Connect 2026 Call for Speakers
CrossState Connect 2026: Call for Speakers
May 19 – 21 | Harrah’s Resort | Atlantic City, NJ
CrossState Connect brings together bold thinkers and innovators from credit unions from across New Jersey and Pennsylvania each year.
We’re inviting you to help shape what comes next in 2026.
Share your expertise, showcase your impact, and help fellow leaders reimagine what’s possible in the credit union movement. Whether your passion lies in leadership, advocacy, compliance, technology, or marketing—your voice belongs at Connect 2026!
Help Shape the Future of Credit Unions
CrossState Connect 2026 is where leaders from across NJ and PA come together to reimagine, innovate, and lead. This year’s conference will feature immersive learning experiences, new peer roundtables, and hands-on clinics that turn ideas into action.
We’re now accepting proposals for Education Sessions and Solution Labs within five dynamic tracks:
- Strategy & Leadership (SL) – growth, culture, leadership, governance
- Advocacy & Foundation (AF) – financial literacy, public policy, community impact, philanthropy
- Compliance & Fraud (CF) – regulatory updates, risk management, fraud prevention
- Membership & Marketing (MM) – member experience, outreach, brand, growth
- Operations & Technology (OT) – payments, lending, cybersecurity, innovation
Whether you’re a credit union professional, regulator, or service provider, this is your opportunity to share insights, proven strategies, and case studies that help credit unions thrive.
Session Formats
Connect 2026 introduces two primary formats designed to elevate both education and engagement:
Education Session (EDU)
Vendor-neutral learning led by credit unions, regulators, and neutral experts
- 45-minute session + 20-minute hands-on clinic
- Focus: practical takeaways and peer-to-peer learning
- No product sales or promotion
- May include a service provider guest only as a case example from a credit union perspective
Solution Lab (SOL)
Service provider led sessions (e.g., vendor, sponsor, business partner, exhibitor)
- 45-minute teaching + case study, concluded with a 20-minute no-pitch clinic
- Highlight practical “how-we-did-it” implementations or innovative new ideas
- Company name/logo may appear on title slide
- Must include a tangible takeaway for attendees
- Proposals that include a credit union member speaker or real case study will receive priority consideration for their collaboration and applied learning value
CrossState reserves the right to reclassify proposals if a service provider’s solution is the central focus.
Proposal & Selection Timeline
- October 23: Call for Speaker Proposals Opens
- December 19: Proposals Due
- January 2026: Selection & Notification
- February 2026: Full Breakout Agenda Published