Game-Changing Advice from the YP Summit

Posted by Alyse Knudsen on June 11, 2025

CEO Roundtable at YP Summit 2025

On June 2-4, young professionals from across the region converged in Boise, Idaho, for YP Summit, GoWest’s signature event, where YPs connected with like-minded peers during networking sessions, elevated their skills and knowledge through workshops, and gained fresh perspectives from industry experts.

(L-R) Lexie Sabagh and Chance Hartley

During this year’s YP Summit, GoWest invited two YPs to “take over” GoWest’s social media accounts and share their thoughts and perspectives of the event. Lexie Sabagh from Rivermark Community Credit Union and Chance Hartley from CapEd Credit Union shared photos, videos, and event recaps each day.

On her way to Boise, Lexie shared tips for making the most out of the YP Summit. Her advice is excellent and perfect for anyone new — even seasoned pros — attending professional conferences.

Lexie’s Advice:

• It’s okay to be nervous. Networking doesn’t always come easy. I’m personally an introvert that has gotten pretty good at pretending to be extroverted! Prep a few go-to questions to help break the ice.
• Step outside your comfort zone. It’s tempting to stick with familiar faces, but challenge yourself to connect with someone new at every session or event.
• Be all in. You get out of it what you put in! Engage in all sessions and optional dinners, strike up convos during downtime, and ask questions. But remember, it’s a marathon, not a sprint. Take time to recharge your social battery when needed. FOMO is real, but so is conference burnout.
• Take notes. Jot down insights, ideas, and quotes that stick with you. You’ll thank yourself later when you’re sharing takeaways with your credit union team.
• Stay connected. Don’t let great convos end when the event does. Connect on LinkedIn so your new network sticks around long after the last session.

From the event, Chance offered an excellent Day 1 recap:

“From exploring the structure, value and impact of the credit union movement with GoWest President Troy Stang, to diving deep into how we lead through change with Dr. Jeremy Graves, today was all about making connections and deepening our impact in our credit unions and beyond!

We also rolled up our sleeves during a hands-on case study session, collaborating to tackle real credit union challenges and spark ideas for the future.

And we closed the day with meaningful reflection and conversations with other YPs from our home states, building connections that will carry us forward.”

Check out Lexie and Chance’s full social media takeover posts on GoWest’s Facebook and LinkedIn pages.

Next up, MAXX 2025 in Portland, Ore., on Oct. 13-16!

Young professionals should apply by June 20 to be a part of YP Leads — receive complimentary registration to MAXX, elevate your skills through special YP sessions, and experience a yearlong mentorship with a YP Lead Mentor.

Apply for YP Leads today!

Posted in Events, MAXX, Top Headlines, Young Professionals.