GAC Registration Opens as CUNA-NAFCU Merger Voting Continues

What once was called the CUNA Governmental Affairs Conference is now simply the Governmental Affairs Conference – at least for the time being.

CUNA officials announced the registration period for the annual conference held in Washington, D.C. opened on Tuesday as members of CUNA and NAFCU continue voting on the proposed merger of the two organizations.

Since voting ends at 5 p.m. EST on Nov. 1, members of both groups will know if CUNA and NAFCU will become America’s Credit Unions well before GAC. Officials believe the announcement will occur sometime around Nov. 2. Next year’s GAC is scheduled for March 3-7 at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center.

Both CUNA and NAFCU appear confident the merger will be approved since the messaging on the GAC registration page states, “Current members of CUNA, NAFCU and/or state league credit unions are eligible to attend GAC.”

In a statement Tuesday about next year’s conference, CUNA President/CEO Jim Nussle alluded to the merger.

“This event will be essential in elevating the credit union movement not only in 2024, but well into the future as we harness the combined power of national associations, state leagues, credit unions, and system supporters,” said Nussle. “As we meet industry headwinds straight on, it’s more important than ever to meet with policymakers face-to-face. We need to build on our recent successes and pave the way for a bold advocacy strategy in the future.”

NAFCU President/CEO Dan Berger and CUNA’s Nussle announced the merger plans on Aug. 1. If approved, Nussle will lead the new organization. Berger plans to step aside to pursue other opportunities at the end of 2023.

It’s expected the merger will be legally official by January 2024.

Specific details of the 2024 GAC schedule will be added as speakers and breakout sessions are announced in the months ahead.

According to CUNA, the cost of GAC is $1,295 for in-person attendees and $395 for virtual guests.