APEX 2026

Join us for APEX 2026, presented by the Cooperative Credit Union Association and the Credit Union League of Connecticut! Taking place from October 13th through October 16th at Mohegan Sun Resort in Uncasville, Connecticut, this premier event offers unparalleled networking and learning opportunities for credit union professionals.

Credit union professionals from Connecticut, Delaware, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Rhode Island will come together for dynamic keynotes, practical workshops, and a vibrant vendor showcase in a convention-level setting.

Register for APEX by August 28, 2026, for a chance to win two tickets to see Rush at Mohegan Sun Arena on October 30, 2026. The prize package also includes overnight accommodations and a $100 gift card to enjoy the evening.

Register for APEX by August 28, 2026, for a chance to win two tickets to see Rush at Mohegan Sun Arena on October 30, 2026. The prize package also includes overnight accommodations and a $100 gift card to enjoy the evening.

Credit Union Registrant: $669 per person
The Credit Union registration ticket covers access to all APEX keynote sessions, learning labs, as well as APEX-related breaks, receptions, and meals. Guests are welcome to join for an additional fee, listed below.

Small Credit Union Registrant: $469 per person
Credit union assets less than $300 Million
The Small Credit Union registration ticket covers access to all APEX keynote sessions, learning labs, as well as APEX-related breaks, receptions, and meals. Guests are welcome to join for an additional fee, listed below.

Young Professional Network Member: $469 per person
The Young Professional registration ticket includes access to all APEX keynote sessions and learning labs, along with breaks, the Wednesday welcome reception, Thursday's breakfast, awards lunch, and reception, and Friday's breakfast. Attendees must be members of CCUA's Young Professional Network. Guests are welcome to attend for an additional fee, listed below.

Guest: $369 per person
The Guest registration ticket covers access to all APEX keynote sessions, learning labs, as well as APEX-related breaks, receptions, and meals. Guests are welcome to join for an additional fee, listed below.

Annual Meeting Attendance on Thursday Only: 
Any CCUA member credit union in good standing may attend the Annual Business Meeting ONLY and at no charge.

Global Women's Leadership Network Session & Reception: Details coming soon!

Cancellation Policy
Cancellations must be received in writing. If received by CCUA on or before Friday, September 25, 2026, registrant is entitled to a full refund. Cancellations after this date will incur a $100 cancellation fee. No refunds on cancellations received after Friday, October 2, 2026. Substitute registrants will be accepted at any time without penalty.

Payment Policy
All payments are required in full by October 1, 2026. Payments not received by this date will be considered past due.

Information
For further information about APEX 2026, please contact info@ccua.org.

CCUA CREDIT UNION REGISTRATION

Exciting details for APEX 2026 are coming soon. Check back for updates on sessions, speakers, and more!

PRECONFERENCE
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 13, 2026

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2026

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2026

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 16, 2026

Exciting details for APEX 2026 are coming soon. Check back for updates on our keynote speakers and more!

Bryan Seely

Cybersecurity Expert, Ethical Hacker, & Author

Keynote Session
Thursday, October 15th at 9:15 am 

Bryan Seely is a world-renowned cybersecurity expert, ethical hacker, author, and former U.S. Marine whose groundbreaking work has challenged assumptions about digital security and consumer privacy. 

Known for pushing the boundaries of ethical hacking, Bryan is the only person to have successfully wiretap the U.S. Secret Service and the. After notifying both agencies of the vulnerabilities he uncovered, his actions were recognized as a powerful example of responsible disclosure, earning praise for his courage, heroism, and integrity. 

Bryan has uncovered major security flaws affecting millions of people, including exposing more than 20 million Social Security numbers and identifying high-profile vulnerabilities at LinkedIn. His work has been featured by leading media outlets including CNN, Forbes, CNET, The Washington Post, and Wired, and has earned public recognition from entrepreneur and Shark Tank investor Mark Cuban. 

He is the author of Cyber Fraud: The Web of Lies, which explores the evolving world of cybercrime and consumer fraud. In addition to leading his own cybersecurity consulting firm, Bryan has served as a cybersecurity consultant and advisor to John McAfee and his company, MGT, helping organizations identify vulnerabilities and strengthen their security posture. 

