Registration

Secure your spot for success at United Creditors Connect! Proceed to the Registration desk between 2:00 PM and 5:00 PM to receive your vendor pass, event kit, and a special token of appreciation from us.

Welcome Reception

Begin your United Creditors Connect adventure at our Welcome Reception. This is the perfect opportunity to network with peers, meet the faces behind the scene, and enjoy light refreshments in a relaxed atmosphere. Let’s toast to a fruitful conference ahead!

Networking BREAKFAST

Kick off your day at United Creditors Connect with our Networking Breakfast. Engage in early conversations with fellow attendees as you enjoy a variety of breakfast favorites. It’s the perfect setting to exchange ideas and energize for the day ahead!

Speaker Introduction by Chris Benson

Join Chris Benson, our MC and President, as he warmly welcomes you to a day of learning and collaboration. Get to know the visionary speakers who will be enlightening us today. It’s a brief but vibrant start to an inspiring day at United Creditors Connect!

Chuck Liddell, “The Iceman” / ufc cHAMPION

Experience the intensity and focus of a champion as Chuck Liddell, UFC Hall of Famer, takes the stage. In a powerful 30-minute keynote, “The Iceman” will share his journey of determination and the strategic mindset that made him a legend in the MMA world.

Brewing Ideas:
Stir Your Coffee and Thoughts Together.

K. (Gandhi) Eswaramoorthy / Debt Program Lead @ CFPB

Join us as K. Gandhi Eswaramoorthy, with a quarter-century in credit card risk management and current Program Manager for Debt Collections at the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, delivers a keynote on the complexities and innovations in the field of debt collection. His rich experience and academic background, including a PhD in Agricultural Economics, promise to bring valuable perspectives to the forefront.

Dallas Bergl / ceo @ INOVA FCU

Step into the digital age with Dallas Bergl, CEO of INOVA FCU, as he discusses the transformative power of digital banking in today’s credit union landscape. With over 25 years leading growth and innovation, Bergl’s insights on integrating technology will enlighten and inspire. A decorated veteran and influential leader, he brings a strategic vision to the forefront of financial evolution.

Palate & Palette:
Color Your Day with Flavors and Fellowship.

Karel Rocha, Esq., Principal Partner

Delve into the latest consumer laws impacting finance with Karel Rocha, Esq., a foremost legal authority with 20+ years in creditor collections. Rocha will provide a vital update on consumer collections legalities, drawing from his extensive trial experience across California and expertise honed at numerous legal seminars. Equip your credit union with the knowledge to thrive amid evolving legal challenges.

Refresh & Reconnect:
Enjoy a Pause That Energizes.

Don / Senior Tech Exec & Cyber Security Expert

Join Don, a seasoned tech strategist and cybersecurity guru, as he unpacks the critical importance of cybersecurity within the collections sphere of credit unions. Learn how vulnerabilities can arise from any level of operations and how a single breach can lock systems, disrupt banking networks, and hinder critical functions like payment processing. Don will offer key preventative strategies tailored to non-IT FCU employees, ensuring you’re equipped with the knowledge to fortify your department against these evolving digital threats. It’s not just an IT issue—it’s a collective safeguard.

Michael Pupil / VP @ Lexop

Immerse yourself in the transformative power of empathetic communication in the realm of financial collections with Michael Pupil, a distinguished leader in financial services and IT. Michael will guide you through leveraging cutting-edge digital tools to enhance customer interactions and anticipate future industry trends. Discover how to balance technology with a human touch to manage past-due accounts effectively, ensuring customer loyalty and retention. This session is essential for those aiming to excel in modern collection strategies that prioritize compassion without compromising efficiency.

Vendor Showcase Extravaganza

This is your prime opportunity to experience the latest in credit union services and technologies. Our Vendor Showcase brings together industry leaders and innovators ready to present their cutting-edge solutions. Engage with vendors, discover new products, and find tools to elevate your credit union’s operations. Don’t miss this interactive and insightful journey into the future of credit union technology.

Mini Breakfast Kick-off

Begin your day at United Creditors Connect with our Mini Breakfast. It’s a perfect mix of morning refreshments and networking in a casual, inviting atmosphere. Fuel up with a selection of gourmet bites and fresh brews while mingling with fellow attendees. Quick, convenient, and just the right start to a day full of learning and connection!

Vendor Insight Hour

Join us for a deep dive into the future of finance at our Vendor Event. Engage directly with the creators behind the latest financial products and services designed to enhance credit union operations. This interactive session is your chance to ask questions, gather insights, and build relationships that can lead to innovative solutions and strategic partnerships.

Day Two Kickoff with Chris Benson

Step into the second day of United Creditors Connect with an energizing welcome from our MC, Chris Benson. In this brief but dynamic segment, Chris will celebrate our valued vendors, set the tone for the day, and introduce the lineup of expert speakers. It’s the perfect primer to get you geared up for another day of insightful sessions and meaningful connections.

Milton Hunt / Trainer and Coach

Elevate your professional drive in Milton Hunt’s motivational session, “Maximizing Your Potential.” As a member of the Lumbee tribe and a celebrated ‘edu-tainer,’ Milton infuses cultural wisdom into his dynamic training approach. His energizing talk will inspire you to bridge divides and unlock new levels of personal and team success. Recognized for his leadership and civic contributions, Milton’s session is set to be a highlight, empowering attendees to achieve excellence.

BLAKE HASTINGS / SVP @ SWBC & EX. SVP @ THE FED

Gear up for an enlightening session as Blake Hastings, with his vast experience in economics and corporate strategy, and former SVP at the Federal Reserve, presents an economic forecast tailored for credit unions. Delve into his analysis of 2024’s economic landscape, where he will address potential risks and unearth opportunities. His session is designed to arm credit union leaders with the knowledge to strategically navigate the complexities of tomorrow’s economy, driving innovation and growth within their institutions.

Refreshment Break

Take a moment to unwind and indulge in a selection of gourmet finger food during this brief interlude. It’s the perfect opportunity to network with a snack in hand, discuss morning sessions, and prepare for the afternoon’s lineup. Quick, delicious, and revitalizing — this break is tailored to keep the momentum going strong.

Michael T. Abraham / President & CEO

Discover the power of loan participation and syndication from Michael T. Abraham, a visionary who catapulted his credit union’s growth by 300%. As President & CEO of Encurage, Michael brings his extensive financial expertise to the forefront, illustrating how collaborative networks can significantly enhance credit union capabilities. Learn from his experience as a finance educator and industry innovator on how to leverage these strategies for sustainable growth and expanded service offerings.

United Creditors Connect Closing Ceremony

As our conference draws to a close, Chris Benson, MC and President of United Creditors Connect, will host the closing ceremony. This final gathering is a chance to reflect on the insights gained, relationships forged, and the future paths we carve for the credit union industry. Chris will highlight the event’s key takeaways, extend thanks to our distinguished guests and participants, and bid a warm farewell until we meet again. Don’t miss this concluding session to cap off an eventful conference.