MWCUA to Hold First Hybrid Annual Meeting & Convention

The Mountain West Credit Union Association announced Thursday its first-ever hybrid annual meeting and convention that will accommodate member credit unions to attend the May event in person in Scottsdale, Ariz., or virtually on an online interactive platform.

“We are leading the way with a unique approach to this year’s hybrid event, offering flexibility while providing an opportunity to gather together again,” MWCUA President/CEO Scott Earl said. “There is a tremendous amount of excitement and enthusiasm around this year’s annual meeting and convention. We are all hopeful for a return to normal, all the while realizing we will not take it for granted again.”

The association said this year’s hybrid arrangement provides a choice for member credit unions that feel comfortable attending the conference in person, while also delivering an alternative for member credit unions to attend virtually that may not be comfortable yet with traveling because of the pandemic.

“But in addition, it is also an economical way to attend and benefit from the conference offerings. So, folks could attend without having to budget for travel and a hotel,” Patti Hazlett, the MWCUA’s director of public relations, said. “We just wanted to be able to accommodate everyone’s preferences.”

Nicole Brusewitz, the MWCUA’s vice president of education and events, noted planning an annual meeting and convention amid a pandemic is no easy task as there are so many unknowns.

“The decision to go hybrid allowed us to provide the maximum flexibility for our members while keeping individual choice and safety top of mind,” she said.

It said it expects to welcome 150 attendees representing 42 member credit unions to the in-person event. The MWCUA said in-person attendees will enjoy a traditional conference experience, while following health and safety protocols.

The MWCUA said it expects to have 110 attendees representing 36 member credit unions at the virtual event. Additionally, 86 vendors will be at the conference and the virtual exhibit hall will feature 24 vendors.

The annual meeting and convention will be held May 3-7 at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess.

The event will begin with a pre-conference virtual session on Monday, May 3, and concludes with the annual Children’s Miracle Network/Credit Unions for Kids celebration on Friday, May 7.

The dual programmed conference will offer separate track speakers and presentations, along with combined live cast events, such as the organization’s annual business meeting set for Thursday, May 6. There are also specific events geared toward fostering collaboration among the organization’s young professionals group.

The in-person conference features the Mountain West Foundation’s annual fundraising golf tournament, annual business meeting, banquet and sessions on advocacy, the economy and business environment, technology, risk management, best practices for boards and more.

The virtual attendees have a robust calendar of sessions, coffee chats, virtual gatherings and access to live participation in the Association’s annual business meeting, a keynote session and the closing keynote session that will be delivered by Superbowl 50 Champion Ryan Harris.

The MWCUA represents 119 member credit unions from Arizona, Colorado and Wyoming.