CRASH® THE GAC is the Cooperative Trust’s flagship Crash® opportunity! 2027 marks the 18th year of this annual tradition where we bring emerging credit union leaders from all over the country to crash the Governmental Affairs Conference (GAC) in partnership with America’s Credit Unions. The GAC is our chance to spotlight the work credit unions do to improve the financial well-being of their members and communities.

Here’s what to expect:

• Hear from world-class keynote speakers
• Join the Leagues for Hill Hikes, meeting with lawmakers to show them the credit union difference
• Explore the latest industry offerings in the largest exhibit hall in the credit union space
• Network with peers and thought leaders across credit unions, politics, and business
• Experience Washington, D.C. through standout receptions, meals, and accommodations

Selected Crashers will:

• Receive FREE registration to the event
• Be responsible for all hotel and travel costs + food/entertainment outside of the provided programming.

Conference Details:

📍 Walter E. Washington Convention Center, 801 Allen Y. Lew Place NW, Washington, DC 20001

✈️ Suggested Airport: Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA)

• Arrive: Friday, February 26, 2027, at any time
• Conference: February 28–March 4, 2027
• Depart: Thursday, March 4, 2027, anytime after 3:00 PM

 

Apply Today!

Applications close Monday, November 30

 

Need help getting there? Funding support for advocacy-related events like GAC is available through GoWest’s Grassroots Grant Fund. To request support, please complete the Grassroots Grant Fund Application instead of the Professional Development Scholarship Application. Requests are subject to review and available funding.

Questions? Reach out to Kaeshier Fernandez, Community Manager at Filene Research Institute, for questions about Crash the GAC, or Lexy Strong, Director of CU Communities at GoWest, for questions about scholarship opportunities.