Agenda at a Glance
9:00 a.m.
(Timing subject to change)
Group Golf Outing at The Club at Savannah Harbor
If this is something you are interested in attending, please indicate your interest during the registration process. We will reach out to you as the event gets closer to coordinate timing and costs.
2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Early Registration
8:00 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.
Grave Tales Ghost Tour
Pre-registration required.
Join this 90-minute tour taking a journey into Savannah's haunted heart. From cobblestone streets and creepy cemeteries to battle-scarred fields and ghost-filled alleyways, the Grave Tales Tour invites you to uncover the city's secrets hiding in plain sight. And yes, Savannah really is built over forgotten graveyards. With every step, you're walking over centuries of buried stories just waiting to be told.
7:00 a.m. - 8:00 a.m.
Registration and Breakfast
8:00 a.m. - 9:30 a.m.
AI-Powered Finance: Driving Efficiency and Innovation
Artificial intelligence (AI) is redefining financial management and strategic decision-making for credit unions. In this session, we’ll explore practical AI applications that streamline processes, enhance decision-making and unlock new member experience and opportunities for growth. Learn how you, as a financial leader, can integrate AI responsibly to improve efficiency, mitigate risk and lead innovation in a rapidly evolving financial landscape.
9:30 a.m. - 9:45 a.m.
Break
9:45 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Beyond Spreadsheets: How Credit Unions are Embracing Technology for Increased Efficiencies
Step into the future of accounting in this highly collaborative panel session. As an open-forum platform, we’ll have discussions about how credit unions are leveraging tools that go far beyond traditional spreadsheets. Attendees will have the opportunity to hear from panelists about challenges they have faced, experiences with cloud-based platforms, improved processes and much more. Walk away from this session with fresh ideas and answers to your most pressing questions.
11:00 a.m. - 11:15 p.m.
Break
11:15 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.
The Key to Derivatives: When and How to Hedge Interest Rate Risk
Interest rate derivatives unlock a wide range of strategies for managing interest rate risk, especially in today’s unpredictable interest rate environment. Effective hedging can protect your credit union from interest rate volatility by effectively locking in borrowing rates or stabilizing net interest margins. Explore practical, non-speculative hedging strategies for mitigating interest rate risk exposure that might otherwise prevent the credit union from achieving its financial goals.
12:15 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Lunch
1:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Jeopardy: The Accounting Update Showdown
Get ready. This isn’t your ordinary accounting update. Join us for this Jeopardy-style session to stay ahead of the curve with the latest developments in accounting standards and best practices. Compete with peers, sharpen your expertise and walk away with practical insights—all while enjoying a little friendly competition.
4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Cocktail Reception
Ready to roll the dice?
Join us for a casino-themed cocktail reception!
7:00 a.m. - 8:00 a.m.
Breakfast
8:00 a.m. - 9:30 a.m.
ALM: Budgeting, Branch Accounting, Profitability, Oh My!
Dive into the essentials of asset liability management (ALM) and discover how budgeting, branch accounting and profitability analysis intersect to drive financial success. Explore best practices for aligning budgets with strategic goals, managing branch-level performance and leveraging profitability insights to make informed decisions. Whether you’re looking to refine your financial planning or strengthen your credit union’s bottom line, this interactive discussion will provide practical tools and actionable strategies.
9:30 a.m. - 9:45 a.m.
Break
9:45 a.m. - 11:15 a.m.
The Financial Playbook for Mergers and Acquisitions
Credit union mergers and bank acquisitions are on the rise – and they’re likely not slowing down anytime soon. With the financial institutions industry consolidating, your credit union may be looking to explore a strategic move. While mergers and acquisitions can be game-changing, they also bring a maze of financial complexities. Join Doeren Mayhew’s David Milkes and Dean Rohne as they break down the playbook for success, covering everything from due diligence and valuation, to purchase accounting and best practices. Learn how to spot potential risks, ensure compliance and apply financial and accounting strategies that strengthen decision-making and transaction outcomes. Gain a clear understanding of your role in a transaction and leave with practical insights to help your credit union succeed in its next transaction.
11:15 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Break
11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Beyond the Hype: How Stablecoins are Reshaping Payments and the Deposit Base for Financial Institutions
Stablecoins have moved from buzzword to business reality, creating ripple effects across the financial ecosystem. Join Gray Reed’s Joshua Smeltzer as he explores how these digital assets are influencing payment systems, liquidity management and the traditional deposit base. Gain insights into regulatory considerations, risk management strategies and the opportunities stablecoins present for credit unions seeking innovation without compromising stability.
12:30 p.m. - 1:30 p.m.
Lunch
1:30 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Financial Leadership Exchange 2.0
Back by popular demand, this catch-all workshop will allow attendees to participate in open dialogue with their peers. Bring your thoughts, ideas and discussions to the table and get ready to not just get answers, but collaborate with one another, share experiences, challenges and much more.