Scott Simpson

President & CEO of America's Credit Unions

Closing Keynote Session
Friday, October 16th at 9:00 am 

Scott Simpson is the President & CEO of America’s Credit Unions, a national trade organization representing the unified voice of the credit union movement and the 144 million members it serves.  

Scott has served for more than 22 years in the credit union movement, including leading Utah’s Credit Unions, California’s Credit Unions, and Nevada’s Credit Unions. He is inspired by the power of credit unions to change people’s financial lives and holds a lifelong belief in the power of not-for-profit financial cooperatives. 

His mission at America’s Credit Unions is to energize and amplify the life-changing impact credit unions create every day, while also enhancing credit unions’ bipartisan appeal among elected officials and policymakers in Washington, D.C. 

Scott has served on the boards of America’s Credit Unions (and legacy organization CUNA) and the American Association of Credit Union Leagues. He also chaired the Credit Union Legislative Action Council (CULAC), and the National Advocacy Fund. 

Prior to joining the credit union movement, Scott worked on the staff of Sen. Orrin Hatch and led the Utah Republican Party. A Utah native, Scott holds a bachelor’s degree in public relations and Japanese from Weber State University and is an instrument-rated private pilot.

Check back for updates on our Learning Lab presenters and more!

Crystal Streeper

League Compliance Lead & Training Coordinator of ViClarity

Learning Lab: Scam Lab Simulation: Can Your Credit Union Spot the Fraud?
Wednesday, October 14th at 2:00 pm [Solutions Stage]

Crystal Streeper is a seasoned financial industry professional with nearly two decades of experience serving credit unions in a variety of operational and leadership roles. Her background spans lending, compliance, operations, and comprehensive staff training, giving her a 360° perspective on the challenges and opportunities facing today’s credit unions.

As the Director of League Services and Compliance at ViClarity, Crystal partners with affiliated leagues and credit unions nationwide to deliver strategic compliance guidance, risk management support, and practical solutions tailored to each institution’s needs. She is known for her collaborative approach, ability to break down complex regulatory requirements, and commitment to strengthening credit union oversight and readiness.

Crystal’s deep industry knowledge and frontline experience make her a trusted resource and an advocate for empowering credit unions to stay compliant, resilient, and member-focused.

Shreenath Regunathan

Founder of Starlight

Solutions Studies: Proactive Financial Assistance for All: Lessons from Embedding Starlight at Metro Credit Union
Wednesday, October 14th at 2:30 pm [Solutions Stage]

Shreenath Regunathan is the founder of Starlight, a mission-driven Public Benefit Corporation & CUSO that helps credit unions connect members to critical financial resources. Previously, he spent a decade at Google building data, machine learning, and cloud solutions. He now leverages that expertise to expand access to financial assistance and strengthen member financial health through community-focused technology.

Details Coming Soon!

Employers Association of the NorthEast

Learning Lab: Top HR Compliance Issues Facing Credit Union’s Today
Wednesday, October 14th at 3:00 pm [Details coming soon!]

Details coming soon!

Jamie Jackson & Melissa Pomeroy

Founder & CEO of Arkatechture

EVP & COO of Cooperative Credit Union Association

Learning Lab: One Brain, Many Bots: Building the Data Foundation for Agentic AI
Thursday, October 15th at 2:30 pm [Oneida/Penobscot]

Jamie Jackson leads Arkatechture as the Founder & CEO with energy & compassion. Through the growth and evolution of Arkalytics, he embarks on a journey to build a community of data-driven financial institutions. 

He is a data engineer at heart with 20+ years of experience building large operational databases, data warehouses, and decision support systems. Combined with his business intelligence and data visualization development background, Jamie enables organizations to design, implement, and adopt the information systems necessary to advance their strategic goals through data analytics. 

Melissa Pomeroy is Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of the Cooperative Credit Union Association, leading strategic initiatives, member engagement, partnerships, and operations in support of nearly 200 credit unions across four states.

With more than 20 years of experience in financial services and healthcare, Melissa is committed to helping credit unions navigate change and achieve long-term success. Outside of work, she enjoys skiing, cooking, and cheering on her son's baseball team.
 

