Join us for an unforgettable experience where innovation meets tradition! Year after year, convention offers dynamic speakers, insightful education sessions, and unparalleled networking opportunities designed specifically for credit union professionals like you.
New at Annual Convention in 2026:
⭐Two Board of Director Workshops
⭐Small Asset Size CEO Roundtable
⭐Friday Networking Breakfast & General Session
⭐Friday Lunch in the Exhibit Hall
⭐Chairman's Celebration Reimagined
⭐Expanded Learning Tracks
Event Date:
October 22-24, 2026
Login to register and scroll to the bottom of this page for ticketing options.
Don't see your name on the drop down for your credit union? Ask your credit union's ICUL Web Admin to be added or email [email protected] for support.
Exhibitor Space – SOLD OUT!
- When & Where
- Details & Highlights
- Hotel Information
- Event Resources
- Important Dates & Info
- Exhibitors & Sponsors
- Event Handouts & Presentations
Date:
October 22, 23, 24, 2026
Location:
Hilton Chicago
720 South Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL 60605
Overlooking Grant Park, Lake Michigan, and Museum Campus, you’ll be situated on Michigan Avenue, where incredible experiences are around every corner. Walk to Soldier Field for game days or concerts, enjoy many festivals at Grant Park, or explore the Pilsen neighborhood– known for one of the best museums in the city, booming bar and restaurant scene.
Registration Details:
Thursday, October 22
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Registration Opens
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Board of Director Workshop
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Small Asset CEO Roundtable
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Crasher Welcome and Lunch
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Welcome General Session
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Keynote Speaker: Jason Bevan
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Exhibit Hall – Grand Opening and Reception
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80+ Vendors
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Open Bar and Food Stations
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CUPAC Auction and Wine Pull
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ICU Foundation Raffle
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CU Kind Activity
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Alloya Live!
Friday, October 23
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Registration Open
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Networking Breakfast in Grand Ballroom
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General Session with Keynote: Dr. Lamont Black
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20 Breakout Sessions
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Innovation Hub Salon C near Exhibit Hall
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Lunch in the Exhibit Hall
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Cheers to You! Chairperson’s Celebration and Awards Reception – Networking, Open Bar and Food Stations
Saturday, October 24
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Board of Director Workshop
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Crasher Closing Session (Invitation Only)
Hotel Room Block:
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Rate $279/night
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Room Block Link: Illinois Credit Union League - Make Reservation
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Hotel Room Block Cutoff: September 30, 2026
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Suites Available: contact [email protected]
All suite reservations must have ICUL's prior approval.
Event resources:
Parking:
On-Site Parking: $55-$75/night
Off-Site Parking: 722 S. Wabash | 7th Street Garage - $30/night
Off-Site Parking: Chicago Hilton Parking | SpotHero
Important Dates:
Attendee Registration
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Starts: July 6
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Ends: October 1
Hotel Room Block Cutoff:
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September 30
Sponsorship Registration with Booth
- Until sold out
Exhibitor Booth Registration
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Sold Out
Crasher Application Deadline
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Starts: July 8
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Ends: August 31
Cancellation Policy:
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Cancellations must be received before the registration deadline of October 1, 2026 to receive registration reimbursement minus $50 cancelation fee*.
- Exhibitors and Attendees: If paid by credit card, your refund will be registration price, minus the 3% convenience fee plus the $50 cancellation fee.
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No refunds available for cancelations received after October 1, 2026*.
*Substitute attendees welcome.
Review all ICUL Event Policies.
*Exhibitors highlighted in red are also sponsors.
Annual Convention Features:
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CRASH
YPs opportunity to experience Annual Convention in a unique program.
Learn More -
CUPAC Events
Support CUPAC at the annual auction and wine pull.
Learn More -
ICU Foundation Raffle
Support ICUF and enter for your chance to win prizes.
