Is it better to have a strategic plan that doesn’t get done or no plan at all? Putting the plan to paper is just the first step on the road to sustainable growth and satisfied members. Are you driving a new lending program? Attracting new membership groups? Dynamic Directors’ star Patrick Adams shows how to get changes from the board-room into members’ homes. (Hint: It’s NOT more meetings!)

Do you support without micromanaging? Can you direct without interfering? Leadership rarely splits neatly between governance and management, but the strength of your credit union revolves around this pivotal relationship. Governance guru Carol Weisman, President of Board Builders, draws on humor and experience to show you how to create clear expectations for CEOs and directors, resolve conflicts equitably and make good partnerships even better.

Credit unions have been doing car and signature loans for so long that it’s easy to think the lending landscape will never change. It has. Credit scores and automated decisioning are just the tip of the iceberg. Here Rex Johnson, owner of Lending Solutions and the credit union industry’s chief lending expert, walks you through score enhancement, e-lending and other lending practices that will invigorate your portfolio and position you as a powerhouse for years to come.

Nothing polarizes credit union leaders as much as the topic of term limits. For some, it sounds insane to place limits on seasoned directors. Others argue that long-standing chair-holders prevent innovative new leaders from rising. So should credit unions adopt director term limits? It all depends, says William Brown, a non-profit board expert at Texas A&M University, whose full-time job entails uncovering the links between performance and tenure. Using real-world examples and exclusive research findings, William offers clear guidance on when enough is enough at some credit unions and, for others, when it’s just the beginning of a wonderful thing.

Whether you serve employee groups or the whole com-munity, organic growth is more elusive than a bundle of subprime mortgages. Few people have darkened more credit union doorways than strategic consultant and perennial convention favorite Rory Rowland. Learn how unorthodox strategies, such as the Wal-Mart approach to branching or niche business lending can turn your prospects around. Keep your notepad handy as Rory shares some of the best-kept growth secrets from across the movement.

Having good ideas is just a start. Sharing them is the next step. Back by popular demand: three separate idea exchanges, each focused on a major credit union challenge.

Perhaps you’re 100% loaned out? Join your peers at the deposit growth roundtable. Maybe you’re moving to a community charter or losing a SEG? Swap strategies at the membership growth roundtable. Just need some new ideas for profitable lending? Get them at the loan growth seminar.

Finally, the only thing between you and proven credit union ideas is a microphone.

Cap off a perfect day with your colleagues at our special Opening Night Welcome Reception. There will be plenty of prizes and activities to keep everyone on your board entertained. Win backstage passes for your entire contingent to take pictures with The Temptations. Plus, we’ve got a few surprises in store!