The Visionary 2027 Conference will feature an inspiring lineup of sessions designed to spark ideas, drive innovation, and empower the next generation of credit union leadership. From thought-provoking keynotes to in-depth panel discussions and engaging networking opportunities, each session will explore the trends and technologies shaping the future of finance.
Our team is finalizing an agenda filled with dynamic speakers, interactive workshops and valuable insights you won’t want to miss.
Check back here for updates as we continue to craft a schedule that will inform, inspire and connect the credit union community like never before.
| Time | Description | Location | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10:00am - 4:00pm | Registration | Gatlin 2 | |
| 5:00pm - 7:00pm | Welcome Reception Sponsored by Payfinia In an era where "convenience is the new currency," credit unions must evolve beyond traditional transaction processing to remain at the center of their members' financial lives. Payfinia is empowering credit unions to reclaim the payment experience through seamlessly integrated, embedded financial services, including instant payments and digital wallet services. | Gatlin D |
| Time | Description | Presenter | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7:45am - 8:45am | Breakfast | Conway Room | |
| 7:45am - 5:00pm | Registration | Gatlin 2 Registration | |
| 9:00am - 9:15am | General Session: CEO Welcome & Remarks Bob West is a results-driven executive with extensive experience in financial services and credit union leadership. Over his career, Bob has collaborated closely with boards, CEOs and executive teams to drive growth, manage change and deliver complex projects on time and within budget. His deep expertise spans operations, technology and risk mitigation, with a focus on infusing innovation and efficiency into credit union processes. | Bob West, CEO CU*SOUTH | Gatlin E |
| 9:15am - 10:30am | General Session Keynote Jay has spent his entire career in financial services, including more than 25 years at Callahan and nearly a decade at a top 20 bank. He served on the NACUSO Board of Directors for over 10 years and currently serves on the Board of NACUSO Business Services. After all that time, he is still struck by credit unions’ efforts to positively impact their communities and amplify the strength of the movement for maximum member benefit. | Jay Johnson, Callahan | Gatlin E |
| 10:30am - 11:15am | Networking Break in Exhibit Hall | Gatlin D | |
| 11:15am - 12:00pm | Breakout Sessions | ||
| 12:00pm - 1:00pm | Lunch | Conway Room | |
| 1:15pm - 3:00pm | Breakout Sessions | ||
| 3:15pm - 4:30pm | Networking Break in Exhibit Hall | Gatlin D | |
| 6:00pm - 10:00pm | Carnival Sponsored by TransFund TransFund is a national payment processor offering robust debit and credit card solutions. With a strong focus on security, convenience and cost-effective services, TransFund empowers financial institutions to deliver streamlined payment experiences to their cardholders. They combine cutting-edge technology with responsive support to strengthen client relationships. | Conway Courtyard |
| Time | Description | Presenter | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7:45am - 8:45am | Breakfast | Conway Room | |
| 7:45am - 3:00pm | Registration | Gatlin 2 Registration | |
| 9:00am - 9:15am | General Session Day 2 Welcome & Remarks | Bob West, CU*SOUTH | Gatlin E |
| 9:15am - 10:15am | General Session Keynote Lt. Col. (ret.) Waldo Waldman, The Wingman, is a Hall of Fame leadership speaker, executive coach, combat-decorated F-16 fighter pilot and author of the New York Times and Wall Street Journal bestseller Never Fly Solo. His new book, Commit, Commit! Break the Fear Barrier, Crush Uncertainty, Live a Life of Courage, explores what it takes to overcome fear, make courageous decisions and perform when the outcome is uncertain. | Lt Col (ret.) Waldo Waldman, MBA, CSP, CPAE, The Wingman | Gatlin E |
| 10:15am - 11:00am | Networking Break in Exhibit Hall | Gatlin D | |
| 11:00am - 11:45am | General Session Keynote As CEO of CU*Answers, Geoff Johnson brings a wealth of practical lending experience and industry knowledge to the table with 17 years in credit union leadership roles that oversaw the strategic direction of lending and sales in the following areas: commercial, consumer, credit card, indirect, participation, real estate, and all aspects of collections. Geoff Johnson was appointed the Chief Operations Officer of CU*Answers in 2014, promoted to President/COO in 2018, and selected by the CU*Answers Board of Directors to serve as the CUSO’s Chief Executive Officer in 2021. | Geoff Johnson, CU*Answers | Gatlin E |
| 11:45am - 12:00pm | Closing Remarks & 2028 Save the Date Derrick Smith serves as Chief Operating Officer at CU*SOUTH, where he drives the organization’s operational strategy and ensures day-to-day processes run smoothly. He oversees cross-departmental collaboration, aligning teams with the company’s strategic vision to nurture sustainable growth. Under his leadership, CU*SOUTH delivers streamlined solutions that empower credit unions to streamline operations and boost member engagement. | Derrick Smith, CU*SOUTH | Gatlin E |
| 12:00pm - 1:00pm | Lunch | Conway Room | |
| 1:15pm - 3:00pm | Breakout Sessions | ||
| 3:15pm - 4:00pm | CU*SOUTH Annual Shareholder Meeting | Shareholders | St. Johns 25 |
| 6:00pm - 8:00pm | Shareholder's Dinner | Shareholders | Cala Bella Restaurant |