Eric Loehr

Chief Revenue Officer at Reseda Group

Learning Lab: Financial Health as a Growth Strategy: How Education Builds Loyalty and Long-Term Value
Thursday, October 15th at 2:30 pm [Passamaquoddy/Brothertown]

Eric Loehr is the Chief Revenue Officer at Reseda Group, where he oversees business development and demand generation, partner retention and growth, brand innovation, and reputation management. Prior to joining Reseda Group, Eric was the Vice President of Michigan Solutions at the Michigan Credit Union League (MCUL), where he was responsible for identifying, evaluating, contracting, and onboarding new MCUL partners. He also spent 19 years in the telecom technology space, including managing the Sprint Credit Union Program. Throughout his career, Eric has held various sales leadership roles, selling into both the government and enterprise sectors. 

Eric resides near Ann Arbor, Michigan, with his wife of 28 years, Anne, and is nearby his two grown children. 

Alex Vereen & Andy Dennis

Senior Coordinator for State Outreach and Policy at America’s Credit Unions

Head of Grassroots and State Policy at America’s Credit Unions

Advocacy Learning Lab: Midterm Election Impact: What’s Ahead for Credit Unions
Thursday, October 15th at 2:30 pm [Nehantic/Pequot/Paugussett]

Alex serves as Senior Coordinator for State Outreach and Policy at America’s Credit Unions, supporting state level legislative and regulatory advocacy across financial services issues. In this role, Alex analyzes state legislation, tracks bills, and develops policy materials that inform advocacy strategy and state league engagement. Alex previously held legislative and policy roles in congressional and national law firm settings, supporting legislative research, briefings, and stakeholder coordination. Alex is also unapologetically devoted to racecars! 

Andy serves as the Head of Grassroots and State Policy, overseeing all federal and state grassroots activities for America's Credit Unions, he was formerly the Associate Director for State Outreach with the Credit Union National Association. Andy formerly advised Fortune 500 clients and large advocacy associations on their political reputation in Congress with National Journal. In his current role, Andy assists Credit Union Leagues with state-issue campaigns, develops assets for legislative activities, and promotes grassroots engagement programs. He currently manages the Member Activation Program (MAP), Project Zip Code (PZC), advocacy trainings, and several state-issue campaigns.

Andy has his Credit Union Development Educator (CUDE) and holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Louisville with a Major in Political Science and a Minor in Spanish.

Stay tuned for details on this year’s lineup of speakers, breakout sessions, and learning opportunities designed to inspire, connect, and empower credit union professionals.

Wednesday, October 14, 2026

Learning Lab: Scam Lab Simulation: Can Your Credit Union Spot the Fraud?

Crystal Streeper, League Compliance Lead & Training Coordinator of ViClarity

Fraud attacks against credit unions are no longer simple phishing emails and suspicious phone calls. Today’s fraudsters use AI-generated voices, deepfake video, spoofed member identities, business email compromise, social engineering, account takeover tactics, and real-time manipulation designed to bypass even strong controls.

In this fast-paced interactive fraud simulation, attendees step into the role of the credit union’s frontline fraud response team. Through a series of realistic scenarios, participants must quickly assess threats, identify red flags, determine escalation paths, and decide how the credit union should respond before financial loss, reputational damage, or member harm occurs.

Join Crystal Streeper, Director of League Services with ViClarity as she takes you through the sim LIVE! Can you survive?

Solutions Studies: Proactive Financial Assistance for All: Lessons from Embedding Starlight at Metro Credit Union

Shreenath Regunathan, Founder of Starlight

Members miss out on financial help they qualify for every day. This session introduces Starlight and shares the lessons from our work with Metro Credit Union, from an employee pilot to a full member rollout, to integrating deeply across various departments. Hear what worked, how we’ve gone deeper in the 8 months since launch, and how your credit union can do the same.

Thursday, October 15, 2026

Learning Lab: One Brain, Many Bots: Building the Data Foundation for Agentic AI

Jamie Jackson, Founder & CEO of Arkatechture

Melissa Pomeroy, EVP & COO of Cooperative Credit Union Association

The future of credit unions won't be powered by a single AI—it will be powered by an ecosystem of intelligent agents working together. Discover why the true competitive advantage lies in creating a unified data foundation that enables every AI solution to operate from the same trusted member and operational data. Explore the architecture, governance, and strategy needed to prepare your organization for the next generation of financial services.

