Why Tracks at Connect 2026—and Why Now
CrossState Connect Annual Convention has always been about bringing people together to learn and connect, offering the opportunity to step back from the day-to-day and think bigger. This year, we’re building on that foundation by introducing learning tracks designed to help attendees engage more intentionally with content that aligns with their roles, responsibilities, and goals.
The decision to implement tracks came from a thoughtful question: How can we help our credit union professionals and leaders get even more value from their time at Connect? They juggle a lot, and while shared learning moments remain essential, we heard a clear desire for greater focus and relevance. Tracks allow our attendees to reimagine how they move through the event while still preserving the collective energy that defines Connect.
Why These Tracks?
The five tracks at Connect 2026 reflect the core disciplines that drive strong, resilient credit unions along with the real conversations happening across our movement right now.
- Strategy & Leadership (SL) explores executive decision-making, governance, culture, and leading through change. Sessions are designed to help attendees reimagine what effective leadership looks like today.
- Advocacy & Foundation (AF) reflects something uniquely powerful about the credit union movement—the intersection of advocacy, community impact, and purpose-driven leadership.
- Compliance & Fraud (CF) focuses on navigating regulatory complexity, managing risk, and responding to an evolving fraud landscape with confidence and clarity.
- Membership & Marketing (MM) centers on growth, engagement, and storytelling. We’re locking in on how credit unions can be innovative in how they connect with members and communities.
- Operations & Technology (OT) looks at efficiency, infrastructure, and innovation, helping teams evaluate systems and processes that support long-term success.
These tracks support our theme—“Reimagine, Innovate, and Lead”—by giving attendees meaningful ways to explore both big-picture strategy and practical application across the areas that matter most.
And while you may find yourself wishing you could be in two places at once (a good problem to have!), we’ve planned it so you don’t have to stress about missing out. All session presentations will be available in the Connect event app, making it easy to revisit content, explore sessions from other tracks, and continue learning long after the conference wraps.
From Learning to Conversation: Peer Roundtables
Some of the most meaningful moments at Connect don’t happen on stage but in honest conversation. That’s why we’re closing with Peer Roundtables, designed to turn learning into dialogue.
Roundtables will be offered for five groups:
- CEO
- Compliance
- HR
- Marketing
- Operations / IT
Each session will be facilitated by a member of the CrossState team, creating a space that is focused and grounded in real-world experience. These conversations are meant to be candid, practical, and collaborative—the kind of dialogue that helps leaders leave Connect not just inspired but equipped.
Maximize Your Connect Experience
Connect 2026 is about intentional learning, meaningful dialogue, and shared momentum. Tracks help guide the journey, and peer conversations help bring it home. Save your spot by registering today! You can also take advantage of room block pricing until May 4 to get a discount on accommodations.