AUSTIN, Texas – For the second consecutive year, folks from three Texas-based financial trade associations have proven that banks and credit unions can not only peacefully co-exist in the same room but also emerge all the better because of the interaction. TechMecca 2002, a technology conference and expo hosted here Dec. 4-6 for the members of Texas Credit Union League, Independent Bankers Association of Texas and Pulse EFT Association, gave attendees quality educational offerings, a wide variety of vendors and first-class social/networking opportunities. It gave the hosting organizations the ability to share expenses and post stronger attendance, an important key in drawing exhibitors from outside the region. Marc Paine, from exhibiting Strunk & Associates, L.P., said his company expanded booth space for this year's trade show because of the solid response they received at last year's TechMecca. "And that was in spite of bad weather," he added. "It makes more sense for us to meet together than not to," said Janine McBee, TCUL's director of training. Roughly 500 individuals attended the conference and trade show, representing 250 financial institutions, McBee said, and 200 companies purchased exhibit space. Educational offerings explored topics such as audits relating to EFT, network security, lessons from EFT product failure, the evolution of payment systems, and building a virtual branch. To address operational differences between banks and credit unions, attendees heard viewpoints from individuals representing both organizations. The session dealing with USA Patriot Act compliance, for example, was moderated by Karen Neeley, general counsel for IBAT, and Suzanne Yeshewski, associate general counsel for TCUL. An optional pre-conference workshop on debit card liability sold out. The three associations have made a special effort to create a cooperative, relaxed atmosphere at the show, with executives appearing on stage together both years. This year, the show was opened with a schtick that had Stan Paur, president of Pulse, and Chris Williston, president of IBAT, driving a golf cart up to the stage, where a worried Bob Gallman, TCUL's chief operating officer, was trying to locate them by cell phone. -

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