But there can and needs to be disruption in our field so that we can continue to deliver on our mission. It can be done successfully.

Expanding the Vision

When THINK began in 2008, we started out with the simple question: “What if we did something different at our annual shareholders' meeting?”

We noticed that the same industry insiders were making very similar speeches at most credit union events. We have very talented thinkers in our industry, but it was time for disruption – new ideas and new insights that would help us all get ahead of the banking competition and the burgeoning fintech industry.

I don't believe he had written the words yet, but leadership and management author Simon O. Sinek hit the nail on the head about what we were trying to do: “Curiosity is essential for progress. Only when we look to worlds beyond our own can we really know if there's room for improvement.”

THINK 2008 featured the first all-keynote lineup of A-list speakers and brands from outside the credit union industry. It is a formula that has generated within our industry the most sincere form of flattery – and it has been emulated by other credit union forums.

From Showcase to Advocate

If an expanded vision is the starting place for disruption, how do you keep it so? We realized THINK must be more than a showcase, but rather serve as a year-round advocate for themes and ideas that need constant attention and synthesis.

THINK evolved into a brand, with an online platform, magazine, app and Prize that shares trends and insights throughout the year, and connects visitors to events and activities designed to further innovative thinking.

In addition to featuring speakers who are all from outside the industry, other THINK firsts include:

THINK It Outs:On-stage, live consulting and discussion segments connecting headline speakers with credit union leaders to address industry challenges.

Journalist Master of Ceremonies:Their jobs are to analyze credit union initiatives and problem solve with attendees.

Original Research: From informative documentaries to live consumer focus groups, industry insights at THINK dive deep.

THINK Prize:THINK has been recognizing outstanding ideas from innovators at large, whose winning ideas have informed CO-OP's product strategy and development, including three live, in-market products.

Collaboration and Consulting: THINK pioneered “lab” sessions, where participants have learned how to generate collaborative ideas and implement innovative strategy.

Ongoing Collaboration with THINK Speakers:After the conference, the partnership often continues with some of best-remembered speakers extending their involvement with us. These include Ivan Askwith, Gary Vaynerchuk and innovation consultancy IDEO.

To this list can also be added live streaming and Google Hangouts with thinkers around the world. But it can only be the beginning. We have to keep innovating to keep THINK a resource for innovation to the credit union industry.

We also think the industry as whole, in spite of the challenges we face, can make innovation the secret to success in its second hundred years of service to members.

Samantha Paxson is chief marketing officer and originator of the THINK brand for CO-OP Financial Services. She can be reached at 1-800-782-9042, ext. 2570 or [email protected].