Learn More
Exhibitor & Sponsor Resource Center
This exhibitor and sponsor resource center is designed to help you make the most of your experience. Here you'll find key dates and deadlines, exhibit hall floor plans, pre-event meeting information, setup and teardown details, onsite logistics, and other important updates.
Learn MoreLocation:
Salon B - Lower Level
Location:
Boulevard A
Location:
Grand Tradition
Session Description:
Humanidei will facilitate a customized board workshop designed specifically for your credit union's Board of Directors. The session will be tailored to a board -level audience of approximately 60 –70 participants, including select CEOs, and will focus on surfacing fresh perspectives, clarifying board roles and expectations, and exploring emerging trends impacting credit union governance. Through interactive discussion and peer exchange, participants will engage in timely topics such as succession planning, aging boards, leadership pipeline development, and strategic considerations around collaboration and merger alternatives.
Location:
Boulevard C
Location:
Mobley Room
Welcome Description: Join us as we kick off Convention 2026 by celebrating the unified mission and powerful voice of Illinois credit unions.
Opening Keynote with Jason Bevan
Session Description:
Rocket fuel your organization with creativity and innovation: insider secrets from big movies and their makers
Location:
Grand Ballroom
Location:
Salon D - Lower Level
Location:
Exhibit Hall, Salon D - Lower Level
Location:
Exhibit Hall, Salon D - Lower Level
Description:
Tickets are just $5 each and may be purchased through participating credit unions, directly through the ICU Foundation, or during the ICUL Annual Convention at the ICU Foundation booth in the Exhibit Hall
Raffle prizes include:
- Grand Prize - $1,500 cash
- 2nd Prize - $650 cash
- 3rd Prize - $500 cash
- 4th Prize - $250 cash
- 5th Prize - $100 cash
The drawing will take place during the ICUL Annual Convention at the Chicago Hilton on October 23, 2026 at 6:45 p.m. in the Grand Ballroom. Winners do not need to be present to win.
Location:
Coming soon!
Location:
Boulevard Room - 2nd Floor
Sponsored by Alloya! Join us for a fun night of music, dancing, cocktails and appetizers!
Location:
Salon B
Location:
Grand Ballroom
Location:
Grand Ballroom
Session Description:
Presented by Dr. Lamont Black, Founder & CEO of Wide Open Ventures, this keynote explores how stablecoins are becoming a mainstream part of the U.S. financial system. While often grouped into broader “crypto” conversations, stablecoins raise important questions for credit unions about the potential disruption of traditional payment networks and competitive threats from major merchants and fintech platforms. This session provides a clear, non-technical overview of what stablecoins are, why the GENIUS Act is accelerating adoption, and how credit unions can evaluate the risks and opportunities ahead with confidence.
Track:
All
Location:
Salon C - 1, 2
Spotlight Sponsor:
ASI
Session Description:
In this executive-focused breakout, Dr. Lamont Black breaks down stablecoins through the lens of strategic decision-making. Participants will explore where stablecoins may impact payments, deposits, and member services in2027, with a focus on what boards and execs should be talking about now to prepare.
The session emphasizes practical considerations including the impact on interchange fees and liquidity as well as guidance on next steps for taking action. Attendees will leave with a framework to guide internal discussions, explore potential pilots responsibly, and ensure any approach to stablecoins aligns with the credit union mission and member trust.
Track:
Executive Leadership & Strategy
Location:
Salon C - 3, 4
Spotlight Sponsor:
Eltropy
Session Description:
The question isn't whether to consolidate, it's when. As member expectations rise and regulatory scrutiny grows, the hidden costs of fragmented communication tools are becoming impossible to ignore. This session offers a practical framework for evaluating your current tech landscape and making the case for platform consolidation internally. We'll cover what a Unified Conversations Platform looks like in practice, how peer credit unions have navigated the transition, and what the data says about outcomes for both members and staff.