Learning Lab: Financial Health as a Growth Strategy: How Education Builds Loyalty and Long-Term Value

Eric Loehr, Chief Revenue Officer at Reseda Group

In today’s competitive financial services landscape, credit unions are being challenged to deliver more than products—they are expected to improve their members’ financial lives. This session explores how financial education and wellness initiatives can serve as a robust growth strategy, fostering trust, deepening engagement, and driving sustainable revenue over time. Attendees will learn how leading credit unions are reframing financial education from a compliance or support function into a strategic lever for loyalty. We’ll discuss how improving member financial health leads to stronger relationships, better product adoption, lower risk, and higher lifetime value—while reinforcing the credit union’s mission of people helping people.

Advocacy Learning Lab: Midterm Election Impact: What’s Ahead for Credit Unions

Adrian Velazquez, Chief Advocacy Officer of the Cooperative Credit Union Association

Join industry leaders and advocacy experts for an engaging conversation on how the 2026 Midterm Elections could redefine the landscape for credit unions. From regulatory shifts and consumer lending policy to fintech competition, taxation, and the evolving economy, this dynamic panel will explore the opportunities and challenges ahead. Gain valuable insights into what credit union leaders should be watching now — and how to position their institutions to stay competitive, compliant, and deeply connected to the members and communities they serve in an increasingly complex political environment.

Friday, October 16, 2026

Closing Keynote Session: Navigating the Future of Credit Unions: A Washington & Industry Update 

Scott Simpson, President & CEO at America's Credit Unions

The pace of change in Washington continues to shape the operating environment for credit unions. Scott Simpson, President & CEO of America's Credit Unions, will share updates from Washington, discuss the evolving legislative and regulatory environment, and highlight the key trends impacting the industry. Gain valuable perspective on what is happening nationally, how it may impact your credit union, and what the industry should prepare for in the months ahead. Whether focused on growth, compliance, or strategic planning, this session provides timely insights to help prepare for what's next.

Mohegan Sun, Uncasville, CT
October 13 – 16, 2026

APEX 2026 registration fees do not include overnight room accommodations. 

• Mohegan Sun Phone: 866-708-1340

RESERVE YOUR APEX 2026 HOTEL ROOMS

Room Rate

Single/Double Rooms: $203.95 per night, to include reduced facility fee.
Rate subject to applicable taxes, currently 15% (subject to change).

The reduced facility fee of $24.95 per room per day, inclusive of tax, will provide the following service inclusions listed below:

• In-room Wi-Fi access
• Complimentary valet and self-parking (gratuity not included)
• Access to fitness center (24 hours with guestroom key)
• Access to pool
• In-room bottled water (2), coffee, and tea
• Unlimited local phone calls and up to 30 minutes of toll-free usage

The room rate will be offered, based on room and rate availability, two days pre-APEX 2026. For additional room reservations outside of the room block dates, attendees must call the hotel directly via toll free at 866-708-1340 and using the group discount code: APEX26.

Room Reservations Methods and Deadline

To be assured of accommodations, please make Mohegan Sun room reservations online using the discounted CCUA room block, available by clicking here. Reservations may also be made by calling the hotel directly via toll free at 866-708-1340 and using the group code: APEX26.

All reservations must be guaranteed by a valid major credit card, which will be supplied at the time of reservation. Mohegan Sun requires a deposit equal to one night’s guestroom and tax to be submitted with each reservation. This deposit will be refunded if the reservation is cancelled prior to forty-eight (48) hours before arrival, after which time, this deposit is non-refundable.

• Make your Mohegan Sun hotel reservation using the online portal
• Reserve your hotel room in the CCUA room block with the code: APEX26 by calling: 1-888-226-7711

Discount Room Reservation Deadline: September 22, 2026

Federal Tax Exemption

To qualify for the federal tax exemption, federal credit unions must print and submit the Federal Tax Exemption Form to Mohegan Sun.

