DCUC and Best Innovation Group Announce “CU Unplugged”

The Defense Credit Union Council, DCUC, in partnership with Best Innovation Group (BIG), is thrilled to unveil CU Unplugged, an all-new, industry-first event, designed to reinvent how credit union leaders connect, collaborate, and create solutions.

Taking place March 30 to April 2, 2026, and hosted by Signature Sponsor Visa at Visa’s Market Support Center at Mission Rock in San Francisco, CU Unplugged promises a completely fresh format unlike anything the credit union industry has experienced.

This is not a conference.
This is not a workshop.

This is an unconference, built entirely by and for the people in the room.

CU Unplugged brings together a curated group of credit union leaders, technologists, and innovators who share one goal: to accelerate the future of financial services. In a dramatic break from traditional conferences, CU Unplugged offers no pre-set agenda, no keynote speakers, and no passive sessions. Instead, attendees will drive the conversations in real time, choosing the topics, shaping the discussions, and setting the direction of the event.

“CU Unplugged is about elevating the voices of the people doing the work every day,” said Anthony Hernandez, DCUC President/CEO. “Our industry faces complex challenges, and we need a space where leaders can step away from the scripted format and have real, hard-hitting conversations. This event gives credit union professionals the freedom to collaborate, innovate, and design solutions together. It’s truly unlike anything else out there.”

Potential discussions could span everything from AI governance and cybersecurity to payments, digital member experience, emerging threats, operational challenges, and the issues keeping leaders up at night.

According to John Best, CEO of Best Innovation Group, “Innovation happens in conversations between people who are passionate, curious, and unafraid to rethink what’s possible. CU Unplugged gives the industry a new kind of forum, where ideas can collide, evolve, and turn into real-world action. We’re excited to help create an environment where the future of credit unions can be openly built.”

Learn more and register to secure a limited spot by visiting www.cu-unplugged.com.

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