Track:
Technology & Digital Transformation
Location:
Salon C - 5,6
Spotlight Sponsor:
ATMOS
Session Description:
Join us for an engaging panel discussion featuring three visionary credit union executives who have successfully launched and grown clean energy lending programs within their organizations. Hear first hand how they identified member demand, secured internal support, navigated operational and regulatory challenges, built trusted contractor networks, and measured program success. Through real-world experiences and practical insights, you'll gain actionable strategies for researching, launching, or expanding clean energy lending initiatives that drive loan growth, enhance member value, and create a positive impact in your community. Whether you're just getting started or looking to strengthen an existing program, this session will provide valuable takeaways to help guide your journey.
Track:
Lending
Location:
Salon C - 7,8
Description:
Financial scams have evolved into a sophisticated global industry fueled by organized crime, artificial intelligence, cryptocurrency, and highly effective social engineering techniques. Among the fastest-growing threats is pig butchering, a relationship-based fraud scheme that has resulted in billions of dollars in consumer losses and continues to target credit union members at an alarming rate.
As fraud evolves, credit unions face growing pressure to educate members, protect assets, maintain trust, and respond effectively when incidents occur. This session provides an executive-level perspective on the modern fraud landscape, emerging attack trends, and
The strategic role credit unions play in helping members navigate increasingly complex threats.
Through real-world examples and industry insights, attendees will gain a deeper understanding of how modern fraud operations work, how AI is accelerating scams, and what leaders should be doing today to prepare for the next wave of member-facing fraud.
Track:
Fraud
Location:
Grand Tradition
Description:
Track:
General
Location:
Salon D
Session Description:
Location:
Salon C, Lower Level
Session Title and Descriptions: Coming soon!
Location:
Salon C - 1, 2
Session Description:
Join us for a comprehensive update on the latest legislative developments impacting industry trends that are shaping the future of our industry Illinois credit unions. Our expert panelists will discuss key bills, regulations, and industry trends that are shaping the future of our industry. Learn about the Illinois Credit Union League’s advocacy efforts, including our successes and challenges. Discover how you can get involved and make your voice heard on critical issues affecting your credit union.
Track:
Executive Leadership & Strategy
Location:
Salon C - 3, 4
Session Description:
The most competitive lenders aren't just automating individual workflows — they're building connected, intelligent systems that span the entire loan lifecycle. This session delivers a practical blueprint for automation across origination, servicing, and delinquency management, drawing on real-world experience from both traditional financial institutions and fintech. Whether you're just getting started or scaling an existing strategy, you'll leave with a clear roadmap for driving efficiency and reducing risk at every stage.
Track:
Technology & Digital Transformation
Location:
Salon C - 5,6
Session Description:
Taking on debt is a big decision, and today's borrowers have deep-seated concerns about maintaining their financial stability. While they expect a fast, simple, and convenient lending process, they also look to their credit union to help safeguard their well-being. In this session, you’ll uncover what borrowers really worry about, what they value most, and how they prefer to engage. We’ll explore key expectations, shaping modern lending experiences, and show you how to bridge the gap with integrated protection options that build confidence and trust. Finally, you’ll learn how to turn these insights into actionable strategies that strengthen relationships and drive growth.
Track:
Lending
Location:
Salon C - 7,8
Session Description:
A credit union’s risk assessment is the core of the overall safety and soundness of a credit union and the starting point for its risk structure. In addition to protecting the credit union, the risk assessment can also have material financial implications. Join Kevin Ives and Michael Fortman from Forvis Mazars as they walk through the risk assessment process. This presentation both summarizes the risk assessment process and provides important context for assessing the risk of emerging credit union topics such as artificial intelligence and stablecoin.