Federal Tax Exemption Letter  Federal Tax Exemption Form 

Check-In/Out

On the day of arrival, room availability cannot be guaranteed until 4:00 p.m.  On the day of departure, check-out time is before 11:00 a.m. All attendees arriving early will be accommodated as guestrooms become available. Luggage can be stored complimentary at the Bell Desk.

Getting there is simple. Leaving, well, that is the tough part…

Mohegan Sun
1 Mohegan Sun Boulevard
Uncasville, CT 06382
(888) 226-7711

A world at play and a world to its own, Mohegan Sun, created in 1996 by the Mohegan Tribe of Connecticut, is one of the world's most amazing destinations with some of New England's finest dining, hotel accommodations, retail shopping, live entertainment and sporting events. Getting there is easier than you think. Mohegan Sun is within 45 minutes from Providence and just over 90 minutes to Boston. Guests travelling from New Hampshire will find the drive to be just over 2 hours. And with more than 13,000 on-site guest parking spaces, parking is never a hassle.

Restaurants at Mohegan Sun

With over 40 dining options, an endless array of culinary delights awaits at Mohegan Sun. From bountiful buffets to casual dining to renowned gourmet restaurants, every bite is a palate-pleasing, unforgettable experience.

For guests under the age of 21, accompanying a parent or legal guardian is required in restaurants serving alcohol. A legal guardian refers to a responsible adult with legal responsibility for a minor. Explore detailed information about dining options and reservations at Mohegan Sun.

Restaurants & Dining Options

Activities

While staying at Mohegan Sun, guests can indulge in a variety of on-site activities. Additionally, there are numerous off-site adventures available for those seeking further exploration.

The Mandara Spa

Mandara Spa, established in 1995 in Bali, Indonesia, has become a globally recognized spa brand with locations across four continents and fifteen aboard cruise ships. Their ethos combines well-being practices from various cultures, offering unique spa treatments blending ancient Balinese healing, European therapies, and regional influences. With sumptuous massages, rejuvenating facials, and luxurious facilities including treatment rooms, wet lounges, and a full-service salon, Mandara Spa provides a truly indulgent and therapeutic experience where time seems to stand still.

Click Here for More Info on Mohegan Spas & Make Reservations

For the most up-to-date information on the Mandara Spa offerings, please read the Current Spa Offerings or contact the Spa Concierge at 860.862.4500

Fitness Center

The Sky Fitness Center, available exclusively to hotel guests, offers a wide array of facilities including cardiovascular and resistance machines, free weights, and accessories. With the convenience of being open 24 hours, guests can enjoy their workout at any time, ensuring flexibility and accessibility during their stay.

Sun Terrace Pool 

Indulge in relaxation at the hotel's Sun Terrace Pool, boasting a 10,000 square-foot solarium with an indoor/outdoor pool and whirlpool for guests to enjoy. Located in the Sky Tower, the pool is open seven days a week for guests' convenience.

Attractions

Explore the abundant attractions near Mohegan Sun, ranging from maritime museums and historic sites to parks, galleries, and breweries. Experience seasonal recreational activities and year-round entertainment like performing arts shows, shopping at fine outlets, and exploring local shops. Discover the relaxed charm of Mystic Country, nestled between New York and Boston, offering compelling museums, vineyards, and attractions. For more about local attractions in southeastern Connecticut, visit Think Mystic.

Unlock the ultimate opportunity to connect with credit union decision-makers and showcase your solutions at APEX 2026, happening October 14-16 at Mohegan Sun Resort. This premier event brings together leaders from Connecticut, Delaware, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Rhode Island for unmatched networking and educational experiences.

As of 6/22, APEX Booths are currently sold out. For more information on sponsorships or to be put on a booth waitlist, please contact Dean Martino at dmartino@ccua.org.

With over 100 sponsorship and exhibitor booths available, APEX 2026 is the perfect platform to elevate your brand and demonstrate how your innovations can address industry challenges. 

View and Purchase Your APEX 2026 Booth

APEX 2026 Vendor Package Exhibitor Service Kit

APEX 2026 Vendor Package Exhibitor Electrical Kit

Cancellation Policy:
All cancellations must be received by email to Dean Martino (dmartino@ccua.org ) or Janelle Mullen (jmullen@ccua.org ) on or before Friday, October 2, 2026.  If received before that date, the registrant is entitled to a 50% refund. No refunds or cancellations will be credited after October 2, 2026. 

