CU Accelerate 2026 Agenda

9:30 AM - 4:00 PM: Registration
East Foyer 

11:15 AM – 11:30 AM: Welcome
Main Ballroom

Ronald McLean, President & CEO
Cooperative Credit Union Association 

11:30 AM - 12:30 PM: Opening Keynote
Main Ballroom

Leadership Lessons Learned from the World Cup
Travis Thomas, Entrepreneur, Leadership Expert, Author, and Founder of Live Yes

12:30 PM – 2:00 PM: Lunch
Atrium

2:00 PM – 3:00 PM: General Session
Main Ballroom

The Demand for Skilled Talent
Emily Neill, Senior Managing Director at Robert Half Talent Solutions

3:00 PM - 3:30 PM: Networking Break with Sponsors
East Foyer 

3:30 PM – 4:30 PM: General Session
Main Ballroom

Generative AI Trends in 2025 & Applications for Credit Unions
Karan Kashyap, Co-founder & CEO of Posh

4:00 PM: Hotel Check-In 

5:00 PM – 6:00 PM: Welcome Reception
Grand Atrium 

7:30 AM - 9:00 AM: Breakfast
Atrium

9:00 AM – 10:00 AM: Keynote Session
Main Ballroom

Industry Economic Update & Outlook
Steven Rick, Chief Economist at TruStage 

10:00 AM - 10:30 AM: Networking Break with Sponsors
East Foyer

10:30 AM – 11:30 AM: General Session
Main Ballroom

Changing Lives, One Decision at a Time: The LetMeDoIt Story
Amit & Angad Sahgal, Founders of LetMeDoIt

11:30 AM – 1:00 PM: Lunch
Atrium

1:00 PM - 2:00 PM: Panel Discussion
Main Ballroom

Facilitator: 
Sam Plester, from Mission Brands Consulting
Panelists: 
Chris Parker CEO of Lighthouse Credt Union
Chris Gomez, CEO of Heritage Family Credit Union

More session details coming soon

2:00 PM – 2:30 PM: Networking Break with Sponsors
East Foyer

2:30 PM – 3:30 PM : Closing Keynote
Main Ballroom 

Bet On Yourself
Molly Grantham, Emmy-Winning Journalist, Author, and Global Speaker

Things to Do Near Omni Parker House

Located in the heart of downtown Boston, the Omni Parker House places visitors steps away from some of the city’s most iconic landmarks, historic sites, and vibrant neighborhoods.

Historic & Scenic Attractions

• Boston Common (3-minute walk) – America’s oldest public park offers tree-lined paths, historic monuments, and a relaxing green space in the middle of the city.
• Freedom Trail (steps away) – Follow the famous red-brick path through downtown to explore 16 historic sites that tell the story of the American Revolution.
• Faneuil Hall Marketplace (10-minute walk) – A lively historic marketplace featuring street performers, local vendors, restaurants, and shops.
• Quincy Market (10-minute walk) – Located within Faneuil Hall Marketplace, this food hall is a must-visit for classic Boston bites like clam chowder and lobster rolls.
• Boston Public Garden (10-minute walk) – Famous for its swan boats, picturesque bridges, and beautifully landscaped gardens.
• New England Aquarium (15-minute walk) – Discover marine life exhibits and Boston Harbor views along the city’s scenic waterfront.

Boston Favorites & Historic Restaurants

Boston’s rich culinary history is reflected in its iconic restaurants and classic local dishes. From historic taverns to longtime neighborhood favorites, these spots offer a true taste of the city—all within easy reach of the Omni Parker House.

Historic Dining

• Omni Parker House Restaurant (inside the hotel) – The birthplace of the Boston Cream Pie and Parker House Rolls, this historic dining room has hosted notable guests including Charles Dickens and John F. Kennedy.
• Union Oyster House (8-minute walk) – Established in 1826, this landmark restaurant is the oldest continuously operating restaurant in the United States and is famous for its fresh oysters, clam chowder, and historic atmosphere.
• Bell in Hand Tavern (8-minute walk) – Founded in 1795, this iconic tavern is one of the oldest in the country and offers classic pub fare in a lively setting.

Local Boston Favorites

• Regina Pizzeria (15-minute walk) – A North End institution since 1926, known for its brick-oven pizza and old-school Italian atmosphere.
• Modern Pastry Shop (15-minute walk) – A beloved North End bakery famous for cannoli, Italian pastries, and espresso.
• Mike's Pastry (15-minute walk) – A must-visit Boston staple known for oversized cannoli and classic Italian desserts.

Steakhouse Dining

• Ruth's Chris Steak House (next door) – Located just steps from the Omni Parker House, this well-known steakhouse serves USDA Prime steaks cooked to perfection and served sizzling, along with classic steakhouse sides and an extensive wine list. It’s a convenient option for a polished dinner without leaving the neighborhood.