This week at CUNA GAC

From engaging keynote speakers to advocacy panels, Capitol Hill visits, and networking opportunities, the 2023 CUNA Governmental Affairs Conference (GAC) has something for everyone.

A full schedule of events can be found at www.cuna.org or on the CUNA GAC 2023 app. Here are some of the highlights the 5,500-plus attendees can expect from Feb. 26 through March 2 in Washington, D.C. (all times are in Eastern Standard Time):

Sunday, Feb. 26

• The conference gets started at 11:30 a.m. with a diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) roundtable.
• Everyone will gather for the first time at the 4 p.m. general session, which will include the CUNA Councils-sponsored ED (Filene) Talk with poet Sekou Andrews.
• The opening day wraps up with the exhibit hall grand opening from 5 to 7 p.m. The exhibit hall is sold out with 336 booths.

Monday, Feb. 27

• The 9:30 a.m. general session includes messages from CUNA President/CEO Jim Nussle and National Credit Union Foundation Executive Director Gigi Hyland. Best-selling author and futurist Peter Diamandis will discuss the future in the Open Lending-sponsored keynote.
• The 1:15 p.m. general session features messages from NCUA Chairman Todd Harper and outgoing CUNA Board Chair Tony Budet, a panel discussion on advocacy, and a fireside chat with Nussle and Consumer Financial Protection Bureau Director Rohit Chopra.
• The National Credit Union Foundation reception, dinner, and Herb Wegner Memorial Awards are scheduled to start at 5:30 p.m. A separate ticket is needed to attend the event.

Tuesday, Feb. 28

• Breakout sessions begin at 9:30 a.m., including CUNA economists giving an economic update that explores the effects the economic landscape will have on credit union operations in 2023 and beyond.
• The general session, sponsored by Trellance, begins at 1:45 p.m. and features a conversation between Nussle and former U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, who were both members of President George W. Bush’s cabinet.
• A closing reception will be held from 3:45 to 5:15 p.m.

Wednesday, March 1

• The Jack Henry-sponsored closing general session is scheduled for 9 to 11:15 a.m. and features a point-counterpoint discussion between political strategists Jennifer Palmieri and Karl Rove on the top issues impacting modern politics.
• Afternoon hill hikes give GAC attendees an opportunity to meet with legislators and discuss credit union issues.
• The 7 p.m. roaring 20s-themed closing party is sponsored by Doxim, Kasasa, and Personetics.

Thursday, March 2

• Hill hikes will continue as credit union advocates take to Capitol Hill.

For more about GAC, listen to CUNA Executive Vice President and Chief Products and Services Officer Todd Spiczenski on the Jan. 27 episode of the CUNA News Podcast.