Payment Policy
All payments are required in full by October 1, 2026. Payments not received by this date will be considered past due.

Join us in acknowledging our trusted partner community whose generous support makes this premier event possible for our members.

Learn more about each sponsor by clicking on their logo. 

Title Sponsor

Convention Sponsors

Explore our diverse range of exhibitors. Don't miss the chance to connect with our trusted partner community at APEX 2026!

APEX 2026 Exhibitors 

Don’t miss the chance to connect—plan your stops in the exhibit hall and visit our amazing partners!

Get ready for APEX 2026 at the pre-conference meeting and reception of the Global Women's Leadership Network. On Tuesday, October 13th, join us at the Global Women's Leadership Network (GWLN) pre-conference event, an inspiring and transformative gathering dedicated to empowering women in the credit union industry. This event is designed to foster leadership skills, build professional networks, and promote gender diversity in the financial sector. Attendees will also have the opportunity to participate in a Community Impact Project, giving back while connecting with fellow credit union professionals.

Remember to wear pink to show your support!

Secure Your Spot

Not attending APEX 2026 but still want to participate in the GWLN pre-conference activities? Register for the stand-alone event.

Stand-Alone Event Registration

Looking for a unique opportunity to connect with credit union leaders at APEX 2026? Explore sponsorship opportunities for the Global Women’s Leadership Network event.

GWLN Meeting & Reception Sponsorship Registration

Liz Winninger

Executive Vice President of Strategic Growth and Innovation at BankSocial

GWLN Speaker
Tuesday, October 13th at 3:30 pm
The Coach in the Boardroom
 

Liz Winninger is Executive Vice President of Strategic Growth and Innovation at BankSocial, where she leads go-to-market strategy, partnerships, marketing, client success, and product enablement across the company's orchestration platform for credit unions and community banks. Before BankSocial, Liz built her career in the credit union cooperative sector, most notably at Xtend, the CUSO delivering shared services across the movement. She is an expert in member communications, experience, and a payments strategist, a competitive figure skater, and a coach across figure skating, hockey, and youth baseball. Liz believes the cooperative principles that built the credit union movement and the coaching principles that develop athletes are, at their core, the same set of commitments: shared accountability, long-horizon investment in people, and the discipline to put the team's outcome ahead of your own scoreline.  

Session Description:

Most executives treat coaching as a metaphor for leadership. Liz Winninger argues they are the same practice, performed in different rooms. Drawing on her path from competitive figure skating and hockey to coaching youth athletes, and her parallel arc from credit union shared services to fintech executive leadership, Liz makes the case that the sidelines and the boardroom demand the same skill: earning trust from people who owe you none, and developing them anyway. This session is a candid look at what coaching kids who can tune you out by Tuesday taught her about leading teams, building cooperative organizations, and showing up as a leader worth following. 

Fintech Fairway for APEX 2026 details coming soon!

The Fintech Fairway returns as a vibrant hub for innovation and connection in the exhibit hall. Featuring 10 high-top tables, this dedicated space highlights leading fintech companies in a casual, high-energy setting that goes beyond traditional booths.

Engage directly with CEOs and founders to explore cutting-edge solutions designed to elevate your credit union’s offerings. With putting greens adding a fun twist, the Fintech Fairway is where creativity meets collaboration—and the future of financial services takes shape.

Get ready to visit the Fintech Fairway course at APEX 2026!

Back by popular demand for APEX 2026, the Solutions Stage is your go-to spot for quick, high-impact learning in the exhibit hall. This dynamic space will feature a mix of Learning Labs, live demos, and fast-paced pitches designed to spark ideas and showcase innovation in action. Whether you're looking for regulatory insights, tech trends, or emerging solutions, the Solutions Stage delivers bite-sized content with big takeaways. You'll also catch highlights from the Fintech Showcase, where up-and-coming innovators present cutting-edge tools tailored for credit unions. It’s your chance to see the future of fintech up close and in action.

Stay tuned for details on learning labs, showcases, demos and more happening on the APEX 2026 Solutions Stage!