Your Roadmap to MAXX 2025: Preparing for an Unforgettable Experience

Posted by Alyse Knudsen on September 4, 2025

MAXX 2025 is right around the corner, and the energy is building! Soon, credit union leaders from across the GoWest region (and beyond) will come together to connect, learn, and celebrate our movement.

Whether you’re a first-time attendee or a MAXX regular, we can’t wait to see you in Portland.

To get you ready for an unforgettable experience, we’ve created a handy MAXX 2025 Get-Ready Guide — so you’ll know exactly what to expect.

What to Pack

Dress code
Daytime – Dress is business casual for daytime events. Dress in layers as different rooms and halls may be warmer or cooler than others.

“A Night of Wonder” CU4Kids Benefit Auction – Get into the spirit of the evening by dressing up with elegance and imagination. Check out the What to Wear Guide.

GoWest Awards Dinner & Gala – Bring cocktail or semi-formal attire for this evening of awards.

Shoes
There’s a lot of walking at MAXX. Make sure you have more than one pair of comfortable shoes for the busy days ahead. Your feet will thank you.

Business cards
MAXX is a great opportunity to make new connections, so come prepared with plenty of business cards.

At the Conference

Getting to the Oregon Convention Center (OCC) from Portland International Airport (PDX) is easy. By taxi, Uber, or Lyft, it’s about a 30-minute drive (depending on traffic, of course). Or take the MAX light rail from the airport right to the front doors of the OCC.

Visit the registration area in the Holladay Lobby at the Oregon Convention Center to pick up your registration packet, name badge, and MAXX tote.

Stop by the Portland Welcome Desk where a Travel Portland ambassador will be on hand to answer any questions you may have about local restaurants, city tours, how to use the TriMet passes, and more.

Take notes during or immediately after sessions while the content is fresh in your mind. Use the MAXX app surveys to let us know what you think of the programming after attending sessions.

Network at receptions and breaks so you can create lasting professional relationships and meet with hundreds of your credit union peers.

Leverage technology to connect. The “shake” feature in the GoWest Events MAXX app makes networking easy. For a completely contactless way to exchange business and contact details with a peer, simply shake your phone next to theirs — your information will transfer instantly. You can also message contacts right from the app.

Attend a session that is not directly related to your current job responsibilities. You may discover new ideas or collaborators where you least expect them.

Drink lots of water! It’s always a good idea to stay hydrated. Bring your water bottle as the OCC has several water bottle refilling stations, making filling up free and easy.

When You Get Home

Share your takeaways. Don’t wait — pass along what you learned with your team, board, or supervisor while it’s still fresh. Bringing insights back helps your entire credit union benefit from your MAXX experience.

Stay connected. Follow up with the new peers and partners you met. A quick message or coffee chat can turn a conference introduction into a lasting connection.

Help shape the future. Keep an eye out for a short survey from GoWest after MAXX. Your feedback is invaluable in making MAXX 2026 even more impactful.

If you haven’t registered for MAXX 2025 yet, it’s not too late. Learn more and register today!

Posted in Events, MAXX.