good thing…but a GREAT thing!

Learning Lab: Navigating the Compliance Landscape – Hot Topics for Credit Unions

Glory LeDu, President/CEO, CU Risk Intelligence / InfoSight

The regulatory compliance landscape is more challenging than ever. How can credit unions stay on top of everything? Don't let anything slip through the cracks. Join this session to stay ahead of what is happening in the regulatory environment and learn about the support, tools, and resources credit unions have to manage it all.

Learning Lab: Beyond Business Intelligence: Leveraging Your Data as a Strategic Asset

Jamie Jackson, CEO, Arkatechture

In today's rapidly evolving financial landscape, credit unions must go beyond traditional business intelligence to stay competitive. By viewing data as a strategic asset, credit unions can prepare for major system conversions, create internal benchmarks to foster healthy competition, and innovate to streamline operations. This article explores ways to harness data, from scenario analysis in mergers and acquisitions to seamless fintech integration, ensuring that every data point you manage drives value.

Learning Lab: The Comprehensive Approach to Fixed Income Portfolio Strategy and Management

John Almeida, CFA, Institutional Fixed Income Sales Representative, Alloya Investment Services

Volatility in the fixed income and equity markets can make finding value a challenge for investors, but with the right tools and knowledge, credit unions can successfully create and maintain an optimized portfolio regardless of the current economic climate.

In this session, we will discuss different institutional fixed income portfolio strategies and tools for credit unions to take advantage of. We will focus on the various risks associated with fixed income securities, explore alternative investment opportunities for credit unions and walk through the strategies that are most prudent in today's market. Topics to be discussed include: 

• Interest rates and yield curve analysis
• Ways to identify value in today's market 
• Investment alternatives, including loan participations and subordinated debt
• Interest rate risk (IRR) and liquidity risk
• …and more!

Learning Lab: Small Credit Union Success Panel

Engage with peers, industry leaders, and fellow members in the panel discussion. CEOs from the CCUA and CULCT will explore how small credit unions are at the forefront of innovation. These institutions are crafting creative solutions to meet member needs, maintain competitiveness, and enhance community impact. Moderated by Barb Lowman, President of CUNA Strategic Services, this session provides valuable insights into the unique strengths and bold strategies of small credit unions. Uncover how these leaders are using their agility and deep community ties to achieve impressive outcomes.

Thursday, October 17, 2024

Keynote: Building Trust Between Humans & AI to Supercharge Your Business

Jennifer Golbeck, Director of the Social Intelligence Lab, University of Maryland

As artificial intelligence (AI) becomes a game-changer in the future of work, fostering trust between humans and machines is crucial for maximizing efficiency, ethical responsibility, and profitability. An accomplished computer scientist and a leading expert in AI and trust, join Dr. Golbeck as she reveals the secrets to building trust between humans and AI, unlocking the full potential of technology, and supercharging your business' success. With her insights, you will be able to assess and build trust between your team and AI systems, paving the way for seamless collaboration and giving your team a competitive edge. 

In this presentation, Dr. Golbeck covers why trust is the key to unlocking the benefits of AI in your company, the core principles that encourage trust between your team and AI systems, and real-life examples of how trust in AI has transformed businesses across various industries. She will provide practical and actionable tips on integrating trust-enhancing techniques into your organization for increased collaboration and growth. Additionally, she will explore the ongoing development of trust-building strategies and how they shape the future of human-machine interaction.

In this enlightening and inspiring exploration of trust and AI, you and your team will gain the knowledge necessary to skyrocket your organization's success in the era of AI.

Keynote: The Greatest Thing Leaders Can Do

Tessa White, Author and Founder, The Job Doctor

How do leaders create the conditions to re-engage their people and make them true partners in the business? Every leader in today's workplace will need to know how to pivot from old top-down leadership models to humane leadership. Find out the secrets for bending the curve on employee loyalty and the adjustments every leader will need to make to make every individual a partner in the business's success. And change the way you interact with the workplace altogether.

