WASHINGTON – CUNA's Governmental Affairs Conference kicked off Monday, attracting nearly 5,000 credit union executives, vendors and family members, the trade association said.

Click through to see photos of the day's activities.

Powerful Cause, Positive Effect was this year's GAC theme.

 Rev. Mark Brentley opened the morning session with a prayer.

Attendees recited the Pledge of Allegiance during the opening session.

Credit union executives represented Texas during the opening session's parade of states.

Minnesota was also well represented in the parade of states.

Performers played the national anthem.

Credit union representatives prepared to present their state flags during the parade of states.

CUNA President/CEO Jim Nussle's opening speech fired up attendees. He and his wife, Karen, demonstrated how to create 15-second videos to support CUNA's new #CUdifferent social media campaign.

NCUA Chairman Debbie Matz encouraged credit unions to pursue low-income credit union and community development financial institution designations.

CUNA's Bill Hampel took the stage to present the 2016 Member Benefits Performance Award for delivering direct financial benefits to member households.

Lisa Bodell, futureist and founder/CEO of the innovation research and training firm futurethink, urged attendees to foster a culture of innovation.