Conference News

WOCCU, CUNA Collaborate to Co-host “The 1 Credit Union Conference”

WOCCU President & CEO Pete Crear takes the podium just before he and CUNA President & CEO Dan Mica announced Tuesday that WOCCU and CUNA will combine their annual conferences, the World Credit Union Conference and America's Credit Union Conference, into a single conference for 2010-The 1 Credit Union Conference. Next year's joint conference will be in Las Vegas July 11-14, 2010.

MADISON, Wis.—World Council of Credit Unions (WOCCU) and the Credit Union National Association (CUNA) next year will combine two of the credit union movement's largest educational opportunities—the World Credit Union Conference and America's Credit Union Conference—into one, unprecedented event. Top leaders of both organizations believe "The 1 Credit Union Conference," scheduled for July 2010 in Las Vegas, Nev., USA, will offer credit union leaders from around the world a depth and breadth of knowledge unavailable in any other forum.

"It is my pleasure to personally invite credit union representatives from around the world to what will undoubtedly be the most exciting event on 2010's global credit union calendar," said Pete Crear, WOCCU president & CEO. "The 1 Credit Union Conference marks the first time World Council has met in the U.S. in more than a decade. We expect attendees from more than 60 countries to share their expertise, helping to define critical new directions for a new decade."

This is the first time the two organizations have collaborated on an event of this stature. In 2010, neither the World Credit Union Conference nor America's Credit Union Conference will be held as individual events. In their place, The 1 Credit Union Conference is expected to draw more than 2,500 attendees for four days of networking and educational sessions.

For next year's conference-goers, the single professional development investment will yield greater benefits, tapping the unique resources both organizations offer, according to CUNA President and CEO Dan Mica. "In these challenging times, education and development dollars need to bring a greater return than they ever have in the past," Mica said. "Our combined conference provides the best and most economical opportunity we can offer for all of us to find the resources we need to help our credit unions survive and thrive."

The 1 Credit Union Conference will convene at the MGM Grand Hotel July 11-14, 2010. For more information and to download a registration form, visit www.Vegas2010.org. Complete event details will be available in early 2010.

World Council of Credit Unions (WOCCU) is the global trade association and development agency for credit unions. WOCCU promotes the sustainable development of credit unions and other financial cooperatives around the world to empower people through access to high quality and affordable financial services. WOCCU advocates on behalf of the global credit union system before international organizations and works with national governments to improve legislation and regulation. Its technical assistance programs introduce new tools and technologies to strengthen credit unions' financial performance and increase their outreach.

Worldwide, 49,000 credit unions in 96 countries serve more than 177 million people. In 2008, World Council's technical assistance programs reached 6.5 million people in 16 countries. Learn more about WOCCU's impact around the world at www.woccu.org.