Learning Lab: Leveraging Regulatory Benefits for Strategic Growth

Sam Brownell, Founder & CEO, CUCollaborate

Join Sam Brownell, Founder and CEO of CUCollaborate, for a breakout session covering credit union growth strategies through field of membership expansions, charter conversions, and gaining access to the benefits of regulatory programs. Attendees can expect to take away insights and updates to consider regarding Field of Membership, CDFI and LID strategies, and the successes credit unions have seen taking a strategic approach to growth.

2024 Fraud Trends and Scams

Trisha Wells, VP, Authorization Risk Management

Presentation Description: In today's digital world, fraud and scams have continued to evolve, becoming more sophisticated and challenging for financial institutions and consumers alike. Explore the latest trends in fraud, including emerging tactics used by fraudsters, the impact of technological advancements on scam operations, and the vulnerabilities that are being exploited. Discover proactive strategies to combat these threats and insights on how to better protect your members and credit union in this ever-changing landscape.

Learning Lab: BSA Training for Board Members

Judy Britt, Vice President of Compliance, Credit Union League of Connecticut

Bank Secrecy Act (BSA) compliance remains high on the examiner's list for all credit unions, so credit union volunteers need to be familiar with BSA requirements. While board members are not expected to be experts in every law or regulation impacting BSA/AML compliance, they are expected to be educated enough to understand and oversee their own compliance programs. Guidance from regulators and enforcement authorities makes clear that effective oversight requires knowledgeable and active engagement from directors.

This training session provides a relevant overview of BSA including the specific actions that boards must actively keep up with, such as BSA policy, risk assessment, ongoing training, and Suspicious Activity Report filings.

Learning Lab: Women in Fintech - Leading the Charge for Financial Empowerment

Discover how financial technology is transforming the landscape of member service, community engagement, and financial education in this compelling panel discussion, " Women in Fintech: Leading the Charge for Financial Empowerment". Featuring female fintech founders and CEOs, this session offers a deep dive into how innovative fintech solutions are empowering specific member segments and driving meaningful change within credit unions. Moderated by Melissa Pomeroy from the CCUA, the panel will share real-world examples and actionable insights on leveraging fintech to enhance member experiences and financial wellness in your communities. This discussion is a must-attend for credit union leaders looking to harness the power of technology at their credit union.

Moderator: Melissa Pomeroy, CCUA

Panelists: Margaret Hartigan, Marstone | Rhian Horgan, Silvur | Tanya Van Court, Goalsetter [CCUA 2024 Cyber Showcase Champion]

Learning Lab: Turning Possibilities into Lending Opportunities – Maximizing SBA Loan Programs/Services to Grow

During this session, Small Business Administration (SBA) Lender Relations Specialist from Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Rhode Island will go over the recent changes to SBA 7a loan programs making SBA lending simpler for the borrower and lender and also making SBA less expensive for the lender to process. Simpler and less expensive equals more loans, more customers, and more profits for your institution. Join us to find out how SBA is helping thousands of lenders across the country get to the YES decision, and making the loan a reality.

Friday, October 18, 2024

Keynote: Digital Transformation Panel

Join moderator Sam Das and industry leaders Nicholas Hinrichsen, Barry Kirby, and Sarah Martin for a dynamic exploration of credit union digital transformation through fintech partnerships in the credit union space. Discover how these innovators are redefining member experiences, driving operational efficiency, and securing the future of credit unions. Learn practical strategies, emerging technologies, and real-world case studies to inspire your own digital journey.

Moderator: Sam Das TruStage Ventures

Panelists: Nicholas Hinrichsen, Clutch | Barry Kirby, Union Credit | Sarah Martin, Pulsate

Closing Keynote: Mastering The Three Gs: Grace, Grit, and Gratitude

Kendall Burton, Resilience Speaker, Stroke Survivor, Softball Champion

Explore personal growth through the concepts of: Grace, Grit, and Gratitude. This session delves into the practical definitions of the three Gs, tailored to everyday life and the challenges faced in unknown circumstances. Beginning with 'Grace,' Kendall highlights the importance of recognizing and celebrating small daily victories. Transition to 'Grit,' which forms the core of the message where Kendall emphasizes the significance of fighting for your passion and living a life of pride through perseverance, adaptability, and inner guidance. Conclude with 'Gratitude,' underscoring the power of consciously finding moments of positivity amidst adversity. This closing keynote session leaves APEX attendees with actionable insights for personal growth.