Session Description

WECU launched a comprehensive youth banking suite that brought in thousands of new members — nearly 1 in 5 new accounts in 2024 were opened by someone under 18. A clear win…at first glance.

But early success revealed more complex questions: What does long-term retention look like when a member joins at 13? Who truly owns the relationship — the parent or the teen? Are young members seeking full financial engagement or just a debit card?

This session, presented by WECU’s Chief Marketing Officer, offers a candid, real-time look at how one credit union is rethinking its youth strategy in response to Gen Z and Gen Alpha behaviors, shifting family dynamics, and evolving expectations.

This isn’t a finished story — it’s a discussion about where we go next to remain relevant to the next generation of members.


Key Takeaways

  • Explore what worked—and what didn’t—in building one of the region’s most robust youth banking programs
  • Understand why strategic youth engagement must go beyond financial education and flashy rates
  • Discover how to turn early wins into lasting relationships and deeper loyalty


Audience/Content Track

  • Department Heads
  • Emerging Leaders
  • Executives
  • Functional Leaders
  • Leadership
  • Marketing & PR
  • Member Experience
  • Strategy
  • Young Professionals

Event Date / Time

October 16th from 11 am — 12 pm

Location

OR Convention Center
A107-109

Speakers

David Jones
Chief Marketing Officer