Where Credit Union Professionals Connect: 2026 Councils Begin Soon!

Posted by Alyse Knudsen on February 18, 2026

Next week, GoWest’s Councils kick off their 2026 sessions, creating space for credit union professionals across the region to connect through virtual peer groups. Across eight specialized Councils, members gather three times a year to share insights, talk through challenges, explore trends, and collaborate with peers who understand their work.

Upcoming Councils

Professional Development – Feb. 24
This session will explore core elements of emotional intelligence, including self-awareness, how you show up at work, and being intentional about your personal and professional brand. It will touch on imposter syndrome and how it can show up at any level, influence confidence and decision-making, and why understanding it is key to leading and communicating with clarity and authenticity.

Lenders – Feb. 25
The lending landscape is evolving, and 2026 is already bringing new shifts. Rates, volumes, partnerships, and member expectations are all in motion. This collaborative, peer-driven session is designed to surface what’s working, what’s challenging, and what leaders are watching closely as the year unfolds. We’ll break into small groups to explore the biggest trends impacting indirect, mortgage and real estate, and consumer lending.

Compliance – Feb. 26
The session will begin with insights into upcoming NACHA rule changes, led by Jeff Duffy, AVP of Education and Events at WesPay and highlight what credit unions should be preparing for in the months ahead. We’ll also explore the IRS proposed rules on the deduction of vehicle loan interest, proposed changes to Section 1071, key exam focus areas for 2026, and more.

Risk Management – March 10
This session will bring industry experts Brian Hinze, President & CEO of NCU-ISAO, and Terri Luttrell, Compliance and Engagement Director at Abrigo, together to explore the latest cybersecurity threats and fraud trends impacting financial institutions nationwide. You’ll gain insight into what to watch for, where vulnerabilities are emerging, and how to implement smarter prevention strategies. Start the year informed, prepared, and positioned to mitigate risk effectively.

HR & Trainers – March 11
Learn about new techniques, preview other credit unions’ practices, and share professional presentations

Collectors – March 17
Share challenges and successes with collection and recovery peers and gain insights from outside legal and industry experts

Commercial Services – March 18
Focus on treasury and cash management services, member business lending programs, and strategies for deepening relationships with small business and commercial clients

Marketing – March 19
Share challenges and successes in promoting credit union awareness, products, and services

The All-Access Membership

With the All-Access Membership, one membership opens the door for your entire team to participate in every Council session, across every discipline. With tiered pricing and free access for credit unions under $50M in assets, it’s never been easier for everyone to grow together.

2026 Pricing Tiers by Asset Size:

• >$4B: $2,499
• $1B–$4B: $2,199
• $500M–$1B: $1,949
• $125M–$500M: $1,699
• $50M–$125M: $999
• <$50M: Free!

One All-Access Membership offers unlimited access and is designed to remove barriers and expand opportunity.

All Council members enjoy virtual networking opportunities, admission to all Council-specific meetings, and access to all discussion and presentation materials following each session. Plus, as a GoWest member, you also have access to Credit Union Conversations, an online forum.

There’s a Council for everyone to learn, grow, and stay connected. For more information, click HERE or contact [email protected].

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