Track:
Compliance/Fraud
Location:
Grand Tradition
Description:
Track:
General
Location:
Salon C - 1,2
Session Description:
This session is designed specifically for executives and senior leaders who are accountable for leadership continuity, talent readiness, and the long-term strength of the credit union. Succession planning is not a future exercise, it’s a strategic leadership responsibility. With retirements accelerating and leadership expectations rising, credit unions must move beyond discussion and put a plan in motion that prepares leaders at every level, including themselves. This session focuses on strategy, talent elevation, and personal leadership readiness. Executives will examine their role in developing others, strengthening the bench, and ensuring they are prepared for what’s next in their own leadership journey.
Track:
Executive Leadership & Strategy
Location:
Salon C - 3, 4
Spotlight Sponsor:
Session Description:
Track:
Executive Leadership & Strategy
Location:
Salon C - 5, 6
Spotlight Sponsor:
Origence
Session Description:
Track:
Lending
Location:
Salon C - 7,8
Description:
Credit union boards are not expected to be cybersecurity experts. They are expected to provide oversight, accountability, and credible challenge. As cyber incidents increasingly affect member trust, operations, and strategic initiatives, Directors must understand how to evaluate risk, challenge assumptions, and ensure management is prepared for the threats ahead.
Building on the on-demand Board Cybersecurity Training, this session focuses on the practical realities of cybersecurity governance. Through real-world examples and lessons learned from working with credit union boards across the country, attendees will gain a clearer understanding of what effective cybersecurity oversight looks like and how directors can fulfill their responsibilities with greater confidence.
Track:
Compliance/Fraud
Location:
Grand Tradition
Description:
Renee Sattiewhite believes strongly that credit unions make a difference in the lives of people. She also believes that the reason credit unions will continue to do well for people in the future is that they are structured as cooperative business organizations. They have Cooperative Power. For that reason, it is important that credit unions and their support organizations do what it takes to advance the cooperative business charter and expand the U.S. cooperative ecosystem. The starting place is for credit union leaders to believe that Cooperative Power is a significant key to their success.
Track:
General Education & Leadership
Location:
Salon C - 1, 2
Spotlight Sponsor:
Filene
Session Description:
An overview of the top ten most significant strategic decisions credit union leaders will have to make in2026. What are the emerging trends and disruptive forces shaping the financial services industry and credit union system? This presentation will help credit union leaders future-proof their organizations with actionable insights and provide a clear roadmap to anticipate the most serious challenges and seize the most valuable opportunities in the up coming year.
Track:
Executive Leadership & Strategy
Location:
Salon C - 3, 4
Spotlight Sponsor:
Visa
Session Description:
A perspective on how politics and thepayments industry are entwined in 2026.
Track:
Technology & Digital Transformation
Location:
Salon C - 5,6
Session Description:
Track:
Compliance/Lending
Location:
Salon C - 7,8
Session Description:
This session is designed specifically for HR leaders and talent professionals responsible for building, maintaining, and operationalizing leadership and succession plans. In today’s credit union environment—marked by talent shortages, retirements, and increased competition—succession planning can’t live in a binder. It needs structure, consistency, and accountability. This session goes beyond theory and into process and execution. You’ll walk away with a practical roadmap HR can use to support leaders, align development efforts, and meet both business and regulatory expectations.
Track:
HR/Organization
Location:
Grand Ballroom
Location:
Salon C - 1,2
Session Description:
Humanidei will facilitate a customized board workshop designed specifically for the your credit union's Board of Directors. The session will be tailored to a board -level audience of approximately 60 –70 participants, including select CEOs, and will focus on surfacing fresh perspectives, clarifying board roles and expectations, and exploring emerging trends impacting credit union governance. Through interactive discussion and peer exchange, participants will engage in timely topics such as succession planning, aging boards, leadership pipeline development, and strategic considerations around collaboration and merger alternatives.
Track:
Executives & Board Members
Location:
Mobley Room
Thank You to Our Event Sponsors
Login to register and select your tickets below. Don't see your name on the drop down for your credit union? Ask your credit union's ICUL Web Admin to be added or click "contact" below for help.
