Musings from the CU Suite

Written by Anthony Demangone

Warning, Buck Rogers, this here is a shameless plug. 

In eight days, the early bird pricing for NAFCU's annual conference runs out. After that date, you can surely sign up. You'll just pay more. 

But why go to an annual conference? And let's think beyond NAFCU. There are other ones out there.  

Here's how I explained it to my father once.

Any industry, such as the credit union industry, is a complicated thing. It is made up of thousands of organizations, and hundreds of thousands of people. 

Each organization, and each person, has needs. Some they know about. And some they don't. 

Each industry has plenty of plots and twists. Story lines. Opportunities and threats. Some you know about. And some you don't. 

An annual conference, if done well, weaves all of the plots, twists, threats, opportunities, people and organization into a symphony. Take one piece away, and you don't get the whole picture. Together, an industry's music comes to life. 

And if done right, the setting, sounds, tastes and experiences lift one up to introduce new people and ideas. 

It reminds me of what I used to tell new compliance attorneys at NAFCU. Sometimes they'd have that look - I have to learn and understand all of that? That's when I'd smile and say...just jump in, roll around in it, be curious and ask questions. You'll learn faster than you think. 

That's what we're shooting for in Nashville.  A place and experience where you can jump in, absorb it, be curious, and walk away uplifted and informed.

I'm proud of what my colleagues have put together, because I think it reflects what we as an industry are all about. 

With that, I do truly invite you to join us in Nashville this summer. And if you are coming, please, please sign up by next Friday. It'll save you some money.