CUNA GAC Goes Virtual for 2021
Specific details surrounding the event and the cost have not yet been released.
CUNA announced Monday that the 2021 Governmental Affairs Conference in Washington, D.C., will be a virtual event in March.
According to CUNA, the interactive virtual conference will take place March 2-4 and “will be delivered via a premium virtual platform that will bring together credit unions, leagues, thought leaders and policymakers for a dynamic online experience.”
Typically, GAC draws 5,000 to 6,000 credit union professionals to the Walter E. Washington Convention Center each year. Attendees of the in-person event attend general sessions with keynote speakers as well as breakout sessions. The event wraps up with “Hike the Hill” when attendees go to Capitol Hill to meet with their state legislative leaders to discuss credit union issues.
Details about the virtual platform or the cost to attend the three-day event have not been released.
According to Todd Spiczenski, CUNA chief products and services officer, “We’re breaking new ground with the 2021 CUNA GAC.”
Spiczenski also said, “It might feel a little different, but the goal of coming together to strengthen the credit union system is more important now than it’s ever been. We’re bringing all the features our participants have come to expect, from world-class keynoters and breakout sessions covering the biggest issues facing credit unions, to unparalleled networking and advocacy opportunities.”
CUNA President/CEO Jim Nussle released a statement that added more urgency to the need for this kind of event. “Credit unions have stepped up to serve their members and communities hit by the pandemic, and they have quite the story to tell. CUNA GAC has long been the credit union movement’s premier advocacy event, and in 2021 it will be more important than ever to engage with a new Congress to share our stories and work together on ways credit unions can help Americans recover from the pandemic and increase financial wellness in their communities,” he said.
According to CUNA’s announcement, virtual conference attendees will hear from influential business and political leaders “while exploring key advocacy topics that impact credit unions” and members.
Details about the 2021 GAC virtual conference can be found on CUNA’s website.