GoWest’s MAXX Convention Opens in Spokane Oct. 25

Troy Stang

Credit union professionals from the six states served by GoWest Credit Union Association are converging in Spokane next week for the first MAXX Convention since this summer’s merger of the Northwest and Mountain West credit union associations. As attendees’ flights land at Spokane International Airport, they will be greeted by digital messaging welcoming them to Spokane, a “Credit Union Town.”

The red carpet will roll out to the city’s state-of-the-art convention center and adjacent Davenport Grand Hotel where thought leader keynote speakers will offer inspiration, 120 exhibitors will serve up innovative business solutions at the GoWest Solutions Trade Show, credit unions’ community impact will be celebrated in high style, and fundraising records will be shattered for Credit Unions for Kids and Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals.

“It’s an honor to welcome 1,000 credit union professionals to MAXX, the GoWest region’s signature event,” said Troy Stang, president and chief executive officer. “The opportunities credit unions face to effect change are many – the race towards digital-forward delivery, talent development, managing the economic climate, and more. Going forward, going
together, we can collectively provide the resources, energy, and imaginative fortitude to shape the future.”

The full agenda for MAXX Convention can be viewed here. Daily highlights include:

Tuesday, Oct. 25
3:30 p.m. The Tenor of the Times. In his keynote address to attendees, Stang discusses the region’s credit unions’ evolutionary and transformative culture and their ability to reshape the tenor of the times. Washington’s Lt. Governor Denny Heck will also be on the main stage to welcome attendees.

5:00 p.m. GoWest Solutions and 120 business solutions exhibitors will host a welcoming reception.

Wednesday, Oct. 26
8:30 a.m. Amy Walter, popular broadcast analyst and editor-in-chief of the Cook Political Report shares timely insight on the political landscape, just two weeks before the midterm elections. Sultan Meghji, former chief innovation officer at the FDIC and an expert in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, quantum computing, and Web3, will discuss how credit unions can overcome barriers to innovation.

One of many breakout sessions will showcase an innovative partnership between Spokane credit unions, a local housing agency, and GoWest Foundation to advance affordable housing solutions. The regulatory landscape, member experience, hybrid workplace models, DEI business strategies, and the evolution of auto lending will be topics in other breakout sessions.

7:15 p.m. The Disco Ball Auction & Dinner promises to shatter fundraising records for the 11 Children’s Miracle Network hospitals in the GoWest region. Credit Unions for Kids is a legacy “charity of choice” that was founded in this region in 1986.

Thursday, Oct. 27
8:30 a.m. Employee culture expert Andy Core helps credit unions discover how to inspire engaged, loyal, and connected teams. Award-winning author John Sileo shares a framework for analyzing, organizing, and communicating credit unions’ powerful cyber defense strategies before hackers attack.

The day’s breakout sessions feature just-in-time presentations on cryptocurrency and digital assets, blockchain, enterprise risk management best practices, reinventing member experience, and more.

3:00 p.m. Thought leader and renowned speaker Shane Feldman has researched community leadership in 29 countries and has uncovered universal strategies that are helping leaders build engaged teams. He will share his insights. Also on the main stage: the fundraising results of Wednesday night’s Disco Ball Auction benefitting Credit Unions for Kids, will be revealed.

6:00 p.m. The Credit Union Celebration Dinner & Gala will be a high-energy, interactive event during which credit unions will share and celebrate their groundbreaking accomplishments.

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